Travis Tritt & Tyler Reese
Ricky Skaggs
Dion Pride
{ Publicizing Entertainers & Entertaining Our Readers }
PG 2 www.countryentertainmentusa.com Country Entertainment USA CONTENTS
STAFF 4 Travis Tritt & Tyler Reese
5 CD Reviews Brenda L. Madden
Ricky Skaggs Managing Editor: 6 Roy Skropits Kentucky Traveler
Editor: 7 George Jones Cindy Gordon 28 Entertainment
Writers: Brenda L. Madden 8 Traditional Country Opry & Video Reviews CD Reviews: Brenda L. Madden 9 Dion Pride Video Reviews: Traditional & Contemporary Steven B. Riley
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PG 3 www.countryentertainmentusa.com Travis Tritt and Daughter Tyler Reese Duet "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough"
Travis Tritt, one of Country music's most-beloved "bad boys," has released a cover of "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough," which he performs in a duet with his 15-year-old daughter, Tyler Reese. Written by Patti Smyth and Glen Burtnik, the famous rock ballad first appeared on Smyth's self-titled 1992 album, on which she sang the successful single with Don Henley. Along with his daughter Tyler, Tritt takes a Country turn on this new version, which is the first single the entertainer has released on Country radio in five years.
Recalling the inspiration that lead to the collaboration with his daughter, Tritt reflected, "We were driving back from a family trip to Florida when this song came on my iPod. I naturally started singing along, and when Tyler joined me I knew it was a song we just had to record together. It was magical." - "Sometimes" is the first single from Tritt's upcoming album, THE CALM AFTER, which will be out July 9 on his Post Oak Recordings label.
www.TravisTritt.com
PG 4 www.countryentertainmentusa.com by Brenda L. Madden
Mail CD's or DVD's for Reviews To: We Review Movies Too Country Entertainment USA So Send Us Your DVD's P.O. Box 100985 Nashville, TN. 37224 7 Star Rating System
Kathy Ross • This Is Home • www.kathyrossmusic.com
Kathy Ross developed her own musical style as a child; however, this CD, This Is Home, highlights her now mature vocals blended with a hearty Texas flavor. The project has a very distinctive mix which melts the music to her impassioned vocals. The opening song, “Late Night Ramble” is particularly intriguing. While her voice has been heard behind the scenes on commercials for Revlon and Blue Bell, Kathy shines in the spotlight.
Joanna Mosca • Let It All Begin • www.joannamosca.com
Opening the CD with the uptempo, uplifting song, “Dream On Savannah,” Joanna Mosca immediately makes a statement with her clear and crisp vocals telling the story with be- lievability and heart. The 6-Song EP, produced by Bryan White, brings attention to her ability to take a song and make it her own including “Keep On Driving” and “Where Does Good Love Go” (a duet with Richie McDonald), both of which are captivating.
Victoria Ray • Read My Lipstick • www.victoriaraymusic.com
Victoria Ray‟s CD, Read My Lipstick, is sure to garner her much attention from contem- porary country music fans The project is well-produced and her vocals are on target. The edgy, attitude-driven title-cut, “Read My Lipstick” is progressive and should get some ra- dio play. She slows it down on “Just A Dream” and her vocals are haunting and appeal- ing.
Bobby Yates • Have You Ever Really Listened
Bobby Yates CD, Have You Ever Really Listened, is a lesson in traditional country music. His style is immersed in heritage and is surrounded by the musicianship of Hank Williams Drifting Cowboy Band (Jerry Rivers, Don Helms, Bob McNett and Hillous Butrum). The song, “‟Neath A Cold Grey Tomb Of Stone” is particularly chilling. There‟s plenty of tradition here for anyone who likes Hank Williams.
Gator and the Sundown Band • A Chill Coming On
Gator and the Sundown Band‟s CD, A Chill Coming On delivers eleven traditional coun- try music favorites like “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Working Man Blues” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” The title cut “A Chill Coming On” was written by Gator and is a likeable song. While there‟s not a lot new here, it is a gracious tribute to traditional coun- try music and the legends of the past.
PG 5 www.countryentertainmentusa.com Ricky Skaggs Sets Release Date For "KENTUCKY TRAVELER"
Bluegrass and Country Music icon RICKY SKAGGS has just about done it all over the course of his 50+ years in music. With hundreds of career accolades and countless life experi- ences under his belt, Skaggs certainly has a story to tell.
Now, for the first time, Skaggs is ready to tell the story of his life with the release of his per- sonal autobiography, "KENTUCKY TRAVELER" (It Books). Skaggs will release this un- precedented piece of Bluegrass and Country Music literature on August 13, 2013.
"Kentucky Traveler" is an honest, deeply American story of the power of faith, family, and mu- sic from one of America's most beloved Bluegrass and Country artists.
Unlike other farm boys growing up in the small town of Cordell, Kentucky, Skaggs learned to play the mandolin at five years old. Sure, plenty of other mountain boys plucked guitars or fiddles, or learned the old songs their grandpar- ents taught them. But few tried and fewer still mastered the mandolin. When Bluegrass master and mandolin virtuoso Bill Monroe rolled into a nearby small town, Ricky was there. As the crowd cheered, "Let little Ricky sing one!" so be- gan a storied life in music.
With Monroe as a mentor and with a family who supported him at every turn, Skaggs joined the Clinch Mountain Boys band and became a professional musi- cian at age fifteen. By twenty-one he was already considered a star in the Blue- grass world. Skaggs would eventually move away from his roots into the world of mainstream country music - and in doing so, became a country legend and a household name.
Despite the hit singles, gold records, and successful tours, Skaggs knew there was more to his mission. With a failed marriage and a sometimes strained relation- ship with his children, Skaggs had to make a choice. He would follow God's plan, and rededicate his life to Christ, to his family, and to the music that made him. He would carry the torch lit by his musical heroes Ralph Stanley, Earl Scruggs, and Bill Monroe and, most important, live the life and play the music that would make his mom and dad proud.
In "Kentucky Traveler," the music legend who revived modern Bluegrass music, Ricky Skaggs, gives a warm, hon- est, one-of-a-kind memoir of decades in music-along with the Ten Commandments of Bluegrass, as handed down by Skaggs' mentor Bill Monroe; the Essential Guide to Bedrock Country Songs, a lovingly compiled walk through the songs that have moved Skaggs the most throughout his life; Songs the Lord Taught Us, a primer on Skaggs‟ most essential Gospel songs; and a bevy of personal snapshots of his musical heroes.
About Ricky Skaggs: With 12 #1 hit singles, 14 GRAMMY Awards, eleven IBMA Awards, eight ACM Awards and eight CMA Awards (including Entertainer of the Year), Ricky Skaggs is truly a pioneer of Bluegrass and Country music. Since he began playing music more than 50 years ago, Skaggs has released more than 30 albums and has performed thousands of live shows. Skaggs and his band, Kentucky Thunder, continue to keep the tour trail red hot, performing more than 80 live dates each year. Skaggs started his own record label, Skaggs Family Records, in 1997 and has since released 12 consecutive GRAMMY-nominated albums.
www.SkaggsFamilyRecords.com
PG 6 www.countryentertainmentusa.com 28 Entertainment Acquires Life Rights To Celebrated Country Music Legend George Jones
28 Entertainment announced today the acquisition of the story rights to George Jones and his wife Nancy for a feature film project about the incredible life and career of the iconic country singer. The project, written by Dennis L. Baxter and produced by Baxter and 28 Entertainment‟s Jay Hoffman and Brian A. Hoffman, depicts George's life as a country music legend while battling his personal demons.
“Over the years we have been approached to make George‟s life into a feature film, but it was not until Dennis Baxter became involved that we were confi- dent the story could be told accurately. George and I started working with Dennis six years ago in crafting the life-long story. Knowing George had input in this film and that it will be told the way he wanted it told, I feel we are in good hands to collaborate with 28 Entertainment as we move forward with pro- duction,” said Nancy Jones.
Nancy Jones will Executive Produce and consult on the project. Baxter worked closely with Nancy and George on the story before George passed away on April 26th in Nashville at the age of 81.
“George had hoped to see the movie before he passed and worked with me to make sure the story was complete.” said Dennis Baxter
Jones' story is one of legendary talent, fame and success, while showing the dark side of alcoholism and drug abuse to levels that few people could survive. It is also a story of healing, renewed faith and the unconditional love that ultimately pulled him through the turbulent times. The script portrays a life that was torn apart by addiction in a very public way, and was saved by the incredible love story of Nancy and George.
“George‟s career is one of the most celebrated of country music legends, and we feel it is important to tell his story for fans and music lovers around the world. We are huge fans of George and his music and look forward to working closely with Nancy as we bring his life to the big screen,” said Jay Hoffman of 28 Entertainment.
George Jones had 14 number one country hits and more than 150 songs on the charts, including his award winning single "He Stopped Loving Her Today" which is considered the greatest country music song of all time.
Jones was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992, named a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2008 and in 2012 was presented with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award. Along with his induction into the Country Music Hall Of Fame he received countless other awards and accolades from ACM, CMA, Country Music Television, and of course, The Grand Ole Opry.
The deal was represented by Chris Corabi on behalf of 28 Entertainment‟s Jay Hoffman, Brian A. Hoffman, and Dennis L. Baxter, and by Jess Rosen of Greenberg Traurig on behalf of George and Nancy Jones.
www.GeorgeJones.com
PG 7 www.countryentertainmentusa.com
Keeping True Country Alive
The Traditional Country Opry was formed in 2009 by longtime country music singers & songwriters J. K. Coltrain & Dean Holmen. It was their belief that country music seemed to be moving so far away from it's traditional roots that many of the legends whom had helped the genre'to gain it's prominence were being neglected and nearly forgotten.
When asked J. K. Coltrain stated 'We are extremely proud of our American country music heritage and want to do our part in making sure that it is not pushed aside and forgotten. It is our firm belief that if we do not preserve our past we have no future. So our plan is to unite the great traditional country music singers and songwriters with those who still love to hear the old time country music. That is the goal of The Traditional Country Opry'.
Their list of members include numerous well-known performers including several members of The Country Music Hall of Fame. You can catch them live at the Wilson County Fair in Lebanon, TN on August 16th.
www.TraditionalCountryOpry.com
Video Reviews by Steven B. Riley
Kristi Stafford ♦ Trophy Wife http://youtu.be/_A2A7b8CvIA
A very well thought out and produced video. Follows the story lines of the song well while still being quite entertaining to watch.
Tim Sweeney ♦ Baby I Try For You http://youtu.be/dNPYZriQWiI
It was really nice to see someone do a video for those that are hearing impaired. I debated this one in my mind a lot before deciding that the idea and singing make it well worth 5 stars to me.
Rick Patin ♦ Americana Gold http://youtu.be/GYpA2IksFZY
This video is definitely worth watching. I just wasn't entirely sold on the song itself but both the song and video production quality were great.
PG 8 www.countryentertainmentusa.com Dion Pride Traditional and Contemporary
by Brenda L. Madden
Rising star, Dion Pride is rapidly capturing the attention of country music fans throughout the world. To date, Dion has released three albums including one entitled 14 Karat Mind which displays his deep and honest respect for traditional country music. With that project, he paid homage to some of his musical heroes, recording songs like Gene Watson‟s “Fourteen Carat Mind,” John Conlee‟s “Rose-Colored Glasses,” Glen Campbell‟s “Rhinestone Cowboy” and Steve Wariner‟s “Leave Him Out Of This.” But, there is also a contemporary side to Dion - his latest album, We All Gotta Live Here reveals his versatility with the title song “We All Gotta Live Here” having a traditional flavor while the latest sin- gle, “Might As Well Be Me” has a more contemporary feel. When talking about the project, Dion comments, “I‟m proud of the album because „We All Gotta Live Here‟ was cut in a traditional style and I like doing both. I don‟t want to forget our roots.”
Discussing his mix of traditional and contemporary styles, Dion explains, “I call myself a hybrid. It‟s a good description of me because I‟m young and youthful and I like the contemporary stuff today but I am heavily influenced by Dad‟s era.” Growing up in Dallas, Texas as the son of Country Music Hall of Famer, Charley Pride gave Dion that first glimpse into the world of country music. His musical abilities appeared at an early age when he learned to play guitar, piano, drums and bass and by fourteen, he was performing. Early on, Dion sang only his father‟s songs, but as he grew so did his musical am- bitions and he began developing his own style. While touring with his father‟s show, Dion began to incorporate some of his own material all the while thinking, “How can I let my Dad‟s audience know I mean no disrespect to my father and his music, but at the same time, I want you to see more of what my style is.” The audiences were so responsive that Dion decided to strike out on his own and has not looked back.
When asked, “What was the most important thing you learned from your father,” Dion sums it up in one word, “Humbleness.” And Dion has taken that lesson to heart - he has a genu- ine enthusiasm and excitement for country music that is rarely seen today, and although his success continues to grow he remains humble and grateful - always giving his fans the per- formance of a lifetime. With his impressive talent, honest heart and dedication, Dion Pride, is leaving his own mark on country music - traditional and contemporary!
www.DionPride.com
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PG 9 www.countryentertainmentusa.com
www.IndieWorldCountry.com Monthly Top 40 Chart
1 WAGON WHEEL Darius Rucker - Capitol Records
2 WALK OUT BACKWARDS Myra Rolen - Pretty World Records CMA of Texas DJ Hall Of Famer
3 AS GOOD AS ME Kelly Parkes - Ocala Records Gaylon King 4 STOP, DROP & ROLL Tracy Lawrence - Rocky Comfort Home of 5 FOREVER Traditional & Classic Country Aaron Lewis - Blaster Records Favorites 6 FULL CIRCLE The Piedmont Brothers Band - James Allen Pro 11am to 2pm, Monday through Friday 7 POLE CAT HOLLER Leverton Brothers - MP3/Airplay Access www.TexasProudRadio.com 8 OLE VIOLIN Julie Richardson - MSR Records
9 I WILL WAIT Mumford & Sons - Glassnote Records
10 COME SATURDAY NIGHT Andy Joe Stewart - MP3/Colt Records
11 A BOTTLE OF WINE AND PATSY CLINE Billy Joe Burnette - Pretty World Records
12 NOT PRETTY ENOUGH Josey Milner - MTS
13 IF YOU WANT SOME Joel Crouse - Show Dog / Universal
14 DANCE BABY DANCE Chris Cagle - Bigger Picture
15 WALK A LITTLE FASTER Miss Jeanie - Megalith Records
16 FILL IN THE BLANK Greg Bates - Republic Records
17 INSIDE A BOTTLE AND OUT OF MY MIND John Long - Pretty World Records
18 TEXAS LOOKS LIKE TENNESSEE Jerry Johnson - Airplay Access/MP3
19 IN STYLE AGAIN Jim Ed Brown - Century II Records
20 JACK DANIELS MET JOHN 3-16 Leon Everette- Pretty World Rec./ Radio Submit
PG 10 www.countryentertainmentusa.com IndieWorld As Reported By P.O. Box 130 The IndieWorld Brush Creek, TN 38547 Panel Network (615) 683-8308 [email protected] ™ © 1999
21 LUNCH BOX HERO Onie Wheeler - Charta Records
22 RUNNIN’ OUTTA MOONLIGHT Randy Houser - Stoney Creek Records 23 URBAN COWBOYS, OUTLAWS & CAVALEERS James Marvell (The Cavaleer) MP3
24 END OF THE BAR Rocky Scott - Pretty World/Radio Submit/MP3 25 AIN’T THAT A LOVIN’ SHAME Allen Karl & Donna Cunningham - Century II 26 JUST BECAUSE I’M COUNTRY Ella May Kay - WHP 27 KISS MY DOUBLEWIDE Bobby Dean - Lamon Records 28 MAMA’S WALL OF FAME Nikki Nelson - Trip Jct. Records/MP3
29 THE WAY YOU DO THE THINGS YOU DO Cheryl K. Warner - CKW Records 30 TRIP AROUND THE SUN Michelle Murray - MP3 / Airplay Access 31 THAT’S HOW I ROLL Taylor Made - LGR/MP3 32 CRYING SKY Dag King - Door Knob Records 33 NOT YOUR FAULT Doc Holladay - Man Cave Records
34 BETTER I DON’T Chris Janson - Bigger Picture 35 ANOTHER ROUND Clay Alston - KMA/CeUSA Media 36 SIMPLE DAYS Sean Osborne - CKW Records 37 WASTED Danielle Bradbury - Republic Records 38 SILVER WINGS Raymond L. Boudreaux - Pretty World Records 39 FALLING FREE Richard Burr - Kicking Dust Records
40 TAKE A STAND Steven Graves - One Essence Music
PG 11 www.countryentertainmentusa.com
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