Texas Music Journal

Texas Music in Still Life

Sam Moore — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:08:25 +0000

By Tamara Loggins
Mother Falcon is one of those bands that can evoke extreme jubilation in its listeners. The band’s debut album, Still Life, is nothing short of extraodinary. Each song has this beautiful classical arrangement accompanied by fantastic lyrics. The CD is an updated answer to Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four seasons.

The band is comprised of some twenty-plus members, who play a range of musical instruments from cello to saxophone. It seems that the music would be chaotic with so many people playing together, but the instruments are nothing if not complementary to one another.

This is yet another one of those albums that I fear is far too short for my liking. It could only be improved by adding another two hours minimum, and perhaps a nice book reading by the fire place.

To get more information about the band and CD, visit http://motherfalconmusic.com/.

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Delbert McClinton to Close Texas Music Series in Greenville

Sam Moore — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:00:35 +0000

Delbert McClinton, one of America’s great vocal stylists, will close out the 2010 Kenneth Threadgill Concert series next month in Greenville.

The performance will be held on October 16 at the historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Greenville.

From growing up in the 50′s and early 60′s in the clubs of Fort Worth playing harmonica with blues legends like Jimmy Reed, Howlin’ Wolf and Sonny Boy Williams, to his pop hit “Giving It Up for Your Love”, to his Grammy award winning duet with Bonnie Raitt on “Good Man, Good Woman”, and on into the 21st century with two more Grammys in the best contemporary blues album category, Delbert McClinton has made his mark on American music over the last five decades. And he’s stronger than ever with his latest album 2009′s Acquired Taste, which was produced by Don Was (Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt) and includes co-writes with Guy Clark and Benmont Tench of Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers.

Acquired Taste is a juke joint blend of musical styles. McClinton’s signature sound mixes all the styles he heard growing up in Texas – rhythm and blues, country, soul, rock and jazz. The man who taught John Lennon the harmonica on a trip to England has one of the most soulful voices in music today, in any genre. With songs like “Two More Bottles of Wine” (a hit for Emmylou Harris), McClinton long ago established himself as a top rate songwriter as well.

McClinton and his full band, The Dick50, will headline the Threadgill Series concert on October 16th. Doors at the Auditorium open at 6:30 pm.

Local favorites The Blues Doctors will open the concert. Featuring brothers Don and James Ward, The Blues Doctors will be making their second appearance on the Threadgill stage. Their father, the late Trig Ward, received the inaugural Threadgill Award in 2009 at a concert headlined by Marcia Ball, who invited the Ward brothers to sit in with her band for a couple of songs.

Tickets are now on sale through Front Gate Tickets: www.frontgatetickets.com and 888-512-SHOW. Tickets are also on sale at Bill’s Records on South Lamar in Dallas and in Greenville at Cavenders and at the Magic Bubble and Calico Cat downtown.

Advance tickets are $20-35 with a limited number available in the reserved section. Tickets sold at the door are $25-40. For more information on the concert, please visit our website: www.greenville-texas.com/concert.htm.

Upcoming Texas Music Event at Dallas Library

Sam Moore — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:45:32 +0000

How to Capture Lightning: Texas Music Conference 2 Saturday, September 11, 10 am-1 pm Dallas Public Library, J. Erik Jonsson Central Library Bradshaw Gallery, Fine Arts Division (4th Floor)
1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX 75201

Texas musicians have excelled and innovated in so many styles and aspects of music that few are able to grasp the breadth of their contributions. For decades fans and critics have focused their attention primarily on a few individual artists, failing to note the cultural environment that produced and was influenced by their work. However, recent years have seen an enormous surge of interest in preserving the unique legacy of Texas’s musical history. An explosion of books, articles, museums, web sites, television and radio programs, documentaries, and media collections attest to the public’s fascination (or sometimes obsession!) with the subject. But many who have tried to study this amazing heritage have found themselves asking, “How do you record history while it’s still being made? How do you separate the fact from the fiction? How do you capture lightning?”

Dallas Public Library’s second Texas Music Conference will explore the issues involved in collecting, preserving, and documenting Texas music history. Writers, archivists, scholars, collectors, librarians, and filmmakers will discuss methods, questions, resources, obstacles, and discoveries they have encountered in the course of their involvement with this history. Details are below.

Join us as we try to catch lighting in a bottle . . . and cork it for future generations to enjoy!
____________________________________________________

10:00-10:15 Registration
10:15-10:30 Introductions and Welcome

10:30-11:15 Dancing about Architecture: Texas Music in Books and Articles

Jean Boyd

http://www.baylor.edu/music/history/index.php?id=46825

Fort Worth native Jean Boyd is a Professor of Music History and American Music Studies in the Baylor University School of Music. Her research area, western swing, has to date resulted in two published books, two articles, various professional presentations, and a third book forthcoming in spring 2011.

Craig Hopkins

http://www.stevieray.com

Craig Hopkins is the author of Stevie Ray Vaughan: Day By Day, Night After Night, a comprehensive 432-page, 970-illustration chronicle of the legendary guitarist’s life and career.

Tim Schuller
Tim Schuller (b. Cleveland, 1949) has for over a third of a century written music-related articles for magazines and newsletters. He has prioritized coverage of senior members of Texas’ blues, jazz, and R&B communities.

Laurie Shulman
http://classicalprogramnotes.com Laurie Shulman is a freelance writer on music and nationally known program annotator based in Dallas. A popular pre-concert speaker and guest lecturer, she is the author of The Meyerson Symphony Center: Building a Dream. She holds a Ph.D. in musicology from Cornell University.

Moderator: Carol Reynolds
http://www.professorcarol.com Dr. Reynolds was Professor of Music History for 21 years at Southern Methodist University, and has long been a popular speaker for organizations such as The Dallas Symphony, The Dallas Wind Symphony, the Dallas and Fort Worth Operas, and the Van Cliburn Foundation. She now creates cross-discipline curricula in the Fine Arts, including a new multimedia course Discovering Music: 300 Years of Interaction in Western Music, Arts, History & Culture. She is presently working on a new curriculum dedicated to American music and culture, in which Texas music will play a significant role.

11:15-12:00 Worth a Thousand Words: Texas Music in Documentary Films

Mark Nobles

http://www.teen-a-go-go.com

http://www.trinityrivermusic.net Mark has written, produced, and directed children’s educational programming, documentaries, and commercials. He is currently involved with two music documentaries: Teen-A-Go-Go and You Must Be Weird . . . Or You Wouldn’t Be Here.

Tracy Ready

http://www.traceproductions.com/index.php

Tracy Ready, owner of Trace Productions, is a Director of Photography, Writer and Producer based in Dallas Texas. He is also a songwriter and vocalist with a debut studio CD release set for December 2010. His blog Trace – TV – Film – Music Media is at www.tracetv.tv.

Denisa Spruell
Denisa Spruell studied radio, television, and film production at Northlake Community College. She has created documentary films on topics of contemporary interest such as rape and the impact of AIDS on women’s lives. Her lifelong involvement with music and her “long and storied” affiliation with Buddy Magazine have resulted in her current project, a documentary about the Texas music industry.

Rob Tranchin

http://www.kera.org/tv/productions/southdallaspop

Rob Tranchin is a senior producer, writer, and director of documentaries and outreach specials for KERA, where he also serves as executive producer for content. His productions on local arts topics include Sweet Tornado: Margo Jones and the American Theater (co-written and produced with Kay Cattarulla), and South Dallas Pop: When Funk Was King. In 1999, Tranchin won a national Emmy Award, and he was nominated for a second Emmy Award in 2000. He is a graduate of Harvard College and New York University.

Moderator: Terry Fansler

http://www3.dbu.edu/fine_arts/Faculty/MusicFaculty-TerryFansler.asp

TerryFansler is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Studies in Music Business at Dallas Baptist University. In addition to his academic career, he spent thirteen years performing on stage throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. He also co-produced, wrote and co-hosted a magazine-style television program about small business that aired nationwide weekly on PBS.

12:00-12:15 Break

12:15-1:00 You Don’t Know What You’ve Got Till It’s Gone: Texas Music Archives in Libraries and Museums

Sharon Herfurth
http://www.texasmusicmuseum.org Sharon Herfurth is a former Vice President and current board member with the Texas Music Museum in Austin, where she has been actively involved in curating exhibits, planning programming, and creating documentation for museum events. She is a branch manager with the Austin Public Library and a former music librarian with the Dallas Public Library.

Thomas Kreason

http://www.texasmusiciansmuseum.com

Prior to becoming director of the Texas Musicians Museum, Thomas Kreason spent about twenty years in music staging and promotion. From there he worked for about three years as a producer of live shows for Hard Rock Cafes in New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Dallas, then for a short time at Memphis’ famed Sun Studios. Those latter experiences pointed out the need to collect and preserve the rapidly disappearing memorabilia of popular music history. It is largely through his own collecting efforts that he eventually came to create and operate the TMM in Hillsboro.

Morris Martin

http://www.library.unt.edu/music/music-library

Morris Martin is Head Music Librarian for the University of North Texas Music Library and Audio Center, part of the Willis Library on the Denton campus. He holds advanced music degrees from UNT and a masters degree in library science from the University of Illinois. Since 1972 he has also served as part-time Minister of Music at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Denton.

Alisa Rata Stutzbach

http://smu.edu/cul/hamon

Alisa Rata Stutzbach is the Director of the Hamon Arts Library at Southern Methodist University, which includes the Bywaters Special Collections and the G. William Jones Film and Video Collection. Her professional work in MLA and the Society for American Music has focused on the usability, accessibility, and promotion of research resources. Additionally, Alisa is an active Baroque violist in regional and national period instrument ensembles.

Moderator: Bob Reitz
http://www.harbinscoutmuseum.org Bob Reitz has curated a wide variety of subjects for the Dallas Library, including exhibits on Beat Generation writings, the American Hobo and Dallas Blues of the 1920′s and 30′s. He is the Curator of the Harbin Boy Scout Museum at Camp Wisdom in Dallas.

Texas Music With a Side of Salsa

Sam Moore — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:05:38 +0000

When her break-through album, What I Deserve, was released 10 years ago, The New York Times said, “Kelly Willis offers painful tales of lost love, but then expresses the resolve to move on. Hovering between romantic fantasy and deflated realism, Ms. Willis taps a rare subtlety of feeling.”

This week. Kelly Willis brings her signature alternative country music to the Levitt Pavilion at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. Her concert is presented by Arlington’s Maner Fire Equipment Inc.

Much has happened to Willis since her first recording. She’s been busy with her four children and was named “alternative country’s golden goddess” by NPR. Her most recent album, Translated From Love, is her most adventurous with material that might not be expected of her, including six songs she penned herself and a raucous, countrified version of Iggy Pop’s Success featuring The Gourds and Michael Ramos.

Joining Willis on the concert schedule for the Levitt’s second week of free fall concerts, salsa lovers can dance to the sounds of a new breed of Latin music with Havana NRG on Thursday, Sept. 9.

Fort Worth Weekly
presents Austin-based Nelo on Friday, Sept. 10. Nelo’s smooth and compulsive 21st century pop sound has broad appeal with just enough Texas in it to keep things sharp and sturdy. The group officially formed in 2005, but took a detour to Georgia before returning to Texas to record their debut album at Willie Nelson’s Pedernales Studios. Nelo has played South by Southwest twice and at the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Their second full-length album will be released in October.

The second weekend concludes with the award-winning Texas Gypsies, swing, gypsy jazz and rockabilly — Texas style — on Sunday, Sept. 12. The Texas Gypsies helped open the Levitt Pavilion in October 2008. We’re pleased to have them back with their eclectic sound that combines big band swing, gypsy jazz, western swing, Texas blues and rockabilly styles as well as their own take on well-known pop and jazz standards. With their evocative look from the ’30s and ’40s, the group mixes guitar, violin and bass, drums, accordion, keyboards, singers and a horn section to deliver a sound that is at once earthy and sophisticated. The Texas Gypsies are presented by the Texas Commission on the Arts.

Fall concerts are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday nights through Oct. 2. A complete concert calendar is available on the Levitt’s Web site, www.levittpavilionarlington.org.

Houston Attorney to Rally Music Industry to Benefit the Homeless

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:15:55 +0000

In times like today, Americans realize the most powerful song one can write is one that expresses care for others. That’s why at 9am Oct. 16, 2010, producers, artists, record label executives and other music industry professionals from all genres will gather in Houston at St. John’s Downtown Church to collaborate on one such song, serving the homeless population as Cross Media Live presents its seminar, “Make More Money When Releasing Your Music.”

The event organizer, Attorney Leslie Cross Jr., is asking participants to bring in toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorant, wash clothes, hand sanitizers, etc., which will all be given to the homeless population served at St. John’s Downtown Church. Selected participants will also collaborate on an upcoming inspirational single.

“Just as I’m sharing the knowledge and wisdom I’ve learned with the music industry, I want the music industry to share with the less fortunate,” Cross said. “I couldn’t think of a better way to do this than to partner with Pastor Rudy at St. John’s.”

The event has already garnered support from the both business and music professionals including Kasino Brown Music, LLC, Jayen Associates, Inc. , Skytone Productions, Houston Business Developers and The Cross Firm, P.C., to name a few.

“The knowledge Attorney Cross possesses is phenomenal. What’s even more exciting is his willingness to share and empower musicians, recording artists, producers and other industry professionals outside a paid consultation or retained relationship,” said Jewel Johnson, owner of Jayen Associates, Inc.

With recent developments drastically changing the music industry, Cross Live Media seized this opportunity to inform, educate and empower the music industry. Topics such as investors, distribution, promotions, contracts, ASCAP, Sound Exchange and more will be discussed. More than 10,000 artists, record label executives, and music industry professionals will learn of this event through marketing tools such as social media, email blasts and peer group marketing. However, space is limited to an expected audience of 200; thus, attendees should register early.

Cross Live Media exists to self-empower individuals and companies through the use of innovative and motivational learning materials and lectures to have the freedom to pursue, overtake and accomplish their purpose and/or mission in the entertainment industry.

For more information or to request an interview, please contact Monica Coleman at 832-377-1657 or send an email to mcoleman@theservantmedia.com. Follow updates and news regarding recently added sponsors for this event at http://www.musicbusinessheretic.com or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Music-Business-Heretic/301141641268. Or register for the event here.

Miranda Lambert Sets CMA Nominations Record

Sam Moore — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:06:01 +0000

It’s rare that fiery Texas songstress Miranda Lambert is left speechless but that’s exactly what happened today when she learned of her record breaking nine CMA Award nominations including Entertainer, Female and Album of the Year. Lambert, along with Dierks Bentley, appeared on
Good Morning America today to read the announcements and was told just minutes before going on air.

“They don’t even make a word to describe how I feel,” she admitted. “I’m still coming to terms with this.”

Nominees in seven other categories were announced yesterday and when the final nominations were tallied, Lambert led the list of finalists with nine nominations – the most for any female artist in the history of the CMA Awards. Alan Jackson received 10 nominations in 2002. Prior to that, Merle Haggard held the record with nine in 1970.

“I’ve had a band for 10 years and its all coming together this year,” said Lambert. “This means so much to me to be recognized by my friends. We all work together and pull for each other. Thank you country music for letting me live my dreams. God bless this industry and my fans!”

Immediately following the announcements, the stunned Miranda Lambert headed to Today Show for a quick appearance to promote her upcoming September 29th performance on the show and then caught a flight out. She may have been a woman of few words on air today but many of her peers had plenty to say.

“It’s always exciting to see great talent receive the recognition it deserves. Even better, Miranda Lambert earned these history-making honors without having to compromise her music or her vision in any way.”

Alan Light (The New York Times, Rolling Stone, msn.com)

“This shows that Miranda knew who she was as an artist before she got her deal and that she never kept fighting to win through for that vision. Just like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and others. We’re proud to have been there at the beginning.”

Pam Shane (KTTX-Bryan/College Station, TX)

“Miranda always remains true to herself and her music. Miranda Lambert’s 9 CMA Award nominations are recognition of how we’ve all seen her grow as both an artist and a person over the last several years. Congrats to one of our genre’s treasures!

Ed Warm (Joe’s Bar/Chicago)

“…It looks like the Country Music Association has a new sweetheart of the rodeo.”

Dave Itzkoff (New York Times)

“Since the beginning, I’ve always known she had the talent and it’s great to see the rest of the world catching up!”

Mike Culotta (OM/PD – WQYK/Tampa, FL)

“I started working with Miranda 10 years ago and I’m so proud of her and her accomplishments. They are a long time coming.”

Joey Lee (WME)

Lambert received nominations for Entertainer; Female Vocalist; Album for Revolution produced by Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke; two for Single, “The House That Built Me” and “White Liar;” Song for “White Liar,” which she wrote with Natalie Hemby; Musical Event, for “Bad Angel” with Dierks Bentley and Jamey Johnson; and two for Music Video of the Year for “The House That Built Me,” directed by Trey Fanjoy, and “White Liar,” directed by Chris Hicky.

When told that she was actually competing with herself in several categories, Lambert exclaimed: “Is that possible? I didn’t even know that was possible!”

“The 44th Annual CMA Awards” will be hosted for the third time by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood and broadcast live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Three-time GRAMMY® nominee, platinum-selling recording artist and hit singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert recently added nine CMA nominations to her already impressive list of accolades she’s received this year, including her first CMT Award. The fan-voted CMT Award for Female Video of the Year joins Miranda’s recent ACM wins for Album of the Year (Revolution), Female Vocalist of the Year and Video of the Year (White Liar). Her second single from Revolution, “The House That Built Me,” held the Number 1 position for 4 straight weeks. It follows “White Liar” which was Miranda’s first career No.1 single. Miranda is slathering on the southern charm with her newest single, “Only Prettier.”

Revolution, her critically-acclaimed third album, has quickly surpassed the Gold sales mark after debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Album Charts making her one of four artists in country music history whose first three albums landed the top position right out of the box. It received rare perfect reviews from countless publications including four stars from Rolling Stone and USA Today, an ‘A’ from Entertainment Weekly and exuberant praise from the New York Times, SPIN, the Washington Post and more. Many have proclaimed Revolution the “Best Album of the Year” in any genre including the Houston Chronicle and NPR’s All Things Considered.

In 2008, Miranda Lambert first won the coveted ACM Album of the Year and in 2007 the ACM Best New Female Award.

She recently wrapped up her own “Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars” headlining tour, joined a stint of dates on the Lilith Fair tour, and will be kicking off CMT On Tour Miranda Lambert Revolution 2010 in September. For more information, visit www.MirandaLambert.com

Tutu Jones Turns Texas Music Inside Out

Sam Moore — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:38:40 +0000

By Tamara Loggins

Listening to Tutu Jones’ newest album, Inside Out, is like being thrown back into ‘70s soulful music. He has these sweet, sensual tones that make you want to slow dance with your significant other.

I was pleasantly surprised to find someone who stays true the older R&B musical style. There’s a nice, subtle mix of rhythmic drum beats, beautiful guitar solos, and seductive vocals intermingled occasionally with a full jazz band. Jones is definitely in the league of powerhouse musicians, such as Marvin Gaye and Barry White.

I suggest this work to anyone with an interest in classic R&B, or who wants to treat that special someone to a night of easy listening.

To learn more about Tutu Jones and his newest album, go to: http://www.tutujones.com/.

Historical Texas Music Manuscript on Display at Library

Sam Moore — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:29:21 +0000

Do you know where the original manuscript for “Texas, Our Texas” is kept? If you guessed somewhere in Austin, guess again! The manuscript is part of the Texas Federation of Music Clubs Music Manuscript Archive (the state’s official Texas composers archive) at the Dallas Public Library.

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the manuscript has recently received careful conservation treatment at The Center for Art Conservation. The donor learned of the manuscript and its condition through a recent Dallas Morning News article.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/0525dnmetourtexas.22f963a9.html

or http://tinyurl.com/24d6mzl

The manuscript will be on display September-November in the Central library’s Fine Arts Division (4th floor). In addition to the manuscript itself, visitors will be able to see other historic documents and mementos related to the state song and its composer William J. Marsh.

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.

Texas Music Helps Charitable Causes in Fort Worth

Sam Moore — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:02:43 +0000

Billy Bob’s Texas, billed as the world’s largest honky tonk, is getting ready to give back – again.

The 5th Annual Pickin’ for Preemies Acoustic Jam, benefiting Cook Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), will take place Sept. 6 from 5pm-9pm. It’s an entertaining evening of music, families and BBQ including more than a dozen of the hottest Texas Red Dirt Artists. The exceptional dedication of talent has provided for an ‘A-List’ in Texas Music year after year.

Guest artists for 2010 are Mike Ryan, Steve Helms, Phil Hamilton, Roger Creager, Jamie Richards, Sonny Burgess, Cory Morrow, Johnny Cooper, Brandon Rhyder, Walt Wilkins, Bobby Duncan, Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Jason Boland, and Cody Canada!

Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door and are available through Ticketmaster.com and Billy Bob’s Box Office. All proceeds go directly to Cook Children’s Health Foundation benefiting the NICU.

The giving does not stop there at Billy Bob’s. Thursday, Sept. 16 at 8pm, Neal McCoy will perform. His concert will benefit Fort Worth Community in Schools. Reserved seats are $25 and general admission is $15.

For more information on these and other concerts, visit www.billybobstexas.com.

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 Fest Comes to Salado

Sam Moore — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 01:33:56 +0000

Salado takes center stage this weekend as the home of Texas music.

Saturday and Sunday, some of the most popular artists from across the state will come together for the Texas Music Fest.

Acts include Bob Schneider, Reckless Kelly, Hayes Carll, the Derailers, Mingo Fishtrap, Pauline Reese, James Lann, Jake Kellen, Cody Riley Band, Lance Wade Thomas, Ben Baxter Band, Taylor Hodak Band, Hell or Highwater, Hedley Grange, Kelly Kenning, and Buckshot Jones.

Money is being raised for Generation Rescue, a nonprofit organization that is an international movement of scientists, parents, and physicians researching the causes and treatments for autism, ADHD, and chronic illness.

Gates open each day at the Wildfire Ranch Arena at 10:30am. On-site parking is available.

New CD Will Highlight Intersection of Folk and Rock

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit www.longwoodson.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.

Rodgers Gives Texas Music a Bitter Suite Experience

Sam Moore — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:45:56 +0000

By Tamara Loggins

Carmen Rogers is a singer/songwriter hailing from the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitian area. Her lyrics are filled with a bittersweet understanding of romantic relationships. She has this soulful voice that shines through, and reminds me of Mary J. Blige.

I have mixed feelings about this album. It’s short, coming in at eight songs in length, but made all the shorter with three dialogue tracks discussing life’s tribulations and relationship matters. As much as I like songs about these issues for the common person, it came off as a little preachy. Carmen has such an amazing voice, and her music strikes a chord in me; so, I’d much rather hear her music than anything else.

This album lacks the impact that some others have, but her music is beautiful and tragic. If Carmen can get away from the preachy speeches, and stick to singing about these problems, she will be a force to be reckoned with.

Those of you R‘n’B lovers out there, keep an eye out for Carmen, or invest in her debut album. The songs that are there are absolutely breathtaking.

For more information about Carmen and her album, go to: http://carmenrodgers.com/

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

Dallas Library Plans Texas Music Events

Sam Moore — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:31:58 +0000

Editor’s Note: The following news release is from the Dallas Public Library.

The Dallas Public Library’s one-time-only Summer Concert Series begins this weekend. Here are the first two programs in the series.

August 15 Janie Bergamasco, soprano, and Mark Metcalf, accompanist
Works by Mozart, Handel, Faure, Gounod, Quilter, and Pergolesi.

August 22 Fenia Chang, piano, and Shu Lee, violin

Join us on Sundays at 3:00 p.m. in the first floor auditorium of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library. Driving directions to the Central Library can be found on-line at: http://dallaslibrary2.org/directions-central.php. Help using public transportation to the library is available here: http://dallaslibrary2.org/directions-publicTransit.php. All programs are free and open to the public.

________________________________________________________________

Our last two North Texas Musicians summer networking opportunities are coming up this week, as well. These provide an opportunity to meet other musicians, learn what others are doing, and share ideas. One of our committee members will be there at each meeting to help get the ball rolling.

Saturday, August 14, 11:30 a.m.
Tim Cissell tcissell@wt.net
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
101 W. Campbell
972-235-5848
http://www.potbelly.com/Home/Default.aspx
(SW corner of Campbell Road and I-75 Central Expressway, just west of the Starbucks and facing Campbell Road)

August 19, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Gregory Isaacs gregorysullivanisaacs@yahoo.com
Opening Bell Coffee
South Side on Lamar
1409 S. Lamar Street
Basement Retail #012
Dallas, TX 75215
214-565-0383
http://www.openingbellcoffee.com

_________________________________________________________________

Then, mark your calendars for a special event:
How to Capture Lightning: Texas Music Conference 2
Saturday, September 11, 10 am-1 pm

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.

Austin Produces Different Texas Music with Stereognosis

Sam Moore — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 23:51:05 +0000

By Tamara Loggins

Stereognosis is perhaps one of the most eclectic bands I’ve ever had the pleasure of coming across. This musical group is comprised of about 16 musical artists from different genres and hailing from all over the globe. Each brings a unique musical style and, when combined with the others’ styles, creates something even more mind blowing and intriguing.

Aaron Hermes of Stereognosis

“The Hybrid” is an interesting mix of insane drum beats, rhythmic guitar riffs, angelic vocals, and Middle Eastern musical stylings intermingled with violin, electric bass, and whole slew of different types of instruments. At times, it even seems that the group draws some its musical inspiration from Latin America. To make this band all the more unusual, they even have a beat boxer, Blake Lewis (former winner of American Idol) adding in his own style to the music.

When I first read the little excerpt explaining what kind of music this is on CDBaby, I didn’t know what to make of it. I couldn’t fathom mixing “urban western beats with traditional Middle Eastern” ones. But this group not only makes it fathomable, they completely transport you to another world.

Truly, you must purchase this album. I don’t think there’s another one more worthy of being placed on your CD shelf. My only complaint is that it’s far too short for my liking. If only it lasted for an extra 2 hours.

To find more information about the band and their CD, visit their website at: http://www.stereognosis.com/about-stereognosis

Jaffe Debuts Strong with Suburban Nature

Sam Moore — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:06:30 +0000

By Tamara Loggins

Sarah Jaffe delivers an eclectic folksy, indie rock record packed with memorable tunes and soft lullabies. She opens with the sad power ballad, “Before You Go.” The song is heavily instrumental based with Jaffe’s vocals complementing the sorrow of the song with her emotionally stirring vocals.

The album continues drawing in with songs about vulnerability, love and love lost. Jaffe’s lyrics accompany unique instrumental stylings in every song, making each one all the more intriguing. Her style is similar to indie rock favorites Lizzie West, Feist and Cat Power; however, her vocals evoke a power all their own that makes her stand out.

This is truly a standout debut album and should be purchased immediately by every Folk/Indie music fan. For more information on Sarah Jaffe and her debut album, go to: http://www.sarahjaffe.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.

Pink Elephant Explains the Pros and Cons of Love

Sam Moore — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 16:41:40 +0000

By Tamara Loggins

R&B singer N’Dambi’s newly released debut album, Pink Elephant, is as soulful as it is sensual. The singer delivers ‘70s-esque rhythms, seductive vocals and semi taboo lyrics about love and aspirations and all the troubles that come with them.

She goes from singing about the work that love requires in order to survive in “What It Takes,” to displaying her displeasure of being with a man who’s already spoken for in “Daisy Chain.” Her style is reminiscent of Lauren Hill’s work, and truly, it felt like N’Dambi was strumming my pain with her finger.

Those who enjoy the musical stylings of Eryka Badu and Indie Arie would be hard pressed to find a more intriguing, soul-filled album than N’Dambi’s.

N’Dambi was raised in Dallas, after her parents moved the family from Memphis. She grew up with many gospel influences from her church.

To check out N’Dambi and purchase her CD go to: http://ndambionline.com/.

Dumplings and Bluegrass Coming to Music City Texas Theater

Sam Moore — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:47:24 +0000

Music City Texas Theater in Linden is preparing for a big summer Bluegrass concert on August 21.

The Hickory Hill Band will perform, with special guest Mike Powell.

Hickory Hill Band

Tickets are $15, and all are general admission. Showtime is 7:30pm. Doors open at 6pm. And this is something great about Texas music shows: organizers say they will be selling chicken and dumplings “as long as they last.”

To purchase tickets, call the Music City Box Office at 903-756-9934, Monday through Friday, from 10am to 3pm.