Album Review – Hayden Baker’s “Alive & Well”
It’s time you graduate from “never heard of him” or “sounds familiar” to “he’s my new favorite traditionalist” when it comes to fielding queries about Hayden Baker.
Trigger
About Trigger
Posts by Trigger Coroneos:
Zach Top Is Opening New Doors for Artists, Young AND Old
Opportunities are opening up for older artists, many of whom were put out to pasture during the Bro-Country era, or forced to capitulate to the current sound. There might not be a better example than Joe Nichols.
Ernest Tubb Record Shop Back Open. And Yes, They Have Records
Don’t ever give up on hope in country music, or its most storied institutions. That’s the lesson to draw from the Ernest Tubb Record Shop in downtown Nashville that recently quietly reopened its doors.
Jackalope Jamboree Pulls Together Killer Lineup for 2026
The Jackalope Jamboree has just announced their 2026 lineup, and it is a doozie, with Kaitlin Butts headlining Thursday night, Shane Smith & the Saints on Friday, and the Turnpike Troubadours on Saturday.
Website/App Crashes, Sticker Shock for Final Alan Jackson Show
The pre-sale for the concert officially started on Wednesday morning (10-15) through Seat Geek, and immediately the app and website were crashing, with those getting through experiencing sticker shock.
Album Review – Carter Faith’s “Cherry Valley”
Not since Caitlyn Smith have we heard this combination of top-caliber songwriting with a superior voice brought to music that can appeal to country and pop fans without losing credibility with either.
Surging Bluegrass Band Mountain Grass Unit Announces Early 2026 Dates
2025 hasn’t seen that many breakout artists, in country, or really in music in general. Mountain Grass Unit is one of the exceptions, with guitarist Luke Black feeling like one of the next great American pickers.
Kathy Mattea, Suzy Bogguss Part of First Ever Opry Induction/Invitation
It took 100 years, but it finally happened, and for two deserving women of country music. As part of the Grand Ole Opry’s year-long 100th Anniversary celebration, it saw its first induction/invitation.
One Dead, Many Disgruntled After RedWest Weather Cancellation
Due to inclement weather, the sets for the Saturday night headliners were washed out, with many fans taking online to complain, one fan dying, and now a class-action lawsuit is being threatened.
50 Year Ago: George Strait Plays First Professional Gig
From humble beginnings and low expectations to the very pinnacle of the country genre, George Strait is an inspiration for all those country performers getting up on stage to play their first professional gig.
Album Review – “It’s All Her Fault, a Tribute to Cindy Walker”
It’s a celebration of generations of country women and excellent songwriters, reminding us how important women were to the foundations of country, and how critical they are to preserving those traditions today.
‘Wall Street Journal’ Causes Stir By Initially Calling Johnny Cash “Uncool”
‘The Wall Street Journal’ stepped in it pretty good late last week while strangely deciding to step into the realm of country music by initially characterizing Johnny Cash as “uncool.”
Album Review – Wesley Hanna’s “Magnolia”
‘Magnolia’ is certain the right thing when it comes to country music. It’s an exploration of the history of Wesley Hanna and his family rendered in traditional country style.
Vince Gill Signs Lifetime Record Deal, Readies New Music
In an unprecedented move, country music legend Vince Gill has signed a lifetime recording deal with his current and long-time record label MCA. Gill is also prepping to release multiple EPs.
Media and Public Beclown Themselves Over Unreleased Zach Bryan Song
What do I think of the new Zach Bryan song? I have no idea what I think about it, because I’ve never heard it. You may think you have all kinds of opinions about it. But you’ve never heard the song either.
Alan Jackson Sets Final Show … With Some Interesting Openers
The details of the final Alan Jackson show have been released. “Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale” will happen with a big list of supporting talent.
Album Review – Cole Chaney’s “In The Shadow of the Mountain”
What Cole Chaney does through ‘In The Shadow of the Mountain’ and its grunge influence is carve out a niche all his own, outside of the shadow of the mountainous careers of fellow Kentuckians like Sturgill, Childers, and Stapleton.
Legendary Texas Tornados Member Speedy Sparks Has Died
Speedy Sparks was like the patron saint, and was thought of in no less regard than the legendary performers he had the pleasure of performing with over the years.
Coupland Dancehall to Remain Open Amid New Partnership
The buzz created in Central Texas from the announced Coupland closing brought a new suitor forward who plans to revitalize the spot, and keep live music happening there into the future.
Mempho Music Fest 2025 Features Top Names in Insurgent Country
To be able to see Sierra Ferrell, Charley Crockett, and Tyler Childers all on the same bill—and not at some 50,000-person megafest—is incentive enough. Add John R. Miller, and Memphis legends Amy Lavere and Lucero…
Entries to Grammy’s New Traditional Country Category Look Very Promising
When the new Best Traditional Country Album category was announced, there was some trepidation. ballot reads like a killer playlist of some of the best country albums released in the last year.
Album Review – Brennen Leigh’s “Don’t You Ever Give Up On Love”
From the writing and singing style, to the instrumentation and tones, it is all authentic to the Golden Era of country in a way that immediately makes an old soul fulfilled.
New Adds to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#166)
Don’t allow the purveyors of pop to piss in your ear and call it “country.” There’s an entire universe of actual country artists out there offering a more healthy alternative. This playlist is your window into it.
50 Years Ago: Willie Nelson Scores First #1 Song … At Age 42
By the time Willie minted his first #1 in country music, he’d been hired and fired from the Grand Ole Opry. He’d been married and divorced. He’d retired from music, put on 40 pounds, and become a pig farmer.