Garth Brooks Returning To The Stage For One Night Only
- This is the first mention I’ve heard of it, but Jamey Johnson released an album at the end of August that’s available only as a digital download (iTunes, Rhapsody, etc.). That Lonesome Song contains 13 songs, 11 of which Johnson has some kind of writing credit on. Definitely worth checking out.
- The reality show Nashville got the axe, but may return sometime in October.
- Ever wonder what goes on at a private corporate event? Kelly at The Gobblers Knob was invited to one featuring Hayes Carll, Brandon Rhyder, and Walt Wilkins.
Hayes displayed the same wit that laces many of his songs as he wondered aloud what convention life must be like for business folks, and what kinds of trouble one can get in at the Houston Aquarium. In fact, he was on such a roll comedically that as he sang, various lyrics to his songs seemed funny, even when they weren’t intended to be, but that didn’t seem to matter to the crowd that had no clue to begin with or even to Hayes himself. Walt Wilkins attempted to express his love for Texas through a joke about one of the towns that was represented at the conference. As the crowd sat silent in shock over this joke (good natured jab really), he looked over at Carll, and Rhyder to see them shaking their head at him as if they could prevent him from offending anyone.
- Chet Flippo shares the details of Merle Haggard’s new album, The Bluegrass Sessions. Haggard has written new material for the album, will cover a couple of his favorite legends, and even introduces a bluegrass flavor to “Mama’s Hungry Eyes” and “Big City”. Consider my curiosity piqued.
- After you enter our Big State Festival ticket giveaway contest and win, you’re going to have to start worrying about what you’ll do for lodging, food and drinks while in College Station. Don’t fret though, Austin360.com has you covered with a list of the local spots you’ll want to hit up on your visit.
- Garth Brooks is returning to the stage, but perhaps for one night only. He’ll play Kansas City’s Sprint Center on November 13th to say thank you to all the fans who have purchased his Walmart releases.
- The former bass player for Emerson Drive, Patrick Bourque, died at his home in Montreal, Canada two nights ago…also his 30th birthday. Details surrounding his death haven’t been made available.
- Clint Black was wary about including outside material on his new album, but says after warming up to it he embraced “The Strong One” and wishes he had written it himself.
- In her review of the new Rascal Flatts album Ann Powers writes, “Garth Brooks and Shania Twain did this a generation ago with more flash and far more surprise. Country’s been the new classic rock for a while, and the unstoppable rise of Rascal Flatts suggests that it’s ready to get its butt kicked by whatever kind of punk-style revolt it might inspire.”
- The musical “Ring of Fire” hits Little Rock, AR on October 23, 24, and 25th. Presale tickets are available now until October 1st. “From the heart of the songs of Johnny Cash comes a unique musical show about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, home and family. A cast of fourteen multi-talented performers takes you on a journey into the world Johnny Cash created in his songs.” Check out Ring of Fire The Musical for more info.
- People has the lowdown on the Dolly performance from Dancing With The Stars.
Dolly Parton put on a feisty pre-show performance of her classic “9 to 5,” which she says is being made into a Broadway musical. “I’m writing all the music for it,” she told the audience, “but they said I’m too old to be a secretary.” The audience whooped and hollered throughout her songs, and screams of “I love you, Dolly!” echoed throughout the studio. “I told you to wait in the truck!” Parton joked with one adoringly vocal fan. When another asked her to dance, Parton quipped: “They’ve asked me to dance on the show, but I had visions of Billy Ray (Cyrus).”
- Go read Twangnation’s review of the Dwight Sings Buck album and then be envious that he’s already got a copy of the album even though it doesn’t hit shelves until October 23rd.
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News that former Sugarland member and co-founder Kristen Hall is suing her ex-mates, to the tune of $1.5 million, goes a long way towards providing a bit of context regarding the Atlanta singer/songwriter’s sudden departure from the group.
In Memory of Don Helms (1927 - 2008) Helms dated back to a time when an excellent four or five piece band and a good singer were all that were needed to make great country music. No drums, no light shows, no production tricks in the recording studio–just good music.Tagged In This Article
Big State Festival // Brandon Rhyder // Clint Black // Dwight Yoakam // Emerson Drive // Garth Brooks // Hayes Carll // Jamey Johnson // Johnny Cash // Merle Haggard // Rascal Flatts // Walt Wilkins
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September 28, 2007 at 9:39 am Permalink
The idea that Rascal Flatts is musically related, in any way, to Garth Brooks is absolutely insane.
September 28, 2007 at 11:10 am Permalink
I hope it does inspire a revolt. We need it. I think everything the Flatts have done in the past has “gone over;” however, with this new album (which contains the “Bob That Head” junk and a Jamie Fox number), country music fans are going to need to draw the line somewhere. They are absolutely out of control.
September 28, 2007 at 11:47 am Permalink
In addition, if anyone went to the LA Times and read the whole review, Powers names Lambert as the potential leader of this so-called revolt (which sounds a bit cheesey). And really, I can’t think of anyone else who would really fit that role and who has the same amount of exposure that Lambert does. I mean- I could lead the revolt- but are loads of people going to follow me? No.
As far as mainstream artists go, the only one who took any sort of risk this year when releasing a country album was Lambert (”Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”). Why do I say that? Because it contained material that is not radio friendly, mainstream garbage– and she knew that; but she recorded it anyway.
I know The 9513 thought it was an average work, which is fine, but it’s the most country sounding mainstream album this year thus far IMO- the polar opposite of “Still Feels Good.” You have the Flatts who are pulling on one end of the rope for country to become more pop- and you have Lambert pulling the other end to take it back where it belongs.
I don’t think anyone in mainstream country music right now has enough guts to come out and say what they think about country music’s direction as of now, Lambert included. However, she doesn’t have to; the statements are clear with the type of music an artist releases. And she made a great statement on May 1st.
I hope I’m not coming off as a fanatical Miranda Lambert fan, but instead a concerned country fan. This post is not designed to promote her or anything like that. I’m just elaborating on Powers’ statement in her review.
September 28, 2007 at 12:27 pm Permalink
Wow, that is so sad about Patrick from Emerson Drive! I wonder what happened.
September 28, 2007 at 12:42 pm Permalink
Jamey Johnson’s online disc is some amazing songwriting…
I don’t know about RF starting a revolt. I think the superstars of the future are going to be guys who please the best of both worlds. For instance, Dierks Bentley (who still writes and records compelling material without sacrificing country instrumentation) and Brad Paisley (who is just a funnier, more modern version of George Strait).
September 28, 2007 at 1:17 pm Permalink
Bentley and Lambert, musically speaking, have a lot in common. I saw them on tour together and it was simply amazing.
September 28, 2007 at 3:42 pm Permalink
“Clint Black was wary about including outside material on his new album…” kind of sums up his failures as an artist and the demise of his career, doesn’t it?
September 29, 2007 at 6:43 am Permalink
That Jamey Johnson album is absolutely brilliant. I got it off of Emusic.com and will be reviewing it @ my site. Thanks for the heads up on it.
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