April 8, 2009
Ramblin' Jack Elliott -
A Stranger Here
(Anti-)
Ramblin' Jack Elliott veers towards country blues and away his country folk sounds. Joe Henry produced the music. Van Dyke Parks and David Hidalgo of Los Lobos play on the disc, Elliott's follow-up to his 2006 Anti- Record debut "I Stand Alone."
March 31, 2009
Various Artists -
The Man of Somebody's Dreams: The Songs of Chris Gaffney
(Yep Roc)
A tribute disc to the late Chris Gaffney, who released solo albums and also was a sideman to Dave Alvin and member of the Hacienda Brothers, died April 17, 2008 at 57 of liver cancer. Among those paying homage are Alvin, John Doe, Peter Case, Los Straitjackets, Los Lobos, The Iguanas and Olabelle.
March 24, 2009
Alecia Nugent -
Hillbilly Goddess
(Rounder)
Bluegrass and country singer Alecia Nugent releases her third disc. Helping out on the 11 songs are producer Carl Jackson, duet partner Bradley Walker (on The Writing's All Over the Wall), J.D. Crowe, members of Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Blue Highway, The Dan Tyminski Band and The Infamous Stringdusters. The disc from the Louisiana native was originally planned for a January release.
Tommy Webb -
TBD
(Rural Rhythm)
Tommy Webb is releasing his third disc and first for the label.
March 3, 2009
Raul Malo -
Lucky One
(Fantasy)
Following two albums of covers, Raul Malo releases his first album of original material in seven years. The first single is Hello Again.
Justin Townes Earle -
Midnight at the Movies
(Bloodshot)
Justin Towne Earle's sophomore CD is the follow-up to his favorably received debut "The Good Life." Earle is the son of Steve.
Buddy and Julie Miller -
Written in Chalk
(New West)
Buddy and Julie Miller have been married more than 20 years, but this is only their second disc together. Both have enjoyed solo careers, and Buddy is also known for his session work and tours with Plant and Krauss and Emmylou Harris. Julie Miller wrote 9 of the 12 songs on the new record.
February 24, 2009
Jake Owen -
Easy Does It
(RCA Nashville)
This is the second disc from Jake Owen, who had a few hits on his debut.
Randy Weeks -
Going My Way
(Certifiable)
Left Coast singer Randy Weeks is now from Austin, but still putting out music. The new album was produced by Will Sexton and features guitarist Tony Gilkyson plus Austinites Eliza Gilkyson, Cindy Cashdollar, Rick Richards and Mark Hallman. Weeks is best known for penning Lucinda Williams' hit Can't Get Go from the Grammy Award-winning album "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road."
February 17, 2009
Gurf Morlix -
Last Exit to Happyland
(Rootball)
Guitar ace Gurf Morlix, who has worked as producer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist for the likes of Lucinda Williams and Warren Zevon, releases his fifth album. Morlix also has worked with Patty Griffin, Michael Penn, Buddy Miller, Mary Gauthier, Tom Lauderdale, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Robert Earl Keen, Tom Russell, Jim Lauderdale and Slaid Cleaves. Special guests include Griffin, Ruthie Foster and Timbuk3's Barbara K.
February 10, 2009
David Parmley -
3 Silver Dollars
(Pinecastle)
Bluegrasser David Pamley returns with his first album in about three years. Parmley, who produced the disc, has one new band member, Ron Spears, who played with Special Consensus and Doyle Lawson. Rhonda Vincent contributed harmony vocals on Meadow on the Mountain.
Michael Martin Murphey -
Buckaroo Blue Grass
(Rural Rhythm)
Cowboy music singer Michael Martin Murphey goes the bluegrass route with his label debut. Murphey's songs have been recorded by Flatt and Scruggs, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Seldom Scene, Country Gentlemen, Bluegrass Cardinals, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Among those on the CD are Rhonda Vincent on backing vocals and Sam Bush on mandolin.
Ernie Thacker -
The Hangman
(Pinecastle)
Ernie Thacker makes his label debut. Thacker had been with Ralph Stanley for six years before going off on his own. This is his first disc since being involved in a serious car accident about two years ago that left him wheelchair-bound.
February 3, 2009
Dierks Bentley -
Feel That Fire
(Capitol Nashville)
Dierks Bentley releases his fourth studio disc with the title track being the first single.
Wynonna -
Sing
(Curb)
Wynonna's seventh studio disc contains standards paying homage to all the different genres and songs that influenced the singer. Produced by long time collaborators Don Potter and Brent Mahar and recorded at Sound Kitchen, The Blue Room Studios and East Iris Studios in Nashville, "Sing" contains 12 songs including I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry by Hank Williams, Are The Good Times Really Over by Merle Haggard and Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers.
January 27, 2009
Audie Blaylock -
Audie Blacklock & Redline
(Rural Rhythm)
is the second solo album for Audie Blaylock and the first on Rural Rhythm Records. Blaylock was only 19 when he joined Jimmy Martin and The Sunny Mountain Boys, and went on to receive multitude honors and awards including: the IBMA Entertainer of the Year award as a member of Rhonda Vincent & The Rage; 2007 IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year Award with Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper featuring Audie Blaylock; a Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album and an IBMA nomination for Recorded Event of the Year for "A Tribute to Jimmy Martin: The King of Bluegrass."
Nothin' Fancy -
Lord Bless This House
(Pinecastle)
Nothin' Fancy offers their first gospel disc for Pinecastle. Darrin Vincent of Dailey & Vincent fame produced the 12-song disc. Rhonda Vincent sang on two tracks. This is the band's fourth release on Pinecastle.
Gary Louris and Mark Olson -
Ready for the Flood
(New West)
Gary Louris and Mark Olson used to be band mates when they were in The Jayhawks, but that was a long time ago since Olson left in 1995. This marks the duo's first recording together. The music was recorded at Sage & Sound Studios in Hollywood with friend Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes. Louris had called in Robinson, who happened to be in town at that point, for vibe support and he ended up producing. Robinson also played harmonica and offered backing vocals.
Pat Green -
What I'm For
(BNA)
Pat Green returns with a 10-song CD, featuring the single Let Me. This is the Texan's 11th release.
January 13, 2009
Kristin Scott Benson -
Second Season
(Pinecastle)
Banjo player Kristin Scott Benson, who was voted banjo player of they year by the IBMA, is putting out her second solo disc for Pinecastle. Benson, the wife of Wayne Benson of iiird Tyme Out, joined The Grascals in the fall. Larry Cordle, Josh Williams, Sally Jones and Larry Stephenson contribute vocals to the disc.
January 6, 2009
The Gourds -
Haymaker!
(Yep Roc)
The Gourds follow last yer's "Noble Creatures" with more cosmic music. The band consists of Jimmy Smith, Kevin 'Shinyribs' Russell, Keith Langford, Max Johnston, Claude Bernard.
December 16, 2008
Raul Malo -
Hello Again
(Concord)
The five-song EP from Raul Malo contains Hello Again, the first single from the Lucky One album, which streets on March 3, 2009, along with a demo version of So Beautiful, a studio version of which also appears on the new album. Included also are two recent live versions of songs from Malo's 2001 debut solo album "Today": Every Little Thing and I Said I Love You. The disc also includes a newly recorded remake of a song from Malo's Mavericks years titled In My Dreams. This is an iTunes only release.
December 9, 2008
Charlie Louvin -
Charlie Louvin Sings Murder Ballads and Disaster Songs
(Tompkins Square)
Charlie Louvin is quite prolific as this is his second CD this year after releasing "Steps to Heaven" in September. Both albums were produced, recorded and mixed by Mark Nevers (Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Andrew Bird, Bobby Bare Sr.). Louvin reached back for several songs from the Louvins 1956 album, "Tragic Songs of Life," and took 9 songs from a box set, "People Take Warning! Murder Ballads & Disaster Songs, 1913-1938" for the CD.
November 25, 2008
Trace Adkins -
X
(Capitol Nashville)
Trace Adkins releases the 10th disc of his career, thus the title. Frank Rogers, who also has produced Brad Paisley, produced Atkins. The first single is "Muddy Water."
November 18, 2008
Randy Houser -
Anything Goes
(Universal South)
Randy Houser releases his debut CD with the title track being the first single. Houser wrote songs for Trace Adkins, including Adkins's 2005 single Honky Tonk Badonkadon.
Blake Shelton -
Startin' Fires
(Warner)
Blake Shelton releases his fifth album. The first single is She Wouldn't Be Gone. He also does a duet with girlfriend Miranda Lambert.
Zac Brown Band -
The Foundation
(Atlantic)
Zac Brown has come out of nowhere to not only have a hit on its hands with Chicken Fried, but a new disc. The band plays country, bluegrass, southern rock, pop and reggae on the Keith Stegall produced disc. Zac Brown Band is singer/guitarist Zac Brown, fiddler Jimmy De Martini, bassist John Hopkins, guitarist/organist Coy Bowles and drummer Chris Fryar.
November 11, 2008
The Boxmasters -
Christmas Cheer
(Vanguard)
The Boxmasters, a trio including actor Billy Bob Thornton, are busy. They released a 2-CD debut earlier this year and now are back with an 10-song Christmas collection. Songs include Silver Bells and Blue Christmas along with Happy X-Mas (War Is Over) and Christmas in Prison. The group also includes J.D. Andrew and Mike Butler.
Taylor Swift -
Fearless
(Big Machine)
This is Taylor Swift's second full-length CD following her mega-selling, hit producing debut. in Between, she released a deluxe edition, a Christmas set and a Wal-Mart exclusive CD. The 13-song disc includes the hit single Our Love.
Jim Avett and Family -
Jim Avett and Family
(Ramseur)
If Jim Avett's last name is familiar, it should be. He's the father of Scott and Seth of the Avett Brothers. Here, led by Jim, they tackle religious themed songs. The Avetts' Bob Crawford also helps out on bass on songs such as Keep on the Sunny Side and The Old Rugged Cross.
Merle Haggard -
Legendary Performances DVD
(Shout! Factory)
The Country Music Hall Of Fame and Museum provides almost two decades of Merle Haggard performances unseen since their original broadcast. The set includes live performances such as Branded Man (Country Music Holiday,1968), Mama Tried (Billy Walker's Country Carnival, 1968) and Okie From Muskogee (The Porter Wagoner Show, 1970).
Charlie Daniels Band -
Preachin', Prayin', Singin' DVD
(Koch)
Charlie Daniels go the bluegrass route on this 53-minute DVD. This is taken from an April 25, 2005 show Daniels performed in Nashville to debut songs from his bluegrass-gospel album "Songs From the Longleaf Pines."
Kevin Costner and Modern West -
Untold Truths
(Universal South)
The band's history goes back 20 years when Kevin Costner first met band mate John Coinman in Los Angeles during an acting workshop. The two began playing and writing music together and soon after started a band called Roving Boy. As Costner's star began to rise, he was unable to devote much time to the band. However, he and some of the band members continued behind-the-scenes playing, writing and recording. The album is comprised of 12 original tracks all written or co-written by the group. Modern West is Coinman, Blair Forward, Teddy Morgan, Larry Cobb and Park Chisolm).
November 4, 2008
Mark Wills -
Familiar Strangers
(Tenacity)
Mark Wills goes with a new label for his new disc. He had 8 top 10 hits for Mercury and none with his second label, Equity. He also never released an album for Equity. The Things We Forgot is the first single.
Split Lip Rayfield -
I'll Be Around
(Pipeline Records)
Split Lip Rayfield returns with its first release since the death of Kirk Rundstrom in February 2007. Jeff Eaton (bass/vocals), Eric Mardis (Banjo/Vocals) and Wayne Gottstine (mandolin/vocals) are carrying on.
Randy Owen -
One on One
(Broken Bow)
Alabama front man Randy Owen goes the solo route with his debut. The first single is "Like I Never Broke Her Heart." Owen also is releasing his autobiography at the same time, "Born County."
Brad Paisley -
Play
(SonyBMG)
Brad Paisley is going mainly instrumental with 11 of the 15 tracks here. He also gets help from folks like B.B. King, Keith Urban, Steve Wariner and the late Buck Owens. "Little" Jimmy Dickens, who plays "Grandpa Paisley" in the comic "Pre-Cluster Cluster Pluck Prequel (Prelude)," will participate once again in a Paisley project. He will be in the all-star guitar jam, "Cluster Pluck," featuring guests James Burton, Vince Gill, John Jorgensen, Albert Lee, Brent Mason, Redd Volkaert and Wariner.
Trailer Choir -
Trailer Choir EP
(ShowDog Nashville)
Trailer Choir is a first-names only trio including Butter, Big Vinny, a heavy set guy in suspenders who apparently can do a turn on the dance floor, and blond-haired Crystal. They have toured with label head Toby Keith. The EP consists of four songs, including Off the Hillbilly Hook.
November 1, 2008
Vern Gosdin -
40 Years of the Voice
(VGM)
Veteran country singer Vern Gosdin releases a 4-CD set covering his 4-decade long career. The release contains 101 songs, including 11 new songs. Gosdin recorded 14 of the songs in 1968 with his brother Rex.
October 30, 2008
Ryan Adams and the Cardinals -
Cardinology
(Lost Highway)
The ever prolific Ryan Adams returns with another disc with his band The Cardinals. The Cardinals are Neal Casal, Chris Feinstein, Jon Graboff and Brad Pemberton.
Lucinda Williams -
LU in '08
(Lost Highway)
Lucinda Williams gets political on this four-song EP with three of the songs recorded live. Among them are Buffalo Springfield's For What It's Worth and Bob Dylan's Masters Of War. This is available as a digital release only.
October 28, 2008
Reba McEntire -
50 Greatest Hits
(MCA/UME)
Reba McEntire puts together on 3 CDs this compilation of her career from 1984 to 2007. Her first two number ones are missing, but almost all the rest of her hits remain. The collection contains no new or unreleased songs.
Rascal Flatts -
Greatest Hits Volume 1
(Lyric Street)
After selling more than 17 million albums, Rascal Flatts, will release its first ever greatest hits collection containing 16 tracks, including 13 hits such as "What Hurts The Most," "Life Is A Highway," "I'm Movin' On" and "Bless The Broken Road." The initial limited edition release will be presented in a special foil-embossed 2 CD package. This limited edition version will include three newly recorded Christmas songs as bonus tracks - "White Christmas," "Jingle Bell Rock" and an a capella version of "I'll Be Home For Christmas."
Johnny Cash -
Johnny Cash's America CD/DVD
(Sony Legacy)
This CD/DVD explores the cultural and historical significance of Johnny Cash. An accompanying CD contains 18 songs, 5 of which were previously unreleased. The 90-minute DVD was directed by Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon.
Toby Keith -
That Don't Make Me a Bad Guy
(ShowDog Nashville)
The prolific Toby Keith mixes it up on his fifth album for his own label. the single "She Never Cried in Front of Me" hit the top 10. He also explore Southern rock and blues on the disc.
Joey + Rory -
The Life of a Song
(Sugar Hill)
Austin-based couple Joey + Rory release their debut, containing a dozen songs. Carl Jackson produced the set, which includes a spare, acoustic version of Free Bird. The couple were on the reality show Can You Duet. Rory is Rory Feek, who has gained notice as a songwriter in Nashville.
Hank Williams -
The Unreleased Hank Williams
(Time Life)
This is a treasure trove of 54 songs from Hank Williams. In 1951, Williams recorded 143 songs for the Mother's Best Flour Company. He sang with his regular studio band and recorded his hits as well as many songs he never recorded commercially anywhere else. Each of the 3 discs contains 18 songs. It's not as if all songs were never released, considering that Hey Good Lookin,' I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry and Cold Cold Heart are included along with many gospel songs.
October 21, 2008
Lee Ann Womack -
Call Me Crazy
(MCA Nashville)
Lee Ann Womack releases her seventh album and first since the very traditional sounding "There's More Where That Came From." The first single is "Last Call."
Hank Williams III -
Damn Right Rebel Proud
(Sidewalk/Curb)
Country rebel Hank Williams III was last heard from on 2006's "Straight to Hell." Here, Hank III covers hard rock and traditional country sides. The first single is Long Hauls & Close Calls.
James House -
On This Christmas Night
(Friday)
Singer James House had some success about a dozen years ago with a few hit singles, but mainly has made his mark as a songwriter. Now, he's back with a Christmas disc, which includes Jose Feliciano.
Craig Morgan -
That's Why
(BNA)
Craig Morgan makes his label debut after leaving Broken Bow where he enjoyed much success. Morgan wrote 6 of the 10 songs on the new CD, which he co-produced with Phil O'Donnell. The first single is Love Remembers.
Waylon Jennings -
Waylon Forever
(Vagrant)
The disc is a collaboration between Waylon and his son Shooter. The 8-song project began in 1995 and was completed after Waylon's death in 2002. Among the songs are Are You Ready for the Countrty, Waymore's Blues and Lonesome On'ry And Mean.
October 14, 2008
Little Big Town -
A Place To Land (re-release)
(Capitol Nashville)
If the title of the CD sounds familiar for Little Big Town, it should. The disc was out last year, but on a different label, Broken Bow. But the quartet bagged its deal with the indie Broken Bow for Capitol. This is a re-release of that album with several new tracks. "Fine Line" is the single.
Johnny Cash -
At Folsom Prison: Legacy Edition
(Sony Legacy)
Johnny Cash recorded "At Folsom Prison" on Jan. 13, 1968. Commemorating the 40th anniversary of this recording, "Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison: Legacy Edition" features previously unreleased materials including a new documentary film with exclusive footage from behind the walls of Folsom Prison. A DVD features new interviews with Merle Haggard, Rosanne Cash, Marty Stuart, and former inmates who witnessed the concert.
Various Artists -
Elvis Presley Christmas Duets
(RCA Nashville/Legacy)
The disc takes Elvis duets recorded for the holiday season with current singers like Carrie Underwood, Sara Evans, Little Big Town and Amy Grant. Among the songs is I'll Be Home For Christmas by Presley and Underwood.
JD Souther -
If the World Was You
(Slow Curve)
JD Souther is best known for writing songs for The Eagles and being one-third of Souther Hillman Furay. This is his first disc in 25 years and goes for more of a jazz bent.
The Churchmen -
I'll Be Long Gone
(Pinecastle)
Bluegrass gospel group The Churchmen are back with their third recording for Pinecastle. The dozen-song disc contains hard driving bluegrass gospel and several more contemporary flavored songs.
Darin Aldridge & Brooke Justice -
I'll Go With You
(Pinecastle)
Bluegrassers Darin Aldridge and Brooke Justice go the gospel route on this 13-song set. Aldridge played with Charlie Waller and the Country Gentlemen for seven years and helped found The Circuit Riders, while Justice has sung sacred music.
Billy Currington -
Little Bit Of Everything
(MCA Nashville)
Billy Currington certainly had no sophomore slump because Good Directions and Must Be Doin' Somethin' Right both hit number one from "Doin' Somethin' Right." The first single on the dozen-song disc is Don't.
Lucinda Williams -
Little Honey
(Lost Highway)
Lucinda Williams releases her ninth album. Eric Lilejstand produced the 13-song disc. Helping out on guest vocals are Elvis Costello on "Jailhouse Tears," Jim Lauderdale, Charlie Louvin, Tim Easton, Matthew Sweet and Suzanna Hoffs. Williams is backed by her road band Buck 6. Among the songs are Real Love, Circles And X's, Tears of Joy and Long Way to the Top.
The Starline Rhythm Boys -
Live at Charlie O's World Famous
(Cow Island)
Vermont's finest honky tonking band releases a 23-song live disc. Sean Mencher produced and plays on one song. SRB consists of Danny Coane on vocals and guitar, Al Lemery on vocals and lead guitar and Billy Bratcher on upright slap bass and guest Kevin Maul on pedal steel.
Kenny Chesney -
Lucky Old Sun
(Blue Chair/BNA)
Kenny Chesney's new CD comes in standard and deluxe editions with the latter featuring several live tracks. Songs include I'm Alive with Dave Matthews and the hit single Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven.
Julianne Hough -
NBC Sounds of the Season The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection
(Mercury)
Two-time Dancing With The Stars champion Juliane Hough has enjoyed a busy year. First she topped both the country and Top 200 charts with her self-titled album. She was on the radio with her debut sing, That Song In My Head. And now she's going to release a holiday disc, available only at Target. Songs include the title track, an instrumental, along with Jingle Bell Rock, Feliz Navidad and Rocking Around the Christmas Tree.
Kate Campbell -
Save the Day
(Large River)
Kate Campbell is a daughter of the south in her songcraft and does that again here. Campbell mixes country, folk, gospel, bluegrass and pop sounds.
The Dixons -
Still Your Fool
(Cow Island)
Not only do trees grow in Brooklyn, but so apparently do traditional country music bands. This is the debut disc from The Dixons on the hip Boston-based country label.
Beth Stevens -
Strong Enough
(Pinecastle)
Beth Stevens used to play with her sister April in the Stevens Family, which later became the Stevens Sisters. This is her first solo album, which was produced by Scott Vestal. Dale Anne Bradley duets with Stevens on "Sweet Peace."
John Michael Montgomery -
Time Flies
(Self-released)
John Michael Montgomery goes the independent route with his first album in several years. Forever is the first single from his 13th album.
October 7, 2008
Melonie Cannon -
And the Wheels Turn
(Rural Rhythm)
Melonie Cannon, daughter of ace producer Buddy, released her debut on Skaggs Family in 2004. This is her second CD and first for her new label. The disc mixes country and bluegrass sounds.
Charlie Pickett -
Bar Band Americanus The Best of Charlie Pickett And
(Bloodshot)
Charlie Pickett was in such bands as Charlie Pickett and the Eggs, later known as MC3. Bloodshot takes 19 songs from Pickett's past and gives him the best of treatment. The sound is best described as bar band with touches of country and rock and other styles thrown into the mix. Influences include the Stones, The Yardbirds and Gram Parsons.
Various Artists -
Billy: The Early Years soundtrack
(Arista Nashville)
"Billy: The Early Years" is a movie chronicling the beginnings of evangelist preacher Billy Graham. The soundtrack contains a dozen songs including Over the Next Hill by Brooks & Dunn and Mac Powell from Third Day, Ruth's Prayer by Patty Griffin and Just As I Am by Sierra Hull with a choir featuring John Cowan, Harry Stinson, Ronnie Bowman, Ronnie McCoury and John Wesley Ryles. Hull has a role in the flick due out in October.
George Strait -
Classic Christmas
(MCA)
George Strait offers 10 holiday songs, ranging from "Deck the Halls" and "O Come, All Ye Faithful" to "Up on the Rooftop."
Tim McGraw -
Greatest Hits 3
(Curb)
Tim McGraw's latest greatest hits effort contains 12 tracks, including live versions of the award winning "If You're Reading This" and "Real Good Man." Other highlights include a duet version of the ACM and CMA vocal event winner "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" featuring Tracy Lawrence and McGraw's co-penned hit "Nine Lives."
Ralph Stanley -
Old-Time Pickin' A Clawhammer Banjo Collection
(Rebel)
Ralph Stanley has 18 clawhammer banjo songs with half never having seen the light of day. Stanley started a clawhammer disc about 5 years ago, cutting about a dozen songs. The label had other songs in the can and put the two together. Three of the previously songs tracks are available on CD for the first time. 'Little Birdie" and "Black Eyed Susie" are among the songs on the release, which includes vocals and instrumentals.
Johnny Cash -
The Johnny Cash Christmas Special 1978 DVD
(Shout! Factory)
This is part of a DVD collection of annual Christmas specials from Johnny Cash.
Johnny Cash -
The Johnny Cash Christmas Special 1979
(Shout! Factory)
Johnny Cash is joined by folks like Tom T. Hall, Anne Murray and Andy Kaufman , even his father, on his annual holiday event.
