Archive | July, 2012

Billboard Charting Indie Artist Chase Rice Signs with CAA

By on July 19, 2012 in In The Press

(l-r) CAA Meredith Jones, Chase Rice, CAA Brandon Frankel, CAA Jim Butler & Chase’s Tour Manager John Lessard

Chase Rice, the Billboard and iTunes Chart topping indie country performer, signs with CAA for exclusive representation. Jim Butler and Meredith Jones will be his Responsible Agents.

“When I recorded this album, I built the tracks around a live performance,” recalls Chase. “I look forward to getting it out in front of new audiences.  It’s definitely been a very exciting year seeing the pieces fall into place since the release of the record.”

Chase dropped his debut album Dirt Road Communion on March 20th which climbed to #6 on iTunes Top Country Album Charts, #15 Billboard Heatseekers and punched through at #48 on the Billboard Top Country Album Chart. Chase is also a co-writer on “Cruise,” the debut single from Republic Nashville’s newest duo Florida Georgia Line.

Dirt Road Communion features strong rooted contemporary country songs that invoke a good times spirit like the lead single “How She Rolls,” alongside “Pop a Top” and “Whoa,” but you’ll also find personal and insightful examinations of his darker side on “Jack Daniel’s & Jesus” and “Room 205.” Chase moved to Music City shortly after coming in runner up on the hit TV series CBS Survivor: Nicaragua.  Since the move, this North Carolina reared performer has been running at full throttle developing a grass roots connection to his ever expanding fan base.

Before his bold move to Nashville, Chase was a star on the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill football team.  He’d trade in his Carolina blue to suit up for Hendrick Motorsports after college where he served on the pit crew for Ryan Newman and Jimmie Johnson.  His parent’s always pushed for excellence and his father particularly carried a huge influence on his choices up till his death.  “Dad was a fighter and I hope I have his same spirit.  I wear a belt buckle that says ‘Cowboy Up!’ every time I take the stage to remind me of all that he did to get me here.”

To stay updated on Chase, visit www.chaserice.com.

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Song Review: Little Big Sky By Susan Cattaneo

By on July 14, 2012 in Uncategorized

Susan CattaneoI was pleasantly surprised by this single “Little Big Sky” that was co-written and sung by Susan Cattaneo. I found the vocals pretty strong and natural, enjoyed the melody, and the whole optimistic message behind this mid-to-uptempo song featuring a heavy dose of fiddle. I don’t know that it will enjoy much commercial success because of today’s standards or radio airplay, but it was a good song that I would listen to again. Good production qualities, but no real “wow” moments in this one or that made it really stand out. Her style of vocals put me in mind a little of Trisha Yearwood.

Overall a good effort not great, but still a song that I think today’s country music enthusiasts might enjoy listening to.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars.

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Album Review: Punching Bag By Josh Turner

By on July 14, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

Josh TurnerJosh Turner could sing straight from the phone book and make it sound great.  He’s just THAT good.  I could listen to his soothing, deep baritone voice all night.  Most of his songs are both radio-friendly and have a very traditional feel that he never strays from.   He’s very consistent.  While I don’t expect him to win any Entertainer of the Year awards because his shows are not known for being really exciting, his voice doesn’t need a lot of fanfare and I think it’s just more his style to simply let his voice/music speak for itself.  He has great range in his voice and it all just comes so naturally for him with each release. This new album does not stray from previous albums of his and I think his fans will be pleased.  This is an album filled with plenty of traditional country and songs with religious overtones that he is known for.

One of my favorite songs off the album is “Left Hand Man” – a mid-tempo, optimistic song about love.  I love the melody and lyrics.  “Time Is Love” is another favorite.  Mid-tempo, well-written, and probably my favorite off the entire album.  I heard a lot of steel guitar and mandolin in this one.  Always my favorites to hear on any country song.   Also, “I Was There” gave me goosebumps from the start.  It is a deep, meaningful ballad.  “Good Problem” is an optimistic, uptempo song about love that I really enjoyed, too, and think would make a great single.

The one song I wasn’t crazy about was “Pallbearer”.  This song was just a little to sad and slow for me.  Don’t see this one doing well at radio if it was ever released.

Overall, this is a great album.  Well-written, meaningful, deep, beautifully sung and produced.  I highly recommend it to anyone that is both a fan of traditional and contemporary country music.

For more information, please go to his website: www.joshturner.com

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

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Album Review: New Jersey Material By Pat Guadagno

By on July 14, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

Pat GuadagnoThis new album by Pat Guadagno is a mix of classic rock with electric guitars with almost a Spanish feel similar to that of Santana with the song “Pray That We Will”, which was the lead song, to songs with more of an Americana feel like “You Never Even Tried”, then switched to a song with Scotch-Irish influences: “Gravedigger”.  An eclectic mix of songs, for sure.   Even included an acoustic cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born To Run”.   Pat Guadagno‘s gritty voice is soothing and honest, not great, but it just flows out naturally.  This is an artist who seems to have honed his craft through travels with many years on the road and that is reflected in his music.  At least, that’s my guess.  Someone who has seen the world and his music reflects that.

Most of the songs were stripped down to simple acoustic, tell a story, and filled with intricate guitar playing.

My least favorite song was “People My Age”.  I just wasn’t crazy about the lyrics or the song as a whole.  Too simple and stripped down.

My favorite songs from the album were “Pray That We Will” and “I Can’t Take Me Anywhere”.  I enjoyed “Pray That We Will” for the intricate guitar playing, gritty voice, and darker melody with a slight Spanish influence that hinted of Santana.  I, also, liked “I Can’t Take Me Anywhere”, which might possibly fit on today’s country radio.  It was a nice, mid-tempo song and his voice less gritty on this one.

Overall, I think this was an enjoyable album with a mix of songs that might appeal to many people with its many genres it can be placed into, but I see more of an older crowd in late 30s up enjoying it more.  However, I don’t think it’s one that would receive much, if any, airplay and I don’t see any huge commercial appeal.  It’s hard to even place the album into one musical genre, but I don’t believe the artist was going for that.  It’s a good effort, but not great.  I think he just wanted to record songs that he enjoys without being pigeon-holed into any one category.

I noted that he did not appear to have written any of the songs and one thing I really respect is a songwriter. Where he lacks in songwriting, he more than makes up for in guitar picking.

For more information about Pat Guadagno, go to his website: http://magombo.com/

Rated: 2 1/2 out of 5 stars.

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Album Review: Lovely In Blue By Michelle Turley

By on July 14, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

Michelle TurleyOverall, I appreciated the traditional country feel through this entire album, especially the use of a lot of steel guitar throughout, which is one of my favorite instruments and missing too much in today’s country.  As a whole, it was very soothing and kind of an escape.  Not an album that I would listen to over and over again, but enjoyable for its traditional country qualities.   This is just the kind of country music that my dad would have enjoyed.  Although, I don’t think it would fit at all in today’s country market or receive radio airplay.  Michelle Turley‘s voice was ok, but not great and had a sort of yodeling quality to it that I was sure she would break out yodeling any minute.  Never been a huge fan of yodeling, but it does take some skill to do.  I wouldn’t say that there was any point in this album that really stood out to me and wowed me, though.

My favorite song on the album was the duet “What If” with Jay Tighe.  A pretty ballad.  “Doin’ Time” was a fun, uptempo song that I would expect to hear coming out of the doors of any of the honky tonks on Broadway.

“Stand In Line” was probably my least favorite of the album.  Just too slow in the beginning and I got that little bit of yodeling that I was expecting to come.

Notably, Michelle Turley wrote or co-wrote every song on this album.

For more information about Michelle Turley, go to her site:  www.reverbnation.com/michelleturley

Rated 2 out of 5 stars.

 

 

 

 

 

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Album Review: Dirt Road Communion By Chase Rice

By on July 14, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

Chase RiceWhile I appreciate the production, musicianship, and the melodies of the album as a whole, I found the entire album a bit cliche.  There are just too many songs about dirt roads, trucks, beer, whiskey, girls, and tractors.  Nothing groundbreaking, profound, or will truly touch your heart here.  The vocals are ok, but will not blow you away and seemed a little strained at times.  I was looking for something with a bit more depth and something to really stand out for me in this new release from Chase Rice, who many will remember as being a runner-up on the hit CBS show ‘Survivor’.

I did enjoy the mid-tempo song “Jack Daniels & Jesus”.  This song had some depth, a great melody, and good lyrics.  “PBJs & PBRs” was a fun uptempo song reminiscing about college days.  This song is radio-friendly and would do well as a summer release.

“Whoa” was a low point for me on this album.   Chase tried to rap during one part of the song. Personally, I think that any kind of rapping should be left off of a country album.  It just doesn’t belong in the genre.  I did like the melody of the song, but the lyrics were lacking.

Overall, this new album is a good listen, but not great and filled with too many country cliches that have been overdone.  It just didn’t blow me away or lacked in true depth.

For more information about Chase Rice, please visit his website at:  www.chaserice.com

Rated 2 1/2 out of 5 stars.

 

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Road To The Ram® Jam Announces Zac Brown Band As The Fourth Artist In The All-Star Country Music Series

By on July 14, 2012 in In The Press

Road To The Ram JamJune 27, 2012 – Multi platinum selling artists Zac Brown Band will join previously announced artists Kellie Pickler, Brantley Gilbert and Easton Corbin for the “Road to the Ram® Jam” series and sweepstakes.  The Road to the Ram Jam, presented by the Ram Truck brand, features five of today’s best country music artists and provides fans the opportunity to win prizes including trips for two to an invitation-only 2012 RamJam concert event December 29th in Nashville, TN, where all five artists will perform.

The Road to the Ram Jam series and sweepstakes helps bring country music fans closer to some of their favorite artists with exclusive video content, the opportunity to win prizes including collectible posters and vinyl records through participating country radio stations nationwide, and free music downloads. Fans can enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win trips for two to the invitation-only 2012 RamJam concert event at www.RamTrucks.com/RoadtoRamJam or on the Ram Trucks Facebook page at www.ramjamsweeps.com.

Zac Brown Band will offer fans a chance to win a free download of their new single “The Wind,” from the forthcoming album Uncaged set for release on July 10th on Atlantic Records/Southern Ground Artists, when they enter the Road to the Ram Jam concert sweepstakes. The last Road to the Ram Jam artist will be announced in August and all five participating will receive a lease on a 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn truck. The trucks will then be auctioned off in early 2013 with all proceeds going to benefit a charity of each artist’s choice.

Proceeds from Zac Brown Band’s Ram truck will be donated to Camp Southern Ground, which is the passion project of Grammy-Award winning musician Zac Brown, set to open in 2014. Zac donated this 500-acre piece of property, set in the farmlands of Georgia, to open the camp that will be a state-of-the-art facility whose programs will serve children ages 7-17 with both typical and special needs.  The camp will have activities that will challenge, educate, and inspire children with diverse abilities and from all socioeconomic backgrounds, races, and religions. Among the many traditional camp activities that will foster youth development and create teachable moments for campers, plans are in place to align certain elements of the facility with the latest innovative therapies and technology for those children affected by neurobehavioral disorders.  For more information on Camp Southern Ground you can go to http://www.campsouthernground.org/.

“To me, there’s nothing more important than helping kids and it’s a great to know that with support from our friends and fans, this camp is going to make a huge difference in the lives of each and every camper,” said Zac Brown.

“Ram is excited to continue partnering with Zac Brown Band,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico. “The Ram Truck brand and Zac Brown Band both have a unifying can-do attitude and a character filled with authenticity, care, passion and pride. It is very fitting for the band to donate their Ram 1500 Laramie auction proceeds to Camp Southern Ground, as it will be a wonderful place for children.” 

The Ram Truck brand and Zac Brown Band first worked together in 2010 on “Letters to Lyrics,” a national appreciation letter-writing campaign aimed at U.S. soldiers deployed around the world.

Two-time Grammy-Award winners and multi platinum artists Zac Brown Band have become one of music’s most heralded acts. With a historic nine consecutive #1 hit singles, awe-inspiring musicianship and dynamic live shows, the Georgia six-piece is definitely built to last. Zac Brown Band’s double-platinum major label debut ‘The Foundation’ (Atlantic Records/Home Grown/Big Picture) was named one of Billboard’s Top 20 albums of 2009, and the platinum follow-up ‘You Get What You Give’ (Atlantic/Southern Ground Artists) debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2010. Since 2009, the band has garnered more than 50 combined Grammy, ACM, AMA, CMA, and CMT award nominations with wins including their 2010 Grammy win for “Best New Artist,” 2010 CMA win for “New Artist of the Year,” and 2011 ACM Top Vocal Event of the Year for “As She’s Walking Away” with Alan Jackson. No question, the past three years have been dizzying for the hardworking act. The band’s first major label release, ‘The Foundation’ was the first major label debut album in 18 years to yield five #1’s including “Chicken Fried” and “Free.” Released on November 18, 2008 on Atlantic Records, ‘The Foundation’ debuted at #17 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart and #3 on the Top Country Albums Chart.

Contest Rules

The Road to the RamRoad To The Ram® Jam Announces Zac Brown Band As The Fourth Artist In The All-Star Country Music Series ® Jam sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia, 18 years or older at the time of entry. Residents of Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico are ineligible. No purchase or payment of money is necessary to win. The sweepstakes starts Feb. 1, 2012, and ends Sept. 30, 2012. Official rules and complete details are found at www.RamTrucks.com/RoadtoRamJam.

About Ram Truck Brand
The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer since its launch as a standalone vehicle brand. Creating a distinct brand for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they’d like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hard-working Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

The Ram Truck brand has the most innovative lineup of full-size trucks on the market. Ram Truck has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities. Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.

For more information on Road to the Ram Jam and to enter the sweepstakes, go to www.RamTrucks.com/RoadtoRamJam.


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Jana Kramer @ ACM Lifting Lives

By on July 7, 2012 in Special Events

Jana KramerHere’s a quick interview with one of our favorites on FOCUS on the 615 during the ACM Lifting Lives music camp here in Nashville…the always endearing, Jana Kramer.

Jana Kramer

Jana Kramer signing for and meeting the campers at ACM Lifting Lives

Check out the video below for more footage from the ACM Lifting Lives music camp and see some clips of Jana interacting with the campers during the BBQ!

About ACM Lifting Lives:

ACM Lifting Lives® is the charitable arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. With the help of country music artists, the music industry and other caring supporters, the Academy is able to give back by funding a variety of amazing organizations that are music-focused.

In addition to spontaneous and varied giving throughout the year — such as partnering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and providing immediate financial assistance through our Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund– ACM Lifting Lives has three official annual giving opportunities. These include the Lifting Lives Grant Cycle, the ACM Awards and the ACM Entertainer of the Year Matching Gift.

For more information, go to: www.acmliftinglives.org

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ACM Lifting Lives: A Music Camp With Heart

By on July 6, 2012 in Special Events

Starting the week of June 18th, campers from 14 states across the nation came to Nashville to participate in the ACM Lifting Lives music camp for people with developmental disabilities.  “The residential camp has the dual purpose of studying Williams syndrome and other developmental disabilities and providing music enrichment through performance and education” according to the ACM Lifting Liveswebsite.

ACM Lifting Lives

Jana Kramer and ACM Lifting Lives campers at BBQ

Campers participated in a fun-filled week of activities around Music City.  They did what many people come to Nashville try to do, they started the week off in a songwriting session with Brett Eldredge and David Lee Murphy where they created the original song “We’re Having A Party”.  This was followed by a recording session with Luke Bryan and Paul Worley 2 days later.  Then, had a fun evening out at Winners singing karaoke with Lauren Alaina. The next day they were treated to BBQ with Jana Kramer. Finally, they concluded their week with a performance with Big & Rich on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.

After a week of covering these different events with the campers, I was touched by their enthusiasm, spirit, and musical talent. It was both an amazing experience for the campers and those of us lucky enough to cover it as media. I know it was for me. It was such a special experience to see these people who have to overcome so much in their lives get to live out what is a life-long dream for many that come to Nashville. To watch the expressions on their faces as they came into contact with the different country stars and see their proud faces as they stepped on the Opry stage to sing their song…it’s a memory that I won’t forget and will always treasure. I cheered for them and even shed a few tears in pride for them as I watched them perform on that legendary stage.

I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to cover the different activities of the week because I was given a small glimpse into the lives of these very special people. It is hard to put into words how special these campers were/are. I had many opportunities to interact with them and came out each time being touched by them in so many different ways. Their enthusiasm is infectious, their sweet spirits touched my heart, and the way they are moved by music along with their musical talented is astounding. It’s truly a great thing that the ACM is doing for these people each year and I hope to take part in it again next year.

For more information about ACM Lifting Lives, go to the website: www.acmliftinglives.org. The week-long camp is a partnership between ACM Lifting Lives and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.

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About Williams Syndrome:

What causes Williams syndrome?

Individuals with Williams syndrome usually are missing a small piece of chromosome 7. This rare genetic disorder occurs spontaneously in 1 out of every 7, 500 births. It is not a result of an inherited characteristic from the parents. First recognized in 1961, Williams syndrome affects males and females at equal rates and has been diagnosed in all ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds.

What are the effects of Williams syndrome?

ACM Lifting Lives

Lauren Alaina with ACM Lifting Lives campers

While every individual is unique in how they look and act, people with Williams syndrome have some traits in common. They may have some or all of these characteristics, which include:

• Small, delicate bones and features—small teeth spaced far apart
• A white star shape in the iris of the eye • High sensitivity to loud noises • Trouble nursing as a child, slow weight gain, and
colicky behavior as a baby • Anxious or nervous behavior—including “picking”
behavior • Heart, blood vessel, and stomach problems
• High levels of calcium in the blood • Learning or cognitive disabilities • Preferring to spend time with adults instead of peers • Musical talents and/or intense connection with
music—ability to learn though music • Large vocabulary,well spoken • Extremely friendly,caring behavior—cannot
identify bad intentions in other people

Can Williams syndrome be treated?

Individuals with Williams syndrome benefit from early intervention and lifelong physical and psychological therapies. Any medical problems that develop should be monitored closely by doctors experienced in working with individuals with Williams syndrome. To help alleviate maladaptive and social-emotional challenges, try to:

• Keep distractions to a minimum—manage auditory and visual distracters.
• Manage sensitivity to sound—provide comfort and explain loud noises.
• Encourage positive thinking—teach skills for reframing negative thoughts.
• Alleviate anxieties—reassure and aid transition into other activities or topics.
• Monitor sadness—be aware that depression can hide under a cheerful exterior.
• Provide social skills training—practice interaction with others, taking turns, and how to be appropriately cautious of strangers.

Children with Williams syndrome probably will have special needs in their education. The best education programs will be collaborative team approaches, and those that build on and encourage a child’s strengths. Children with Williams syndrome generally respond well—both cognitively and emotionally—to educational programs that use music as a tool. When writing is involved, allow extra time and support and recognize that using computers, calculators, and audiotape recorders may be beneficial.

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Video Highlights From CMA Music Festival 2012

By on July 6, 2012 in Special Events

CMA Music Festival

Photo credit: Courtney Davidson

Check out these fun video clips of performances and appearances during CMA Music Festival from Julie Roberts, Glen Templeton, Craig Morgan, Sarah Darling, Due West, and Jesse Lee!

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