Texas Music Journal » Texas Music Genres

Texas Music Fans Prepare for Double Dose of Murphey

Sam Moore — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:12:07 +0000

LINDEN, TEXAS – The Academy of Texas Music will present ‘Memorial Day Cowboys’ featuring Michael Martin Murphey on Monday, May 28 at The Texas Music Barn, 301 E. Houston St. in Linden, with a second show, ‘The Cosmic Cowboy Revival’ on Wednesday, May 30.

Monday’s events will start at 1:00 p.m. and continue all day with the Michael Martin Murphey concert at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday’s concert will not begin until 8:00 p.m. as Michael Martin Murphey was insistent that the show allowed ticket holders to attend church prior to the concert.

The shows are a continuation of Murphey’s Cosmic Cowboy Revival tour through Texas, starting in mid-May and running through early June. Appearing with Murphey will be Ryan Murphey and Herb Steiner. The Monday show will also feature other cowboy-themed acts including cowboy singer, Grady Lee of Marshall, and cowboy poet and author, Lloyd Shelby of Crosby.

All of the performers have a special connection to the Academy of Texas Music, Inc. Michael Martin Murphey, a member since 2006, has been nominated for several Texas Music Awards and received honors for Song of the Year in 2007, Entertainer of the Year in 2009, and the Carl T. Sprague Award in 2011.

Ryan Murphey, a member since 2009, is also a multiple Texas Music Award nominee and received Producer of the Year honors in 2010 as well as performing at the 2009 and 2012 awards shows.

Herb Steiner was part of the famous Cosmic Cowboy Band reunion concert at the 2009 Texas Music Awards, which staged the popular group including Bob Livingston, Michael Martin Murphey, Craig Hillis, and Gary P. Nunn, for the first time in thirty-seven years. The group has performed several times since the reunion.

Grady Lee and Lloyd Shelby have been members of the Academy since 2001 and 2002, respectively.

Lucky Boyd, Chairman of the Academy of Texas Music, Inc. states, “This will be an intimate listening opportunity. The farthest seat from the stage inside The Texas Music Barn is only thirty-six feet. The sound system is perfect and past attendees have marveled at the sound because it’s tasteful and not too loud. It has been called the best new concert house in Texas and we’re proud of that.”

When asked if he would perform at the Monday event, veteran musician Lucky Boyd remarked, “I’m sure they’ll talk me into it. Whenever there’s a stage, a guitar, and an opportunity to sing to [my wife] Jinelle, I’m there.”

Tickets range from $50 to $65 and can be purchased online at www.texasmusicbarn.com or by calling 800-959-5796 and leaving a message. Only 120 tickets will be sold for each event. The full concession stand will be open with a variety of food choices.

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Texas Music Series Features Don Williams

Sam Moore — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:28:35 +0000

Texas singer-songwriters Max Stalling at Matt Hillyer will perform with the one of the legends who influenced their styles, Don Williams, in the next Threadgill Series Concert in Greenville.

The concert takes place Tuesday, June 19 at 7:30pm in the Greenville Municipal Auditorium.

Williams is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He has had 17 #1 hits. He will celebrate the release of his first album in eight years, with his visit to Greenville to headline the Threadgill series.

Born in Florida in 1939, Williams grew up near Corpus Christi. He was playing guitar by age 12, and performed in bands as a teenager. Between 1974 and 1991, Williams had at least one major hit every year. He was the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year in 1978. His “Tulsa Time” was the ACM Record of the Year for 1979.

“And So It Goes” will be available from Sugar Hill on June 19.

Tickets for the concert are now on sale through the GMA website, www.showtimeatthegma.com or by calling 877-435-9849.

Texas Music Legend Still Recuperating

Sam Moore — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:20:44 +0000

Texas music native and country music Hall of Fame member George Jones is recuperating from upper respiratory infection and continues to rest at his Franklin, Tennessee home.

Although, Mr. Jones is doing much better, doctors are ordering mandatory recovery time forcing all tour dates through May 20th, including the entire Canadian run to be postponed.

Hall and Oates Coming to North Texas Music Venue

Sam Moore — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:29:17 +0000

The number one selling duo in music history, Daryl Hall & John Oates return to North Texas for the first time since 2005 to play Allen Event Center, September 10.

Tickets will go on sale Saturday, April 28, at 10 a.m. through ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or at Allen Event Center Box Office: 200 E. Stacy Road #1350 Allen, TX 75002.

Starting out as devoted disciples of earlier soul greats, Daryl Hall & John Oates are soul survivors in their own right. Undeniably influential in the realm of pop music for their unique fusion of Philly soul and rock ’n’ roll, Daryl Hall and John Oates are revered for their individual songwriting talents, but as a duo, their ageless chemistry, soulful melodies and infectious pop hooks are absolutely legendary.

They have become such musical influences on some of today’s popular artists that a Spin Magazine headline read: “Why Hall and Oates are the New Velvet Underground.” Much like Lou Reed and company, Daryl Hall and John Oates have inspired a wide range of artists including Rob Thomas, John Mayer, Brandon Flowers of the Killers, Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie and Cee Lo Green. One of the most sampled artists today, their impact can be heard everywhere from boy band harmonies to neo-soul to rap-rock fusion.

Signed to Atlantic by Ahmet Ertegan in the 1970’s, Daryl Hall & John Oates’ 1973 debut album, Abandoned Luncheonette, produced by Arif Mardin, yielded the Top 10 single, “She’s Gone,” which also went to #1 on the R&B charts when it was covered by Taveras. The duo recorded one more album with Atlantic, War Babies, (produced by Todd Rundgren) before they were dropped and promptly signed to RCA. Their tenure at RCA would catapult the duo to international superstardom.

From the mid-’70s to the mid-’80s, the duo would score six #1 singles, including “Rich Girl” (also #1 R&B), “Kiss on My List,” “Private Eyes,” “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do) (also #1 R&B), “Maneater” and “Out of Touch” from their six consecutive multi-platinum albums—’76’s Bigger Than Both of Us, ’80’s Voices, ’81’s Private Eyes, ‘82’s H2O, ‘83’s Rock N Soul, Part I and ‘84’s Big Bam Boom. The era would also produce an additional 5 Top 10 singles, “Sara Smile,” “One on One,” “You Make My Dreams,” “Say It Isn’t So” and “Method of Modern Love.”

Daryl also wrote the H&O single “Everytime You Go Away,” which singer Paul Young scored a number-one hit with a cover of the song in 1985.That same year, Daryl and John, participated in the historic “We Are the World” session as well as closing the Live Aid show in Philadelphia.

By 1987, the R.I.A.A. recognized Daryl Hall and John Oates as the Number One Selling Duo in music history, a record they still hold today. More recent accolades include being honored with the Icon Award during BMI’s 56th annual Pop Awards in 2008. The award has previously gone to the Bee Gees, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Paul Simon, Brian Wilson, Willie Nelson, James Brown, Ray Davies, Carlos Santana and Dolly Parton.

Daryl Hall’s latest project is an award-winning monthly web series (and nationally syndicated TV show), Live from Daryl’s House, Live from Daryl’s House. Past episodes of Live From Daryl’s House have featured a mix of well-known performers like T and the MGs, Blind Boys of Alabama, Rob Thomas, Train, Cee Lo Green, Smokey Robinson, The Doors’ Robby Krieger, and Ray Manzarek, Toots Hibbert, Nick Lowe, K.T. Tunstall, Todd Rundgren, Keb Mo, Dave Stewart, Goo Goo Dolls’ John Rzenik and Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump along with newcomers such as Nikki Jean, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Eric Hutchinson, Chromeo, Matt Nathanson, Parachute, Plain White T’s, Allen Stone, soul diva Sharon Jones, Diane Birch, Fitz & the Tantrums, Neon Trees and Guster.
In the fall of 2008, John Oates released his critically acclaimed solo album, 1000 Miles of Life. John dedicated the album to three inspired individuals who had recently passed away, but were major influences in his career—producer Arif Mardin (who produced Hall & Oates’ first two albums on Atlantic Records), Jerry Lynn Williams (a writer who contributed songs to Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt and B.B. King, among others) and his original guitar mentor Jerry Ricks, who introduced him to the roots blues/folk scene in Philadelphia in the late ‘60s.

In April of 2011, John Oates released his solo album, Mississippi Mile on Elektra Records. People Magazine gave the album 3 out of 4 stars. Five months later, Daryl released another solo album, Laughing Down Crying, on Verve Records. The albums have received critical acclaim from such outlets as the Huffington Post, Spinner and Pop Matters, who said of Laughing Down Crying: “With the songs that make up this fine collection of American soul and pop music, Hall proves that with the pen and at the mic, his voice is more than capable of reaching the depths and heights of emotional truth.”

Most recently, Daryl Hall & John Oates released their first box set, Do What You Want, Be What You Are: The Music of Daryl Hall & John Oates. The box set marks the first comprehensive multi-CD, multi-label deluxe box set compilation ever assembled from their entire career’s work, four CDs containing 74 tracks (16 of them previously unreleased).

For more information about Daryl Hall and John Oates’ upcoming performance at Allen Event Center on September 10, visit alleneventcenter.com. Tickets go on sale Saturday, April 28, at 10 a.m. through ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or at Allen Event Center Box Office: 200 E. Stacy Road #1350 Allen, TX 75002.

Texas Music Star Releases New Single

Sam Moore — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:17:44 +0000

Texas music star Neal McCoy has released his new single, “Shotgun Rider”, which is being added to radio station playlists nationwide. This latest single is from Neal’s twelfth career album, appropriately titled XII, which was produced by Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert and renowned guitarist Brent Rowan.

Written by hit songwriters Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, Keith Anderson and Ben Hayslip, “Shotgun Rider” is an uptempo, feel-good song about asking your girl to take a ride in your truck and spending time together.

“No matter how far or how short the drive, it’s always better to have someone you really like, Ridin’ Shotgun with you, than going it alone,” commented McCoy about the new single.

Texas Music Club Also Wins at ACM Awards

Sam Moore — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:15:35 +0000

By Sam Moore

When I heard that the Eli Young Band had won an ACM Award for its song, “Crazy Girl,” I contacted our friends at Billy Bob’s Texas to get their comment. After all, the band had debuted the song on the stage of the world’s largest honky tonk.

Little did I know that Billy Bob’s had a prize of its own!

The ACM Club of the Year Award went to Billy Bob’s Texas. I found out from Pam Minick. She said they were in the audience Sunday night in Las Vegas. That must have been an incredible experience. She said they are excited about their award. They are also very proud of the Denton band, who chose to use Billy Bob’s to launch “Crazy Girl.”

“We are so proud of The Eli Young Band on their ACM song of the year award for ‘Crazy Girl,’” said Pam. ” Watching them grow as the ‘hometown’ favorites here in the Fort Worth area has been an incredible journey. ‘Crazy Girl’ was well received by the audience on New Years Eve 2010 here at Billy Bob’s, and the nation got on the Eli Young ‘Bandwagon’! We look forward to their continued success and appearances here at The World’s Largest Honky Tonk.”

Daughter of Jones and Wynette Upset Over Tombstone Change

Sam Moore — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:47:59 +0000

The following story comes from cmt.com.

Tammy Wynette’s children say they are very upset over the decision to change the name on her tombstone.

The country singer, who died in 1998, was born Virginia Wynette Pugh, and last year the name on her grave in Tennessee was changed from her stage name to Virginia W Richardson, the title she took when she married George Richey, whose birth name was Richardson.

Wynette’s daughter Georgette Jones-Lennon, from the star’s marriage to George Jones, was told about the alteration by her stepsister Deirdre Richardson-Hale and thought it was just a temporary measure. She also believed the change stemmed from a legal dispute with Richey’s widow, Sheila, whom he married after Wynette’s death.

She tells CMT.com, “Deirdre called my sister and relayed a message to her that it would be legally necessary — just temporarily — for us to change Mom’s name to her maiden name and that (the change) was in regard to things that were going on regarding Sheila, Richey’s widow.

“We did agree, but we wanted Mom’s name to be changed temporarily to her maiden name, which we thought was going to be ‘Virginia Wynette Pugh.’ Of course, as you can see, it was changed to ‘Virginia W Richardson,’ which was not what we agreed to. … I won’t speak for all of us, but I can say my sisters Tina, Jackie and myself are very upset.”

Sheila Richey has also revealed she is angry about the name change, adding, “Sadly, I cannot tell you the reasons why my stepdaughter, Deirdre, would have requested (cemetery officials) to desecrate the resting place of this world-renowned country legend. My late husband, George Richey, had the name her fans knew, Tammy Wynette, placed there after she died in 1998. Over this issue and others, Deirdre and I no longer speak.”

Bugs Henderson Dies

Sam Moore — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 17:07:41 +0000

(Editor’s Note: The following story comes from the Fort Worth Star Telegram)

FORT WORTH — Bugs Henderson was about as linked into the Dallas-Fort Worth music scene as you could get.

The guitarist, who grew up in Tyler and formed his first band when he was 16, was a fixture at Fort Worth clubs such as The Cellar and J&J’s Blues Bar and Arlington’s Fatso’s.

But Mr. Henderson, who died Thursday of cancer at age 68, played with big names as well — B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Ted Nugent. His guitar prowess made him a star in Europe, but he was happy to live the modest life in Texas, where he could spend time with his family and have control over his music.

“A lot of my fans think I don’t want to make it or I’m perfectly content and don’t want any more,” Mr. Henderson told the Star-Telegram in 1994. “It’s partially true — I’m not waiting for the phone to ring or worrying if I’m going to be on MTV. I’m not obsessed with it. If you have a job you love, you’re way ahead of the game.”

After Mr. Henderson received a cancer diagnosis last year, area musicians banded together in support. He was supposed to play a Dec. 9 gig at Fort Worth’s McDavid Studio, but when news of his cancer came out, the show became a benefit for him featuring Dave Millsap, the Stratoblasters, Bill Hamm, Jay Boy Adams, Junior & the Journeymen, Danny Sanchez and Buddy Whittington. Another benefit was just this past Sunday at Dallas’ Palladium Ballroom.

Millsap, a Fort Worth-based singer-guitarist, said he first encountered Mr. Henderson in the 1970s when he and a friend went to see Delbert McClinton in Dallas. Mr. Henderson was sitting in, and Millsap and his friend were astounded.

“A couple of years ago, he asked me to play on one of his records,” Millsap said. “At the end of the session, he was paying me, and he was saying … ‘I wish I could pay you more, this isn’t much.’ I said, ‘Are you kidding me? If you told me 30 years ago that I’d be standing here receiving money for playing on your record, I would’ve told you you were dreaming, man.’”

Mr. Henderson was born in Palm Springs, Calif., on Oct. 20, 1943, and grew up in Tyler. According to his website, when he was a teenager, he would sneak out of the house to watch bands play in Tyler joints. He formed his own band, the Sensores, when he was 16. He later joined a friend, Ronnie Weiss, in Mouse and the Traps.

Mr. Henderson’s real name was Buddy, but he earned the nickname Bugs while playing in the band, and it stuck. Mr. Henderson moved to Dallas-Fort Worth in the 1970s, eventually forming his own band, the Shuffle Kings.

Mr. Henderson had a reputation for helping out younger musicians. Danny Ross, owner of the southwest Fort Worth club Keys Lounge and a blues musician himself, remembers seeing Mr. Henderson with one of his bands, Fancy Space & the Rockin’ Rhythm Daddies, when Ross was in college at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches.

“I was just learning to play,” Ross said. “I went up and asked him, ‘Do you care if I sit in?’ ‘No, come on!’ And people don’t do that. Even if you’re good, a lot of bands don’t want you doing that. But he let me set up my piano by him and just jam.”

Ross said that when Mr. Henderson played the Keys Lounge last year, Ross reminded him of the incident, and Mr. Henderson said he remembered it.

Millsap remembered that at a benefit a few years ago, he and James Pennebaker were playing guitar, and Mr. Henderson came onstage, stretched out his arms and played both their guitars — while they were playing them.

“He was a bluesman to the core,” Millsap said. “That’s why Freddie King and Eric Clapton loved him so much. But Bugs took it a little further out of the box. Bugs was a showman. He was a hell of a guitar player, but he could put on a show, too”

Several videos of Mr. Henderson playing live, as well as recordings of Mouse and the Traps, are available on YouTube. Videos are also available on Mr. Henderson’s website, www.bugshenderson.com

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/03/10/3800606/bugs-henderson-local-blues-guitar.html#storylink=cpy

Sarah Jaffe Releases New Single

Sam Moore — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 21:44:34 +0000

Texas music sensation Sarah Jaffe has released a sneak preview of her new album.

Called “The Body Wins,” the collection features the track “Talk.” The first single, “Glorified High,” was released Tuesday. It is now available for download from iTunes and Amazon.

This has been a busy week for Jaffe. In addition to the release, she has joined with New Multitudes for a handful of West Coast dates. She will head back to Texas in time for SXSW. She also has appearances at The Parish in Austin on May 4 and the Granada in Dallas on May 5.

Eli Young Band Tops Texas Music Charts

Sam Moore — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:32:22 +0000

The incredible roll that the members of the Eli Young Band find themselves in is still going strong.

“Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” their latest release, has already reached the top of the Texas music charts. This follows the success of “Crazy Girl,” the Denton-based group’s first national number-one hit.

To see the entire chart results for this week, visit http://www.texasmusicchart.com/Pages/Chart.htm.

Miranda Lambert Releases Emotional New Video

Sam Moore — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:45:36 +0000

Miranda Lambert’s emotional new video of the song “Over You” was released today.

The song was co-written by her and husband Blake Shelton about the death of his brother Richie when Blake was just 14. Both have called it one of the most personal songs they’ve ever written. The song’s lyrics became even more potent to the couple in recent weeks as they went through the loss of Blake’s father and then a close friend of Miranda’s.

In the video, Miranda is seen wearing a vintage dress, walking through the woods on a cold, snowy day. Two little boys are playing together around her, likely symbolic of Blake and Richie, when one disappears. A beautiful white horse then joins Miranda on her walk which ends in an old cemetery where she grieves her loss.

To watch the video, cut and paste the following address into your web browser:

http://blog.gactv.com/blog/2012/03/01/watch-miranda-lamberts-over-you-video/?nl=GAC_030112_Sub1_image&sni_mid=31371&sni_rid=31371.401.121528

Songwriters Enjoy Texas Music in Allen Performance

Sam Moore — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 23:01:00 +0000

What do you get when you put several songwriters in a room at the same time? A celebration of music. And that is exactly what happened in Allen at the public library auditorium last week.

The event was sponsored by Texas Roadhouse of McKinney and Bach to Books. It featured Austin Cunningham, Zane Williams, Kylie Rae Harris, Brad Allen and Michael Prysock.

As a special treat, Bette Winkler Hodges, daughter of the late songwriter Ray Winkler, discussed her father’s collaboration with the late Jim Reeves to compose the hit “Welcome to My World.”

Prysock’s songs reflected his Arkansas upbringing, focusing on the importance of family. Allen’s entertaining stage presence contributed to his popularity to the capacity crowd. He was introduced as a cross between Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie.

The highlights of the evening came from the last three performers. From her first guitar strum, the 22-year-old Harris captivated the audience with her strong vocals and well-crafted lyrics. She also joined Williams to provide beautiful backup vocals on one of his songs, “Pablo and Maria.” And Williams kept everyone entertained, especially with his popular version of “99 Bottles of Beer.”

Cunningham was the headliner, and was fantastic. Not only were his songs incredible, but his banter with the audience kept everyone laughing. He told everyone he was selling CDs out front for $2,500 each. His goal was to sell one!

Cunningham’s songs included “Mother’s Day,” a song he has yet to record, but is dedicated to his mother. Others were “Made to Last” and “Juan’s Drunk Again.”

Zane Williams Follows Long Path to Texas Music Success

Sam Moore — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:21:53 +0000

By Sam Moore

It’s funny. Songwriters succeed by telling great stories. Yet they often have difficulty telling their own story. Such is not the case with Zane Williams, who did a fantastic job of outlining his life’s adventure during a performance Monday night at Collin Creek College in Plano.

Williams’ two latest CDs, “The Right Place” (produced by Radney Foster) and “Ride With Me,” have planted him firmly in the list of most popular Texas singer-songwriters. But it took a lengthy stay in Nashville for him to realize how much he loves Texas.

He grew up in a non-musical family. He learned how to play the piano, but did not learn the guitar until he was a senior in high school. After graduating college with a math degree, he decided that math was not in the numbers.

“I decided to move to Nashville and make it big,” he said, a seemingly simple and easy plan.

Williams knew no one in Nashville, and started from scratch. He rented a room for $300 a month. He got a job operating a weedeater.

“When you’re running a weed whacker,” he said, “you have plenty of time to write songs in your head.”

It was during this period that he composed “Hurry Home.” But rather than have an established artist record it, Williams wanted it for himself. He didn’t want a publishing deal. He wanted to be the next Garth Brooks.

Eventually, Williams learned that the best way to success was by writing for someone else. So he got a publishing deal. Through a series of misadventures, “Hurry Home” eventually landed with Jason Michael Carroll. The song cracked the Country Top 20, several years after it was written. And what exactly did that mean?

“I made $240,000 the first year of its release,” Williams bragged.

The money also gave him the freedom to do something he really wanted. After what he called an almost 8-year struggle in Nashville, Williams and his wife bought a house and moved to McKinney TX. He never felt that he was a part of the Nashville scene. The Lone Star State was a different story.

“When we moved, I knew I was part of the Texas country mainstream.”

With the help of generous airplay of his songs on 95.3 The Range, Williams has managed to make a good living with shows in Texas. He has mainly toured solo shows, but is looking forward to having a tour with a full band.

Zane Williams has been working through 20 years of blood, sweat and tears. And he now proudly wears the tag “overnight success.”
For information, visit zanewilliamsmusic.com.

Dallas Symphony Going International

Sam Moore — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:48:47 +0000

Editor’s Note: The following story comes courtesy of the Dallas Morning News.

Recordings of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will be distributed internationally by the Naxos label, one of the world’s largest sources of classical CDs and DVDs.

A three-year partnership was announced at a meeting Wednesday at the Meyerson Symphony Center.

Naxos will distribute CDs of DSO recordings on the orchestra’s own DSO Live label, and make them available for download. Releases so far, all led by music director Jaap van Zweden, include Beethoven’s Fifth and Seventh symphonies and Tchaikovsky’s Fourth and Fifth Symphonies, Capriccio italien and Mozartiana Suite.

A recording of the DSO’s world premiere of Steven Stucky’s August 4, 1964, with soloists and the Dallas Symphony Chorus, is scheduled for later this month. Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony and Rococo Variations will be recorded in concerts this week and in May.

“It is very important for us to be out there,” van Zweden said at the meeting. “This orchestra works tremendously. We have a fantastic marriage. I’m so happy that the day has come that we will be more visible.”

With the fragmentation of the recorded-music market, what used to be major record labels now issue far fewer orchestral recordings than in glory days 50 years ago. Because European orchestras are cheaper to record, even top American orchestras have rarely been represented on major labels for years. The DSO released numerous recordings on the independent Delos label during Andrew Litton’s tenure as music director, but that relationship ended with Litton’s 2006 resignation, and Delos has had a much lower profile since then.

More and more orchestras — notably the San Francisco, Chicago and London orchestras — are producing and releasing CDs on their in-house labels. Relationships with commercial labels such as Naxos and Harmonia Mundi offer international distribution and marketing.

Founded as a budget label, Naxos has grown into a leading producer and distributor of classical-music recordings.

Eddie Money To Help Raise Money for Levitt

Sam Moore — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:26:44 +0000

The Levitt Pavilion in Arlington is preparing to embark on a paraphrase of an old saying: You have to use Money to make money.

Eddie Money burst onto the music scene in 1977 with a double platinum debut album that featured hits like Baby Hold On and Two Tickets to Paradise. Fans fell in love with Eddie’s sound, and success soon followed with a stream of Top 40 hits. The Levitt Pavilion is proud to host a true rock legend this summer when Chesapeake Energy presents Eddie Money on Saturday, June 23, for the pavilion’s benefit concert.

In addition to his Top 40 hits, Money is known for some of the era’s most creative videos for songs like Think I’m in Love and Shakin’. Then, in 1986, Eddie released the classic, Grammy-nominated duet with Ronnie Spector, Take Me Home Tonight, which reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and still receives regular air time on oldies radio stations across the country.

The Eddie Money concert will include a $150 VIP ticket that includes dinner before the show plus VIP seating at the concert. Individual tickets for the concert only will be $25. Tickets for the benefit dinner and the concert go on sale through the Levitt Pavilion’s website, www.levittpavilionarlington.org and by phone April 16. Ticket sales for the benefit concert help raise funds for the Levitt Pavilion to produce 50 free concerts a year.

The June 23 benefit concert is during the Texas Power 2012 Summer Concert Series at the Levitt Pavilion, which opens May 25. The Eddie Money concert is the only summer concert that requires a ticket purchase.

Texas Minister Mourns Loss of Whitney Houston

Sam Moore — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:45:36 +0000

The death today of Whitney Houston in Beverly Hills is bringing reaction from around the world. Included is that from a well-known name in Texas.

The Rev. TD Jakes, of Dallas, is the producer of “Sparkle,” the unreleased film that critics believed might help relaunch Houston’s acting career. She had a leading part in the remake of the ‘70s classic, alongside Jordin Sparks.

Rev. Jakes released the following statement this evening:

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely passing of Whitney Houston, whom we were blessed to have just completed work with on the remake of the film “Sparkle.” We ask the world to join us in lifting up Whitney’s family in prayer and ask God for their strength and comfort during this devastatingly difficult time. At the apex of her career, Whitney had no peer, with a voice that shaped a generation. She has left behind a musical and film legacy that will endure…. she will be sorely missed by us all.”

“Sparkle” is set for an August release.

Josh Grider – Live at Billy Bob’s

John South — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:00:45 +0000

Checking out the website for Josh Grider, you find that he loves writing songs and he loves playing for people. This was evident as he was tapped the first winner of the Live at Billy Bob’s Texas Recording Contest. He beat out 41 other contestants. Given the quality of the talent participating in the event, one can appreciate that this was no small feat.

Grider wrote all of the songs on this Live at Billy Bob’s album which from first track to last is quite a treat. The opening track, South of the Border, opens the album with a rhythm that pulls you in quickly, particularly with the brief rest in the refrain that has you hanging on for the next note. From there, the album just gets better with mixtures of styles, rhythms and tonalities.

Slow again uses great rhythms, balladic lyrics, and Grider’s melodic delivery that treats the listener to some real Texas ear candy. Stumbling on the Edge of Greatness has a much more complex lyrical pattern that borders on almost too busy, but when the song hits the refrain, Grider pulls the song together with his vocal craft and rhythmic variations. Overall the song comes together in the end; but it’s complexities may be a bit much for some listeners.

War with Myself opens and ends with amazing a cappella harmonies. It also features accomplished acoustic work in the instrumental solos. The lyrics are telling in that if “you are war with yourself, you’re bound to lose”. True words.

Meet in the Middle features the vocals of Josh and Kristi Grider. Her mountain timbre contrasts well with his melodic voicing. This is one of the top three tracks on the album.

City of Crosses brings us a different variation on Grider’s musical delivery. With droning violin and dark percussion in the background, Grider tells a darker story of having left the City of Crosses and yearning to go back, where he hopes redemption will be waiting for him – the lyrics are deep with the music creating a sombre, almost yearning, scene.

Josh Grider defines the characteristics of the country sound in Texas. In fact, by the end of the first track, you realize that you are listening to one of the future stars in Texas music.

For further information about Josh Grider, visit his website at www.joshgrider.com or check out Grider and the other great musicians at Smith Entertainment’s website, wwww.smithmusic.com. For more details on the album, or Grider, contact Dawn Gardin at dawn@smithmusic.com.

Tribute to Waylon and His Music Now Available

Sam Moore — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:48:11 +0000

WAYLON: The Music Inside, Volume II is available in stores and on iTunes today, February 7, via Average Joes Entertainment. Country duo Montgomery Gentry and Waylon Jennings’ widow Jessi Colter are set for several national television appearances taking place over the next few weeks including CMT Insider, GAC On The Streets, GAC Headline Country and The Daily Buzz.

Montgomery Gentry and Colter each perform a classic Waylon Jennings hit on the newly released tribute album, the second volume in the three-part series dedicated to one of country music’s greatest outlaws. Additional artists include Dierks Bentley, Hank Williams, Jr., Justin Moore, Josh Thompson, Jack Ingram, Jewel, Colt Ford, Pat Green and Wyatt McCubbin.

The artists involved in the making of Volume II couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of the project and have expressed their deep adoration for Jennings and the impact he had on the industry. “The thing about him (Waylon), or me… we’re not going to put ourselves in a pigeonhole,” says Hank Williams, Jr. “We’re not going to say, we’re country. We’re not going to do that. We play music.”

Josh Thompson notes, “Waylon was the reason I picked up a guitar in the first place. Loving that music drove me to play and that’s why it was important for me to be on this record.”

“I don’t know why certain people can just see what’s needed and do it,” says Jessi Colter on the legacy of her late husband. “Those people are the starters, the leaders, the movers-and-shakers. He was a leader.”

The Oak Ridge Boys and a Texas Music Surprise

Sam Moore — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:19:59 +0000

By Sam Moore

In an environment of relaxed excitement, the Oak Ridge Boys delivered their smooth harmonies in a great performance Thursday night at the Allen Event Center.

For the audience, it was like a visit with old friends – not just the Boys, but the songs themselves. The show opened with “The Boys Are Back,” the title track – written by Scooter Jennings – from one of their recent albums. Then the hits started rolling. First, it was “One in a Million.” Others, such as “Y’All Come Back Saloon,” “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight,” and the beautifully peaceful “Dream On” soon followed. William Lee Golden, he of the baritone voice and mountain man hair, sang his inspiring “Thank God for Kids.” He even paid tribute to his age, ending the tune with “and grandkids, too.”

Lead singer (if this group can actually have a lead singer) Duane Allen is from Taylortown. He and his wife support a scholarship program for music students at Texas A&M. Tenor Joe Bonsall pointed out Allen’s Texas heritage. He said, “No matter what happens, if we sing in Texas, we’ll always have a good size crowd out there.”

In addition to their traditional hits, the Oak Ridge Boys sang several songs from some of their later works, including their current album – available at Cracker Barrel. And to show they remember their traditional gospel roots, they performed an incredible rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Of course, no Oak Ridge Boys concert would be complete without their final two numbers: “Elvira” and “Bobby Sue.” Both songs featured Richard Sterban, the man with the world’s deepest voice (Can you say “oom-papa”?). The audience members were on their feet, clapping and singing along. It was a great ending to a great night.

And what was the Texas music surprise? It was an opening set by Texas singer-songwriter Drew Womack. He surprised many of those in attendance when he played a monster hit that he penned – “She Got It All” (Kenny Chesney’s first number-one hit) as well as “I Hope You Dance” (Drew’s Sons of the Desert Band was featured on the song as a duet, and won several awards with Lee Ann Womack).

Drew Womack

Despite playing an acoustic set, accompanied only by a drummer, Womack produced a much larger, richer sound than anyone expected. It is a sign of his excellence at what he does, and his ability to deliver a quality product to his listeners.

Credit also goes to the Allen Event Center. The acoustics in this arena are amazing. It really is a perfect place for performers to perform, and for audiences to enjoy the shows. The ushers are helpful and friendly. Even the food is good!

What is a sign that the concert was good? Afterward, while standing in line at In-N-Out Burger, I overheard several men talking about what a great show they just witnessed. One couple talked about how it had been 31 years since their first date – an Oak Ridge Boys concert. Tonight’s show was over, but the memories are still going strong.

Sarah Jaffe Prepares for New Album Release

Sam Moore — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:53:50 +0000

New York, NY – Sarah Jaffe is thrilled to announce the April 24th release of her new full-length studio album – The Body Wins – on Kirtland Records. The new album was produced by John Congleton (St. Vincent, Explosions in the Sky, Wye Oak, etc.) and is the follow up to her critically acclaimed debut full-length Suburban Nature which earned raves from New York Times, USA Today Pop Candy, Paste, and NPR among others.

As Jaffe gears up for the release of The Body Wins, she will be performing select dates across the US in February and March. She kicks things off on February 5th with Lucinda Williams, John Hiatt, Rhett Miller of the Old ‘97s, The Civil Wars and more on the Camayo Cruise. Shortly after, Jaffe will head up to NYC for a special show at the Mercury Lounge on February 22nd where she’ll be playing songs from The Body Wins. Then out to the West Coast where she joins up with Guthrie (Jay Farrar, Will Johnson, Jim James, and Anders Parker) for a handful of dates before heading back to Texas for this year’s SXSW.

It’s been nearly two years since Jaffe released her debut album Suburban Nature and these dates will give her a chance to play songs from The Body Wins live. A few songs on the new album were included in an earlier incarnation on the September 2011 CD/DVD release – The Way Sound Leaves a Room. However, expect the unexpected as Sarah has left her acoustic guitar behind (for the most part) and really developed the demos into riveting new songs which can all be found on the forthcoming album The Body Wins – out April 24th on Kirtland Records. Confirmed dates are below and visit http://sarahjaffe.com/ for the most up to date information.

Confirmed Dates:
Feb.     5th-12th             Camayo Cruise w/ Lyle Lovett, Lucinda Williams & More.
22nd                  Mercury Lounge         New York, NY
Mar.    6th                    The Fillmore*              San Francisco, CA
7th                    Avalon*                       Los Angeles, CA
9th                    Crystal Ballroom*       Portland, OR
10th                  Showbox*                    Seattle, WA
13th – 18th        SXSW                           Austin, TX
*With Guthrie

Two Texas Music Acts Teaming Up for Tour

Sam Moore — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:56:47 +0000

Austin, TX — Hit country recording artist Kyle Park, watching while the title track of his latest album, MAKE OR BREAK ME (September 2011), makes waves on both The Texas Music Chart Top 10 and Texas Regional Radio Report Top 10, will team up with country rocker Cody Johnson in January, February and March 2012 to tour regionally.

Johnson — who describes himself as “Texas, outlaw, country, cowboy” and whose “Diamond in My Pocket” from his latest album, A DIFFERENT DAY, is at #17 on the Texas Regional Radio Report — starts the tour with Park on Jan. 19, 2012, in San Marcos, Texas. Dates continue into March.

The complementary pair of high-energy entertainers recently agreed to hit the road together on the Park/Johnson Dancin’ & Drinkin’ Tour, which will feature full-band sets by each, an acoustic song swap and a finale with both entertainers. Park and Johnson have seen regional success from radio and fans that support them by calling radio stations and requesting their music and packing clubs for their live performances.

“Make or Break Me,” the first single from Park’s album, has already cracked the Top 10 on The Texas Music Chart, reaching #3. Written by Park and his friend Ryan Beaver, it earned the attention of Robert K. Oermann of MusicRow.com, who called the upbeat love song “listenable in the extreme.”

The Park/Johnson Dancin’ & Drinkin’ Tour promises a great evening of dynamite music, a sort of “two-fer” of talent, and a rare opportunity for Park and Johnson fans to see them both in full-out shows in dancehalls and larger venues this spring.

Park/Johnson Tour dates include:
Jan. 19, 2012, Cheatham Street Warehouse, San Marcos
January 20, Big Texas, Webster
January 26, Casablanca’s, Laredo
January 27, Harry’s, College Station
February 2, Glass Cactus, Grapevine
February 3, Big Texas, Spring
February 10, Midnight Rodeo, San Angelo
February 11, City Limits, Stephenville
February 15, Shenanigan’s, Huntsville
February 16, Dixie Dancehall, Beaumont
February 17, Midnight Rodeo, Austin
February 22, Electric Cowboy, Tyler
February 23, Denim & Diamonds, Wichita Falls
February 24, Midnight Rodeo, Amarillo
February 25, Wild West, Lubbock
March 1, Crazy Town, Joplin, Mo.
March 2, Tumbleweed Dancehall, Stillwater, Okla.
March 3, Wormy Dog, Oklahoma City

From Christmas Tree Farm to Texas Music Stage

Sam Moore — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:23:51 +0000

By Sam Moore, Texas Music Reporter

D.J. Miller is an unusual person. He has 20 years’ experience in country music stage performance. What makes him unusual is he is only 22 years old.

Miller, a native of Indiana, will appear at Billy Bob’s Texas on Sunday, as part of the Wolf’s 12 Man Jam. That lineup includes Texas’ Eli Young Band, with whom Miller appears at times across the country.

For the past year, Miller has been conducting an extensive radio station tour. He has visited 48 states and more than 250 stations, promoting his current single, “Between Sundays.” It currently sits at number 24 on the Music Row chart. The video of the song debuted at number six on the DMT Pure’s Top 12 Countdown last week.

“It’s a song that pushes the philosophy and walking the walk and talking the talk,” said Miller. “So many people say ‘I went to church on Sunday, so I’m good to go,’ just to feel better about themselves. But what is really important is what you do between Sundays.”

The song was originally going to another artist. But Miller said it grabbed him once he heard it. It promoted the morals and values that he grew up on.

“It reminded me of my family, especially my grandpa. He worked the farm every day and helped everyone without wanting anything in return. And now, that song has the same impact on my audience. And I really want to record and perform for my audience.”

He learned a lot about videos during the production phase for “Between Sundays.”

“This was my first video,” Miller commented. “I didn’t know what to expect. But it turned out great. Now it has been nominated for a best new artist video award (Yallwire Video Music Awards).”

Of course, D.J. Miller is not really a new artist. So how did Miller get so much experience so soon?

He told TMJ, with a laugh, “I have been on the stage since I was 2. My dad had a country rock band – it was really a family band. So naturally, I grew up in the country atmosphere.”

Miller was a huge fan of Garth Brooks. He has studied him and his performance techniques. As a result, members of a D.J. Miller audience will often see a wild, hot-paced and energetic performance. Ironically, Miller has actually attended just one Garth concert, “one of the benefit shows after the Nashville flood.” And he has never met his boyhood idol. “I don’t know what I will do when I do finally meet him,” he said.

One of the other major factors that has helped make D.J. Miller who he is today is the fact that he grew up on a farm. It was not just any old farm – it was a Christmas tree farm. That experience helped humble him.

He said, “In any kind of musical profession, you want to stay humble. Working on the tree farm with my dad, we didn’t have any air conditioning in the summer or heat in the winter. We were roughing it, and that helped keep me grounded and down to earth. It gives me that kind of push that I really AM country. I live in the sticks and I’m used to coming home with dirt under my nails. I am definitely NOT a New York City cowboy.”

That is one of the things Miller loves about coming to Texas. At some places he performs around the country, he may be the only one wearing boots. But in Texas, he feels right at home. He loves the boots, the hats, the horses, the Wranglers, the cattle, and – of course – the fans.

“It’s really a big honor to come to Texas and play at a place like Billy Bob’s,” he replied. “You don’t have to explain to anybody anywhere in the country when you are performing there. It’s fun to see people’s faces light up when you tell them. It’s kind of like one of those Grand Ole Opry scenes. It’s just one of those awesome places to make you proud to say you play there.

“And there is one thing I learned right away when I played there last year. The fans are rowdy and they love their music. If they like you, they will make you feel welcome and take care of you. They told me last year that they had never heard of me before, but they loved my music. That really makes me feel good.”

This year, those fans will get a taste of some new songs. In addition to the single, Miller has been working hard on a new CD. It will be released in early 2012. And Miller says that, despite the trend of pushing just single releases, he is excited about the CD.

“Not everyone is plugged in to iTunes,” he said. I’m 22 years old. I have a bunch of friends who keep CD collections in their cars. If you really like an artist for his music, you will want to have everything he does.”

At 22, Miller is living the dream that so many people have. So what is his advice to others?

“You need to get writing. It is a huge thing in this career. Don’t give up and just keep pushing. I can tell you, the songwriting really helps get things started.”

For now, Miller will continue hitting the road and gaining exposure. He has some concerts lined up for next year. He believes that if you are not on the road, you aren’t doing a very good job of getting your name out there. And as he finishes up his radio tour, he is planning to hit the colleges in 2012.

Miller also has some ambitious long term goals.

“I’m going to cross my fingers,” he said. “But I want to have a few Entertainer of the Year awards. That is something I really do want. I want my songs out there, and I want to be a headliner on the road.”

To reach that goal, he strives to learn.

“I always watch the other performers on stage,” he said, “especially the ones I open for. You can always learn something. You should never say you know it all.”

His next chance to learn comes Sunday at Billy Bob’s.

“I know we are going to have a great time. I love my Texas crowd!”

For more information, visit http://www.djmillercountry.com/

Texas Musicians Have a New Christmas CD

Sam Moore — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:12:16 +0000

Kirtland Records is putting out a holiday CD from many members of its musical stable.

“The Light Connected” is a contemporary compilation of both Holiday classics and originals. Austin’s well-known Bob Schneider contributes a Pogues cover while much loved Texas country band Eleven Hundred Springs does a surprising Billy Squier cover. Other notable acts include former State of Texas Musician of the Year, Sara Hickman and People on Vacation, the new project from Bowling for Soup front man Jaret Reddick.

The CD costs $12 and be purchased on their online store, http://www.kirtlandrecords.com/store.htm.

Kris Gordon Releases Debut Album

Sam Moore — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:16:47 +0000

Country recording artist Kris Gordon, called “jaunty and easy-going” by MusicRow, releases today, November 29, his debut album, DON’T LET GO TONIGHT, which features the “The Upside of Down,” the recording’s first single, with a special album release show.

Square Groove Entertainment presents Gordon and his band playing cuts from the new release at a free show 6-9 p.m. tonight at The Stage on Sixth, 508 E. Sixth St in Austin. Information: 512.614.1540

The single release prompted MusicRow’s Robert K. Oermann to write in his November 23 DISClaimer column: “It has a very cool, loping groove and some charming guitar and steel licks. His jaunty, relaxed vocal performance matches the song’s upbeat mood perfectly. Playable in the extreme.”

Roughstock.com echoed, “Take a listen to this song … Currently a hit on many stations in Texas, we feel this one has enough to suggest it could be a sleeper nationwide hit. …”

Gordon brings to life with his rich baritone the post-breakup lament written by Tony Ramey and Michael White, which features a catchy chorus: “… I’m honky-tonking my way around this heartache tonight/If I’m losing your love I’m gonna do it right/Your memory’ll have to chase me all over town/I’ll be OK as long as I stay on the upside of down.”

Says DJ Anne Hudson of KASE 101 in Austin: “I like an artist with a sense of humor. Kris Gordon clearly has one in his single ‘The Upside of Down.’ I dig the song and its spin on being dumped.”

DON’T LET GO TONIGHT is an upbeat collection of 10 songs that was produced by Dean Miller, son of Roger Miller, who also contributed a co-write with Gordon: rockin’ optimism sandwiched by traditional full-out country vocals by Gordon and great instrumentation.

Texas Music Legend Legacy Continues in Nashville

Sam Moore — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:43:51 +0000

If you spend time in Nashville next month, you will have a chance to attend a show that was run for years by a Texas music legend.

Traditional country music fans have the opportunity to enjoy a stellar line-up this December at the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, which broadcasts LIVE from the landmark Texas Troubadour Theatre (2416 Music Valley Drive, Nashville) every Saturday night beginning at midnight.

George Hamilton IV

December’s hosts will include Mel Tillis, Leona Williams, George Hamilton IV, Dianne Sherril and Jett Williams. Hosted by Admission to these shows are FREE and many artists typically stick around after the show to sign autographs in the lobby. For visitors and natives of Nashville alike, an evening at the Midnite Jamboree provides up-close and intimate performances by legendary artists, as well a glimpse into the history of country music with onsite exhibits and exclusive memorabilia, including Ernest Tubb’s 1964 tour bus. For more information on the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, visit etrecordshop.com.

“I am very excited about the artists that will be hosting the Midnite Jamboree in December,” says Ernest Tubb Record Shop owner David McCormick. “The record shop has so many artist friends that I am just humbled and honored that they continue to come host our weekly program.”

Hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree in December are: **

Mel Tillis – December 3rd
Leona Williams – December 10th
George Hamilton IV – December 17th
Dianne Sherril – December 24th
Jett Williams – December 31st

** Line-up is subject to change without notice

Founded by the legendary Ernest Tubb, The Ernest Tubb Record Shops have been fulfilling country music fans’ needs for over 64 years. As part of that tradition, the second longest-running radio show in history, Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, continues to broadcast weekly on AM-650 WSM on Saturday nights at 12 A.M. (Midnight) live from the Texas Troubadour Theatre on Music Valley Drive in Nashville, Tennessee.