Texas Music Journal » Texas CD Release Parties

Long Woodson Plans CD Release Party in Dallas

Sam Moore — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 05:44:36 +0000

Folk-rock duo Long Woodson, whose prolific songwriting has produced two acclaimed concept albums, will play a rescheduled CD Release Show in Dallas in March to mark the release of its second, ROBYVILLE (Robyville Records; Sept. 21, 2010).

Long Woodson, backed by its band, plays at 10 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at City Tavern, 1402 Main St. Tickets are $5; information: 214.745.1402.

ROBYVILLE details a fictional West Texas town full of misfits hiding out from mainstream America, each song written about or from the perspective of one of them. Dark lyrics, harmony hooks and gritty vocals paint a picture of survival and hope behind mandolin, Spanish and acoustic guitars, harmonica, and distorted electric guitar.

ROBYVILLE promises listeners a stimulating journey and a fascinating visit with a colorful cast of characters — with “Nikki,” “Jimi,” “Creole Man” and nine more tracks.

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Bart Crow Band Prepares to Release Live CD

Sam Moore — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 03:08:29 +0000

(Editor’s Note: The following release gives details on the newest live CD being released next month by the Bart Crow Band.)

With over 200 dates a year on schedule and songs consistently rocketing up the Texas music charts, the Bart Crow Band has quickly become one of the most dynamic live bands in the Texas/Red Dirt music scene and beyond. On March 1st Bart Crow will transport fans to the front row of his dynamic live show with the release of BREWSTER STREET LIVE on Winding Road Music.

With three new songs and fourteen familiar hits, it’s the first live album to ever be recorded at Corpus Christi’s famed venue, and the unmistakable excitement from the sold out crowd is organically seared in each track. On Thursday, March 3rd the Bart Crow Band will return to the Brewster Street stage for a special CD Release Party, and fans will have the chance to win exclusive VIP accommodations.

Best in Texas Magazine, the official Texas music publication, is partnering with Bart Crow to celebrate this much anticipated release with a package that includes: four tickets to the event, four meet-n-greet passes to hang with the band, dinner for four at the venue’s restaurant, two rooms for a one night stay at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel and two autographed copies of BREWSTER STREET LIVE! Visit www.bestintexasonline.com for more details. In addition to this Texas-size promotion, Bart Crow will launch two separate contests via his website and Facebook page on February 15th. In keeping with the “live” ambiance, fans can enter the “Bart Crow Cover Contest” at www.bartcrowband.com and the “Live Photo Contest” at www.facebook.com/bartcrowband.

At the heart of a good show are great songs, and Crow is known for his honest and relatable writing. Songs like the No. 1 “Saying Goodbye,” “Run With The Devil,” and “Wear My Ring” are what keeps the Bart Crow Band on the road and on the charts. His personal experiences are woven into each track, from his service in the Army to dealing with family tragedy to just needing to have a good time. Crow trusts his fans to listen to what he has to say, and they trust him to bring them through life’s familiar roller coaster of fear to confidence and tragedy and to redemption. Recorded and engineered by Adam Odor (Dixie Chicks, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Jason Boland, Courtyard Hounds), BREWSTER STREET LIVE is certain to add to the considerable list of rave reviews and accolades that are all across the great state of Texas where Crow has become a household name, and also in premier outlets nationwide. Crow has come by his fan base honestly; his commitment to truth in his songwriting bleeds over into how he runs his business and how he performs. It is no wonder that over 1,000 fans can be heard singing along on BREWSTER STREET LIVE, with thousands more sure to be singing along with this landmark live album.

Long Woodson Preparing for Latest Release

Sam Moore — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:46:12 +0000

Folk-rock duo Long Woodson, the prolific pair whose songwriting prowess extends to book-intricate concept albums, will play a show in Dallas next month to mark the release of its second, ROBYVILLE (Robyville Records; Sept. 21, 2010).

Long Woodson, backed by its band, plays at 10 p.m. Friday, October 15, at City Tavern, 1402 Main St. Tickets are $5; information: 214.745.1402. Luke Wade and No Civilians plays at 11 p.m. Grant Jones and the Pistol Grip Lassos play at midnight.

ROBYVILLE details a fictional West Texas town full of misfits hiding out from mainstream America, each song written about or from the perspective of one of them. Dark lyrics, harmony hooks and gritty vocals paint a picture of survival and hope behind mandolin, Spanish and acoustic guitars, harmonica, and distorted electric guitar.

Matt Long and Gunter Woodson met at The University of Texas and played together in several Austin rock bands. After a time, the duo began to record some of the songs in what has become a growing catalog of co-written material. The result was its first concept album, the acclaimed GIRL UPSTAIRS, which was released in 2009.

ROBYVILLE promises listeners a stimulating journey and a fascinating visit with a colorful cast of characters — with “Nikki,” “Jimi,” “Creole Man” and nine more tracks.
Long Woodson will tour this fall behind the new release.

For more information, visit www.longwoodson.com.

New CD Will Highlight Intersection of Folk and Rock

Sam Moore — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 02:25:47 +0000

Folk-rock duo Long Woodson, the prolific pair whose songwriting prowess extends to book-intricate concept albums, will release its second, ROBYVILLE (Robyville Records; Sept. 21, 2010), with a show in Austin to celebrate just two days later.

Long Woodson backed by its band plays at 10 p.m. Thursday, September 23, at Saxon Pub, 1320 S. Lamar Blvd. Cover is $5; information: 512.448.2552. Matt King will play at 8 p.m. and David Beck at midnight.

ROBYVILLE promises listeners a stimulating journey and a fascinating visit with a colorful cast of characters — with “Nikki,” “Jimi,” “Creole Man” and nine more tracks.

For more information, visit www.longwoodson.com.

Brian Cutean In Austin – CD Release Guitarred and Feathered

Listen — Fri, 07 May 2010 17:02:01 +0000

Brian Cutean was a mainstay of the the Austin music landscape in the 80’s and early 90s regularly featured at places like Chicago House, Maggie Mae’s, The Cactus Café, The Other Side, Folkville and other venerable venues. Now based in the Pacific Northwest, he performs, writes and tours, making a Texas trip once a year in spring.

The Austin concert this year is celebrating his new wordless guitar album, Guitarred and Feathered, just released this March. The concert is Sunday May 16 at Café Caffeine, 909 W. Mary. The concert is from 4:30-7pm and all ages are welcome. Tickets are $5 – $10 sliding scale and no one will turned away for lack of funds. Brian will be accompanied by long time sideman, Austin bassist Robert Vignaud.

After five albums and nearly 30 years of award-winning songwriting, performing wordplay, metafables and stories, the Oregon troubadour’s wordless guitar music is music for mindheartsouls to sing along with. The new recording is one guitar, a whirl of musical ideas and the sound of hands, wound wires and wood. A breather from a world shrill with opinions, instant message me-me-me blogs and 24 hour news chatter, Guitarred and Feathered is universal in every language and the stories it tells belong to everyone.

The album is already getting airplay from more than thirty radio stations around the globe and appeared as album of the week on Amarillo’s High Plains Public Radio in April. Host Johnny Black wrote: “This week’s A-List CD comes to us from a truly original singer/songwriter, Brian Cutean. His new album, Guitarred and Feathered is entirely instrumental and consists of amazing finger-style guitar compositions.”

QTN’s website is www.QTNRG.org. Songs from Guitarred and Feathered are posted for listening at myspace.com/QTNstrumentals. To contact Brian for interviews, more information, or a review CD, email QTNZYME@yahoo.com.

More Words About Wordlessness:

“Guitarred and Feathered soars with a vast array of interesting, creative ideas that are beautifully presented. I quickly forgave Brian for omitting his uniquely brilliant wordplay as his guitar dances, contemplates and jests with QTN magic.” – Mike Meyer, KMHD-fm, Oregon Public Broadcasting

“Guitarred & Feathered is a pleasant surprise from Brian Cutean. Many singer/ songwriters’ ability as musicians are often overshadowed by their focus on writing and singing. This instrumental album shows another side of this musician who can really play guitar and does it well. The album does not sound like he is trying to showcase that talent as much as trying to write great songs where the guitar is the voice instead of his singing voice. Plenty of fine playing too… Highly recommended.” – Terry Currier, Owner, Music Millennium Records

“Brian is one of those rare guitarists who possesses a ‘signature touch’ that can be recognized in a moment. That touch makes no secret of his love affair with the guitar and it bubbles up in each delightful composition on this CD…A splendid piece of work that will always be a jewel in my collection.” – Kelly Mulhollan, Musician, from Still on the Hill

“Brian QTN is a wandering wordplay troubadour whose crafty lyrics and verbal punnery deflects attention from his soulful and sprightly guitar work. At times soothing, at times jaunty and whimsical, QTN’s solo guitar is like a soft feather bed that tickles your sweet spot while welcoming you home.” – Lisa Lepine, ProMOTION

“QTN is the guitarist with one foot in the groove!” – DE Knight, Seraphic Park

Jennifer Grassman’s Serpent Tales & Nightingales CD Release Concert

admin — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:00:49 +0000

Jennifer Grassman will perform a piano/vocal concert to celebrate the release of her 3rd album, Serpent Tales & Nightingales, on Saturday, March 6, 7:00 PM, at Dowling Music Recital Hall, 2615 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas. Tickets are only $10 in advance at www.JenniferGrassman.com or $15 at the door. Dowling will not only provide an elegant and comfortable venue with impeccable acoustics (not to mention a Hamburg Steinway Grand Piano), but will also be filming Jennifer’s concert live! DVDs will be available immediately following the performance.

Please mark your calendars and join us for this momentous occasion! Not only is it Jennifer’s 3rd CD Release, but it’s her 1st Live Concert DVD Shoot! A Reception will immediately follow at The Black Labrador restaurant (about a 5 minute drive from Dowling).

Jennifer Grassman is a Texas based recording artist. She has been touring and recording albums since 2006, and already has won several major awards, including winning Dances With Films in 2008 for her Pretty Girls music video. She has been commended by Tori Amos for her charitable work on behalf of abuse victims, and by President George W. Bush for her patriotic song dedicated to our troops overseas. Bassist and guitarist for Paul McCartney, Brian Ray, said of Grassman’s upcoming album, Serpent Tales & Nightingales, “It all sounds great! Jennifer Grassman has a voice all her own in a world of conformity.”

Grassman composes original piano and vocal songs which embody her own haunting and idiosyncratic style. The media has compared Grassman’s music to that of Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos, Loreena McKennitt, and Enya, while fans have compared her to the likes of Sarah Brightman and Kate Bush. Grassman’s lyrics are often derived from classical literature and real life experiences, such as surviving child abuse and later marrying her best friend, Jason Greenberg, when she was 21. They are happily married and residing in Spring, Texas.

Directions and more information can be found online at www.JenniferGrassman.com, or contact Dowling Music at 713-529-2676.

The Jokers Are a Bit Too Wild

Sam Moore — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:49:18 +0000

By Bianca Montes

Fun is a word often used to describe Jokersdeck. Unfortunately, fun is not what I had at their recent CD release party at La Grange in Deep Ellum.

Dallas natives, Jokersdeck rules the group of bands that throw away all they hype. They just have fun making music. Their latest offering, Me Timbers, a seven-song EP, perfectly nails the entertainment art in a memorable light.

Jokersdeck’s music is fast paced. Their audiences is easily engaged with simple tongue-in-cheek lyrics that are best suited for a live performance. With a packed house and people being turned away at the door, I wondered why I was one of the few people not enjoying the music.

Fun definitely has its place in the music industry. But in my opinion, seven tracks filled with silly lyrics and monotone instrumentation does not equal a good time. While their sound and look might not be what most mainstream labels would jump at, Jokersdeck has still managed to gather quite a fan base in the indie music scene.

“[It is] fun music to listen to any point in time,” said guitarist Steve Shackelford. While most of the band’s line-up at the CD listening party featured lukewarm selections, tracks “What’s my Motivation?” and “Humpty Blues” stood out for opposite reasons.

“What’s my Motivation?” is one of the strongest tracks on the EP. A moderate tempo and almost lethargic vocals start out the selection, leading into a noticeable increase in volume and tempo towards the middle of the song. It is at this moment that lead vocalist Aaron Slaughter belts out the lyrics that down conventional living and laughs in the face of the American dream. As the saving grace of this EP, this politic satire piece urges to give the band another listen.

While “What’s my Motivation?” is lyrically invoking, “Humpty Blues” offers a solid instrumentation that showcases the often hidden musical talent of the band. This piece, too, could serve as a strong social statement. But the opportunity was lost in overly comical lyrics, “a tall banana and a sausage link, they come prepared with a lovely eulogy.”

Whether you appreciate this type of music or not, this band makes no joke when it comes to turning out a crowd and pulling it with the pure joy and excitement that only true Jokersdeck fans can really enjoy.

Reckless Kelly CD Is Now Available

Sam Moore — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:03:18 +0000

(Editor’s Note: Texas Music Journal reviewed this last week, giving it a very favorable report. Following is today’s release information.)
Austin, TX — Reckless Kelly and Yep Roc Records release today the roots-rock band’s new album, the impeccable, ingenious SOMEWHERE IN TIME, but the word is already spreading on the collaboration between the boys and cowboy song legend Pinto Bennett.

Ten years in the making, say RK co-founders Willy and Cody Braun, who count Bennett as both a major musical influence and a family friend, the album, including its first single, “Best Forever Yet,” has been previewing on the band’s Web site as well as tantalizing show audiences across Texas and the Southeast and along the East Coast.

The some-kind-of-love song “Best Forever Yet” debuted in the Top 20 last week on The Texas Music Chart and has climbed to #12 — words by Bennett, with steel and string guitars, fiddle, and whiskey-and-honey vocals applied by Reckless Kelly:
“And now I know that I should tell her
All her tears are gonna get her is wet
But ya know I can’t because she’s the best forever yet”

Ten other songs by Bennett get the RK treatment. Helping out are Joe Ely, Lloyd Maines, Bukka Allen, Mickey Raphael and younger brother Micky Braun. Bennett sings on two of the album’s tracks.

SOMEWHERE IN TIME harkens back to Reckless Kelly’s country roots and back to the seventies, when Idaho native Bennett and his Famous Motel Cowboys toured the Northwest, entertaining the folks and influencing a generation of musicians.

“We’re lucky we get to make records that we like to make,” Cody Braun told The Oklahoman last week. “We tried to still keep that real hardcore cowboy country honky-tonk sound in there as much as we could. … But it’s still a Reckless Kelly record. There’s some pretty good rockers on there.”

Reckless Kelly Texas album release shows and special appearances include:
February 9, Waterloo Records & Video (5 p.m. in-store), Austin
February 10, Lone Star Music (5 p.m. in-store), New Braunfels
February 11, Best Buy (6 p.m. in-store), Burleson
February 11, House of Blues Dallas
February 12, Antone’s, Austin
February 13, Hastings (1 p.m. in-store), College Station
February 13, Texas Hall of Fame, Bryan
February 18, Surf Club Records (5 p.m. in-store), Corpus Christi
February 18, Brewster Street Icehouse, Corpus Christi
February 19, Cactus Records (6 p.m. in-store), Houston
February 19, House of Blues Houston
February 20, Floore’s Country Store, Helotes
February 25, Rockin’ Rodeo, Denton

For more information, visit www.recklesskelly.com.

Eleven Hundred Springs Ready for This Crazy Life

Sam Moore — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:30:20 +0000

Eleven Hundred Springs has a new CD being released next week. “This Crazy Life” will be in stores Tuesday, February 2.

The first single, “Show Me the Money,” is already getting great airplay on the Texas Music Chart, according to Kirtland Records. In support of the new CD, EHS is preparing for This Crazy Week’s work of promotions:

Tuesday 6pm: Hastings in Denton – acoustic performance and meet and greet. 2311 Colorado Blvd., Denton TX
Wednesday 7pm: Matt and Steve on KHYI’s Country Jam Radio Show
Wednesday 7:30pm: Fillmore Pub in Plano, “This Crazy Life” listening party hosted by the band
Friday pm: CD release party at Billy Bob’s Fort Worth

The Texas music band was founded by Steve Berg and Matt Hillyer. With Jordan Hendrix on fiddle, Burton Lee on pedal steel guitar, and Brian Ferguson on drums, Eleven Hundred Springs is growing quickly in popularity, not only in Texas, but around the country.

For more information, visit www.elevenhundredsprings.com.

Old Is New With Reckless Kelly CD

Sam Moore — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 03:08:23 +0000

Very few times in my life have I listened to an album or CD and felt that it was telling a story. But that is exactly what you will hear with Reckless Kelly’s newest release, Somewhere in Time.

The Austin-roots rock band will release the CD at a party on February 11 at the House of Blues in Dallas. Other parties are scheduled throughout the state.

This work answers the question, “What do you get when you take a rocking group of talented artists and give them a collection of songs written and co-written by cowboy song legend Pinto Bennett?” His words, as well as vocals on two songs, combine with Reckless Kelly’s sound to make a simply incredible recording.

Much as a television news producer takes individual stories to build a newscast, Reckless Kelly has likewise built a story with 14 love songs. They vary from ballads to sweet, cautionary songs about steering wheels, whiskey bottles and learning your manners.

The CD’s first song, “Little Blossom,” is likely the most rock-oriented piece. It is a driving, fast-paced tale of a woman who tried many times, never really found love, but still tries every night. It has a bit of “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” sound to it. Starting slowly, then hopping into its quick, foreboding beat, it’s a song that is destined to be a Reckless Kelly favorite. It’s likely the quickest five minutes you will ever hear.

Cody Braun said, “While this is Pinto’s material, this is very much a Reckless Kelly record.” “Little Blossom” is a perfect example.

The country influence in the songs definitely comes through.

“A lot of Texas bands have been pushing country more toward rock,” said drummer Jay Naz. “But to go back to playing real country music turned out to be extremely rewarding for us as a band.”

“The Ballad of Elano DeLeon” is a good example of a song that transitions the listener from the rockish first song to some of the more country sounding songs that follow. “Ballad” is the type of song that would fit very well into a Squeeze playlist.

Several songs have the country feel, based simply on the instruments. “Bird on a Wire” showcases a fiddle solo that is country classic. Seven songs, in fact, feature a steel guitar. This song is fast paced – a modern updating for Reckless Kelly.

No Texas country CD is complete without good old fashioned honky tonk. “The road to hell is paved with good intentions. I had good intentions all along.” Those are the opening lines to “I’ve Done Everything I Could Do Wrong.” It’s always fun to hear what bad things can happen from good intentions – in this case, the singer simply stopped off at a bar to visit some good friends. Of course, this was not a wise decision.

The collection is filled with great stories and very smooth melodies. From the upbeat “Idaho Cowboy,” to the title song, “Somewhere in Time,” the tunes entertain. The Texas two-steppers will certainly dance to the honky tonkish “You Cared Enough to Lie.” The line, “if you never really loved me, you cared enough to lie” is enough to make most cowboys cry in their beer.

The song I kept coming back to was “Thelma,” a reflective, sad ballad. The story teller relates his tale with two singers – including Pinto – in two different times. It’s the story of a man who keeps the fire burning for his love, even though she’s been gone for years and he is gradually growing old.

Is this Texas music? Absolutely. For me, the amazing thing about this CD is it feels new. The songs are not just reworked – they are fresh and current. I didn’t feel like I was listening to old songs at all. That is a tribute to both the lasting durability of the lyrics and melodies, combined with the ability of Reckless Kelly to narrate, translate and entertain.

Somewhere in Time is being produced on the Yep Roc label. Friday night (January 29) fans will get a sneak preview of some of the songs at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth. Singer-songwriter Collin Herring will open. For more information on Reckless Kelly, visit www.recklesskelly.com.

The great songs have staying power. Reckless Kelly has uncovered some real gems in this new release. Perhaps the following lyrics make perfect sense, not only for one person to another, but also perhaps for the music lover and these songs:

Somewhere in time we were lovers.
Somewhere in time we were friends.
Somewhere in time let the world overcome us.
Somewhere in time never ends.

Alternative Rock Band Produces Memorable CD

Sam Moore — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:36:24 +0000

By Bianca Montes, Richland College

It has been a journey for Texas-based rock band Flyleaf. With nearly a decade of touring, 1,296,700 albums sold and a life of 155 weeks on Billboard charts, this band shot straight for the stars and never turned back.

With roots running from Arlington to Temple TX, this alternative rock band played over 100 shows in Texas in a two year span before being recruited by record label, Octone Records in 2004. Their hard work and dedication did not end there. The band went on to tour over 600 shows all-the-while gaining fans in every city.

It has been more than four years since Flyleaf released its self-titled debut album. The album influenced many lives, and I am not the exception. Involving myself with a review is not something I do often, but I think this is a day to play homage to all that Flyleaf has done in my life. Their music played a big part in saving my life, and has opened my eyes to love, forgiveness and grace. When my heart was broken, the lyrics of Flyleaf sang to it while addressing my darkest fears.

Once announced, the sophomore album of Flyleaf entitled Memento Mori became one of the most anticipated and slightly delayed albums of the year. The title, a Latin phrase which calls for people to remember their mortality, and is a perfect fit for this albums message. The urgency found in the debut album of Flyleaf is slightly toned down in Momento Mori’s tone, but once you dive into the lyrics you will find a whole new level of urgency.

The album bursts to life with “Beautiful Bride.” The track contains driving and forceful beats that perfectly capture what Flyleaf has been known for. While the song may not fit entirely with the Memento Mori phrase, the anthem that is just for us, the bride, is beautiful in its own.

Tracks such as “In The Dark,” “Break Your Knees” and “Chasm” hint at the styling we have grown to love from Flyleaf. “Chasm,” a personal favorite, set my heart on fire as I fell into the lyrics and meaning of this song. Based on a story in the Bible (Luke 16:22-31) the song warns that “The Chasm isn’t fixed yet,” and ties in with the reminder to remember our mortality.

“Set Apart This Dream,” an anthem for girls across the world, is said to be based on the book “Wild At Heart” according to lead singer Lacey Sturm; however, I believe it is most likely based on the sequel “Captivating” by John Eldredge and his wife Stasi. The song is a beautiful decree to women and girls to remember that they have been set apart. While the beats are less driving and more melodic the song still packs a powerful message.

The climax for the album shines in the 8th track “Swept Away.” The song starts off hard and ends hard. The lyrics “Evil fell from your pretty mouth, wrapped in your classic voice” are tough and in your face, and they truly showcase the maturity of the band.

Love song, “Treasure” starts out slowly and then builds as the song progresses. The song was written after lead singer Lacey Sturm was proposed to by husband Joshua, and the emotions she felt at that moment. The beauty of the lyrics speaks highly to their love, “Refined I’ll become the most dazzling precious treasure.”

Overall, Memento Mori is a wonderfully pieced together album that weaves a coherent and beautiful story. The album leaves the listener with the sense that all things have an ending, and that while we are fortunate enough to have time now, we must constantly be mindful of our mortality.

Bart Crow Band Prepares for CD Release

Sam Moore — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:23:10 +0000

In advance of its upcoming CD release, the Bart Crow Band will headline a very special show at the Midnight Rodeo in Austin Friday, Oct. 16.

The CD, “Heartworn Tragedy,” will be released on October 27. However, fans can get an advance copy at the Midnight Rodeo, before its release. The record includes the band’s just-released new single, “Saying Goodbye.”

Over the last two years, the Bart Crow Band has risen to the upper echelon of the music industry with two stellar record releases, which garnered 4 Top 10 hits on the Texas Music Chart. In fact, Bart’s first record “Finally” (2005) ranked the best selling record on LoneStarMusic.com for 5 straight months and was nominated for Album of the Year at the My Texas Music Awards.

“I bared it all on this record,” Bart commented. “I opened my heart, exposed my family’s tragedies, and when it was done, I had nothing else to give.”

As a token of gratitude towards their legion of loyal fans, the Bart Crow Band “Heartworn Tragedy” Ultimate Fan Giveaway contest will offer exclusive prizes, including an autographed acoustic guitar, a “Heartworn Tragedy” song book, a New Year’s Eve package for two, a full band acoustic house concert, and one-year free access for two to BCB shows. Five red tickets indicating the winning prize will be hidden inside random copies of the new record and will be available only at live shows and record stores.

The band will also host a special midnight release party and acoustic performance at Hastings in College Station, Texas on October 26th. For more information, visit www.smithmusic.com, www.bartcrowband.com, or www.myspace.com/bartcrowband.

Cracker Barrel Going Chicken Fried

Sam Moore — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:07:54 +0000

(LEBANON, TN/PRNewswire) As Cracker Barrel Old Country Store observes its 40th anniversary of offering up such dishes as meatloaf and chicken fried chicken, the popular family restaurant chain is pleased to join forces with an artist whose career is now taking off, in part because of the popularity of his song, Chicken Fried!

On September 7th, Cracker Barrel will offer an exclusive new version of the Zac Brown Band’s CD The Foundation. In addition to featuring new artwork and two of Zac’s #1 hits, “Chicken Fried” and “Whatever It Is,” this disc includes three previously unreleased recordings, live versions of “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” “Martin,” and “I Shall Be Released.”

“Working with Cracker Barrel on this project makes for a good fit because they understand the importance of good music and good food,” says Zac Brown, who demonstrated his abilities as a chef at his own restaurant in Georgia where he was known for his homemade sauces and good Southern cooking. Zac still cooks when he can, but devotes most of his time to music. That dedication is paying off – The Foundation just recently went platinum, and the Zac Brown Band was named Top New Group by the Academy of Country Music this year and won the 2009 Country Music Television Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year for “Chicken Fried.”

“I’ve known there was something special about Zac Brown since the first time I heard the band,” says Cracker Barrel’s Vice President of Marketing Peter Keiser. “Each band member is a virtuoso and together they have a sound that appeals to fans of a variety of musical styles including, of course, country music. And Zac, born and raised in a small town in Georgia, is as authentic in his musical renderings as a refreshing glass of sweet tea.”

In addition to making his music available to its guests, Cracker Barrel will also be offering “Southern Ground Grub,” a rub and a sauce for cooking meat that is Zac Brown’s own recipe he has shared with his family and friends through the years, as well as a cookbook of Zac’s recipes. These items will be available in the Fall.
This exclusive new version of The Foundation goes on sale at all Cracker Barrel locations on September 7th and is the latest project in a collection of exclusive music available only at Cracker Barrel.