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STAFF 4 Pretty World Records Keepin' It Country
6 CD Reviews
7 Riley's Reviews {Music Videos} Managing Editor: Roy Skropits 8 IndieWorld Editor: Top 20 Chart Cindy Gordon
Writers: Brenda L. Madden
CD Reviews: Brenda L. Madden
Video Reviews: Steven B. Riley
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by Brenda L. Madden Country music is engrained in the very soul of America with a history beginning in the 1920s and encompassing everything from the Appalachian music of The Carter Family, the lonesome cry of Hank Williams, Sr., to the Western Swing refrains of Bob Wills and the “Bakersfield Sound” of Buck Owens. Although country music has grown to include an ever widening variety of styles, the sweet sound of traditional country is very much alive and well - and one of the main contributors in keeping that sound on the airwaves is Pretty World Records. With an astounding roster of artists including such notables as Jack Greene, Leon Everette, Leona Williams, and Freddie Hart, along with newcomers, Nathan Osmond, and Robyn Young, the continued success of Pretty World Records is assured.
Charlie Ammerman, founder of Pretty World Records, once managed the legendary Wynn Stewart, who is best known for his 1967 hit song, “It‟s Such A Pretty World Today” and is credited for being a distinctive influence on the “Bakersfield Sound” along with Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. In 1984, after Wynn had been released from RCA Records, Charlie formed Pretty World Records and promptly signed Wynn as his first recording artist. The name for the label was derived from Wynn‟s classic song, “It‟s Such A Pretty World Today.” When asked about his most memorable moment at the helm of the recording company, Charlie comments, “Having the great Wynn Stewart say, „I‟m on the label.‟ That was probably one of the greatest moments.” The first single released, “Wait Till I Get My Hands On You” propelled Wynn back onto the Billboard charts, but unfortunately, Wynn died a week later. That single, however, began a long string of successful releases for Charlie and Pretty World Records. Charlie Ammerman Photo by Jerry Overcast
Over the years, Charlie managed such artists as Bobby Helms (“Fraulein” and “My Special Angel”), Johnny Pay- check (“Take This Job And Shove It”) and Leon Everette (“Hurricane‟), all of which at some point released music on Pretty World Records, not to mention artists such as Claude Gray (“Family Bible”) and Bobby Barnett who also found a home for their music there.
After taking a few years’ hiatus, Charlie Ammerman and Pretty World Records have come back with a vengeance – so far securing the #1 position twelve times on the Indie World chart and three times on the New Music Weekly chart! Charlie comments, “When I decided 3 years ago to reactivate the label, the first artist I signed was John Long. John was around Nashville for years and a heck of a writer and picker and fronted for Johnny Paycheck and Barbara Fairchild, and several others.” His song, “I Wish I Had a Job To Shove” caught Charlie‟s ear and was soon on it‟s way to radio and garnering himself and Pretty World Records much deserved recog- nition. Since signing with the label, John has had two #1 indie records!
Shortly thereafter, Grand Ole Opry member, Jack Greene, signed with Pretty World. Jack‟s career has spanned over 40 years and during his amazing career in country mu- sic, he has released such standards as “There Goes My Everything” and “Statue Of A Fool.” Since signing with the label, Jack has scored #1 songs with the duets “Two Old Cats Like Us” (Jack Greene & George Jones) and “There‟s a Whole Lot About A Nathan Osmond & Jack Greene Woman” (Jack Greene and Nathan Osmond). Quite an accomplishment at the age of 80! Photo by Jerry Overcast
PG 4 www.countryentertainmentusa.com With their success continuing to grow, Charlie states, “We decided to keep it country. There‟s still a ton of coun- try stations out there that play traditional country.” And true to his word, they are keeping it country with a lot of new releases. “You Weren‟t There” by Leona Williams just recently shipped to radio. Leona is often touted by her piers as one of the best traditional country female singer/songwriters of our time.
Also on the release schedule is an upcoming album by Leon Everette, former RCA and Mercury Records recording artist, who had several #1s and Top 10 songs. Since joining the label, he has released a patriotic anthem entitled, “United States of America” – a song about unifying our nation - a theme that is striking a chord with people all across America.
In addition to the legends, Pretty World Records is also helping the next gen- eration keep the music alive. Nathan Osmond, son of Alan Osmond, is slated to have a new album, Climbing Fences, released soon. Although more contem- porary, his music has a traditional edge, scoring Nathan numerous indie hits. Jack Greene recently passed on his title of “The Gentlemen of Country Music” to Nathan and while truly humbled, it‟s an honor he doesn‟t take lightly. An- other artist carrying on the family tradition is Robyn Young, Faron Young‟s son, who has now been signed to the label. With the release of his new single, “Young, Fun And Foolish,” Robyn is keeping it country just like his famous father.
What’s in the future for Pretty World Records? They plan to release more of the older products on CD as well as continue releasing new music from their current roster which includes John Long, Jack Greene, Leon Everette, Leona Williams, Kristen Cady, Freddie Hart, Nathan Osmond, Robyn Young, Billy Joe Burnette, Janet McBride, Vern Stovall, Billy Keeble, Jolie Holliday, and Billy Joe Burnette & Charlie Ammerman Meah Faith. One thing is for sure, if the label says Pretty World Records, it Photo by Jerry Overcast will be country! www.PrettyWorldRecords.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
Billy Dean • A Man Of Good Fortune • www.billydean.com
Billy Dean has an impressive history in country music, but it‟s been a while since he has re- leased an album to the country music market. His new CD, A Man Of Good Fortune, only solidi- fies his standing in country music. The album includes inspiring songs like “The Seed” and the toe-tapping “Middle Of Nowhere.” His vocals are as strong as ever and he should be back on the radio again soon!
Herrick • New Dance • www.herricklive.com
Herrick is a high-energy group comprised of Donna Herrick, Kerry Herrick, Jefferson Rogers and Zach Ballard. They have incorporated their dynamic stage energy into this recording, which some groups never accomplish. Donna‟s vocals are powerful and surrounded by a nice harmony mix. All but two songs were co-written by one or more members of Herrick - a diverse group that know how to rock!
Michael Garland • I Heard The Jukebox Cry • www.nlt-records.com
Michael Garland‟s CD, I Heard The Jukebox Cry is a portrait of traditional country music. Rely- ing on legendary studio musicians like Lloyd Green and Hargus “Pig” Robbins for that tradi- tional sound, Michael compliments that with his strong country vocals which are reminiscent of George Strait. Particularly notable are the songs “Touch Of A Woman” and “I Heard The Juke- box Cry.”
Janice Gilbert • Bloom • www.myspace.com/janicegilbert23
Janice Gilbert‟s CD, Bloom, highlights her songwriting skills - writing or co-writing all ten songs on the project. With an Americana style delivery, she interprets each song from her heart and surrounds those vocals with a solid sounding production. The stand out song is “Chase Me” which Janice co-wrote with Ava Rives and Shantel Adams. This CD should garner Janice some new fans.
Brian Glenn • Full Circle
A well-known demo singer in Nashville, Brian Glenn demonstrates why his vocals are so sought after in this solo CD, Full Circle. He covers some classic tunes such as “Games People Play,” “Spanish Eyes,” and “Highway 40 Blues.” His versions are fresh and entertaining. There‟s a va- riety of styles here and Brian even includes a yodeling song entitled, “Whip Out A Yodel.”
5 Star Rating System
"Riley's Reviews" Want your production video reviewed Then e-mail your video link to: [email protected] We do not review pocket / cell phone camera videos or videos where you just sing or play an instrument in front of a camera.
Reggie Shaw ♦ Someone I Can't Live Without http://youtu.be/4abs5qYoa1M
I thought this was a great song and well sung. I did find the slow motion scenes more as a distraction rather than adding to the video.
HERRICK ♦ Do You Love Me http://vimeo.com/48144677
I really enjoyed this video! Great song, Video was very well done! Very marketable country band..
Travis Marsh ♦ Sin City http://youtu.be/G6FU7KyQOTs
Great video content. Travis has a soulful voice. Although the song had meaning the chorus was just too PLAIN. But all in all I liked it...
Wayne Warner & Friends ♦ Dare the World http://youtu.be/3vW8L_ZHIqM
This was definitely a high quality video shoot. However I was not overly impressed with content or the song & music as with that much talent present I expected a whole lot more.
Kris Key ♦ Don't She Look Like A Rodeo Star http://youtu.be/yH9NCCRUvHI
Unfortunately in today visual world a GOOD video is necessary. I liked the song and the meaning behind it, but the video quality was blurry and stale. IndieWorld P.O. Box 130 As Reported By Brush Creek, TN 38547 The IndieWorld Panel Network (615) 683-8308 Monthly Top 20 Chart - Ending September 2012 [email protected] www.IndieWorldCountry.com ™ © 1999
LW TW LW TW 2 1 WHAT HEAVEN HAS SENT 12 11 BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE Billy Joe Burnette - Pretty World Records Billy Keeble - Pretty World Records 3 2 POST CARD FROM PARIS 16 12 T00 GOOD TO BE TRUE Band Perry - Republic Records Edens Edge - Big Machine 5 3 THINGS YOU DON'T GROW OUT OF 15 13 EVERYTHING'S GOOD IN TEXAS Taylor Made-CDX #546 / McBee & Associates Bobby Lewis - Heart Of Texas Records 6 4 AS SURE AS I'M STANDING HERE 1 14 TRAVELIN' BAND Allen Karl - Century II Records Sawyer Brown - Beach Street Music 4 5 ME AND GEORGE STRAIT 17 15 ME AND BOBBIE MCGEE Bobby Dean - Lamon Records Heather Miles / JD Micals / Pretty World Records 7 6 STARS AND STRIPES 18 16 MY BABY SHE'S COOKIN' Nathan Osmond - Pretty World Records Buzz Cason - Arena Records 8 7 SHOTGUN RIDER 19 17 SMALL TALK Neal McCoy - Blaster Records Miss Jeanie - Megalith Records 10 8 LOVIN YOU IS FUN 20 18 RAISE YOUR BOTTLE Easton Corbin - Mercury Records Aaron Watson - Big Label Records 9 9 THAT AIN'T GOOD 21 19 TEARS FOR JOY Hank Williams, Jr - Blaster Records Charlie Phillips - Ind Records 14 10 YOU WEREN'T THERE 24 20 THINGS YOU CAN'T DO IN A CAR Leona Williams Pretty World Records Due West - Black River Records