Ernie Nickels Finds a “Wave” to Ride on “The Hook”
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Through the strength of his song, his natural humor, and likeable disposition, Ernie Nickels earned himself a co-writing session with the one an only Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon.
Sierra Ferrell Offers First Taste of New Music
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We’ve been warning your ever since the West Virginia gypsy jazz ragtime roots country songbird Sierra Ferrell signed to Rounder Records last August that she was one to have on your short list for the next breakout artist from the independent country and roots realm.
Album Review – David Quinn’s “Letting Go”
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With the embarrassment of riches independent country music fans enjoy these days amid countless options of where and who they can get their country fix from beyond corporate radio, you can make the mistake of overlooking Midwest-based country singer and performer David Quinn.
Laur Joamets Joins Laura Reed in New Project, “Lore”
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For those that like to keep up with the doings of guitar player Laur “Little Joe” Joamets—the Estonian ax slinger who set houses on fire behind Sturgill Simpson from 2015 to 2017—he’s formed a new project with Nashville-based and noted blues singer Laura Reed called “Lore.”
Why Jennifer Nettles Is an Imperfect Advocate for “Equal Play”
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The recipient of the inaugural CMT Equal Play Award has been announced as Jennifer Nettles, known both as a solo performer, and most notably for her work in the country music duo Sugarland. But there is a problem with presenting Jennifer Nettles as a “equal play” advocate.
Album Review – “Yellow Rose (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)”
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If you’re a traditional country fan, you’re already used to feeling like a foreigner in your own time and place; an oddball, an outcast, forgotten, a freak. Who would want to listen to those old, outmoded songs, or even new ones that emulate them? The new movie called ‘Yellow Rose’ delves into this.
Ray Wylie Hubbard’s Austin City Limits Debut to Stream Online
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Ray Wylie Hubbard has waited 45 years to finally make his debut on the Austin City Limits stage. And though COVID-19 restrictions mean there will be no audience in attendance for this monumental event that Ray Wylie and his fans have been lobbying for, the taping of the episode will stream live online.
Sturgill Simpson’s Letter Explaining “Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 1”
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In the lengthy letter, Sturgill Simpson talks about when he was first exposed to bluegrass, where he found a renewed passion for it later in life, and how he’s found a renewed passion for music again through bluegrass, and now as an independent artist once again.
After 2 Year Delay, Garth Brooks to Finally Release “Fun”
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Leave it to Garth Brooks to figure out how to finagle life to make sure he has some product to place on an end cap come Christmastime. This year it will be a re-release of a live album, and his latest studio album ‘Fun.’
‘Yellow Rose’ Film (with Dale Watson) Is Not to be Overlooked
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‘Yellow Rose’ follows Rose Garcia as she takes her feelings of formlessness and not fitting in, and puts them into country songs. One evening when sneaking into the famous Broken Spoke honky tonk in Austin, Texas with her friend Elliot who works at a local music store, Rose makes the acquaintance of Dale Watson
George Strait Is Surprising Winner of Billboard Touring Award
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Despite George Strait officially retiring from full-time touring in 2014—a commitment he’s actually stuck to unlike other superstars, only playing sporadic stadium shows and limited-run Las Vegas residencies—Strait surprisingly walked away with Billboard’s “Top Country Tour” award.
Jamey Johnson Releases First New Recording in 8 Years
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Unexpectedly and without any explanation, Jamey Johnson has released his first truly new recording in over eight years. On Friday, October 16th, Johnson’s take on “America The Beautiful” populated on streaming sites without any fanfare or media push. Though it’s not an original song, it comes as a welcome surprise to fans.
Album Review – Sturgill Simpson’s “Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 1”
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With little room for noodling or improvisation, and not a ton of conversation or rehearsal before heading into the studio, Cuttin’ Grass is still finely crafted and deftly executed by all involved, offering good to excellent bluegrass renditions of Sturgill Simpson songs.