David Lowery - The Palace Guards

Growing up primarily a country music fan (for the first couple decades of life), it's taken the past two decades to catch up on lots of other great music that I've missed out on. Even with the convenience of the internet, there is still much that I have yet to hear. So I'm always pleased when artists (& their PR people) send new music to check out. I've found some of the best music that way. And I'm always pleased to bring it to the attention of other music fans.

Thus is the case with David Lowery, who is releasing his full-length solo debut, The Palace Guards, this Tuesday through 429 Records.



David Lowery was the co-founder and frontman for Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven, neither of which I'd previously listened to (but definitely need to go back & check out). I was looking through some background info, and noticed that his previous music was listed as ranging between "electric twang" and "psych-country". Anything that included "twang" and "country" is going to perk up my ears.

Since I'd never heard any of David's previous work and didn't know what to expect, my first listen of the album was about finding the sound. I was pleasantly surprised at what I heard. David's voice brought thoughts of a not-quite-as-raspy/gravelly Leonard Cohen (especially on Deep Oblivion) with a mixture of Umajets, Jakob Dylan & some other Roots/Americana artists.

After a few listens of the album, my favorite is by far, Ah, you left me, followed closely by Raise 'em up on honey, Deep Oblivion (which started out sounding eerily like a cross between Sheryl Crow's Good is Good and Diamond Ring), and The Palace Guards. The beginning of Marigold reminds me of an old Johnny Lee song. There seems to be a bit of a subtle change in vibe from the first half of the album to the second half. Strangely enough, I seem to favor the first half.

David isn't totally "solo" on this one. He relies on some of his trusted musical cohorts to help with the sound of the record. A couple of David's 'Cracker' buddies Sal Maida and Johnny Hickman make guest appearances.

Other info regarding David Lowery:

David has also currently been writing new music with Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven for upcoming albums from both bands (this will mark the first new material from CVB since their lauded 2004 New Roman Times release). In addition, David also plans to continue working on his popular 300 Songs project - a blog chronicling all of the songs he's written and recorded with both Cracker & CVB. Plans are also in the works to turn these wry, humorous and informative musings on his songs, bands and, ultimately, the music business in general, into his first published book later in the year.

To check out the album & find more information on David Lowery, visit the website: DavidLoweryMusic.com

Charlie Louvin dies

Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie Louvin has passed away at the age of 83 following a fight with pancreatic cancer.



Louvin was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2010 and underwent surgery, but the operation was limited in its success. It stabilized his health long enough for him continue working through the end of the year.

Charlie & his brother, Ira performed as the Louvin Brothers in the early years. The duo broke up in 1963, and Ira died in a car crash back in 1965. Charlie has been singing & performing for over six decades.

Alison Krauss & Union Station's new album

April 12th is the release date set for the latest from Alison Krauss and Union Station, titled "Paper Airplane".

This will be Alison's first new music released since her highly acclaimed 2007 collaboration with Robert Plant. It will also be her first album with longtime band Union Station since "Lonely Runs Both Ways", released in 2004.

Here is the reported track list:

1. Paper Airplane
2. Dustbowl Children
3. Lie Awake
4. Lay My Burden Down
5. My Love Follows You Where You Go
6. Dimming Of The Day
7. On The Outside Looking In
8. Miles To Go
9. Sinking Stone
10. Bonita and Bill Butler
11. Opening Farewell

Country stars join "The Boot Campaign"

Country music stars are taking off their cowboy boots and replacing them with army boots in support ofThe Boot Campaign. The campaign is a way for Americans to give back and say thank you to our armed forces. It was inspired by Marcus Luttrell, who is a retired US Navy SEAL and author of the book Lone Survivor.

Many Country music stars have become involved including George Jones, Jan Howard, Mel Tillis, Oak Ridge Boys, Lee Greenwood and Charlie Daniels, as well as Josh Turner, Joe Nichols, Heidi Newfield, Randy Rogers Band, Randy Houser, Gretchen Wilson, Phil Vassar, Joe Diffie, Little Texas, Jamie O’Neal, Justin Moore, Chuck Wicks, Colt Ford, Eli Young Band, Derek Sholl, Joey + Rory and Jack Ingram.

It's not just Country music artists getting involved in this campaign. Many others are jumping on board, including bluegrass artists The Grascals and The Roys, as well as Texas artists like Cross Canadian Ragweed, Robert Earl Keen, Jason Boland, Aaron Watson, Mick and the Motorcars, Reckless Kelly, Wade Bowen, Kevin Fowler, Stoney LaRue, No Justice, Bleu Edmondson, and Granger Smith.

The campaign encourages Americans to purchase a pair of army combat boots to wear in support of our nation’s troops. Proceeds from the boot sales are donated to partner charities, including the Lone Survivor Foundation.

For more information about The Boot Campaign, please visit: www.bootcampaign.com

Aretha Franklin collection set for release

Columbia Legacy will honor music legend Aretha Franklin with the release of a 12-disc set "Take a Look: Aretha Franklin Complete On Columbia." on March 22nd. The box set is produced by Leo Sacks, and will comprehensively survey Aretha's 1960-65 stint at the Columbia. All of her master takes will be compiled; the collection will also have bonus tracks, mono mixes, alternate takes and studio chatter.

In addition to 11 CDs -- which will comprise of seven original albums, two discs of non-LP material and two new compilations -- the set will also include a five-song DVD featuring 1964 performances from "The Steve Allen Show." A 60-page booklet will include photos, recollections and an essay.

On the same day, Columbia Legacy will also issue a single CD set, "Aretha Franklin: The Great American Songbook," devoted to her Columbia recordings of standards.

Upcoming Releases

Here is a list of the upcoming album releases:

January 18:
Gregg Allman – Low Country Blues
Braids – Native Speaker
The Decemberists – The Kind Is Dead
Smith Westerns – Dye It Blonde
James Blunt – Some Kind Of Trouble
Blackmore’s Night – Autumn Sky

January 25:
Joe Nichols – Greatest Hits
Lori McKenna – Lorraine
Iron & Wine – Kiss Each Other Clean
Wanda Jackson – The Party Ain’t Over
Eva Cassidy – Simply Eva
Olivia Newton-John – A Celebration In Song

February 1:
The JaneDear Girls – self titled
Todd Snider – Live: The Storyteller
Bobby Long – A Winter Tale
The Civil Wars – Barton Hollow

February 8:
Thompson square – TBA
VA – The Music Inside: A Collaboration Dedicated to Waylon Jennings
Steve Wariner – Guitar Laboratory

February 15:
PJ Harvey – Let England Shake
Drive-By Truckers – Go-Go Boots
Sarah Darling – Angels & Devils
Jeff Bates – One Day Closer
Due West – Forget The Miles
Hayes Carll – KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories)
Bright Eyes – People’s Key

February 22:
Johnny Cash – From Memphis to Hollywood
Adele – 21
Lauren Pritchard – Wasted in Jackson

March 1:
Craig Campbell – self titled
Lucinda Williams – Blessed

March 8:
Sara Evans – stronger
Carol Bui – Red Ship
Bruce Cockburn – Small Source Of Comfort
Avril Lavigne – Goodbye Lullaby
Charley Pride – Choices

March 15:
James Wesley – Real


March 22:
The Roys – Lonesome Whistle
Green Day – Awesome as F**K

April 19:
Brad Paisley – This is Country Music

Wanda Jackson & Jack White teaming up

Wanda Jackson and Jack White are set to perform at the Grand Ole Opry Sat., Jan. 15. The night will mark the first time the pair has performed together publicly. The Opry is being staged through January at the Ryman Auditorium. White produced Jackson’s The Party Ain’t Over, set for a Jan. 25 release.

Dolly Parton to be honored during Grammy Week

There will be a flurry of Grammy related events to surround the awards show. On Saturday, February 12th, the Recording Academy will honor Dolly Parton with a Lifetime Achievement Award. She joins fellow honorees Julie Andrews, Roy Haynes, Juilliard String Quartet, The Kingston Trio, Ramones, and George Beverly Shea. Also being honored at the invitation-only event in Los Angeles will be Trustees Award winners Al Bell, Wilma Cozart Fine and Bruce Lundvall; and Technical Grammy winners Roger Linn and Waves Audio.

A day prior to that, Friday, February 11th, Barbra Streisand will be honored as the 2011 MusiCares Person of the Year at a special event celebrating her exceptional artistic achievements as well as her philanthropic work. LeAnn Rimes will be among the performers, which also includes Bebe Winans, Tony Bennett, Seal, Donna Summer, Stevie Wonder, Jeff Beck, Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Barry Manilow and Kristin Chenoweth. Proceeds from the event at the Los Angeles Convention Center will support MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of need.

New music from Blues legend, T-Model Ford

90-Year old Blues legend T-Model Ford has a new album in stores today.



"Taledragger" is a studio album that was recorded during a 14-show US tour in 2010. T-Model Ford is backed by his regular touring band, GravelRoad, with guest appearances by Brian Olive & Matthew Smith.

Take a listen to "Same Old Train"


After listening to the music, it's hard to believe this music man is 90 years old.

To get more information on this album, Click Here

And check out T-Model Ford's Tour blog: Click Here

A special US full length release of Ellie Goulding's debut cd

Already a success in her native England, 24-year-old UK singer and songwriter Ellie Goulding will release a special US full length of Lights on March 8th. The US version will include three songs (Lights, Animal, and Your Song) that were not available on the original UK version.



Ellie's music is described as "electro-folk-acoustic-pop", mixing heartfelt emotion with other-worldly atmospherics and spinning electronica.

JaneDear's debut album to be released next month

Warner Bros. Records has set a Feb. 1st release date for the debut album from the JaneDear girls.



The self-titled project includes 11 songs all written by Susie Brown and Danelle Leverett, the duo that makes up JaneDear. They play at least seven instruments between the two of them, including accordion, guitar, bass, fiddle, ganjo, harp and mandolin.

The lead single from the album is Wildflower, and is already a Top 20 hit.

At the end of January, JaneDear will head out on their first major tour, with Jason Aldean on his My Kinda Party tour, which opens Jan. 21 in Little Rock, AR.

Here's the track listing for JaneDear's debut album:
1. Wildflower
2. Shotgun Girl
3. Merry Go Round
4. Sugar
5. Saturdays in September
6. Sing Along
7. Lucky You
8. Pretender
9. Never Gonna Let You Go
10. Free Ride
11. Everyday’s A Holiday

The Roys to release new album in March

The Roys are launching the release of their new album, Lonesome Whistle, on March 22nd, on Rural Rhythm Records. The CD was produced by the brother/sister duo, Lee & Elaine, as well as Andy Leftwich.

The lead single, Coal Minin’ Man, was written by Lee Roy and his friend Matt Rogers. It is available for digital purchase.

Steve Martin to release new bluegrass album

Steve Martin will release his second full length bluegrass album, Rare Bird Alert on March 15th. On this new album, Steve will be joined by the Steep Canyon Rangers, who toured extensively with him over the last year.

The new album includes 13 new tracks written by Steve. Sir Paul McCartney and The Dixie Chicks are included as guest vocalists on the project. This is the follow-up to his Grammy Award winning album, The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo.

Producer T-Bone Burnett to be honored

Producer T Bone Burnett will receive a salute from the Producers & Engineers Wing of The Recording Academy during Grammy Week. The special event is titled "Shaken Rattled & Rolled", and is part of the 10th Anniversary celebration of the P&E Wing. Grammy winners Elton John and Leon Russell will serve as honorary co-chairs of the gala, which will be held Wednesday, February 9 at The Village Recording Studios in Los Angeles. Elton & Leon's duet album, "The Union" was produced by Burnett.

A Paramore shakeup

Paramore members Josh Farro and Zac Farro have left the band. Remaining on board are lead vocalist Hayley Williams, bassist Jeremy Davis, and guitarist Taylor York.

UMPG Nashville songwriter Lori McKenna is planning the Jan. 25 release of her new album Lorraine. Lori is a hit songwriter who has had recent songs cut by Keith Urban, Alison Krauss, Faith Hill, LeAnne Rimes, Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood.

Kellie Pickler weds

Kellie Pickler and songwriter Kyle Jacobs were married in an intimate ceremony on Saturday, January 1, 2011 on a private island in the Caribbean.

Johnny Cash live, unreleased & demos

Columbia/Legacy is planning the Feb. 22 release of Johnny Cash’s From Memphis To Hollywood, a double album featuring previously unreleased demos, live radio recordings, non-album singles and B-sides. The tracks are from Cash’s early career in the 1950s and ‘60s, including time at Sun Records and Columbia Records.

Shania Twain weds

Shania Twain married Frédéric Thiébaud in Puerto Rico on New Year’s Day. Forty friends and family members gathered for the intimate sunset ceremony in Rincon, Puerto Rico.



Twain was escorted down the aisle by her nine-year-old son, Eja.

Twain and Thiebaud have been dating since 2009.

The Grascals & Dolly Parton raise awareness for childhood cancer

Nashville, TN – In a rare occasion of combined efforts, Nashville’s music community is gathering is support of “I AM STRONG,” a song drawing awareness to the childhood cancer epidemic.

Two versions of “I AM STRONG” have been recorded.  Version 1 includes award-winning, Grammy-nominated group, The Grascals, with special guest Dolly Parton.  Version 2 includes The Grascals, Dolly Parton, Randy Owen, Joe Nichols, Darryl Worley, Terri Clark, Charlie Daniels, Tom T. Hall, The Oak Ridge Boys and Steven Seagal.

A music video was directed by cancer survivor David Corlew of d. corlew films and is already gaining much notoriety.



About “I AM STRONG” and its origin:
"I AM STRONG," was written by Grascals’ band member Jamie Johnson and his wife Susanne Mumpower-Johnson along with Jenee Fleenor after The Grascals visited the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® in Memphis and were inspired by the stories and power of the children being treated there. "I Am Strong" is powerful in its message and artistic vision and brings together vocals from all of the artists who also appear separately with The Grascals on other tracks on this CD.

In honor of the children and this song, Cracker Barrel is donating a percentage of the proceeds from this CD to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  The album, The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin, has 13 country music songs on it that you have probably heard before, but most likely not like this.  The Grascals bring their own bluegrass style to the tunes and bring the different tracks to life with eight of their friends, including Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels and Dolly Parton.  The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin will be available on January 10th, 2011, exclusively at all Cracker Barrel locations.