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Willie and Kris Honored by Leadership Music

Sam Moore — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:39:42 +0000

(Editor’s Note: The following is courtesy of www.cmt.com.)

Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and record producer Fred Foster graciously accepted awards honoring their unique leadership in country music during an invitation-only event on Sunday night (Aug. 29) in Nashville.

During the quick-moving, two-hour ceremony at the Renaissance Hotel, the three men each received the Dale Franklin Award and were serenaded by friends like Rodney Crowell, Jamey Johnson, Lyle Lovett, Lorrie Morgan, Dolly Parton, Randy Travis, Lee Ann Womack and several others. The award is named for the first executive director of Leadership Music, an industry networking organization that hosts the annual gala event.

While introducing Nelson, host Vince Gill brought laughs by carrying a brownie to the stage, which he said was a gift from Nelson. He also elicited a round of whoops and hollers when he said Nelson’s face belonged on Mount Rushmore.

“He’s done more for this country as a man than just about anybody,” Gill said. “He’s a great mentor and a great man to look up to. He is truly what I think America is about at its best. He’s got some great eclectic fans, all over the world, that love Willie.”

Johnson crooned a few lines from Nelson’s poetic 1974 album, Phases and Stages, before easing into a commanding acoustic rendition of “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground.” Morgan came on next with a sultry “Crazy,” while Travis followed with a low-key “Funny How Time Slips Away.”

After the musical portion, Brenda Lee recalled meeting Nelson when she was a child and praised his kind personality.

“You don’t get any more real than Willie,” she said. “I’ve known him since I was 10 years old, and all these years later, I can honestly say that Willie Nelson hasn’t changed a bit. More important than that, the spirit of Willie Nelson has never changed. … I’ll tell you, Willie may look laidback, but he is absolutely one of the most disciplined, focused people I have ever known when it comes to his craft. I’ve always wondered how somebody could be that laidback and cool and still get so much done.”

Lee spoke briefly about a 1982 album that featured Kristofferson, Nelson, Parton and herself titled The Winning Hand, which was produced by Foster.

“What a joy to get to record with someone who was one of my musical heroes when I was just a child and who turned into a dear friend,” she said. “We all know how rare someone like Willie is as an artist, a prolific songwriter and as a human being. And I’m so happy that I could be here tonight to celebrate and honor him.”

After thanking the entertainers and presenters, Nelson spoke of “a town that’s been really good to me — Nashville, Tennessee,” earning a grateful round of applause. “I want to thank all of my friends, and all the people in this town, that made it possible to be standing here, getting all these nice things said about me. I almost gave myself a standing ovation. I held back, though.”

When the laughter died down, Nelson added, “Somebody asked me if I was writing any songs, and I’ve got a couple of lines going. One of them starts out, ‘You gotta go crazy to know how I feel/I’m taking back shit that I didn’t even steal.’ So I’ll let you all know how that one turns out and if we can get some play somewhere. But anyway, thank you all very much for a wonderful, wonderful evening, and I appreciate it very much.”

Kristofferson’s unusual career trajectory — Rhodes Scholar, U.S. Army captain, helicopter pilot, Columbia Records’ janitor, acclaimed songwriter — brought an distinct element of storytelling into tribute speeches from music publisher Bob Beckham, business associate Tamara Saviano and quirky singer-songwriter Lyle Lovett. Bandleader Shawn Camp, who was celebrating a birthday, led the musical tribute with “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” which he said reminded him of his Sunday walks when he first moved to Nashville. Lovett offered the essential “Me and Bobby McGee” (which Foster co-wrote) while Lee Ann Womack concluded the set with an exquisite reading of “Lovin’ Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again).”

Accepting his award, Kristofferson told the audience he was speechless.

“To be up here, getting an award along with Fred Foster and Willie Nelson, is something that I’ve got to feel like I was dreaming,” he said. “I forgot everything I wanted to say before I got up here, and I can’t remember anymore. My memory’s gone bad, but I’m so honored to be up here with Fred Foster and Willie Nelson. I can’t tell you what it means to me.”

As a music publisher for Combine Music and founder of Monument Records, Foster helped lay the career groundwork for artists like Kristofferson, Roy Orbison and Dolly Parton, as well as Larry Gatlin, Billy Grammer, Boots Randolph, Jeannie Seely, Billy Swan and Tony Joe White. His recent credits include producing Nelson’s 2006 album, You Don’t Know Me: The Songs of Cindy Walker, and a 2007 collaborative album with Merle Haggard, Nelson and Ray Price called Last of the Breed, which won a Grammy. Gill told the audience that Foster’s advice to aspiring producers was simply to “frame the picture,” thus allowing the artist to be the focus of attention, not the frame.

For the first song of the night, Crowell chose Orbison’s catchy “Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream).” The tune received a boost from famed harmonica player Charlie McCoy, who followed with a lively instrumental take on “Today I Started Loving You Again.” Swan then revived “I Can Help,” his energetic No. 1 pop and country hit from 1974.

A surprise guest, Parton treated the crowd to her perky 1967 hit single, “Dumb Blonde,” which was her first release on Monument Records. She also spoke highly of the early days of Combine and Monument in Hendersonville, Tenn. She said she remembered knowing Kristofferson and Nelson before any of them became country music icons.

“They were all sitting out there writing and working and I was running in and out,” she said. “They were all clean-shaven and handsome boys then — and they’re still pretty. It’s amazing how far we’ve come and how many miles we’ve traveled.”

Parton said Foster believed in her when nobody else did.

“He saw something that a lot of people didn’t see, and a lot of people argued with him about,” she noted. “Fred, thank you for believing in me. And thank you for helping me get started on a wonderful life. I wouldn’t take nothing for the years I spent with you. When I went to work with Porter Wagoner, you were always gracious enough to let me go, although you had spent all that time and money trying to dress me down, clean me up and make me look like somebody I wasn’t! You finally gave up on that and said, ‘Oh, hell, she can’t be no pop star. Let’s just let her sing what she wants to.’”

After exchanging a few loving words with Parton, Foster joked with the audience about his humble origins in North Carolina, saying that nothing there could have compared to this event.

“Well, I’m just happy to be here and so happy to be a part of this music family,” he said. “I never really envisioned this sort of stuff when I started out. I had the choice to become an executive with Marriott, because Mr. Marriott wanted to send me out to Salt Lake [City] to go to school, or to go into music, so I chose music, thank God.

“What moves me so much tonight is that so many of my old friends are here. Most of the time, I get to see my old friends at a funeral, and this is a far better venue by a damn sight, if you ask me! I’ve had wonderful experiences with wonderful people, talented beyond describing.”

At the conclusion of the night, Gill encouraged the younger people in the audience to learn from the honorees, then invited all the musicians on stage to sing Nelson’s anthem, “On the Road Again,” a fitting tune for three longtime friends who remain iconic figures in country music.

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Gator and Mudcat Prepare To Take On the World

Sam Moore — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:15:11 +0000

These guys are good!

We may have mentioned Gator and Mudcat in the past. Mudcat is Dallas native Michael Reames, and Gator is New Orleans resident Wayne Folse. These two veteran musicians began working together as a team a few years ago. They have created a bunch of good songs, in a genre they call “Blue Rock.” It’s a little bit Texas music, a little bit Louisiana music. They call it “music for the world.” Now they are ready to introduce Blue Rock to the world.

Michael Reames

Their efforts have culminated in a new CD, Back in the Game, due for release on September 4. Texas Music Journal’s John South will review the CD in the coming days.

CD release parties will be held in both Dallas and New Orleans. A national distribution will follow. But for the present, Gator and Mudcat are preparing for live entertainment. And they are starting in a big way.

Wayne Folse

The two veterans – both are in their 50′s – will perform this week for the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations annual convention, to be held in New Orleans. They will appear on what is possibly the largest permanent stage in the Crescent City: the main theater of Harrah’s Casino. They will be backed by Crossfire.

Michael and Wayne are true professionals. They have played with some of the biggest names in the industry during their individual careers. And both are dedicated to helping out others in their field. And since Hurricane Katrina, they are also dedicated to helping those in need. Proceeds from their first release, Mother Earth, will be dedicated to disaster relief.

We at TMJ wish these guys well. To find out more on their music, visit http://gatorandmudcat.com.

Texas Music Hall of Fame Welcomes George Jones

Sam Moore — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:23:21 +0000

George Jones alongside Al Dexter and Ray Winkler will be inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame on August 21, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Theater. This year’s special guest performer will be Mel Tillis and the Statesiders. Also performing will be the Justin Trevino Band featuring Tony Booth, Georgette Jones, Frankie Miller, Darryl McCall, Mona McCall, Amber Digby and Curtis Potter. The legendary Ralph Emery will host the event.

Many attempts have been made, but rarely capture in words the immense, singular vocal gifts that have made George Glenn Jones one of the most influential singers in country music history. He is the undisputed successor of earlier primitive geniuses such as Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell—singers who, in turn, so heavily influenced him in his formative years.

Born in a log cabin on an oil patch settlement in a remote East Texas region known as the Big Thicket, Jones found early refuge in music from the rages of an alcoholic father. As a child, George sang for tips in the streets of Beaumont, Texas, where, at an early age, he moved with his parents into a government-subsidized housing project. Roy Acuff, Hank Williams, and Lefty Frizzell comprised Jones’s youthful triumvirate of influences.

Jones launched his recording career in East Texas in the early 1950s, and with the turn of the twenty-first century he is still going strong. It is more than sheer longevity, or the almost near religious purity of his hard-core country instincts, that has made him such a towering, influential figure. In many ways Jones is one of country music’s last vital links to its own rural past—a relic from a long-gone time and place before cable TV, FM rock radio and shopping malls; an era when life still revolved around the Primitive Baptist Church, the honky-tonk down the road, and Saturday nights listening to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio. The fact that Jones himself has changed little over the years, and at times seems to be genuinely bewildered by the immensity of his own talent and the acclaim it has brought him, has merely enhanced his credibility.

About Texas Country Music Hall of Fame
The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame/Tex Ritter Museum opened in August 2002 in a $2.5 million state-of-the-art facility. Since that date, over 30,000 country music fans have stepped back in time to re-live great moments in country music history. The museum started in 1993 as the Tex Ritter Museum and expanded to include friends of Tex and other Texas-born country music legends. In August 2004, the museum expanded to add a significant Jim Reeves display which features the radio equipment from Jim’s radio station KGRI in Henderson. Fans have come from every state as well as numerous foreign countries including England, Scotland, Ireland, Denmark, Canada, India, Sri Lanka, The Netherlands, Germany and Australia.

Music City Texas Plans Bluegrass Party

Sam Moore — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:51:25 +0000

(Editor’s Note: The following is from Music City Texas)

On Saturday, August 21st, MCT is pleased to present our annual Summer Bluegrass show hosted by the legendary Hickory Hill. Our A/C is in good working order, so come and enjoy the show in cool comfort. As an added treat, Linda King will be bringing her famous Chicken & Dumplings to tickle your tastebuds and bring back the memories of our old 1st Saturday shows. Better get there early before they all get ‘et up.

The award winning Hickory Hill will be bringing their newest member, Jake Jenkins, who is renowned in the Bluegrass world. Jake also picks the fire out of the guitar, so you never know what he’ll do next. But you can count on it being great! And, of course, Hickory Hill, as a whole, is always wonderfully entertaining.

In the past, the band’s good friend, Mike Powell, has come to act as Master of Ceremonies at our two annual Bluegrass events. Mike is quite an entertainer in his own right, so this time they’ve asked him to open the show with his own solo set. He has a pretty good sense of humor, so it will blend well with Hickory Hill’s craziness.

The show will kick off around 7:30 and tickets are a reasonable $15.00 at the door or in advance. If you call the theater at 903-756-9934 and get your tickets in advance, then we’ll have a better idea of who all is coming and we might just be able to get Linda King to make some extra Chicken & Dumplings so nobody has to go hungry. Our box office is ready to take calls from 10:00am to 3:00pm weekdays, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.

As always, we appreciate your support in sustaining Music City Texas Theater’s ongoing mission to provide Linden, Cass County and all of East Texas with the finest entertainment available.
www.musiccitytexas.org

108 Legion St
Linden TX 75563
903-756-9934

Saturday, August 21, 2010
7:30 PM
Doors Open 6:00 PM
Admission $15

Pauline Reese Releases New Single

Sam Moore — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:44:13 +0000

Austin, TX — Austin-based recording artist Pauline Reese will officially release to radio today the first single from her next album, the lovely, rock-hued original “First Love” that features her alt.-country sound and top-tier vocals.

“First Love” recalls the feelings of powerful first love in its honest lyrics and a masterful delivery that will move even the most hardened and heartbroken.

The first woman to be voted Entertainer of the Year by the Texas Music Association (in April 2010), Reese’s sixth studio album is slated for release October 5.

For more information, visit www.paulinereese.com.

Toadies Out to Spread Their Brand of Texas Music

Sam Moore — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 22:07:05 +0000

Interview by Charlie Vann

A new CD. A new tour through Texas. The Toadies are back.

TMJ correspondent Charlie Vann got a chance to talk with guitarist Clark Vogeler. Check out the url below to hear the extended interview with one of the members of this popular north Texas group.

http://cvann.podomatic.com/entry/2010-08-05T11_05_21-07_00

Texas Indie Group Gets Inspiration from Film

Sam Moore — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:59:45 +0000

By Tamara Loggins

Shaolin Death Squad integrates hard rock riffs, mild-paced melodies, and Serg Tankian-styled vocals to create their powerful third album, Five Deadly Venoms.

What makes this band so interesting is how they use piano solos, in the style of Tim Burton’s go-to-guy, Danny Elfman, intermingled with System of a Down musical stylings. At first, I wasn’t sure the two could be combined, but after hearing the opening track, “Romanza,” I fell into a deep infatuation. It’s terribly easy to get be transported to the world these guys create with their music.

The concept of the album was inspired by the movie Five Deadly Venoms by Chang Cheh. These guys combined the movie inspirations with their insanely intriguing musical style to create an album worth a slot in your CD collection.

For more information about this independent Texas band and to purchase their CD, go to: http://www.shaolindeathsquad.com/.

George Ducas Prepares for EP Release

Sam Moore — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:46:05 +0000

Austin, TX — Houston native George Ducas is set to release an aptly titled soundtrack for Texas summer driving on August 17 with his new EP, VOLUME UP, WINDOWS DOWN, and its first single, “Never Goes Away,” that is starting to be played on Texas radio as Ducas begins touring the Lone Star State with shows in Houston, Austin and Lubbock.

The song was co-written by Ducas and Texas artist Randy Rogers, who enjoyed recent Top 40 country chart success with the Ducas-penned “Kiss Me In The Dark.” To introduce fans to his real country sound with a modern kick, Ducas will be initially offering the track as a free download on iTunes as well as donating proceeds from its sales to Texas Children’s Hospital.

Ducas is also a song source and co-writer for other popular Texas artists including Kevin Fowler and Eli Young Band. His composition “Always The Love Songs” became a national Top 10 country chart hit for Eli Young Band and was the top Texas music song for 2009.

“What I missed was making records and writing songs and singing them, and letting the songs breathe every night in front of crowds at shows,” Ducas explains. His appetite to get back on the road was whetted after Sara Evans invited him to open her Greatest Hits Live tour and dates last summer in Europe with Dierks Bentley that included an appearance before some 30,000 people at the prestigious Crappone Festival in France and selling out London’s legendary Borderline club.

“Working with artists like Randy Rogers, Kevin Fowler and Eli Young Band made me realize that I could get back home to Texas and do that. I’m fortunate enough to be successful as a songwriter, but for me, it doesn’t end there. I can’t be totally satisfied unless I’m out there singing my songs too.”

And there’s no better place for Ducas to do that than back in his home state where his love for music was born. “I feel like Texas is the last bastion of independent country music,” he adds. “I’m a Texan and want to be a part of it and find my own place in it.”

Raised on Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker and ZZ Top, Ducas debuted as a hit country artist in the 1990s on Capitol Records with the Top 10 single, “Lipstick Promises.” He followed it with such other hits as “Teardrops,” “Hello Cruel World,” “Kisses Don’t Lie,” “Every Time She Passes By” and “Long Trail of Tears,” and toured with Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Evans and Bentley, among others. He has since established himself as a writer of hits including the multi-week #1 single “A Real Fine Place To Start” for Evans, Radney Foster’s Top 10 hit “Just Call Me Lonesome,” and the Top 20 George Jones/Garth Brooks duet “Beer Run (B Double E Double Are You In).”

For more information, go to www.georgeducas.com.

Shaver Takes the Summer Off to Heal

Sam Moore — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:28:18 +0000

WACO, Texas — Billy Joe Shaver will undoubtedly, as his song heard in the movie Crazy Heart espouses, “live forever.”

But occasionally parts wear out and Shaver will spend the summer recuperating from surgery for two tears in his bicep ligament. Last month he spent one night in the hospital after doctors placed a stent in a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart.

Shaver has canceled his August dates in order to give himself time to heal.

“I think God came down and did this to me so that I’d rest up a while,” Shaver said. “I wouldn’t have slowed down otherwise.”

“If I’d known I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself,” added the 71-year-old performer. “But please tell everyone I will be back as soon as I mend up.”

Texas Experience Will Help Miranda Lambert on CMT Tour

Sam Moore — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:08:12 +0000

(Editor’s Note: The following is courtesy of cmt.com.)

Miranda Lambert will serve as the headlining act for CMT on Tour this fall, which begins Sept. 29 in New York City. Billed as “CMT on Tour: Miranda Lambert Revolution,” the 28-city tour will also feature special guest Eric Church and introduce new artist Josh Kelley.

“Having that Texas club circuit experience at an early age and also touring with some of the best in the business for several years, I know what it takes to bring it every night and give fans more than their money’s worth,” says Lambert. “The CMT tour is a great way for me to thank fans for their support this year and show them I can live up to the honors.”

Lambert recently added her first CMT Music Award to an already impressive list of accolades. “The House That Built Me,” from her latest album, Revolution, held the No. 1 position for four weeks. It follows her previous hit, “White Liar.” Her latest single is “Only Prettier.”

Church’s hits include “Love Your Love the Most” and “Hell on the Heart,” from his album, Carolina.

“I’m very excited to be on what I believe will be one of the best tours going out this fall,” Church said. “I’ve been on a lot of tours, and this one is gonna be the heat! I love what Miranda does, and we are gonna take the stage every night locked and cocked. The crowd better be ready for it, ’cause we are!”

Singer-songwriter Josh Kelley recently completed his first country album. His single, “Georgia Clay,” is expected to arrive at country radio on Aug. 9. After releasing six studio albums, including For the Ride Home, he signed with Universal Music Group’s MCA Nashville imprint in 2009.

Shy Blakeman Pays Tribute to a Cosmic Cowboy

Sam Moore — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:00:05 +0000

Austin, TX — Shy Blakeman, the Country/blues/Southern rock artist currently touring the Lone Star state behind his latest album, LONG DISTANCE MAN (Winding Road Music, March 2010), describes the second single released to radio, legendary Austin singer-songwriter Rusty Wier’s “Don’t It Make You Wanna Dance,” as a heartfelt tribute to the Cosmic Cowboy.

Says Blakeman: “I had never heard a song so completely capture my hopes and dreams like that before. That song had such an impact on me it became the anthem for my life and Rusty the inspiration for my craft.”

Blakeman, who spent Memorial Day Weekend in Nashville, where he opened the Rockin’ Through the Rain Music Festival benefit for flood victims, and is spending July criss-crossing Texas, credits Wier with some of the moves he uses onstage and the gentle blurring of genre lines in his own songwriting.

“But the best lesson I ever received from Rusty,” says Blakeman, “was his true talent. Rusty knew how to connect with his fans. Onstage he would immerse you in his universe of poetic verse and melody. You didn’t just believe the stories Rusty Wier sang, you felt every word.

“Offstage he took the time to get to know every fan,” he continues. “Because in his wisdom he knew what many of us lose as young artists, what’s really important about what we do: We touch people. He touched people; he changed my life.”

Blakeman — whose passion for entertaining translates into every one of his performances and whose LONG DISTANCE MAN cements what’s become his trademark: a great lyric sung with heart and soul — has garnered a fan base with chart-climbing hits from his previous albums. “… The new album [is] one absolute winner, each song a hit,” says MyJoog.com. “There’s too much to write in one setting about this CD. Just go out and get it.”

The Texas tour includes shows at:

July 14, Overtime Sports Bar & Grill, Burleson

July 15, Fat Daddy’s, Waxahachie

July 16, Lakeside Icehouse, Bryan

July 17, Scooter’s Dancehall, Moulton

July 24, Rattlesnake Junction, Waco

July 25, The Railhead BBQ, Aledo

July 28, The Levee, Longview

July 29, Poor David’s Pub, Dallas

July 30, The White Elephant Saloon, Fort Worth

“In the grand scheme,” Blakeman concludes, “I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Wier only a short time. But I cherish every second … I don’t know if Rusty ever knew how closely I watched him as a performer, how much I listened to him as a songwriter or how much I modeled myself after him as an artist. … That’s how I pay homage. That’s how I humbly try to keep the legend that is Rusty Wier alive.”

For more information, visit www.shyblakeman.com

Sarah Jaffe Talks About Her Career

Sam Moore — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 21:54:42 +0000

By Charlie Vann

Denton recording artist Sarah Jaffe is a Texas musician to definitely follow. Her folksy, indie style makes her stand out, not only in North Texas but throughout the South.

As a member of the Kirtland Records stables, Sarah has opened for Grammy winner Norah Jones, and will tour soon with Lou Barlow, former bassist of the hit indie rock band Dinosaur JR. Last month Jaffe’s full-length album “Suburban Nature” was released in stores, and can be downloaded on iTunes, as well.

I had the chance to talk to Sarah about teaming up with Barlow, about opening for Jones, and what she thinks about the North Texas music scene as a whole. To hear the interview, follow the link to http://cvann.podOmatic.com/entry/2010-06-03T12_19_29-07_00.

One Seed Delivers Heavy Metal to Texas Music

Sam Moore — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 01:04:55 +0000

By Tamara Loggins

Resident Dallas heavy metal band, One Seed, takes charge with their second CD, Isolation. They infuse pounding guitar riffs, low toned bass sounds, semi-melodic lyrics and hand-banging, thrashing screams to create a series of tracks that will leave you wanting to jump into a mosh pit.

Jeremy Ewing, the band’s lyricist and singer, develops authoritative lyrics dealing in “drug addiction, domestic violence and religious propaganda.” Heavy metal rockers will be pleasantly surprised to hear this band, with a sound reminiscent of past heavy-hitters, such as the Deftones, Evans Blue and Godsmack.

The band shows that heavy metal belongs in the Texas music conversation. One Seed is currently working on their next album, “Just Breathe” set to be released in October. One Seed will be performing July 3 at Dead Dog Barn.

For more information about the band and their upcoming shows visit http://www.myspace.com/oneseed1.

House of Blues to Serve Meat Loaf in August

Sam Moore — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:51:22 +0000

Most people would not consider him a Texas music performer. But Meat Loaf, the rock legend who grew up in Dallas better known as Michael Lee Aday, will return to his home town to perform at the House of Blues on August 26.

Tickets go on sale Friday at 10am.

Two nights later, on August 28, the singer will perform at the House of Blues in Houston.

Meat Loaf is famous for his “Bat Out of Hell” trilogy, which included the hit song “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad.” He was also part of the cult movie classic, Rocky Horror Picture Show. He has a new album tied to his concert appearances, “Hang Cool Teddy Bear.”

To learn more about this former football player, bar bouncer and stage performer, visit www.meatloaf.net.

Mark Chesnutt Ready To Become an Outlaw

Sam Moore — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:07:28 +0000

There’s a new outlaw in town. And it comes courtesy of Texas music star Mark Chesnutt.

“Outlaw” is the newest CD by the Beaumont native. Its Tuesday release will make available some of the great tunes first made famous by other Texas artists, including the original Outlaws.

Chesnutt grew up in southeast Texas as a rock and roll fan – until he heard the likes of Willie and Waylon.

“I was listening to rock, when Willie and Waylon grew their hair long,” he said. “I remember Mama and Daddy saying ‘they done gone hippie on us.’ I saw all that taking place, and I thought it was great.

“When I was asked to do this album, it was very natural. I know all those old songs. It was fun for me. I knew it was going to be different.”

From the opening song – Billy Joe Shaver’s “Black Rose” – to Guy Clark’s haunting “Desperados Waiting on a Train,” Chesnutt takes us on a musical journey through all the emotions that were first presented in the 1970s by the original Outlaws.

Every song on the CD is fantastic. But these are not necessarily the songs people normally think of when they think of the Outlaws.

Chesnutt said, “Anybody can do the anthems. Anyone who doesn’t know anything about the history of country music could do ‘Good Hearted Woman.’”

Chesnutt and his producer wanted to go deeper. Many of the songs were hits, but not considered anthems. They wanted to display the musical movement that went beyond just the commercial aspect.

One of perhaps the most surprising songs in the collection is Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down.”

“Those songs were in the middle of that movement,” Chesnutt said. “These songs about being stoned were not comfortable for Nashville at the time. These are deep songs that were not intended as dance tunes.”

His personal favorite song on the CD is a different Kristofferson offering, “Lovin’ Her Was Easier.” He heard Waylon Jennings do it, but never considered it to fit his own style.

“I thought it was a little deep for me,” Chesnutt commented. “All these years later, it seemed to make more sense for me now. It seemed to make more sense to me now. I really loved the way that song came out.”

One of the things that helped Chesnutt achieve the sound on the album was the ability to record the songs he calls “the old way.” Musicians recorded their tracks during normal daylight hours. Chesnutt would then go to the studio late at night and lay down his vocals. He credits that to his love of Texas honky tonks.

“There’s just something not natural about singing in the daytime,” he said.

The result is a product that remains true to Chesnutt’s reputation as a country music traditionalist. All but one of the 12 tracks are Chesnutt alone. The 12th track, “A Couple More Years,” is a duet with Amber Digby. Chesnutt had listened to her on Willie’s Place satellite program, and watched her on TV. But this was the first time for the two to collaborate.

“I like the way she sings in unison, rather than harmony,” he said. “It really makes the song feel more real.”

Chesnutt sees the tribute to the outlaw movement as more than just a history lesson.

“We’ve done things here in Texas the way the outlaws did them all along. This is where the outlaw movement came from. If they hadn’t come to Texas, I don’t know where Texas music would be today.”

Among the changes the outlaws brought was the ability to produce songs the way the artist wants to.

“Labels were the boss, the producers were the boss. You showed up in the studio of their choice, sang in their key, with their musicians,” Chesnutt said. “Everybody – especially Waylon – got sick of that. That story of Waylon bringing a pistol to the studio was true! In Texas, they came down and did it their own way. That’s what this album is about, capturing that free spirit.”

Texas is now home to many musical genres. Are there new outlaws today? Chesnutt is hard pressed, but points to two: Jamey Johnson and Miranda Lambert.

He said, “Jamey is doing it his way, singing songs about getting drunk, getting stoned and going to prison. He is one of the few who you could call a modern outlaw. Miranda is another one. She writes her own songs about shooting guns and kicking butt. Those two are doing it their way. It hasn’t been easy for them.”

As for himself, Chesnutt is happy where he is. He lives in Beaumont, he tours, and knows that at some point he will be back in the studio, recording. He attributes his success and longevity to “being hard headed and stubborn.”

And he is ready for the world to hear his latest creation, when it is released on Tuesday. “Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound,” “Bloody Mary Morning,” and “Need a Little Time Off for Bad Behavior” are three more of the outlaw songs on the CD. As Chesnutt says, these are the types of songs that were written in the back of the bus, in the hotel room, by a writer who might be sober, might be drunk.

“Outlaw” is a fantastic example of some of the not-too-distant roots of today’s Texas music. And it shows that the songs that were popular 30 years ago are still just as good today.

Hendrix Prepares for New Release

Sam Moore — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:41:18 +0000

On Friday, Terri Hendrix will kick off a weekend of California dates starting at the Live Oak Music Festival in San Luis Obispo. Then it’s back to Texas for the release of Hendrix’s new album, Cry Till You Laugh.

Back in May, Hendrix opened for two packed Texas music dates (at Dallas’ House of Blues and Austin’s La Zona Rosa) for the Indigo Girls. After her set at the 39th Annual Kerrville Folk Festival in front of a record crowd, she joined them on harmonica and harmony on a few songs like the evenings prior.

This year, she received the 2010 Art of Peace Award from St. Mary’s University, was inducted into the South Texas Music Walk of Fame (see “News” in “quick links” for info on all involved), and received notification that she will receive the Hardin Simmons University Distinguished Alumni Recipient Award in 2011.

Texas Music Loses an International Legend

Sam Moore — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:22:31 +0000

Jimmy Dean often talked about his roots in Texas music. The country legend died Sunday. He was 81.

Dean died at his home near Richmond, Va. His wife, Donna, said he had been doing well lately, despite ongoing health problems.

Jimmy Dean and the Texas Wildcats

Dean dropped out of school after ninth grade. He fronted the Texas Wildcats band. He had his first national hit in the early 1950s, “Bummin’ Around.” His fame was immortalized with his Grammy Award-winning “Big Bad John” in 1961. He also had a popular television show in the early 1960s.

In 1969, Dean branched into the food industry, popularizing Jimmy Dean Sausage.

Dean is survived by his wife, three children, and two grandchildren.

Levitt Pavilion Profiles Austin Band

Sam Moore — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:05:25 +0000

Be sure to catch this Sunday night’s concert when Levitt Pavilion audiences can hear the new opening act for the Dave Matthews Band, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears at 8 p.m. June 13. Joe Lewis’ retro style shows his love of deep Southern blues masters, but with a more dangerous slant. Add a gospel-inspired call and response, crisp, soul-soaked staccato brass, and song titles such as Big Booty Woman and Master Sold My Baby, and the result is a sweat-soaked sound edgy enough to win over youthful audiences unfamiliar with the likes of Lewis’ show-stopping predecessors, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave or Wilson Pickett. Ending 2009 on a variety of “best of” lists, Joe Lewis and his Austin-based combo have the kind of gritty attitude and deliciously greasy groove-consciousness that would pass muster in the best juke joint. Their concert is sponsored by the Arlington Arts Alliance.

Black Joe Lewis

Leading up to Sunday, the Levitt is pleased to welcome back The Boogers for the Chesapeake Children’s Concert Series on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Since The Boogers (Sticky, Crusty and Greenie) visited last summer, their debut album, Road to Rock, won a 2009 National Parenting Publications Gold Award! No wonder choosy kids pick Boogers!

On Thursday, the Levitt is proud to welcome Grammy nominee Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, sponsored by the Star-Telegram. Cedric has been making a name for himself reviving the old Creole fiddling styles and injecting a healthy dose of his own personality. The Alternate Routes take the stage on Friday night with a sound that’s a hybrid vibe of rock ‘n’ roll grit and ghostly, meaningful balladry. They are sponsored by the Arlington Arts Alliance. After a life-threatening illness almost ended his music career in the late 1990s, Deryl Dodd re-emerged with a new appreciation for life and a stronger loyalty for himself and his own music, rooted in the country music classics he grew up listening to in Dallas. His concert with the Homesick Cowboys is on Saturday, sponsored by Vandergriff Auto Group. The concerts on Thursday through Sunday all begin at 8 p.m.

Texas Music a Big Hit for Dallas Band

Sam Moore — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:14:37 +0000

By Tamara Loggins

Southern country-rock band, Somebody’s Darling, has begun to make a big splash in the Texas music scene. A mish-mash of four supremely talented members, the band plays an amalgamation of folk, country and rock. Band members, Amber Farris, David Ponder, Nate Wedan and Michael Talley talk about how the group came together and their debut album.

How did the band get started?

Amber: Well Nate and I have known each other from high school. We’ve always wanted to play together, we started playing together and then we kind of went our separate ways. And then I was in a band with Dave and we met up started writing songs, and I called Nate up and told him, “Let’s play,” and then I called Mike and we were like, “Bam.” Literally, overnight we were a band. People kind of liked us.

Nate: It caught on quick.

David: That was two and half years ago.
How would you explain your genre of music?

David: Americana-soul-rock.
How long have you all known each other?

Nate: I’ve known Mike for a while. We’ve played in a band before this. We’ve known each other three or four years. I’ve known [Amber] since I was fourteen. I’ve known Dave for a couple of years.

David: I’ve known Amber from when we went to [University of North Texas]. And then we were in a band before this called Raw Leaves.
You guys recently won the Shiner Rising Star Award. Can you tell me a little about that?

Amber: We felt like we were apart of that music scene, country-rock. We always listened to that station, [95.3 The Range] and wanted to try it out. We thought it would be kind of fun, and a good way to meet some new people. We ended up winning the whole thing. We had been together less than a year when we joined it. It was cool.

Nate: They sent us up to Nashville and we cut our debut album up there. It was great.

Amber: We’re going on tour with Stoney LaRue. We just played The Texas Music Revolution [concert], and we’re playing with Hays Carl, Ray Wiley Hubbard, and a lot of big bands. A lot of good things came out of that competition. It was definitely more than just a battle of the bands; it was a big start for our career.
What was the contest like?

It was a twenty-four band battle of the bands. So they did it in two or three different rounds.

Amber: Over two hundred different bands entered and they narrowed it down to twenty-four. And they kept narrowing it down week by week with different judges. It’s not like a who can clap the loudest [competition]. There are actual musicians out there judging you.

Nate: Yeah. It was fun.
Was it a mix of genres?

Amber: We were probably the biggest outside genre. We were more rock than everybody else, more folksy-pop-rock. Everything else was pretty much country. That’s why when we won, we were kind of surprised. We were like “There’s no way. We’re not in their range. This isn’t going to work,” and when we won we were like “O.K.” So, it was cool. It worked out for us in the end.
It was your big break?

Dave: Hopefully, one of them.

Amber: Hopefully, we have a bigger break than that, but it was definitely the beginning of a big break.

Nate: It definitely jump started us. It helped us out a lot. Like he said, hopefully, there are more [big breaks].

Michael: It gave us the opportunity to work our asses off more.

Dave: And it gave us a really good quality album. I don’t know that we could have afforded that kind of album.
So tell me about the album.

Amber: We got to go to Nashville, and Dan Baird from Georgia Satellites produced it. We literally went to the studio, went to bed, woke up, and went back to the studio for about eight days straight. We were a new band; we didn’t have that many songs. Usually you want to go in to the studio with twenty plus songs. When we went in we had, like, five, and then we created fifteen more.

Dave: Within, like, a month.

Amber: And we were kind of just all thrown into it. They were like, “Go record in Nashville with this big producer,” and we were like “O.K.”

Dave: We were like, “You want us to go [to Nashville] a month? Really?”

Amber: We kind of didn’t know what we were doing, but we acted like we did. That works sometimes. When you pretend like you know what’s going on in the world, you tend to swing by things.

Nate: Nashville was great. I got to use King Coover’s, who was the drummer for Wilco, snare drums and stuff. It was just a great big room. The Dixie Chicks got to cut their first two albums in there, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s been in there. The room has been around since the ‘50s and it had a great vibe. Dan Baird just dialed in to who we are as musicians, and just captured our sound pretty well.
Who writes your songs?

Amber: We all write together. Initially I’ll come up with an idea with my acoustic and my vocals and then me and Dave will make it something more. And then we’ll take it to the band and we all create a song out of that small idea. It’s a band effort. No one person completes it.
What is your most popular song?

Michael: It just depends on the crowd. Who’s heard what. Out and about they like “Another Two Step.”

Amber: We have some songs that have been on the radio, like, “Horses,” “Been better,” “Another Two Step,” and one of my personal favorites “Cold Hearted Lover.” We’ve been getting a lot of good responses from that. It’s kind of rock and roll.
What radio stations play your music?

Nate: A lot. There’s the Satellite, Outlaw Country. 95.3 The Range.

Amber: Yeah, [Outlaw Country] is the big one.

Dave: There’s like twenty stations.

Amber: Our promoter is trying to get us on as many radio stations as she can, and then we’ll go from there. Hopefully people will like it and they’ll call and request it.

Dave: Then we’ll tour there.
What do you recommend for someone who’s starting their own band?

Nate: Gig, gig, gig.

Michael: And keep writing.

Dave: Write and play as much as you can.

Amber: We literally played once and then went out and played a gig. That’s how you get better.

Nate: Our first three shows were back to back.

Amber: Just do it. You have nothing to loose. Don’t wait for something to happen. You have to make something happen.

Nate: You’re not going to get rich quick. Just play and love it. Have fun.

Michael: And don’t quit your day job, or get used to semi-poverty.

What do you hope people get from your music?

Amber: My main thing is I like to see people have a good time. We write and play really passionately, and I want people to see that we really like what we do and what we write. And we take a lot of heart into the band. I think that’s been a big part of our success is that people can see it in our faces that we really care about this and it’s what we want to do.
Where can people find out more about your band?

Nate: Go to somebodysdarling.com. We also have Facebook, Myspace and Twitter.
People can buy your album from your website.

Michael: And we’re on iTunes, Rhapsody, eMusic, and Amazon.

Amber: Or call and request on 95.3 the Range. That’s a fun way you can listen to us too.
Do you guys play private events?

Amber: Yes.

Nate: Those pay pretty good [laughter].

Amber: I’m going to start doing weddings pretty soon [laughter].

Nate: I do mitzvahs, both bar and bod. Just letting you know [laughter].

Amber: If people ask us to play, we’ll play, as long as it’s a good crowd. We’ll pretty much do anything.

Lonestar Visits The Price Is Right

Sam Moore — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:12:05 +0000

CBS’s Emmy Award-winning THE PRICE IS RIGHT, with host Drew Carey, welcomes country music band “Lonestar” on Thursday, June 16, (11:00 AM-12:00 Noon, ET; 10:00-11:00 AM, PT), on the CBS Television Network. Lonestar will play live throughout the show as the house band. The show will also offer an exciting showcase with prizes that include a new car and trip to San Diego, as well as tickets to attend a Lonestar’s concert plus band merchandise.

Lonestar with Drew Carey

Lonestar has amassed a total of 27 singles on the country charts, with 10 of those reaching #1. In 1999, Lonestar achieved crossover success when their hit single, “Amazed,” reached #1 on both the country charts and the Billboard Hot 100. Lonestar, consisting of Cody Collins, Dean Sams, Michael Britt and Keech Rainwater, released their 11th studio album Party Heard Around the World, in April.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT, the longest-running game show in television history, is hosted by Drew Carey. Produced by FremantleMedia North America, THE PRICE IS RIGHT is broadcast weekdays on the CBS Television Network.

Chandler Nash Talks with Texas Music Journal

Sam Moore — Sun, 30 May 2010 16:58:43 +0000

Few 17-year old musicians can claim veteran status with a straight face. Dallas singer-songwriter Chandler Nash is one. Her previous band, The Bella Cullen Project (formed with two friends at a sleepover when they were just 13), released 2 full-length original albums; enjoyed over 1 million MySpace plays; performed live nationwide; and was featured on MTV, ABC’s Nightline, and in Esquire, People and CosmoGirl magazines.

Yet, as she embarks upon a solo career, this Dallas singer-songwriter remains eager to evolve her craft. “I just want to keep playing,” Chandler enthuses. “Since I was 6-years old I’ve always wanted to be a musician. Even if it doesn’t work out, I’m still going to play music even if I’m just a wedding singer or something!”

Moving away from her old band’s folky sensibilities, Chandler is now melding diverse influences into contemporary, robust pop/rock expressions flecked with lurking country heartache. On her debut, the aptly-titled Solo (released through Interscope Digital Distribution), increasingly accomplished songwriting connects through her emotive, lithe-yet-lived-in timbre. “I like a little bit of everything,” mulls Chandler. “[But] my favorite artists are kind of oldies like Billy Joel, The Beatles and Elton John.”

During the recent Wildflower Festival in Dallas, Chandler spoke with Texas Music Reporter Charlie Vann. The interview can be heard by connecting to the link below.

http://cvann.podOmatic.com/entry/2010-05-12T09_30_06-07_00

Nunn Taking Texas to the Country

Sam Moore — Thu, 13 May 2010 20:23:02 +0000

Austin, TX — Gary P. Nunn continues to receive critical acclaim for his latest album, TAKING TEXAS TO THE COUNTRY, while working diligently to promote the new music with tour dates and special appearances.

Combining contemporary modern sounding arrangements with deep-rooted Texas vocals, Nunn’s formula for ongoing critical and public success can be attributed to his desire to keep the music he creates authentic and his audiences entertained. Emphasizing the sounds of classic country, Nunn has a knack for delivering songs that will stir emotions and move boots across the dance floor, as demonstrated on the 13 new tracks making up TAKING TEXAS TO THE COUNTRY. A true veteran on the Texas scene, his music has inspired a movement and he continues to lead the pack with this latest collection.

CountryChart.com applauds Nunn for “taking Texas down a country path” in this recent review: “Finding an album that a grandson, father and grandfather can enjoy together on a hunting or fishing trip is almost impossible. However, Gary P. Nunn has done it. He’s crafted a near perfect Texas country album with TAKING TEXAS TO THE COUNTRY. It offers a cool Texas country vibe mixed with traditional country sensibilities.”

Backed by his Bunkhouse Band (Derek Groves on guitar, Bracken Hale on bass and Beau Johnson on drums), Nunn has been touring the Lone Star state performing his radio single off the album “The Girl Just Loves to Dance,” as well as a choice selection of new music and perennial favorites. Upcoming shows are scheduled throughout the summer and include stops in Austin, the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, Houston, San Antonio and a host of other cities.

Nunn recently took some time out of his busy promotional and tour schedule to sit down with Amy Kushnir as a special guest on the “My Texas Today” Web site. Armed with a recipe for A Blueberry Topped Lemon Tart, a favorite made by wife Ruth, Nunn showed off a true and genuine Texas-sized personality talking music, food and good times. The video of this appearance is available online now at www.MyTexasToday.com.

Gary P. Nunn shows and special appearances include:
May 15, Outskirts, Wichita Falls, Texas
May 16, Maifest, Anhalt, Texas
May 21, Hardin County Music Fest, Kountze, Texas
May 22, Great Texas Sausage Festival, Lake Somerville, Texas
May 28, Back Porch, Port Aransas, Texas
May 29, House Pasture, Con Can, Texas
May 30, Lakeside Icehouse, Bryan, Texas
June 2, County Line BBQ, San Antonio
June 4, Broken Spoke, Austin
June 6, Love And War in Texas (Shiner Sunday), Plano, Texas
June 12, Rot Biker Rally, Austin
June 19, 11th Street Bar, Bandera, Texas
June 20, Hondos on Main, Fredericksburg, Texas
June 23, 8.0, Fort Worth
June 25, Blanco’s Bar & Grill, Houston
June 26, Back Porch Bar Port Aransas, Texas

For more information, please visit www.garypnunn.com.

Music at The Bridge

Tue, 11 May 2010 01:36:10 +0000

Recently, David Schechter of WFAA reported on efforts by the City of Dallas to battle chronic homelessness and highlighted The Bridge Homeless Assistance Center. Musicianary John Tracy is excited to be a part of a group of musicians and singer-songwriters who share their gift every Tuesday during lunch with the homeless population visiting The Bridge. He will be there again on May 11 from 11:30 to 1:00 and finds that his participation in this project really keeps his life and mission in perspective and provides an outlet for him to give to a community who might otherwise be overlooked.

Organized by John Fleming, Senior Pastor at Buckingham United Methodist Church, this program seeks to share the message of hope through music and provide a break in the every day routine of the chronically homeless that frequent The Bridge.

For more information on this music program and the artists who participate, contact John Fleming at revjohnf@verizon.net. For more information on musicianary John Tracy, visit www.johntracymusic.com.

Blue October Rocks the House of Blues

Sam Moore — Fri, 07 May 2010 01:20:17 +0000

By Bianca Montes

It was easy to see that the evening was going to be a night to remember gazing from the floor to the balcony of the sold out House of Blues in Dallas April 30. As the instruments sound checked behind the curtains that masked the stage, the audience cheered to every familiar chord to Houston-based post-grunge rock back, Blue October.

The evening was filled with the band’s signature sounds that blended pounding guitars and beautifully complex strings with lead singer Justin Furstenfeld’s scratchy and deeply emotional vocals.

Blue October does not need to dance around the stage or put on an over-the-top acrobatic show. I have always equated their type of movement as boring and disconnected, watching bands in the past. But their music speaks for itself, and passion drips from the band in a way that I have never seen. In fact, this band that just stands there and sings invokes their fans in the most joyful way.

Spending the evening singing, dancing and hugging random strangers, the crowd responded to each song in their own particular way. Hits such as “She’s My Ride Home” and “Been Down” addressed the crowd with glory while crowd-favorites “Chameleon Boy,” “Congratulations,” and “Calling You” garnered the most positive and wild reactions.

Sending the crowd into frenzy, “Calling You” was one of the highlights of the evening. It was this song that allowed the crowd to completely drown out the band as they raised their hands in the air and sang the lyrics to each other: “If you’re sleepin’ are you dreamin’? If you’re dreamin’ are you dreamin’ of me?”

It is easy to fall in love with a band like Blue October. This Texas quintet actually makes you feel something that you did not even realize you could feel again. The life and emotion that goes into the delivery of their music is incomparable to a lot of music that is available today, and leaves me wondering why bands can’t make music like this anymore.

Following the departure from the stage, fans screamed for what felt like hours, until violinist Ryan Delahoussaye returned to the stage and performed a heightened solo into Black Orchid.

The evening ended as Blue October performed one of their biggest hits to date, “Hate Me.” Beginning with an eerie voice mail left by Furstenfeld’s mother, the moderate tempo and soft instrumentation weave this commanding song together. Watching the band perform this song live drove the emotion behind it to life as the building full of screaming people sang, “Hate me today. Hate me tomorrow. Hate me so you can finally see what’s good for you.”

The high-energy and uniquely mixed sound of Blue October made this stop on their Pick up the Phone 2010 tour a night to remember.

For more images from the evening visit: http://slrphotography.smugmug.com/Music/blueoctober/12074411_h25i5#857681311_9UwrX

Fair to Midland Building a Strong Fan Base

Sam Moore — Wed, 05 May 2010 17:37:09 +0000

By Bianca Montes

Stepping away from the interchangeable sounds that are available in the market today, Sulfur Springs natives Fair to Midland left fans impressed and shocked following their performance at Trees in Dallas April 23.

Click here to view the embedded video.

In the past 12 months, I have reviewed a lot of bands that have passed through Dallas and listened to new release after new release. Sadly, a lot of what I have heard has blended together. Unique musicians have been few and far between.

“The rock scene is kind of suffering,” keyboardist Matt Langley of Fair to Midland said. “The cookie cutter thing has really narrowed the field down to a pitiful degree as far as what kind of different things you’re liable to hear out there.”

I have said it before how important a live show is for a band when it comes to separating the good from the great. If you are not giving it your all on that stage, it is more than obvious to a fan that your dedication is lacking.

Fair to Midland

“When you do this for a few years, and most things don’t come through and you’re still doing it, you know you must be doing it because you love doing it,” said Langley. “I don’t know what all goes into the dynamics of why you do great in one city and not in another. Dallas is always good to us.”

Halfway through the first song, lead singer Darroh Sudderth was flooded in water and bleeding heavily from the face, yet still managed to emanate more energy and passion than any singer I have seen in my life. The raw talent and love for music of Fair to Midland is visually beautiful, but it is their individual styling that is delicately brutal to your ears.

The band performed crowd-favorites such as “Dance of the Manatee,” “Walls of Jerico” and barbarous “Rikki Tikki Tavi” to a packed house of fans who danced, drank and sang for the entire set and then cried for an encore. Dallas definitely loves Fair to Midland.

Gently stirring the crowd with the unreleased “Loopholes in Limbo,” the crowd openly accepted the neo-psychedelic blend of dark-pop layered with Sludderth’s, operatic-like vocals. This song is a refreshing and beautiful addition to Fair to Midland’s impressive lineup.

This May, Fair to Midland is set to tour with Texas sensation Flyleaf on the Unite & Fight tour. For more information on tour dates go to www.myspace.com/fairtomidland.