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Country Entertainment USA CONTENTS STAFF 4 “The Christmas Song” Performed by Lisa Matassa Featuring the Broadway Youth Ensemble

5 CD Reviews

6 CMA Songwriters Managing Editor, Marketing, Sales & Distribution Manager: Series expands Roy Skropits 9 Editor: Julie Roberts Cindy Gordon Releases Christmas EP “Who Needs Mistletoe” Associate Editor: Holly Marie Tong 12 Deborah Allen CD Reviews: Inspiration For Brenda L. Madden The Holidays

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PG 3 www.countryentertainmentusa.com N E W S B I T S CMT Is Home to “The Christmas Song” Performed by Lisa Matassa Featuring the Broadway Youth Ensemble

This holiday season will be celebrated when Lisa Matassa’s video of the timeless Christmas classic, “The Christmas Song,” featuring the New York City Broadway Youth Ensemble, makes its CMT debut be- ginning with the programs December 5th holiday schedule.

Bringing her voice to the often subtitled “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” Lisa had always wanted to record her favorite Christmas song. As a fan herself, BYE’s involvement in her recording made it much more special.

"I still get so excited about the holidays and to sing with the children of the Broadway Youth Ensemble was an amazing moment for me,” says Lisa. “I felt like a kid again singing my favorite holiday song alongside these incredibly talented kids. You can feel the holiday spirit flowing throughout the song and it truly was a magical moment for me."

The Broadway Youth Ensemble is a New York City based select group of professional and aspiring child perform- ers. BYE was formed in 2005 and directed by veterans Joseph Baker and Amelia Demayo for a special concert with renowned international Irish Tenor Dr. Ronan Tynan benefiting SMILE TRAIN, an organization dedicated to help- ing children with cleft palate and other reconstructive surgeries from around the world. BYE has been seen and heard in an impressive list of Broadway shows, national tours, film and television, including The Lion King, White Christmas, West Side Story, Sesame Street, and Elf.

“What a lovely surprise when our friend Cory introduced the idea of our group singing with Lisa Matassa for VETS ROCK,” expresses Baker and Demayo. “That was certainly lovely, but working with Lisa on this amazing rendition of a Christmas Classic was one of those events no one will forget. It’s the perfect combination of fun and the high- est degree of professionalism. “

Written by Mel Torme and Bob Wells in 1944, “The Christmas Song” was originally performed two years later by Nat King Cole. Throughout the years, music’s most notable artists have covered the song, including Barbara Strei- sand, Tony Bennett and Celine Dion.

The video can now be viewed online at www.cmt.com

“The Christmas Song” is now available for download through all major online music distributors

We Want To Hear From You We value our readers’ opinions, so if you have an idea for an article or story, suggestions, comments, compliments Country Entertainment USA or complaints, don't hesitate to tell us. P.O. Box 100985 We Hope You Had a Great Year to Remember Nashville, TN. 37224

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 Sent Us Your DVD's P.O. Box 100985 Nashville, TN. 37224 Up To 7 Star Rating

Madonna Nash • Madonna Nash • www.madonnanash.com

Madonna Nash’s self-titled album may be contemporary, but her roots in run deep - back to her Great, Great Uncle Connie B. Gay, the founding President of the CMA. And much like her ancestor, she is expanding the limits of country music with a modern production that compliments her heartfelt yet sassy vocals. Her songwriting skills also shine on this project, particularly on “Dirty Little Secret” and “Whiskey Whispers.” Music with attitude.

Bradley West • Slow Train • www.freedomtracks.com

Bradley West brings traditional country music home in his CD, Slow Train. There is a hint of , Sr. in his haunting vocals. Singing songs that touch the lives of the working man, this troubadour’s convincing performance mixed with strong lyrics reso- nates with values and tradition, particularly in “Grandma’s Wishes” and “Some Things Daddies Can’t Fix.” True country.

Clay Dustin • I’ll Take That Job • www.claydustin.com

Clay Dustin’s album, I’ll Take That Job is for the workin’ man that likes to do a little honky tonkin’! He delivers songs that the common man can relate to - especially in these hard times - particularly fitting is the song, “I’ll Take That Job That Shoved,” referencing the old Johnny Paycheck classic, “Take This Job And Shove It.” From “Too Much Tequila” to “Queen Of The Dairy King,” Clay offers up a solid honky tonkin’ project. Fun!

PG 5 www.countryentertainmentusa.com N E W S B I T S THE CMA SONGWRITERS SERIES EXPANDS TO THE U.K. AND IRELAND IN FEBRUARY 2012

The Country Music Association's very popular CMA Songwriters Series is coming to the U.K. and Ireland for the first time with special performances in February 2012 scheduled for London, Belfast, and Dublin, CMA Chief Ex- ecutive Officer Steve Moore announced today. The international tour will be known as CMA & BMI Present the CMA Songwriter Series.

"The CMA Songwriter Series began in 2005 in New York and has expanded to cities across the United States including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Nashville, and Washington D.C.," Moore said. "The popularity of our music overseas and the appreciation the audience in the U.K. has for our songwriters made this a good fit and an opportune time to travel the series abroad. And it is terrific to have BMI as a partner in this exciting initiative."

The CMA Songwriters Series showcases the best of Nashville's mega-hit songwriters and songwriter artists. The series features successful songwriters and artists from Nashville, who line up on stage and, with guitar in-hand, take turns telling the stories behind their hit songs and performing them in the raw as originally written.

Songwriters participating in the CMA & BMI Present the CMA Songwriter Series include Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson, former CMA Male Vocalist of the Year , and host Bob DiPiero.

Anderson is one of the most awarded songwriters in the history of Country Music, a million-selling recording artist many times over, a former television game show host, network soap opera star, spokesman for a nationwide restau- rant chain, a consummate onstage performer, a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, a 50+ year member of the , and a member of the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame.

Recent Country hits written by Anderson include "Whiskey Lullaby" (performed by and ), which won CMA Song of the Year in 2005; and "Give It Away" (performed by ), which won CMA Song of the Year in 2007. He's known as "Whispering Bill," a nickname acquired years ago as a result of his breathy voice and his warm, soft approach to singing a Country song.

"I think it's great," Anderson said of the Series traveling to the U.K. and Ireland. "I've toured there several times as an artist, and have always been at the fans' depth of knowledge concerning Country Music. This will be my first time appearing as a writer. I have a feeling that I'll find great interest in how the songs are created, as well as per- formed."

Anderson, who has appeared at CMA Songwriter Series events in New York City, said he doesn't plan on changing the winning formula of telling stories and singing songs.

Anderson admits that the musical connections between the U.S. and U.K. are closer than they appear - especially between the bluegrass roots of the format and traditional Celtic sounds. "Put on a record, close your eyes, and you can feel yourself being transported back to an earlier time in Ireland and Scotland," he said. "Those folks dug the wells from which our music sprang." Photo courtesy of Black is a prolific singer-songwriter who has written and recorded more than 125 songs, Essential Broadcast Media

PG 6 www.countryentertainmentusa.com 22 No. 1s, and 30 Top 10s, including his hits "Killin' Time," "State of Mind," and "" (a duet with his wife ). In addition, Black has sold more than 20 million albums, and has won four CMA Awards.

Black said it is a completely different experience for the audience to not only hear a hit song performed by the song- writer, but to also get the interesting or funny stories behind a song you know and love. "It's as close to sitting around with a bunch of songwriters as you can get without sitting around with a bunch of songwriters," he said.

One of Nashville's most consistent and prolific writers of hits, DiPiero's hits include "Southern Voice" re- corded by Tim McGraw, "Blue Clear Sky" recorded by George Strait, and "You Can't Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl" recorded by Brooks & Dunn. DiPiero, a member of CMA's Board of Directors, has been host- ing the Songwriter Series since its inception at Joe's Pub in New York City six years ago.

"When we began the series in 2005, I never dreamed it would include such an honor as being asked to perform in England and Ireland," said DiPiero. "These CMA Songwriter shows are one-of-a-kind performances by some of the very best songwriter/storytellers on the planet. I've never seen a more honest, authentic, entertaining musical performance anywhere. When I get to perform with Icons such as Bill Anderson and Clint Black, I feel like a fan with the best seat in the house."

The CMA & BMI Present the CMA Songwriter Series in the U.K. and Ireland takes place Feb. 22-25. For updates and information, visit www.CMAsongwriterseries.com.

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Julie Roberts Releases Christmas EP “Who Needs Mistletoe”

by Holly Marie Tong

As you may have read in a previous While listening to these songs, I cannot help but get issue, soulful country music singer into the Christmas spirit as Julie sings each one with so Julie Roberts recently released an in- much authenticity and feeling. The influence of Patsy dependent album entitled “Alive.” If Cline and the few and far between traditional country you haven’t yet had a chance to listen legends seem to all shine through on this project as to this inspiring, heartfelt project that Julie Roberts is always all about keeping it real and positively covers all bases and emo- keeping it country. She takes household tunes such as tions, I highly encourage you to give it “Blue Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” and “Away in a a listen as I am confident you will hear Manager” just to name a few, and maintains the classic, what I hear and want your own copy. soothing Christmas sound, while adding her own posi- tive vocal distinction to each. With that said, Christmas is right around the corner and during the most wonderful time of the year, there is of Aside from her exciting new Christmas EP, Julie is en- course nothing better to treat yourself to than Christ- joying her creative freedom and continuing to work, mas music, right? Well, Julie has that covered too! work, work, so that she may continue to bring her fans She has just released an EP entitled “Who Needs Mis- new music. tletoe” and it is with indisputable certainty that I say, it is one of the best Christmas projects “I’ve been trying to spread the word, I have ever had the pleasure of lis- get back on the road and keep mak- tening to. ing music. I’m already working on a new EP. I want to record some “I always wanted to make a Christ- gospel music and cover some Patsy mas album and I’ve just always Cline songs still.” loved ! When I was little, I always used to listen to During our conversation, Julie also the and happily announced that her video for Christmas album,” explains Julie. “Nascar Party” had climbed up to #2 “It was always kind of a tradition. on CMT Pure. Fans will be proud to Still, Mama spends a day making know she is also working on some candy, while my sisters and I deco- upcoming shows! rate the tree and listen to that al- So where can you order “Who bum. I thought about this Christmas project around Needs Mistletoe?” Well, you can go to her newly de- summertime, and I started going through songs, and it signed website and I must note that Julie will be sign- was hard to choose just six, since I have so many fa- ing every copy that is ordered from her website AND vorites, but I also wanted to write one. Writing one can she is offering three packages for the Christmas season. feel like the hardest part as so many have been written, but I was able to co-write “Who Needs Mistletoe” with The tone of “Who Needs Mistletoe,” sets the stage for Jason Collum who also produced the EP.” me to reminisce about the best Christmases I ever had while helping me to rediscover the joy of seeing this Always true to her country roots and sounding as flaw- special holiday through the eyes of a child. Well done less as ever, Julie has recorded seven special Christmas Julie!...and Merry Christmas to all! tunes. Six of her recordings are timeless classics that we all know and love but just to add to the mix, her WWW.JULIEROBERTS.COM title tune “Who Needs Mistletoe” brings a fun and un- expected twist to an already unquestionably strong EP.

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Dixie is joined on her shows each week by, "Rockabilly Hall of Famer", Roy Cost. Tune in and listen to them as they play, established artist, as well as, new and upcoming independent artists.

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Deborah Allen - Inspiration For The Holidays

by Brenda L. Madden

There is a brand-new children’s Christmas book on the retail shelves this year – The Loneli- est Christmas Tree - a soon-to-be holiday classic - but this Christmas tree has some strong country roots. Singer, songwriter, entertainer and producer, Deborah Allen, has added author to her already impressive skill set. In 1986, Deborah conceived the idea and wrote The Lone- liest Christmas Tree, but until recently, it remained unpublished. The missing piece was il- lustrator Molly Brooks (daughter of country music superstar ) who, ironically was born on Christmas Eve in 1986.

The storyline of “a solitary Christmas tree facing the threat of urban development and the unlikely hero that comes to its defense” is so Deborah Allen – it reflects her own optimism and the way she ap- proaches life. When asked about the writing of the book, Deborah comments, “I was writing every day, anxious to see what was going to develop next in the story. It was around this same time that I had forged a friendship with a local Nashville woman who happened to be living on the streets. The character in the book, Christmas Carole, is named after that woman, and she turns out to be the hero in the story. Unfortunately, she passed away several years ago. I wrote The Loneliest Christmas Tree to communicate that anything is possible. We all have the capability to move mountains, even when it seems all hope may be lost.”

Throughout her career, Deborah has moved her share of mountains. She knew at a young age that she wanted to be a singer and there was no “Plan B.” How- ever, it was a chance meeting with that would change her life forever and set her on the path to creating such monster hits as “,” “I’ve Been Wrong Before,” “Rock Me,” “Wrong Side Of Love” and so many others. Before performing for Shel, Deborah never thought of being a song- writer, but with his encouragement, she tried her hand at writing. After Shel heard her first two original compositions, “Four Leaf Clover” and “Mother And Daddy,” he commented, “I think you got a way with words.” Thankfully, she has not stopped writing since. It is that same type of inspiration that she tries to “pay forward” today. Deborah explains, “It was just like a light switch went off in me. Just because someone as great as Shel took the time to listen to me and give me sincere advice and then encourage me. So I try to do that as often as I can with other people. You never know whose life you might change with just a good listening ear or just a smile. It’s so important.”

Now she is passing on that same inspiration to new artist, Margaret Phillips. They have collaborated on several songs for her debut record with Deborah sitting in the producer’s chair.

This year also marked the release of Deborah’s new album entitled Hear Me Now. The project packed full of Deb- orah Allen songs, again shows her diversity in writing, performance and production from the soulful gospel sound of “Amazing Graceland,” and the fun tongue-in-cheek song, “It Better Be Big,” to the first single, “Anything Other Than Love,” a country shuffle written with legendary songwriter, Gary Burr.

Deborah Allen’s spirit and talent have never been more evident than they are in her new projects. Her heart and soul can be felt in every musical note and every written word, and although The Loneliest Christmas Tree is a children’s book, the inspiration inside is for children of all ages.

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Tennessee Repertory Theatre (615) 244-4878 161 Rains Ave., Nashville, TN. 37203

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