Playlist & News week of 3rd May 2014

2014-05-03

3rd May 2014 – BBC Playlist

Featuring new tracks from Randy Houser, Sunny Sweeney and classics from Stella Parton and Hank Snow.

Billy Dean – Simple Things | Album: Billy Dean (1991) MP3 – UK iTunes

Eric Church - Give Me Back My Hometown | Album: The Outsiders CD - MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com (April 3, 1977) BIRTHDAY

Jessie Alexander - See You Again | Album: Down Home (Lonesome Vinyl) MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com NEW “Beautifully crafted song, every lyric counts, that one I just thought WOW!” - Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire
Dave Dudley - Six Days On The Road (1963) | Album: Album: Simply Country Box Set (2004; Simply CD 008) CD – UK iTunes (May 3, 1928; died Dec 22, 2003 (aged 75)) BIRTHDAY

Tamara Stewart - Women In Song [featuring Sara Storer & Felicity Urquart] | Album: Appleseed CD Import UK iTunes (Felicity Urquart (May 4, 1976) BIRTHDAY Exquisite harmonies, absolutely fabulous - Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire

Randy Travis – Old 8 x 10 | Album: Old 8 x 10 MP3 – UK iTunes (May 4, 1959) BIRTHDAY

The Shires - Nashville Grey Skies MP3 - UK iTunes  NEW Single “They're great, the talent and quality of the record is fabulous, Contemporary music at its best, very polished, nice to hear original music” - Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire

The Tumbling Bones - I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby | Album: Loving A Fool (March 2014) MP3 – UK iTunes "Really showing off their vocal ability and how well they play their instruments as well" - Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire 

Misty Rae Carson - Woke Up One Day (Released: 27 April 2014) NEW Single MP3 - UK iTunes  (written by Robert Ellis Orrall May 4, 1976) BIRTHDAY  

Misty Stevens - Where Corn Don't Grow | Album: Love Lies Bleeding (Dec 2011) MP3 - UK iTunes - CD BABY  “I really like her, I think it’s great, she’s bluegrassed it up and I LOVE IT”! - Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire

Randy Thompson - No Future In The Blues | Album: Wearin’ Blue (1998) NEW Hotdisc 184 Single MP3 – CD Baby

Stella Parton – The Late Late Late Late Show (1978) | Album: Stella Parton (Elektra 52069) LP (May 4, 1949) BIRTHDAY 
Danielle Bradbery - Young In America | Album: Self Titled CD - MP3 – UK iTunes - Amazon.com  NEW Single

Randy Houser - Like A Cowboy | Album: How Country Feels (2013 Stoney Creek Records SC 76777) CD NEW Single "I Like that a lot"

Tammy Wynette - Thank You Cowboy For The Ride | Album: Next To You CD - MP3 (May 5, 1942; died April 6, 1998 (aged 55)) BIRTHDAY very rare album but a gem

Billy Ray Cyrus - Definitive Collection CD – UK iTunes  (April 2014, Humphead)

Trinity River Band - Faithless Heart | Album: Better Than Blue MP3  “I think she's got the voice of an angel, love the songs she sings on, I think it’s brilliant” - Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire

Sunny Sweeney - Bad Girl Phase MP3 – UK iTunes NEW Single

Marianne Allison - Till It Breaks My Heart (Radio Mix) UK iTunes (Released: Jan 17, 2014) NEW Single “I think is absolutely fabulous, nice edge to it” -- Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire

Jimmie Dale Gilmore - Treat Me Like A Saturday Night | Album: After Awhile (1991) MP3  (May 6, 1945) BIRTHDAY

Linda Ronstadt & Don Henley - Hasten Down The Wind | Album: The Duets (Rhino) CD - MP3 - UK iTunes

Keith Harling - Papa Bear | Album: Write It In Stone CD (May 8, 1963) BIRTHDAY

Erin Enderlin - His Memory Walks On Water  | Album: Erin Enderlin (2011) MP3 - UK iTunes  “This one I do think is the best thing she has ever done, one of the best tracks I've heard this year....That to me is what country is all about, the song of the evening” - Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire

Hank Snow - The Hawaiian Cowboy | Album: 20 Golden Greats MP3 (May 9, 1914; died December 20, 1999 (aged 85)) BIRTHDAY

Lacosta Tucker - Even Cowgirls Get The Blues | Album: Sisters Anthology CD (writer Sonny Curtis; May 9, 1937) BIRTHDAY

Kris Tyler - What A Woman Knows | Album: | Album: What A Woman Knows (1997)

New on The Show:

Misty Rae Carson

 “Woke Up One Day” - "Brand new single, I think she's fabulous" -- Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire  

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Genre: Acoustic, Country   Record label  Little Loud Records  Affiliation: ASCAP, CMA, NSAI

Like a Texas twister, this Texas country chanteuse is taking the music scene by storm and showing everyday dreamers that dreams really do come true.

When the lyrical prowess of top Nashville songwriters meets the edgy attitude that is the hallmark of the Texas sound, audiences cannot help but respond.

Combined with the energy of a rock show and channeled through a powerfully expressive voice, these elements ensure that Misty Rae will make an impact every time she takes the stage. The themes of Misty’s songs are relevant and relatable, and her sincere delivery reveals the integrity behind every performance. She is as genuine as the music she creates, and that is what makes her a true entertainer. Although a Texas native, Misty lives in Nashville, TN and is currently and working with award winning producer and songwriter, Robert Ellis Orall to release an EP in early 2014.

With the release of her debut EP, “Mystery,” on June 17, Misty Rae Carson is making a bid to attain the same kind of success in her music career that she reached with her educational endeavors.  With songs like “More Wishes Than Stars” and “Woke Up One Day,” which was co-written with Robert Ellis Orrall, Carson tells the familiar story of laying it all on the line to chase one’s dreams or the greater risk of not following through and never knowing what might have been.

“Woke Up One Day is the song that kind of brought me back to life,” said Carson. “I never saw myself as someone who would settle down and stay in one house all my life – I had always dreamed of traveling the world by way of making music, but Nashville can be a tough town. Somewhere along the way I just stopped dreaming. I woke up and just stopped dreaming.

In just a short time, the young singer/songwriter has already had the rare opportunity to open for Grand Old Opry legends Ray Price, Bill Anderson, Porter Wagoner, and Billy Walker and share writer’s rounds with some of her heroes like Benita Hill, Georgia Middleman, Rick Giles and Don Henry.... 
Read her FULL BIO

CONNECT with Misty Rae Carson:

Misty Stevens

" Where Corn Don't Grow" - “I really like her, I think it’s great, she’s blue-grassed it up and I LOVE IT”! - Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire

Bloomington, IN Americana / Bluegrass / Acoustic #3 rank

Misty Stevens (Baker) grew up in Bloomington Indiana and showed an ear for music at a very young age. She started playing piano at age five, and guitar by sixteen, playing mostly gospel music at churches in and around the area. Her taste in music spans many genres, but bluegrass has stolen her heart. Living so close to Bean Blossom, the only surprise about her bluegrass journey, is that it didn't start sooner! Misty has written gospel songs, but the high, lonesome harmonies of mountain music have tapped into an abundant well of writing creativity. Her songs are unique, as she writes both fact and fiction, but vocally bleeds every spiritual drop of herself into a song.

Misty and her husband Brent reside in Bloomington Indiana. They have three children, Brody (7), Marleigh (2), and Brent's daughter McKenna (15). In addition to music, Misty works part-time as a nurse, and enjoys gardening, crafting, and studying Bible prophecy.

CONNECT with Misty Stevens:

Marianne Allison

“Till It Breaks My Heart” (Radio Mix) - “I think is absolutely fabulous, nice edge to it” -- Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire

From Ocean Springs, MS

Marianne is a professional songwriter, singer, and musician performing locally as well as nationally. With offices in Biloxi, Las Vegas and Nashville, Verastar records is making their presence known nationwide.

The title song from her latest album "Till It Breaks My Heart" is featured in Category 5, a major motion picture starring C. Thomas Howell and Burt Reynolds. (The Starz Network, Alta Vista Entertainment Group, Black Lion)C. Thomas Howell.

Marianne’s first single "Till It Breaks My Heart" was co-written by Marianne and producer Sean Gasaway, and was released nationally to major Country Radio April 7 on Verastar Records.

"Till It Breaks My Heart" was awarded February 2014 Best Song Of The Month by Songwriters Universe Magazine.

Her song "Blink of an Eye" was featured in the advertising campaign for the CW network’s "Life Unexpected" television show.

Past winner of John Lennon Songwriting Contest and 100% Music Songwriting Contest.

The debut single is already receiving airplay on Billboard, Clear Channel and MusicRow reporter stations across the country in just its first week of release - Press Release - Marianne Allison Press

"It's a lot like climbing a mountain," Allison said of releasing the first single.

She said her inclusion on the soundtrack came about unexpectedly. The California filmmakers were shooting in Mississippi and heard Allison singing at IP Casino. They decided her voice would be perfect for the Mississippi-based storyline of their film.

"They thought it would be cool to have someone from here to give it that natural feel," Allison said. "They asked me if I had any originals and I said, 'Heck, yeah.'"

“The song is about "love, mistakes and redemption," Allison said, and was used in the opening scene as the star C. Read more here:

CONNECT with Marianne:

Playlist & News week of 26th April 2014

2014-04-26

26th April 2014 – BBC Playlist

Brand new music from The Oak Ridge Boys, The Trinity River Band, Erica Sunshine Lee and Tim McGraw. Plus Classics from Johnny Horton & The Gatlin Brothers.

Kari & Billy - Are You Ready for the Weekend MP3 (released April 14, 2014) NEW Single 

Billy Ray Cyrus with George Jones and Loretta Lynn – Country Music Has The Blues  NEW Single originally on the Album Wanna Be Your Joe CD ‘George Jones was not only a country music pioneer and superstar, he was my good friend. It was my privilege that he and Loretta Lynn honored me with this vocal collaboration. As we approach the anniversary of his death on April 26th, it is only fitting that we remind the country music world of our great loss.’ – BRC

Erin Enderlin - Finding My Voice | Album: I Let Her Talk MP3 - iTunes It’s just great ....now she’s found her voice and it’s music to my ears - Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire

Herb Pedersen - Baby Had A Banjo | Album: Country Music For Kids (Disney; 1992) CD (April 27, 1944) BIRTHDAY

Linda Ronstadt and Dolly Parton - I Will Never Marry | Album: The Duets Duets (Rhino) CD - MP3 - UK iTunes

Rascal Flatts – Rewind  NEW Single  MP3 (Jay DeMarcus: April 26, 1971)  BIRTHDAY

Karen Brooks & Randy Sharp – He Loves Me | Album: That's Another Story (1992) MP3 (Karen Brooks aged 60; April 29, 1954) BIRTHDAY 

Bernie Heaney – Boots NEW Single

Birds Of Chicago - Sugar Dumplin' | Album: Live from Space (released 5 Dec 2013) MP3 A Duo Allison Russell & JT Nero from  Chicago, IL Genres: Americana / indie folk soul. Find them on FACEBOOK for current UK tour dates.  Really like her voice, the highlight for me

The Oak Ridge Boys – Trying to Love Two Women | Album: Boys Night Out MP3 - Smart Choice Music  NEW  (Duane Allen: April 29, 1943) BIRTHDAY

The Trinity River Band – I'll Love You Just the Same | Album: Better Than Blue MP3 This follow up is equally as strong... Music to my ears, that soft acoustic sound, beautiful.....Fabulous group, really great that they're back, super - Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire

Johnny Horton - Honky-Tonk Hardwood Floor | Album: The Essential - MP3 (April 30, 1925; died November 5, 1960 (aged 35)) BIRTHDAY

Erica Sunshine Lee - Train Wreck | Album: The South Will Rise Again MP3 - UK iTunes A softer song that really suits her voice...Lovely Digi-pac with a great booklet with all the lyrics in -  Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire

100 Mile House – Last Call | Album: Wait With Me (2013) CD Inlay The third full-length album from Canadian duo Peter Stone and wife, Denise MacKay originally from England, who moved to Edmonton

Willie Nelson and Miranda Lambert -  She Was No Good for Me | Album: To All The Girls (Sony Music CMG) CD - MP3 - UK iTunes  (April 30, 1933) BIRTHDAY 

Kelley Nelson - The Son Is Always With Me in the Mine | Album: In the Waiting (Dec 2012)  CD - UK iTunes

Small Town Pistols – Easy As Breathing | Album: Self Titled Album CD - UK iTunes  (Tyler Wilkinson April 30, (1984) BIRTHDAY

Delaney And Bonnie - Never Ending Song Of Love | Album: Best Of CD  >> YouTube

Tim McGraw & Faith Hill - Meanwhile Back At Mama’s | Album: Sundown Heaven Town (Out Sept 16, 2014) NEW Radio Single

Melody Walker & Jacob Groopman - Betelgeuse | Album: We Made It Home (Oct 2013) CD - MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

Joey & Rory - In a Cowboy's Dreams | Album: Made To Last CD - MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com - Smart Choice Music  (Rory Feek April 25) BIRTHDAY

Ty Herndon - Lies I Told Myself  Album: Lies I Told Myself  (FUNL Music) MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com (May 2, 1962) BIRTHDAY

Larry Gatlin And The Gatlin Brothers - Sweet Becky Walker | Album: Pilgrimage CD (2009) (Larry Gatlin May 2, 1948) BIRTHDAY

Jennifer Nettles - Like A Rock | Album: That Girl CD - Amazon.com - US iTunes

Kevin Sharp -  Let Me Rock You to Sleep  | Album: Joey's Song: Country (Various artists) MP3  RIP Country singer Kevin Sharp died on Saturday (April 19, 2014) from past stomach surgeries and digestive issues, his website confirmed. He was 43. Sharp, best known for his hit song “Nobody Knows”, battled with cancer as a teenager in the Nineties.

George Jones - The Rock | Album: The Rock (2001) CD

New on The Show:

Kari & Billy

Members: Kari Nelson and Billy Arnold

Hometown: Roseau MN, and Mulberry FL  Record label: Unsigned

Current Location: Nashville Tennessee

Todays country with traditional country music influences.

Kari & Billy
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While Kari and Billy have both experienced personal success in their music careers, they have recently started taking the stage as a duo and have begun to weave their personal, unique talents together to create something truly special. Coming from opposite ends of the country, with very different backgrounds, the two met in Nashville and were drawn together not only by their similar taste and love for music but also their views on life.

Kari Nelson is a native of Roseau, Minnesota and has played violin since the tender age of 7. Her background training was in classical music and she took many years of lessons at the Manitoba Music Conservatory in Canada. Kari grew up playing music with her sisters at local events in Minnesota and North Dakota including county and state fairs. Kari's first band experiences came from playing with the Nite Riders in her hometown of Roseau. Kari packed her bags and followed her dreams down to Nashville in September of 2006. Kari is currently a member of the John Rich (of Big & Rich) band and has also played with artists such as Gretchen Wilson, Steel Magnolia's, Trace Adkins, and Joanna Smith. She has appeared in several music videos with John Rich and Big and Rich. Kari also performed fiddle and backup vocals for John Rich on the Celebrity Apprentice Finale in May 2011.

Billy Arnold was born in Tampa Florida at MacDill Air Force Base. He left home at the age of 18 and move to Georgiana, Alabama, a small town in Southern Alabama. He spent a lot of time there as a kid visiting his grandparents and moved there to be closer to them. At 22 years old he started singing and knew right away that he had found his calling. Billy joined a local band called "The Backwood Boys" and began traveling the country playing music.

Since then he has toured the U.S. playing any honky tonk, fair or festival that would hire him, or sometimes just feed him and his band. After a few years on the road he joined a band called "Common Ground". Between playing with Common Ground, The Backwood Boys and going solo, Billy has played shows from Florida to Maine and from Georgia to California. Billy moved to Nashville to further pursue his dream of being a singer songwriter. He plays at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge on a regular basis along with road shows, charity events and acoustic dates. Over the years he has played shows with Craig Morgan, Tracy Byrd, Daryle Singletary, Rhett Atkins, Mark Wills, Vern Gosdin, Arron Tippin, Confederate Railroad, Chad Brock, David Kersh and many, many more.  Read More at www.kariandbilly.com

Check out Kari & Billy!   They released their debut album WHOLE LOTTA LOVE on May 25,  2012. It consists of 16 self written, self produced songs that range from high energy fiddle songs to beautiful ballads, saucy dance songs, and light hearted humorous tracks.

Kari & Billy announced the release of their second single to radio, "Are You Ready for the Weekend" (Amazon UK – UK iTunes) - "This song is different than anything else we have recorded together and yet it still has all the elements that we find important in maintaining our identity as a duo and as artists." noted Kari & Billy in reference to the new song. The song was released to radio nationwide on April 14th 2014 and has already created quite a splash. 

CONNECT with Kari & Billy:

Bernie Heaney

CLICK to ENLARGE Artwork

“Boots” - "I think she's great..I think her voice and vibe is absolutely superb on this one....Wonderful stuff" - Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire

Genre:  Country & Irish  Hometown: Newbridge,Co.Kildare,Ireland.

Bernie lives in Newbridge Co. Kildare on the edge of the beautiful Curragh plains. She spent a lot of her childhood moving between Ireland and England like so many other family’s that emigrated to find work at that time. Her mother is from Kildare and dad comes from Dublin. She was raised on country music dad played the pedal steel guitar, acoustic guitar and sang in the local pubs. He was known as the yodelling cowboy.

Bernie married when I she was nineteen years old and shortly afterwards I moved home to County Kildare. She has three grown up children and they all play instruments. Music was never far away and she has been playing the pub scene as a one women band. She met Chuck and June Owens from Granard, Co. Longford. This led her to be introduced to their son Jonathan. She is now recording her first album with producer Jonathan Owens at Spout Studios. It has been a long time coming but she never gave up on her dream. Read more at Facebook/Bernie-Heaney/

Her new single “Boots” is a cover of the Joey+Rory song taken from their album THE LIFE OF A SONG (2008)

Bernie’s >> video is produced and directed by Michael Bracken (brackenentertainment.com)

CONNECT with Bernie: FACEBOOK - YOUTUBE

Kelley Nelson

“The Son Is Always With Me in the Mine” - Really like that little track there - Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire

Genre: Bluegrass / Gospel / Contemporary Gospel 

Hometown:  Jonesville, VA  Current Location: Castlewood, VA

Record Label: Salvation's Song Music

Blurb: On December 18th, 2012 Kelley Nelson released her highly-anticipated all-gospel project, "In the Waiting" . This new album was produced by award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, and recording artist Steve Gulley, and it includes the talent of many of the industry's top musicians and vocalists. The first gospel project from this talented Virginia native. With cuts from several accomplished songwriters, including Kim Williams, Mark Wheeler, and Marty Funderburk, among others, the songs on this album are sure to stand the test of time. The combination of top-notch songwriting, astonishing musicianship, fine production, and Kelley Nelson's heart-felt vocals prove that this album is well on it's way to establishing this artist in the realm of Bluegrass and Christian Music.

With roots that run deep through the Appalachian Mountains, Kelley Nelson was introduced to Bluegrass Music at a very young age by her grandfather, and learned to sing in her church choir as a child. She was also influenced by traditional Country Music of the 70's and 80's and now is a fan of many types of music, including Contemporary Christian. As a songwriter, she contributed one song to her current album entitled, "Call on Me". She co-wrote the song with Dave Woods, host of the "In the Country" radio program. Kelley is also co-writer on "Where My Darlin' Waits for Me", which was recently released by Rural Rhythm Records on Ray Edwards's Portrait of a Bluegrass Songwriter.

After performing in her own bluegrass band for the past 6 years, Kelley has decided to fully pursue Christian Music.

CONNECT with Kelley:

Playlist & News week of 19th April 2014

Playlist & News week of 19th April 2014

Brand new releases from Brad Paisley, The Sweet Lowdown, Carlene Carter and the late Johnny Cash & June Carter. Sharon Vaughn (Rice) is the featured songwriter.
Plus classics from The Louvin Brothers & Glen Campbell

2014-04-19

19th April 2014 – BBC Playlist

David Starr - Underneath The Clear Blue Sky NEW Single

Kris Tyler - Love Don’t Be A Stranger | Album: What A Woman Knows (1997) >> Audio (written by Sharon Rice/ Bill Rice) Featured Songwriter

Patty Loveless - Lonely Too Long | Album: The Trouble with the Truth >> Video (1996) (written by Mike Lawler, Bill Rice and Sharon Vaughn) Featured songwriter

Jace Everett – Pennsylvania terra Rosa CD - MP3 - UK iTunes

Erin Enderlin - Get That At Home | Album: I Let Her Talk MP3 - iTunes  “My favourite at the moment, loved her as a writer but as a singer she is just amazing”

Wade Hayes - I’m Still Dancing With You (April 20, 1969) BIRTHDAY

The Sweet Lowdown - Drink It Down | Album: May (2012) MP3

Hayley Oliver Band - Bright Side Of Life | Album: Abinger Grove Amazon UK , UK iTunes and CD Baby (April 24, 1976 Hayley Claire Band) BIRTHDAY

Lonestar - Just The Rain | Album: Life as We Know It (2013) CD NEW Single Play MPE  

The Louvin Brothers - I Won’t Have To Cross Jordan For Easter (Birth Ira Louvin April 21, 1924 died June 20, 1965 (aged 41)) BIRTHDAY

Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys - The River Jordan | Album: Here Between EP NEW

Glen Campbell - Houston (I’m Comin’ To See You) | Album: Houston (1974)  MP3 (April 22, 1936) BIRTHDAY

Trick Pony - Stand In The Middle of Texas iTunes | Album: CD - UK iTunes (writers Sharon Vaughn and Matraca Berg) Featured songwriter

Brad Paisley - River Bank  NEW Single Play MPE Amazon UK and Amazon.com >> Lyric Video 

Carlene Carter - Poor Old Heartsick Me | Album: Carter Girl CD - MP3 - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com  NEW

Johnny Cash & June Carter - Baby Ride Easy | Album: Out Among The Stars CD - MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

Reba McEntire - Once You’ve Learned To Be Lonely | Album: Room To Breathe CD (writers: Candy Cameron, Chip Davis, Sharon Vaughn) Featured songwriter

Waylon Jennings - My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys

North 40 - Not As Good As I’m Gonna Be | Album: Sing Your Own Song CD - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

Cleve Francis - Love Light | Album Tourist In Paradise MP3 (April 22, 1945) BIRTHDAY

Roy Orbison - The Same Street

Rebecca Lynn Howard - It Didn’t Look Like Alcohol | Album: Forgive (2002) CD (April 24, 1979) BIRTHDAY

The Oak Ridge Boys - Y’all Come Back Saloon | Album: Boys Night Out MP3 - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com  (Richard Sterban April 24, 1943) BIRTHDAY (writer: Sharon Vaughn) 

Melody Walker & Jacob Groopman - Black Grace | Album: We Made It Home (Oct 2013) CD - MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

Rob Crosby - Love Will Bring Her Around (April 25, 1954) BIRTHDAY

Jamie O’Neal - The Sweetest Gift  NEW Single (a cover of the Juice Newton hit)

New on The Show:

Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys

“The River Jordan” - Really nice tight harmonies - Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire

About: Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys

Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI  Genre: Americana/ Bluegrass / Folk

Members: Lindsay Rachel Petroff (singer/songwriter, guitar, clawhammer banjo), Joshua Rilko (mandolin, vocals), PJ George ( upright bass), Mark Lavengood (resonator guitar, vocals)

Hailing from all corners of the Great Lakes State of Michigan, Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys are giving a nod to American traditional music, while boldy taking their own songs in new directions. Distinct vocals, tight harmonies, instrumental expertise, and creative arrangements are all essential characteristics of their unique sound. The group focuses on the original tunes of Lindsay Lou Rilko, which include true-life tales of bank-robbing aunties, moonshinin' grandpas, and celebrations of love, life, and nature. It's an infectious vibe that could only have been born in the heart of America's Fresh Coast!

Blurb: "Lindsay Lou and the Flatbelly's are an ideal festival band. They can rock the stages with their heartfelt, rootsy sound and offer wonderful workshops as well as invigorate campground and campfire song circles. At the Earthwork Harvest Gathering this year, they were a favorite of the attendees because of their fantastic performances, and they were also a favorite of the festival organizers because they pitched in with volunteer work and spread music and good cheer the whole time they were here."

Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys recorded the Here Between EP in one day at The Record Company in Boston, MA. Cast includes veteran Flatbelly, Joshua Rilko on the mandolin, dobro master and master hugger, Mark Lavengood, the newest Flatbelly, PJ George on bass, and Patrick M'Gonigle on fiddle. The 4 track EP has three new original songs, and one May Erlewine classic.

BUY Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys music at: earthworkmusic Previous release "Release Your Shrouds"is available as a FREE Download at Noisetrade or lindsayloumusic.com

CONNECT with Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys - WEBSITE - FACEBOOK - TWITTER

Melody Walker & Jacob Groopman

“Black Grace” - I love her voice, one of the picks of the evening, really like this band...I think it’s great - Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire

Hail from the San Francisco Bay Area and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, respectively

Melody and Jacob have toured all over the US as a duo and in up-and-coming progressive bluegrass band Front Country.  Melody's critically acclaimed debut album GOLD RUSH GODDESS, was named one of No Depression's top 50 albums of 2012, and Melody won the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest for her secular humanist gospel song "Black Grace".  Front Country took home the gold in both the RockyGrass and Telluride band competitions and is up for an IBMA Momentum Award this fall.  Between these triumphs, Melody and Jacob occasionally make it back to their San Francisco Bay Area home, rebuilding their lives together as two people whose bond has only tightened with all this travel and success.

Blurb: In October 2013, Melody Walker & Jacob Groopman released their first duo album WE MADE IT HOME, capturing the essence of their experiences on the road and of returning.  Produced by Grammy-winning bluegrass/roots music legend Laurie Lewis, the album projects comfort and intimacy.  Their voices raised in harmony, their instruments intertwined, Melody and Jacob’s original songs and carefully chosen covers tap into their collective eclecticism.  Under the layers of rich acoustic tones and powerful vocals, the songs draw from the realms of astronomy, ethnomusicology, feminism, folklore, and family history.  The power of Melody and Jacob’s duets make these different topics seem natural together, like a fascinating dinner table conversation, and the ease with which they create music together can only be born from two people who’ve traveled long miles, finding home wherever they are.

Before meeting in Northern California, Melody Walker and Jacob Groopman both grew up surrounded by sound.

Melody was the daughter of a blue collar songwriter father and grew up listening to everything from the Beatles to Bill Monroe.  After studying percussion and voice at Humboldt State University and in India and Brazil, she co-founded the women’s world fusion a cappella group AkaBella.

Originally from Richmond, VA with Appalachian musical ancestry, Jacob fell hard for his first love, rock ‘n’ roll, but it was the West Coast stylings of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead that turned him on to American folk music. He studied jazz guitar at Oberlin College, dabbling in jug band music before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area and jumping into the local bluegrass scene. Before teaming up with Melody, Jacob toured extensively with the Afrobeat band Albino! and country-rockers The Real Nasty....Read More

YOUTUBE >> “We Made It Home” 

Listen to Melody Walker & Jacob Groopman’s latest duo record and download (Pay-What-You-Like, $0 +) at Bandcamp.com

BUY Melody and Jacob’s music on: Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

CONNECT with Melody and Jacob - WEBSITE - FACEBOOK - TWITTER