 | WALKIN’ A COUNTRY MILE
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COUNTRY MUSIC COLUMN
by Scott Stem
CMA Music Festival, “Country Music’s Biggest Party,” is getting bigger.
Last month, I told you that Trace Adkins, Steve Azar, Dierks Bentley, Big & Rich, Brad Cotter, Cowboy Troy, Billy Currington, Josh Gracin, The Jenkins, Jo Dee Messina, Montgomery Gentry, Craig Morgan, Jon Randall, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes, Julie Roberts, Trick Pony, Keith Urban, Phil Vassar, Jimmy Wayne, Mark Wills, Gretchen Wilson, Darryl Worley and Michelle Wright had been announced as participating, with more artists to be revealed soon.
The latest artists to join the CMA Music Festival lineup include: Jessie Alexander, Deborah Allen, Jeff Bates, Bellamy Brothers, Blue County, Paul Brandt, Tracy Byrd, George Canyon, Carolina Rain, Anita Cochran, Tammy Cochran, Cowboy Crush, Amy Dalley, Linda Davis, Billy Dean, Amber Dotson, Katrina Elam, Shelly Fairchild, Donna Fargo, Kevin Fowler, Steve Holy, Buddy Jewell, Royal Wade Kimes, Miranda Lambert, Blaine Larsen, Tracy Lawrence, Aaron Lines, Little Big Town, Little Texas, Lauren Lucas, Neal McCoy, Hanna McEuen, David Lee Murphy, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jamie O’Neal, Restless Heart, Rushlow, Sawyer Brown, Sugarland, Pam Tillis, Aaron Tippin, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker, Lane Turner, Wayne Warner, Trent Willmon and Chely Wright.
And yes, there will still be more artists announcements in the coming months. CMA Music Festival is June 9-12 in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee. You don’t want to miss it. Log on to www.CMAfest.com for more details and ticket information.
I saw the first of three sold-out performances from Keith Urban at the Ryman Auditorium. This man is a superstar in his prime. He completely controlled the stage and the audience with his guitar skills, vocal chops and effervescent personality. The entire show was magnificent as Urban masterfully prowled the stage, entertaining everyone. The man currently reigns as the CMA “Male Vocalist of the Year”. I predict he’ll be in the running for the CMA “Entertainer of the Year Award” soon…the man is on fire. Catch him if you can – Urban is electrifying.
Country Radio Seminar recently ended in Nashville. This is the annual convention where radio executives and DJs come to Nashville to meet with the record labels and attend artist showcases. Music is everywhere during this week. One of the best performances I saw came from new artist Keith Anderson, who packed The Stage on Broadway. Anderson is currently on radio with the song “Pickin’ Wildflowers.” His debut album, 3 Chord Country and American Rock and Roll comes out May 3rd. Judging from his live performance, this album will be one to get.
I also attended a MuzikMafia Jam that featured Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson, both of whom were fabulous.
In fact, Gretchen’s current single, “Homewrecker” is one of my favorite singles on radio at the moment. The artist who stole the show, though, was James Otto. Otto’s voice is muscular and soulful, a lot like Travis Tritt, but with its own unique personality. His voice can move from tough to tender in a matter of seconds. Otto is currently working on a new album that should be out later this year. He also appears on the CMT television series, “Muzik Mafia.” Check out www.theottoshow.com for more info on this amazingly talented performer.
The new Trace Adkins album, Songs About Me, features the title cut, one of my favorite singles of the last few years. The album is pure Trace. Adkins has been on fire the last few years with hit singles and television appearances a plenty. Be sure and check this album out.
Dierks Bentley is about to release his second album soon titled, Modern Day Drifter. The first single, “Lot of Leavin’ Left to Do,” is already moving up the charts. The album hasn’t left my CD player since I put it in – it’s great Country Music from one of the format’s best new artists. Bentley has respect for the past while moving forward, with a voice that has elements of Waylon Jennings and George Strait. I see a lot of great things happening in the future for this artist.
The legendary Charlie Daniels has just put out Songs From the Longleaf Pines: A Gospel Bluegrass Collection. A Charlie Daniels album is always a treat, and this is no exception. Daniels even brings in some guests artists, including: Earl Scruggs, Ricky Skaggs, Mac Wiseman, The Whites, The GrooveGrass Boyz (featuring Rob and Ronnie McCoury), and Chris Thile (of Nickel Creek). From classics like “Keep on the Sunny Side” and “How Great Thou Art”, to an amazing instrumental rendition of “I’ll Fly Away” to Psalm recitations and more, this is a wonderful album full of the Spirit.
Robert Earl Keen returns with What I Really Mean, due in stores May 10. This legendary Texas performer sings it like he sees it.
Craig Morgan recently went to #1 with the single “That’s What I Like About Sundays.” The song is on the album, My Kind of Livin’, which is in stores now.
Lee Ann Womack is currently all over radio with her hit single, “I May Hate Myself In The Morning.” Her new album, There’s More Where That Came From is aptly named. What a fantastic album! Womack has never sounded better. The songs are contemporary, yet sound like classic Country. This album is a jewel and should be treasured. Highly recommended!
That’s it for this month. Enjoy the Spring!!! | ||
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