THE COUNTRY CLUB |
Honest as a robin on a springtime windowsill.
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Let's be honest - April Fool's Day jokes aren't often met with much enthusiasm. But fooling around has frequently been a smart choice when it comes to music. Here, we list a few favorites - having some fun with tunes that range from the rock-bottom somber variety to the extremely not-so-much. Feel free to comment with your own suggestion for tunes of tomfoolery below! (A note: this list does lend to an essentially endless amount of cover/other versions not covered here, so please keep that in mind). -TCC In no particular order.
#AprilFools #CountryMusic #FoolSongs #FoolsGame
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by Melissa Coker
Ready to take a musical cue from Travis Tritt and put some drive in your country? Maybe just take an ever-so slightly out of the city drive to the (sort of) country to catch a concert from a legendarily country artist? Look no further than Hop Springs. It's true - no pshtt. Tritt and his world-renowned country clubbing style are taking to the large outdoor stage at the local beer park/music venue this month as one of many stops among a plethora of new concert dates in the coming months. He and his band (this date is a full band one although not all on the tour are) are sure to bring the Southern rock and country classic heat along with new music too - after some delay last year, Tritt's new album Set in Stone is set for release on May 7. Plus, appropriately enough for a brewery, his new nostalgic single (following the first, the reassuring Aaron Raitiere co-write "Ghost Town Nation") from the project is titled "Smoke in a Bar." PRE-ORDER HERE: https://amzn.to/3w9Dpp6 So put some drive in your country. When the music gets you moving, you know that can't be wrong. Accomplished director David Abbott directed "Smoke" ("he's the best!," exuded Tritt) and directed the fun-loving all-out brawl of a video "You Can Have Him Jolene" for CMT's "Next Women of Country" family girl group Chapel Hart too. "It's getting back to that classic, no-frills, outlaw-country sound" Tritt says of Stone. Not that he ever left such a sound, but still it's refreshing to say that after a long hiatus of full-length original projects from the artist, the whiskey is still working plenty. Released through Big Noise Label Group and produced by Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Shooter Jennings, The Highwomen, Sturgill Simpson and even The Oak Ridge Boys), the new album features eleven new songs, eight of which were co-written by Tritt. Set In Stone marks Tritt’s first original full-length studio album in over a decade. He pays homage here to all sides of his musical personality along with the trademarks of his originality - be it through opening with the rowdy “Stand Your Ground” or powerful love songs like “Leave This World” with searing country rockers like the first single “Ghost Town Nation." Some of the most landmark moments of Tritt's iconic career have Murfreesboro to thank. His memorably heart-wrenching trilogy of music videos ("Anymore", "Tell Me I Was Dreaming," and "If I Lost You") still feel like mini-movies as they vividly follow the story of Tritt portraying war veteran "Mac", his best friend and the love of his life, Annie. Some of the moments in these stories were filmed at Murfreesboro's Tennessee State Veterans' Home. To this day, Tritt holds the utmost respect for veterans and it's no doubt in large part to these videos. (Potential YouTube viewers beware if you haven't watched before. Be prepared). "The thing I love most about this particular song is the video that we did for it," Tritt candidly shared of "Anymore" at a show in 2019. "This turned out to be one of the biggest hits of my career and that was a wonderful thing to see happen, especially since I was one of the writers on this song. But the video actually gave me my first acting job. In this video I played the part of a disabled American veteran. And I knew as soon as I read the script, it was going to be something special. But I was also nervous. I was nervous because we were going to film it in an actual veterans' hospital, a veterans' clinic in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. And everybody in the video with the exception of myself and about four other actors were all veterans...they were either veterans that were actual patients or they were veterans that were staff members. And I was afraid, because I had never served...I was afraid that those people were going to hate me. I was afraid that I was going to go in there, sit down in a wheelchair and try to portray myself as one of them and they were going to look at me and go 'Who does this guy think he is?'" "And I was very, very concerned about that" he continued to recall. "...Right up until the very morning that we started filming. And the morning that we started filming, I walked in the gymnasium of this clinic and I sat down in a wheelchair. All of the cameras were around and they were getting ready to start saying 'action!' and as soon as I sat down in that wheelchair, I found myself surrounded...by all of these actual veterans. And I found out very quickly, they did not hate me at all. Quite the contrary. They were just happy that someone was there to tell their story. Before the day was over, I knew every single one of them by first name. They told me very personal stories...it was just a very special experience. So a few weeks later when we finished up the video we brought it back, to debut it at the VA - to debut it for the world, but more importantly to debut it for all of the people that had been a part of helping us make it happen. And as I was sitting to the side of the stage, watching the video play on the big screen, I wasn't watching the screen. I was looking out into the audience as the video played. And as it played, before it ended I looked out into the audience and I did not see one person in the audience who didn't have a little bit of a tear rolling down their cheek. That really touched my heart. It touched my heart so much that as soon as I got home, I called my Senator and my Congressman and I said 'listen, I don't know if there's anything that a country music singer like me can do - but if there's any way that I can be of service to veterans or veterans' issues in this country, I would like to volunteer for that. And as a result of that phone call, I had the wonderful privilege and honor of being able to serve as the celebrity chairman and the celebrity spokesperson of the Disabled American Veterans Association for four years in a row. And for two years after I had the opportunity to serve in that same capacity for the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars). That six year period was one of the greatest times of my life...if you look up the word 'hero' in the dictionary, you should see the faces of all of these men and women right there next to that word." On that note, take the time to get out and enjoy this Hop Springs experience in an open field...as Tritt sings in "Where Corn Don't Grow" - "hard times are real, there's dusty fields no matter where you go, but you may change your mind, 'cause the weeds are high where corn don't grow." And here's a quarter's worth of free advice (call someone who cares): don't let the term "pod" keep you away from the socially-distanced event, it might sound other-worldlyish but really all it means is that you and your present company will be ever-so-slightly separated from others and perhaps surrounded by a small fence. We reached out to Tritt for comment regarding his thoughts on this show stop, but evidently he was busy (we think we heard he had rice cooking in the microwave and a three-day beard he doesn't plan to shave) so we have to imagine that if asked his answer would be this: "It's a goofy thing but I've just gotta say, hey! I'm doing alright. There's some hard times in the neighborhood. But why can't every day be just this good?" Travis Tritt with opener Frank Foster play Hop Springs Beer Park Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster. Options include both "pod" seating and general admission. #countrymusic #veteransawareness #veteranssupport #22for22challenge #travistritt #newmusic #cmt #musicvideos BUY TICKETS: ticketmaster.com/travis-tritt-with-frank-foster-murfreesboro-tennessee-04-23-2021/event/1B005A5AE5B736F4 ANYMORE AuthorMelissa Coker is a journalist, publicist, slightly attempted successful songwriter and successfully attempted proofreader who loves country music despite being born in the Nashville area (thereby surrounded by the stuff!). She has contributed to numerous magazines and other publications/music sites. She contributed to The Tennessean and their weekly entertainment publication "All the Rage” regularly. She can't add money worth a dime but if you misspell a songwriter or artist's name, then God have mercy on your soul.. ![]() Mark Collie has announced the release of his new album Book of My Blues set for June 4, 2021. The first single, “Born Ready” is available on all digital services today along with an accompanying video (currently airing on CMT) that is one of a series of music videos from the album directed by acclaimed director and screenwriter Jonathan Hensleigh and shot by award-winning cinematographer Tom Stern. Stream the new release here: https://bit.ly/MCBR2021 The themes in Book of My Blues, those of love, lust, betrayal, addiction, recovery, damnation, and redemption are derived from the graphic novel Rockabilly Hitman, a long-gestating collaboration between Collie and director Hensleigh (“The Punisher,” “Die Hard with a Vengeance,” “Armageddon” and the soon-to-be-released “Ice Road” starring Liam Neeson) that depicts the exploits of rockabilly singer Jesse Wayne Hardin, who by night is an avenger of evil, as he travels the hard backroads from Muscle Shoals to Memphis, from the Mississippi Delta to Music City. “Writing songs from the perspective of this character has been an enlightening journey. Some of my life experiences are in that character and I have stood at many of those same crossroads,” commented Collie. “Every line and nuance is intended to help bring Jesse Wayne and the Book of My Blues to life. There are a lot of ways to describe the music, maybe Roadhouse Rock, Southern Gothic, Americana, Country, but at its core it’s a reflection of me and many others who came before me.” The album features twelve original songs written or co-written by Collie, plus three rockabilly classics – “Hey Boba Lou” by Ronnie Hawkins, Jacqueline Magill and Robbie Robertson of The Band fame, “Night Train to Memphis” written by Country Music Hall of Fame member Owen Bradley along with Marvin Hughes and Beasley Smith, and the rockabilly standard by Carl Perkins, “Matchbox.” The album was co-produced by Kenny Greenberg (whose producer credits include Allison Moorer, Josh Turner, Toby Keith and the Mavericks) and Chad Cromwell (whose credits include his work with Joe Walsh, Neil Young, Willie Nelson and Boz Scaggs). The co-writers with Collie include Collie’s long-time friend Billy Bob Thornton who combines with him on the title cut, Tom Douglas, Gary Nicholson and John Scott Sherill, as well as Jonathan Hensleigh and co-producers Greenberg and Cromwell. Track Listing:
Musician Credits:
#Nashville #NashvilleTVshow #MarkCollie #EvenTheManInTheMoon
“We are thrilled to have Drew joining us," Lonestar shared in a joint statement. "We have been friends and have admired his work and outstanding voice for many years. It will be an exciting new chapter in our storied career and know he will be welcomed by the industry and fans alike. Fans will hear more than 22 combined hits, between the amazing catalog of Lonestar and Sons of the Desert, and even hit songs written by Drew for such iconic Country artists as Kenny Chesney." (Learn more about Drew: http://drewwomackmusic.com/about.html).
Listen to Drew's 2017 album Here's Some Stuff I Wrote here. *Related News: Lonestar lead singer Richie McDonald has departed the group once again in order to pursue a full-time opportunity with his other band, The Frontmen of Country. The Frontmen consists of McDonald, Tim Rushlow, (former lead singer of Little Texas) and Larry Stewart (lead singer of Restless Heart). They have revealed nearly 20 live concert dates set for 2021. This is McDonald's second time leaving Lonestar. He previously quit the band in 2007 to pursue a solo career before returning in 2011. Singer Cody Collins took his place in the interim. “I’ve been with Lonestar for almost 30 years and have enjoyed my time with the guys,” said McDonald. "With everything that has happened in the past year, it has made me think about other things I want to do in life. This opportunity with The Frontmen came up and I’ve decided to go in a new direction. I’ve always enjoyed performing with Tim and Larry and I can’t wait to see how this new chapter unfolds. I want to thank my Lonestar bandmates for a great run. I wish them nothing but the best.” TCC note: The good news (as in, the "No News" kind of good news) is - and yes, you can telephone, tell a friend (maybe don't tell a lie about where you've been), send a pigeon, send a fax, write it on a postage stamp - Lonestar fans are highly likely to still have the opportunity of hearing the band's many hits via the mouth of Richie as he continues to tour with their catalogue of hits with The Frontmen of Country. ![]() NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 3, 2021) ⎼ When they first began releasing music in 1989, McBride & the Ride released three acclaimed albums Burnin’ Up The Road, Sacred Ground and Hurry Sundown with hit singles like "Love on the Loose, Heart on the Run," “Sacred Ground,” "Going Out of My Mind," and many more. The trio reunited in the early 2000s for a short run on Dualtone Records where they originally released the Jason Aldean smash “Amarillo Sky.” Today on WSM/Circle Network’s morning show Coffee, Country and Cody, Ray Herndon, Terry McBride and Billy Thomas announced they are “getting the band back together” and ready to return to some of their favorite stages across the U.S. with tour dates being added everyday and talks of new music in the works. Though the band has been on and off over the past 30 years, its members have thrived through their individual careers. Ray Herndon has served as Lyle Lovett’s lead guitarist since 1985 and has had songs cut by Kenny Chesney, Aaron Tippin, Lee Greenwood, Linda Davis and more, he continues to operate his family’s historic club, Handlebar J, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Terry McBride has had quite a fruitful career, writing major hits for Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Easton Corbin, Cody Johnson and more. He toured with Brooks & Dunn through most of their biggest years playing bass and writing songs. Billy Thomas moved to Nashville from Los Angeles in 1987 and immediately started working with Vince Gill. He’s been Gill’s drummer on the road and in the studio ever since, and even joined him in The Time Jumpers, one of Nashville’s favorite bands. “In the ‘90s McBride & the Ride had an incredible vibe, that vibe is even stronger and better twenty plus years later! Singing these songs again with Terry and Billy is almost Zen-like! To say we are excited to ‘Ride’ again would be an understatement!” said Ray Herndon. “Even though it’s been almost twenty years since we last toured and performed together as McBride & the Ride, the chemistry we once shared is still there and the three part harmony we were known for in the ‘90s is just as strong as it ever was. A lot of bands don’t get a second chance to come back, especially with all of the original members, so we’re going to make the most of it each time we take the stage. We can’t wait to hit the road and share our music with our fans again,” says Terry McBride. “It’s always been easy making music with Ray and Terry. Times have changed, but our fans haven’t! I still run into folks who caught our live show back in the ‘90s and rave about their experience! I’m excited to ride again!” said Billy Thomas. McBride & the Ride Tour Dates: April 9 - Royse City, Texas - Southern Junction April 10 - Granger, Texas - Cotton Country Club April 11 - Boerne, Texas - The Roundup Oct. 10 - Plano, Texas - Love & War in Texas The band’s Terry McBride released his first-ever full-length solo effort last fall, titled Rebels & Angels. Delbert McClinton is prominently featured on this album as well as Patty Loveless on the title track. It was produced by acclaimed producer and songwriter Luke Laird and released by Creative Nation/TMc Records. The title track and first radio single is currently No. 3 at Texas Regional Radio. McBride continues to announce solo tour dates across the country. Listen to Rebels & Angels here and here. Terry McBride Tour Dates: May 6 - Ft. Worth, Texas - The Post May 7 - The Woodlands, Texas - Dosey Doe May 8 - New Braunfels, Texas - Freiheit Country Store May 9 - Kerrville, Texas - The Cailloux Theatre Aug. 5 - San Marcos, Texas - Cheatham Street Warehouse Aug. 7 - Bend, Texas - The Bend General Store Aug. 8 - Plano, Texas - Love & War in Texas #CountryMusic #Texas |
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