THE GOODWIN BROTHERS SET TO RELEASE NEW BLUEGRASS GOSPEL SINGLE "THE BAPTISM OF JESSE TAYLOR" FEATURING DALE ANN BRADLEY AUGUST 16

Eastern Kentucky-Based Group Partners with Six-Time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year for Stirring Rendition of Classic Song

Digital and Streaming Release Set for August 16

The Goodwin Brothers, known for their impeccable three-part harmonies and unique blend of Bluegrass, Americana, and Southern Gospel, are excited to announce the release of their new single, "The Baptism of Jesse Taylor." Featuring the extraordinary talent of six-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year winner Dale Ann Bradley, this classic song is sure to captivate listeners with its heartfelt rendition.

Written by Dallas Frazier and Sanger Shafer, "The Baptism of Jesse Taylor" has become a staple in the Bluegrass and Gospel music community, with recordings by renowned artists such as Travis Tritt, The Oak Ridge Boys and The Gaither Vocal Band. The lyrics focus on a baptism and the transformative power it brings, highlighting the positive changes in Jesse Taylor’s life. The Goodwin Brothers' version, now available to radio, will be released on digital and streaming platforms on August 16.

This release marks the group's first single since their 2023 Pinecastle Records album, If You Hadn't Noticed. The collection included songs like the lead single, “Everyday Thing,” which peaked at No. 2 on the Bluegrass charts, and the follow-up “Down to the Mill.” The Goodwin Brothers, consisting of core members Jonathan Goodwin, William Goodwin, and Chase Bush, continue to make waves in the music industry with their powerful harmonies and dynamic sound.

Each member brings a rich musical history to the group. Jonathan Goodwin has worn multiple hats in the industry, including label owner and head of artist management, earning a Grammy nomination and multiple Dove nods. William Goodwin, a National Guard veteran, previously led the Christian band Assembled, touring extensively across the country. Chase Bush, a finalist on season 5 of American Idol, was praised by judge Randy Jackson for his vocal resemblance to a young Wayne Newton. Together, their voices create a must-hear act that resonates across genres.

The Goodwin Brothers have plenty more surprises in store throughout 2024. These include several upcoming tour dates, where fans can hear them perform new music for the first time. To learn more about the group, find upcoming tour dates, check the latest news stories, and more, visit their official website www.thegoodwinbrothers.com.

RHONDA VINCENT RELEASES NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO - "PLEASE MR. PLEASE"

 

Stream / Download "Please Mr. Please" Here

The queen of bluegrass, Rhonda Vincent, is back with a new single and video, "Please Mr. Please."

Rhonda says "I was working on the song ‘Four Strong Winds’ from our upcoming “destinations” themed album and as I turned from working on that song, all of a sudden, out of nowhere, I started singing ‘Please Mr Please,’ smiles Vincent. “There was something similar in the songs. My heart started to race and I instantly thought, ‘This will be a great bluegrass song!’ I couldn't wait to tell the guys in The Rage. When I mentioned it, none of them had heard the song before. This made it even better. I found so many people have never heard of the song and it's like having my own original bluegrass song. We rehearsed it at sound check and then started performing it on our shows. I could instantly tell this song was special with everyone’s reactions, with many singing along, and best of all, people are now asking for it everywhere. I love that!"

 

"Rhonda Vincent is truly the people's bluegrass queen! It's hard not to have as much fun as she clearly does, seeing how meaningful it is when she's surrounded by her musical community. Rhonda is effortlessly country and quintessentially bluegrass – and these qualities are on full display with 'Please Mr. Please.'" 

- Justin Hiltner / The Bluegrass Situation

BILLY GILMAN TEAMS WITH RHONDA VINCENT ON NEW SINGLE "THAT'S BLUEGRASS TO ME" - OUT NOW!

Listen HERE

Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Billy Gilman is excited to release his original new single, “That’s Bluegrass To Me” featuring Rhonda Vincent. Available today, the song is an anthem for the ages that pays homage to some of the most iconic singers, venues and festivals in the genre’s esteemed history.  

"I wanted to write a song that is a tribute to Bluegrass music and our heritage as a genre, and one that also showcases how widespread and diverse the Bluegrass audience is these days - from New York to California to North Carolina and everywhere in between,” says Billy Gilman. “And I thought that a Bluegrass anthem would be even more complete if it had the Queen of Bluegrass singing on it, so I played it for Rhonda Vincent and she really liked the song and blessed me by agreeing to record it with me. What an honor that is!"

“That’s Bluegrass To Me” was co-written by Gilman alongside frequent collaborators Dan Murph and Philip Douglas. This single resonates with powerful vocals of both Vincent and Gilman, paying tribute to legends such as the Osborne Brothers and Bill Monroe. The song further enriches the Bluegrass experience by referencing cultural landmarks and festivals, including The Station Inn in Nashville, Sonny's Bar in New York City, the Grand Ole Opry, Huck Finn Jubilee, and Telluride Bluegrass Festival. The studio recording also includes instrumentation from world-class band, The Rage. The dynamic pair first performed the song together last summer during Vincent’s sold-out Ryman show.

The previous single, “Delta Queen” was released last fall and went on to become the Rhode Island native’s highest charting Bluegrass single to date. It climbed all the way to No. 2 on the Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay Chart, following the success of the lead single “Roller Coaster.” The latter is the title-track to the upcoming full-length Bluegrass project coming later this year via Pinecastle Records (release date TBD). Gilman is planning on making 2024 a year to remember, with even more great music on deck to come.

Success started early for Gilman, who experienced a meteoric rise with his debut single “One Voice” in 2000. He went on to gain sales exceeding 10 million units, which led to a Grammy nomination, and helped him break the record for the youngest artist to hit No. 1 on Billboard’s “Top Country Albums Chart.” Throughout the duration of his career, Bluegrass has always been a passion. Growing up, Billy would sit around and listen to the genre with his grandparents, with hopes of one day recording a Bluegrass project. That inspiration is on full display with “That’s Bluegrass To Me” where it mentions a Grandmother sitting on the porch listening to Bluegrass music. The upcoming Roller Coaster album marks Gilman’s first full-length collection after coming in second place on season 11 of NBC’s The Voice in late 2016.

To keep up with all things Billy Gilman, check out his official website www.billygilman.com. While there, fans will be able to find upcoming tour dates, hear music, check out latest news stories and more!

THE KING JAMES BOYS RELEASE "HE BROKE THE CHAINS" FROM "WALK ON FAITH" ALBUM TO BLUEGRASS RADIO

 

Bluegrass Gospel group The King James Boys are excited to announce the next single from their latest Walk On Faith project. The recording “He Broke The Chains” will serve as the latest release to radio. The inspirational track is one of eight recordings from the collection, which is available for download and/or streaming HERE.

The track centers around the South Carolina based group’s signature harmony vocals, which have catapulted them into the national spotlight over the last few years. Written by Doyle Glenn Jones, “He Broke The Chains” details how Jesus can save a person’s life when least expected. The production channels a more stripped-down acoustic vibe that showcases King James Boys members Randy Spencer, Cole Spencer, Curtis Lewis, Will Hart and Josh Greene. The publication Skope Magazine says, “It’s a song furthering their penchant for seamless and spot-on harmonies without retreading over familiar ground.”

It serves as the follow-up to previous singles “Walk on Faith” and “The Devil’s Not Afraid Of A Dust Covered Bible.” The latter went on to become one of the band’s highest charting singles to date. In addition to hitting No. 1 on the Bluegrass Today Weekly Gospel Chart, it also became their first chart-topper on the CDX Southern Gospel & Positive Country Chart. The group’s approach on the recordings were complimented by IndiePulse Music Magazine, who said “King James Boys possess wide-ranging musical instincts. You can hear it on a micro-level in each song passage; the band never goes on too long and tailors their words to serve the music and vice versa.”

The full Walk On Faith project includes recordings penned by songwriters like Paula Breedlove, Rick Lang, David Stewart, Mark Brinkman, Brad Davis, David Ray Johnson and more. Fans who want to catch The King James Boys in concert can stay up-to-date on the band’s future appearances by visiting their official website where they can get the latest news, listen to music and more.

BILLY GILMAN RELEASES HAUNTING NEW BLUEGRASS SINGLE, "DELTA QUEEN"

 

Billy Gilman is charging forward with the release of his brand new single, “Delta Queen.” The tune serves as the multi-platinum selling singer’s latest taste of new music since going Bluegrass earlier this year. The original song will be featured on the upcoming full-length project coming in 2024 via Pinecastle Records. Fans can download and/or stream the full track HERE.

"I had a lot of fun writing ‘Delta Queen’ with my co-writers. We actually wrote it many years ago, but I wasn't doing a bluegrass project at the time so I had to keep the song on the back burner,” says Gilman. “But I couldn't wait to find the perfect opportunity someday to cut this song, and when I signed with Pinecastle, this was the first song that I wanted to record with the band. I have always loved story songs, and this one has one heck of a story!"

“Delta Queen” was co-written by Billy Gilman alongside Dan Murph and Philip Douglas. The story revolves around a couple going through a challenging time in New Orleans, while incorporating the famous Delta Queen steamboat. The result is a must-hear tale centered around haunting lyrics that are sure to grab each listener’s attention, with a dark twist. In addition to lead vocals and guitar from Gilman, he’s joined on instrumentation alongside John Mailander (fiddle), Jarrod Walker (mandolin), Jake Stargel (guitar), Vickie Vaughn (bass), Gabe Hirshfeld (banjo) and Martha Christian (harmony vocals).

The new release is the follow-up to “Roller Coaster.” Upon its release, it was met with high critical acclaim and became a staple on radio. The recording went on to become The Voice runner-up’s very first song to chart on the Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay Chart (reaching No. 12). It was featured in publications like People Magazine, alongside genre favorite publications The Bluegrass Situation, Bluegrass Today and countless others. The official video was shot in scenic Bowling Green, Kentucky at the Beech Bend Amusement Park with a clever one-take concept.

Success started at a young age for Gilman with the meteoric rise of his debut single “One Voice” in 2000. It would eventually spawn sales exceeding 10 million units, lead to a Grammy nomination, and break the record for the youngest artist to hit No. 1 on Billboard’s “Top Country Album Chart.” Throughout the duration of his career, Bluegrass has always been a passion for the Rhode Island native. Growing up, he would sit around and listen to the genre with his grandparents, knowing one day he wanted to record a Bluegrass project. The upcoming Roller Coaster album marks Gilman’s first full-length collection after coming in second place on season 11 of The Voice in late 2016. There are plenty of surprises in-store from the collection including a collaboration with Queen of Bluegrass Rhonda Vincent.

To keep up with all things Billy Gilman, check out his official website www.billygilman.com. While there, fans will be able to find upcoming tour dates, hear music, check out latest news stories and more!

WILSON BANJO CO. RELEASES NEW SINGLE "DON'T FORGET ABOUT MAGGIE", WRITTEN BY DAVID STEWART, BRICE LONG AND BOBBY TAYLOR

 

Wilson Banjo Co. is excited for the release of their brand new single, “Don't Forget About Maggie.” The heartfelt tune is the latest release from the South Carolina based band, and was written by David Stewart, Brice Long and Bobby Taylor. It will be featured on their next album coming from Pinecastle Records (release date TBD). Fans can download and/or stream the full recording HERE.

“When David Stewart sent this demo over we were all surprised by it. It's a very fresh, unique twist on what we've done in the past and we couldn't wait to get into the studio to work it up,” says Steve Wilson. “With Josh Raines on the lead vocal, providing his signature country-style cadence, and the velvety blend of Sarah Logan and Glen Crain's harmony, the story was really brought to life. It's also such a fun song for the whole band to play and we really hope everyone enjoys it.”

“Don’t Forget About Maggie” delivers a meaningful message about reflecting on the past and moving forward. The new track has a fresh, buoyant Americana country feel and features band leader Steve Wilson on banjo, lead vocals from Josh Raines (also on guitar), joined by Sarah Logan (fiddle, harmony vocals), Glen Crain (dobro, harmony vocals), Jamie Carter (bass) and Jason Fraley (mandolin). The track made its exclusive world premiere yesterday on The Bluegrass Situation, where fans were able to hear it a day prior to its official release.

“‘Don't Forget about Maggie’ is a special song to me. During communion in Church a little girl named Maggie was almost overlooked while passing out the elements. My wife Jackie whispered, Don't Forget about Maggie,” explains songwriter David Stewart. “Such sweet words. I began writing the song in my head after pulling in my friends Brice Long and Bobby Taylor, Maggie was soon a story. I am blessed that Jackie spoke those words and that Wilson Banjo Co. has recorded this tune and is taking it to radio and the fans. WONDERFUL RENDITION my friends, thank you!”

The latest single is the follow-up to the group’s gritty Appalachian anthem, “Holler.” Since its release earlier this year, it struck a chord and went on to become Wilson Banjo Co.’s most streamed song on Spotify, nearing 75K streams. The stout, mid-tempo track was written by Jordan Rainer and Bill Packard. It’s been a big charting year for the band as well. Since January, at least one song has been in the Top Ten of the Roots Music Report Traditional Bluegrass Song Chart every week. The latest edition sees the band at No. 5 (“When the Crow Comes Down”) and No. 6 (“Issaqueena”), while the full album Six Degrees of Separation sits at No. 6 on the Traditional Bluegrass Albums Chart.

There are plenty more surprises in-store from Wilson Banjo Co. They’ll be in Raleigh, N.C. later this month for IBMA, plus have upcoming shows in Georgia, Kentucky and Ohio. To keep up with all the latest Wilson Banjo Co. news, follow them on social media and check out their official website wilsonbanjo.com. While there, fans can also get the full tour schedule!

DALE ANN BRADLEY CELEBRATES STAR-STUDDED 'KENTUCKY FOR ME' ALBUM RELEASE WITH OFFICIAL ACCLAMATION FROM GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND MORE

Album Features Collaborations With Sam Bush, Danny Paisley, Larry Cordle, The Po’ Ramblin Boys, JP Pennington (of Exile), John Conlee, Rebecca Lynn Howard, 

Dave Adkins and John Cowan

Bradley Unveils “Kentucky Gold” Featuring Sam Bush As Next Radio Single

The wait is finally over, as six-time IBMA “Female Vocalist of the Year” Dale Ann Bradley releases her long-awaited project, Kentucky For Me. The star-studded collection centers around her home state, with songs, guest artists and themes that capture the essence of the Bluegrass state. Featured artists on the album include Sam Bush, Danny Paisley, JP Pennington (of Exile), John Conlee, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Larry Cordle, Dave Adkins, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys and John Cowan.

Fans can download, stream or purchase a copy of Kentucky For Me HERE.

Dale Ann Bradly quickly captured the hearts of the Bluegrass community following the release of her critically-acclaimed debut album East Kentucky Morning - released in 1997. The state has also taken notice as Bradley was just honored with an official Acclamation issued from the Governor’s Office, recognizing her devotion to music and representation of the state of Kentucky on a national level. Aside from winning several awards, the singer/songwriter has been nominated for multiple Grammys, topped countless charts and more.

Kentucky For Me is a true full-circle moment. With 11 new recordings, they each pay tribute to the Middlesboro, Kentucky native’s home. It also reflects on the debut project, which served as the catalyst for Dale Ann’s incredible longevity. Included on the project are previous singles like the IBMA nominated “One By One” featuring Danny Paisley, “The Sun Is Going To Shine” with JP Pennington (of Exile) and “Love Train” with Rebecca Lynn Howard. The latest single “Kentucky Gold” featuring Sam Bush made its debut earlier this week on The Bluegrass Situation with an exclusive world premiere. Another highlight is the must-hear Gospel tune “God Already Has” penned by David Stewart and Brink Brinkman.

So far, critics are all raving about the new album. The Hollywood Digest said, “Bradley unveils a brilliant selection of bluegrass, Americana, and rarefied folk charmers in Kentucky for Me that doesn’t rely on a listener’s knowledge of the material in winning us over, and for instrument-dominant LPs, that’s not common in the least.” While debuting “I’m Just An Old Chunk of Coal” featuring John Conlee, Vents Magazine said, “The collection is sure to make waves and continue building upon the legacy that Bradley has garnered and continues to capitalize upon since releasing her debut solo album East Kentucky Morning.”

Dale Ann is also back on the road touring, where fans will get the chance to catch her perform new songs from Kentucky For Me for the first time in-person. In addition to playing this weekend in Vermont at the Jenny Brook Family Bluegrass Festival, she’s also returning to the historic Station Inn on July 28, along with many other dates coming up. Check out her full touring schedule and learn more at www.daleannbradley.com.

Kentucky For Me Track Listing:

1. The Sun Is Going To Shine feat. JP Pennington (written by JP Pennington, Amanda Rae Martin)

2. Kentucky Gold feat. Sam Bush (written by W. Carson, Ronnie Reno)

3. Kentucky For Me feat. Larry Cordle (written by Tom T. Hall)

4. Dogwood Winter (written by Steve Gulley, Tim Stafford)

5. Appalachian Blue feat. John Cowan (written by Donna Anderson, Michale Anderson)

6. One By One feat. Danny Paisley (written by Jack Anglin, Jim Anglin, Johnnie Wright)

7. I’m Just An Old Chunk of Coal feat. John Conlee (written by Billy Joe Shaver)

8. God Already Has (written by Mark Brinkman, David Stewart)

9. Love Train feat. Rebecca Lynn Howard (written by Kim Fox)

10. Poor Man’s Pride feat. The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys (written by Catherine Elisabeth Britt, Guy Charles Clark, Jerry Dean, JR Salley)

11. Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around feat. Dave Adkins (written by Mike Campbell, Tom Petty)

PINECASTLE RECORDS ANNOUNCES UPCOMING ALBUM "A BLUEGRASS TRIBUTE TO DISNEY" FEATURING LEAD SINGLE "THE LORD'S BEEN GOOD TO ME"

Full Record Coming in 2022 Featuring Multiple Guest Artists Performing Classic Disney Songs Bluegrass Style

Pinecastle Records is excited to announce a very special project, A Bluegrass Tribute to Disney, set for release in 2022. To kick off the project, the lead single “The Lord’s Been Good to Me” was just released. It features Jim Denman singing lead, accompanied by Tim Crouch and Tony Wray. It’s available for download and streaming HERE.

“The Lord’s Been Good to Me” probably sounds familiar to many lifelong Disney fans, as it was originally featured in the film Johnny Appleseed. The whimsical tune puts a unique Bluegrass spin on the famous recording. Fans may be surprised to learn that the movie was originally released by the entertainment conglomerate in 1948. The 2021 version features a feel-good vibe that is filled with whistling and all the elements of a straight-ahead Bluegrass recording.

“In this day and age of so much uncertainty, stress and anxiety, I thought it would be good to relax and let the world go away for a few short songs,” explains Tony Wray. “Disney has always been a huge part of my life not only as a child but as an adult, the timeless songs Disney put with their movies has always been comforting to me, I just wanted to extend that comfort to the public, in hopes they enjoy and get sent back to their childhood if not for just a few minutes.”

A Bluegrass Tribute to Disney will feature 10 total recordings. The collection will include a combination of nostalgic tracks, along with some instrumentals as well. Produced by industry and studio veteran Tony Wray, the album is sure to take listeners back in time. There are also several special guests who will also appear on the project. Standout songs include newly invigorated and re-imagined versions of cuts made famous in movies like Cinderella, Dumbo, 101 Dalmatians, The Jungle Book, Pinocchio and more.

Stay tuned as more details are revealed!

RICKY SKAGGS REVEALS NEW KENTUCKY THUNDER BAND MEMBERS

Editor's Note: Let me preface this by saying "WHOO HOO! YAY MIKE ROGERS!!"

Ricky Skaggs has added new Kentucky Thunder band members to its roster of first-rate musicians with Mike Rogers performing tenor vocals and playing rhythm guitar and Billy Contreras on fiddle. This comes as Paul Brewster retires from the band and Mike Barnett recovers from a brain aneurysm sustained in 2020.

Rogers is a vocalist and a multi-instrumentalist, which includes playing drums, acoustic guitar, banjo, and steel guitar. In the past, he has performed as a band member of multiple country and bluegrass acts, including Kevin Denney, Craig Morgan, and Doyle Lawson. Rogers is also a songwriter and producer, having penned songs for Morgan, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Lonesome River Band and Jimmy Fortune, and producing Fortune’s album, Lessons.

Contreras is a fiddler as well as an educator, session player, arranger, and producer. He studied with Buddy Spicher and Rachel-Barton Pine and has performed or recorded with a host of talent including Lionel Hampton, George Jones, Doc Severinsen, Hank Thompson, Hank Jones, Crystal Gayle, Grady Tate, Charlie Louvin, Al Grey, Ray Price, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, and the Nashville Symphony, along with teaching at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

As both Rogers and Contreras are welcome additions to Kentucky Thunder, missing from the lineup will be long-time band member Paul Brewster, and for now, Mike Barnett.

Brewster was with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder for 26 years, winning many GRAMMY® and IBMA awards during his tenure with Skaggs and the band.

“As Paul's been with me for more than 25 years, he made a huge impact in the sound and makeup of Kentucky Thunder," says Skaggs. "He's one of the best tenor singers in bluegrass music, a first-class musician and a good friend. Paul is a wonderful Christian brother as well, which has been more important to him than his great singing gift. His presence on stage and off will be missed!”

Fiddle virtuoso Barnett’s career includes a GRAMMY® nomination for his highly acclaimed album Portraits in Fiddles. The gifted band member is working towards recovery from a brain injury which occurred in the summer of 2020.

“Our hearts were heavy upon hearing the news of Mike's brain aneurysm back last summer," explains Skaggs. "He has overcome so much and is working hard towards recovery. We can't wait to see him get back to fiddling, of which he is a master at such a young age. My wife Sharon and I, along with the band and crew, look forward to seeing him perform again soon and all of our prayers are with him at this time for God to heal him completely.”

"We congratulate Paul on his retirement and wish him all the best and our thoughts and prayers are with Mike during this phase of his recovery," adds Skaggs' longtime manager Charlotte Scott.

PINECASTLE RECORDS CELEBRATES 10 IBMA AWARDS NOMINATIONS

The International Bluegrass Music Association just announced the 2020 nominations from the legendary Station Inn in Nashville, and Pinecastle Records artists and projects received 10 total nominations. Performing at the event was Merle Monroe, who have quickly become one of Bluegrass music's most promising acts! The awards and convention are set to take place in Raleigh, NC this fall!

Album of the Year - Bluegrass 2020 - Scott Vestal, Patrick McAvinue, Cody Kilby, Dominick Leslie, Curtis Vestal

Female Vocalist of the Year - Dale Ann Bradley

Male Vocalist of the Year - Danny Paisley

New Artist of the Year - Merle Monroe

Banjo Player of the Year - Scott Vestal

Instrumental Recording of the Year - "Foggy Mountain Chimes" - Scott Vestal, Patrick McAvinue, Cody Kilby, Dominick Leslie, Curtis Vestal

Gospel Recording of the Year - "After Awhile" - Dale Ann Bradley

Collaborative Recording of the Year - "Tears of Regret" - Jesse McReynolds (w/ High Fidelity)

Momentum Band of the Year - Lindley Creek

Momentum Vocalist of the Year - Katie Greer (Lindley Creek)

(Merle Monroe performing at the announcement ceremony in Nashville)

WILSON BANJO CO. RELEASES NEW ALBUM "SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION" FEATURING STAR STUDDED LINEUP OF GUEST PERFORMERS AND SONGWRITERS

After much anticipation, Wilson Banjo Co. is excited to release their brand new record, Six Degrees of Separation. Available today via Pinecastle Records, the project includes 12 new recordings, led by banjo extraordinaire Steve Wilson. The collection also features a star-studded lineup of guest artists performing throughout. Six Degrees of Separation is available for download and streaming HERE.

After working for years as a celebrated custom banjo builder and seasoned recording engineer, Steve Wilson has worked with the best of the best in the American Roots music world. That influence is on full display, as indicated by the who’s-who roster of artists featured on Six Degrees of Separation. Guests performing on the record include Michael Cleveland, Richard Bennett, Dale Ann Bradley, Alan Bibey, Shawn Lane, Deanie Richardson, Gena Britt, Clay Hess and many more. Also singing lead vocals on seven cuts is Wilson Banjo Co.’s Sarah Logan.

The first taste of the new record came in the form of lead single, “Wrong Turn That Led Me To You.” Written by Steve Wilson and Britany Wilson, the track features lead vocals by Colton Rudd. Wilson Banjo Co. followed that with the second single “Midnight on the Highway,” a unique take on a classic Hot Rize song (co-written by Tim O’Brien). The current single is the edgy and haunting recording, “When The Crow Comes Down.” Written by Jordan Rainer, Kevin Brandt and Tristen Smith, the group is excited to reveal the official video for the song in the next few weeks, which was recently shot in South Carolina.

Steve Wilson has been kicking his promotional efforts into high gear during the album lead-up. In addition to gracing the cover of the latest issue of the Banjo Newsletter, he also gave fans an inside glimpse of what to expect on the record. Americana Highways gave fans an exclusive world premiere of another cut from the project, “Long Hard Day,” written by Toby Lightman. The track features lead vocals from Logan; Richard Bennett on guitar; Jason Fraley on lead mandolin; Milom Williams on rhythm mandolin; Tony Wray on banjo; Glen Crain on dobro; Ethan Burkhardt on bass; and Grayson Lane and Steve Wilson on harmonies.

To keep up with all the latest Wilson Banjo Co. news, check out their official website wilsonbanjo.com.

Six Degrees of Separation Track Listing:

1. When The Crow Comes Down (written by Jordan Rainer, Kevin Brandt, Tristen Smith)

2. Midnight On The Highway (written by O’Brien, Forster, Wernick

3. The Ambassador (written by Steve Wilson, Glen Crain)

4. Issaqueena (written by Steve Wilson, Glen Crain)

5. Colors Of My Life (written by Melanie Wilson, Steve Wilson)

6. She Is A Gambler (written by Melanie Wilson, Steve Wilson)

7. Just A Few More Miles (written by Linne Black)

8. Old Fashioned Ways (written by Severin Theinert)

9. Autumn Leaves (written by Donna Hughes)

10. Wrong Turn That Led Me To You (written by Steve Wilson, Britany Wilson)

11. Long Hard Day (written by Copely, Lightman)

12. Long Hard Day (alternate cut) (written by Copely, Lightman)

LORRAINE JORDAN & CAROLINA ROAD RELEASE POWERFUL GOSPEL SINGLE "I CANNOT BRING THEM BACK" - AVAILABLE NOW

Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road are excited to announce their brand new Gospel single, “I Cannot Bring Them Back.” The song is a powerful acapella recording that showcases the award-winning band’s tight harmonies, with Carolina Road member and Bluegrass Cardinals / Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver alumni Randy Graham singing lead. It will be featured on the group’s forthcoming all-Gospel project coming later in 2021. Fans can download and stream the new track HERE.

“I first heard this song on a recording by the Forbes Family and was immediately taken by its powerful message to anyone who, like myself, has lost loved ones,” explains Carolina Road member Randy Graham. “I have sung this song at the funeral of many friends and vowed if ever given the opportunity, would record and share it with the world.”

“I Cannot Bring Them Back” was written by HW Van Hoose, and was recorded in Carolina Road’s home state of North Carolina. Randy Graham’s voice shines throughout, channeling an array of different genres ranging from Bluegrass to Roots to Southern Gospel. The band’s decision to record the new single acapella highlights a different side which has rarely been seen over the years. The tone of the song gives an inspirational and occasionally haunting vibe, comparable to Bluegrass icon Ralph Stanley.

"I'm so excited about putting out the first ever acapella song from Carolina Road. When I first hired Randy Graham, all I could think about is how much great Gospel music he had put out with the Bluegrass Cardinals and Doyle Lawson,” says Lorraine Jordan. “He has the voice made for that sound. I knew I had two great baritone singers within our band in Ben Greene and Kevin Lamm. However, where would we find the bass vocal part? It turns out my lead singer Allen Dyer has turned into a fantabulous bass singer. So get ready for something that has been missing from our song list to really stand out!"

Simultaneously, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road are charging forward with their latest album Bill Monroe’s Ol’ Mandolin. It features the lead single title-track, which went on to become a huge No. 1 hit for the band and one of Bluegrass’ biggest recordings of 2020. The follow-up single, “They Call It Bluegrass” continues to create waves at radio, as its ascend continues on Bluegrass Unlimited National Airplay Survey. Earlier this year, Pinecastle Records partnered with the Bluegrass Jamboree to give one lucky winner a LOAR LM-310F Mandolin.

Fans can join the journey and keep up with all things Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road by visiting the group’s official website www.carolinaroadband.com for the latest news stories, upcoming tour announcements and more. Also, check out what Lorraine’s got cookin’ on her official FB page for Lorraine’s Coffee House & Music, featuring weekly concerts from Bluegrass music’s hottest acts and beyond!

WILSON BANJO CO. RELEASES LATEST SINGLE, "MIDNIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY", CO-WRITTEN BY TIM O'BRIEN - AVAILABLE NOW

Bluegrass band Wilson Banjo Co. isn’t wasting any time charging forward with their brand new single, “Midnight on the Highway.” Released via Pinecastle Records, the upbeat, high energy recording showcases the ensemble’s fresh and diverse sound. Led by banjo extraordinaire Steve Wilson, the group is gearing up for their new album coming in 2021, Six Degrees of Separation. The new single is available for download and streaming HERE.

“We had a spot left to fill on the record and I really wanted a cover that was something we not only really loved, but also highlighted all the best elements of a straight up driving grass tune,” says Steve Wilson. “‘Midnight On The Highway’ was mentioned during a recording session, and being big fans of Hot Rize, Sarah, Scott and I sat and arranged it right then and there. Sarah’s vocals are so powerful on this track. That combined with monster mando picking from Alan Bibey, great guitar work from Andrew Crawford and those signature tight harmonies from Troy Pope and Scott Burgess, and it all fell into place. We’re so excited about this track and hope you enjoy it as much as we do!”

Singing lead on the single is powerhouse vocalist Sarah Logan. The tune may sound familiar to some listeners, as it was co-written by Tim O’Brien, Pete Wernick and Nick Forester for a Hot Rize project in 1979. Vents Magazine gave listeners an exclusive first-listen of the new single, praising the recording by saying, “It’s a fast-paced good time that really stays true to the signature Bluegrass sound which has been around since the early Bill Monroe days.” The recording serves as the follow-up to “Wrong Turn that Led Me to You” which was released last fall.

Radio is already raving about “Midnight on the Highway.” IBMA award-winning DJ Steve Martin (host of Unreal Bluegrass) says, “‘Midnight on the Highway’ is a strong, strong Bluegrass song. Clean, crisp instrumentation. Vocals are wonderfully blended. Powerful and precise pace. Bluegrass at the highest standard.” Playing/performing on the new song are Steve Wilson (banjo), Sarah Logan (lead vocal, fiddle), Alan Bibey (mandolin), Scott Burgess (bass, harmony vocals), Andrew Crawford (guitar) and Troy Pope (harmony vocals).

The South Carolina based band has deep roots in the Bluegrass genre, with Steve Wilson’s impressive skills as a professional recording engineer and custom banjo builder coming into play. Over the years, he’s engineered recordings for artists like Dale Ann Bradley, Flashback, Gena Britt, The King James Boys, Shawn Lane & Richard Bennett, and many more. To keep up with all the latest Wilson Banjo Co. news, check out their official website HERE.

LORRAINE JORDAN & CAROLINA ROAD RELEASE BRAND NEW NOSTALGIC SINGLE "BILL MONROE'S OL' MANDOLIN"

Track Serves as Lead Single from Upcoming Album Coming 

in 2020

Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road are back with their brand new single, “Bill Monroe’s Ol’ Mandolin.” The song tells the story of the night in 2018 when Bill Monroe’s world-famous instrument was played by Ricky Skaggs at the Country Music Hall of Fame at his own induction ceremony. Released via Pinecastle Records, the ballad was written by long-time collaborator David Stewart. Fans can download and stream the new song HERE.

“I am excited for this new song to be heard,” says Lorraine Jordan. "We had to find the perfect song to follow our last one. ‘True Grass’ had great success and I believe ‘Monroe's Ol’ Mandolin’ will also. I predict this song will touch the hearts of Monroe fans and traditional Bluegrass fans.”

“As I sat late one night watching The CMHF award show, Ricky Skaggs was getting inducted and they handed him Bill Monroe's Mandolin to play,” explains David Stewart. “As I watched, he held it like the Bible, he embraced it like a friend. He spoke softly to it and it spoke to him. I began writing the song and could not put my pen down. I wrote what I saw for the first verse and chorus. The second verse I wrote was about the Mandolin getting destroyed and put back together again. That was something that Mr. Monroe shared with me in a conversation once. I am so grateful that the good Lord sent this special song down to me.”

Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road has generated a huge following with their one-of-a-kind ability to tell a story with their music. Band leader Lorraine is currently nominated at this weekend’s SPBGMA convention for “Female Vocalist of the Year,” an award which she has won in the past. With “Bill Monroe’s Ol’ Mandolin,” the group also welcomes their newest member Allen Dyer, who sings lead on the single. The song is sure to resonate with fans of Bluegrass music, with its mandolin driven tempo, and heartfelt message.

The release marks the first taste of new music following the band’s previous 2018 album True Grass Again. The collection featured the four-month No. 1 hit “True Grass,” which saw the group teaming up with fellow traditional Bluegrass staples Danny Paisley and Junior Sisk. The track was also written by David Stewart. Over the years, the band has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Country legends John Anderson, Crystal Gayle, Lee Greenwood, the late Lynn Anderson and many more.

To keep up with all things Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, visit their website carolinaroadband.com, where fans will be able to find upcoming tour dates, latest news stories and more! Stay tuned for more updates on the full album, which is coming later in 2020.

THE DEAD SOUTH RELEASE VINYL LIVE VERSION OF “BLACK LUNG.”

SUGAR & JOY LANDS AT #7 ON BILLBOARD’S BLUEGRASS YEAR END CHART 

THE DEAD SOUTH ALSO NOMINATED FOR AMERICANAUK INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR AND HEADLINE DENVER’S MISSION BALLROOM TONIGHT. 

SERVED COLD TOUR HITS EAST COAST IN JANUARY.

“Ragged and righteous Canadian bluegrass.” – NPR Music

Prairie bluegrass band The Dead South share the first new live single from their Nashville’s OurVinyl TV session. “Black Lung,” a song from new album Sugar & Joy that puts grit and stomp on a story about workers exploitation – ostensibly about coal mining, but certainly more universally applicable – features multiple lead vocalists and a sinister, nowhere-to-run undercurrent. In OurVinyl’s treatment, the song is set in a rubbled corner of Nashville’s mostly flashy Germantown, with the focus solely on the performance. OurVinyl made their name with highly watchable live sessions that have included Tyler Childers, Billy Strings, St. Paul and The Broken Bones and more.

Listen to "Black Lung" HERE.

Sugar & Joy, The Dead South’s third album, was released in October and praised across the board as their most accomplished work yet. Produced by Jimmy Nutt, the album showcased their imaginative approach to progressive bluegrass. Sugar & Joy recently landed at #7 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Year End Chart (the only Canadian band in the mix), an admirable achievement for a band that has traveled a circuitous path from Regina, Saskatchewan, to Germany where they signed their first record deal, back to North America, where they now call Toronto indie label Six Shooter Records home.

Recently nominated for AmericanaUK’s International Artist of the Year, The Dead South have fully embraced their situation of being outsiders in the traditional folk world, where they hang their musical hats, and in their own country, where they don’t hang their hats that often, as they are constantly touring. As noted in a review of their pre-Thanksgiving show at LA’s Belasco Theatre, 

The Dead South’s approach is “carving out its own lane that lends new life to the genre precisely by remaining comfortably adjacent to it.”

The Dead South’s SERVED COLD TOUR, which will see sold out shows in more than 20 countries, picks up again in the USA in January. Mark The Dead South’s upcoming Paste Studio Live on January 9, 2020 here.

USA SERVED COLD 

Presented by LiveNation Ones To Watch and SiriusXM Bluegrass Junction.

DENVER, CO: Mission Ballroom, Dec 12#

LINCOLN, NE: The Royal Grove, Dec 13#

KANSAS CITY, MO: The Truman, Dec 14#

CLEVELAND, OH: House of Blues, Jan 5#

BUFFALO, NY: Asbury Hall at Babeville, Jan 6#

BOSTON, MA: House of Blues, Jan 7#

BROOKLYN, NY: Warsaw, Jan 9#

PHILADELPHIA, PA: Theatre Of The Living Arts, Jan 10#

SILVER SPRING, MD: The Fillmore Silver Spring, Jan 11#

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA: Elevation 27, Jan 12#

CINCINNATI, OH: Bogarts, Jan 14#

LOUISVILLE, KY: Mercury Ballroom, Jan 15#

ASHEVILLE, NC: Orange Peel, Jan 16~

RALEIGH, NC: The Ritz, Jan 17~

CHARLOTTE, NC: The Underground, Fillmore Charlotte, Jan 18~

CHARLESTON, SC: Music Farm, Jan 20~

ORLANDO, FL: House of Blues, Jan 21~

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL: Revolution Live, Jan 23~

TAMPA, FL: The Orpheum, Jan 24~

ATLANTA, GA: Buckhead Theatre, Jan 25~

w/ Scott H. Biram*

w/ Elliott BROOD+

w/ The Hooten Hollers~

w/ Legendary Shack Shakers#

IRELAND AND UK SERVED COLD

DUBLIN, IE: Vicar Street, Feb 18 (SOLD OUT)

BELFAST, UK: Ulster Hall, Feb 19

GLASGOW, UK: O2 Academy, Feb 21

NEWCASTLE, UK: O2 Academy, Feb 22

MANCHESTER, UK: Academy, Feb 23

BIRMINGHAM, UK: O2 Academy, Feb 25

PORTSMOUTH, UK: Guildhall, Feb 26

LONDON, UK: Brixton Academy, Feb 27

NOTTINGHAM, UK: Rock City, Feb 28

EXETER, UK: Great Hall, Feb 29

EUROPE SERVED COLD

ANTWERP, BE: De Roma, Mar 24 (SOLD OUT)

UTRECHT, NL: TivoliVredenburg, Mar 25 (SOLD OUT)

HAMBURG, DE: Docks, Mar 27 (SOLD OUT)

COPENHAGEN, DK: Amager Bio, Mar 28 (SOLD OUT)

OSLO, NO: John Dee, Mar 29

STOCKHOLM, SE: Debaser Strand, Mar 30 (SOLD OUT)

BERLIN, DE: Columbiahalle, Apr 1

HANNOVER, DE: Capitol, Apr 2

LEIPZIG, DE: Werk 2, Apr 3

PRAGUE, CZ: Palac Akropolis, Apr 4 (SOLD OUT)

VIENNA, AU: Gasometer, Apr 5

ZURICH, CH: Volkshaus, Apr 7

MUNICH, DE: Tonhalle, Apr 8

FRANKFURT, DE: Batschkapp, Apr 9

COLOGNE, DE: E Werk, Apr 11

PARIS, FR: La Cigale, May 12

STRASBOURG, FR: La Laiterie, May 13

LAUSANNE, CH: Les Docks, May 14

MILAN, IT: Serraglio, May 16

LYON, FR: Ninkasi Gerland/KAO, May 18

BILBAO, ES: Kafe Antzokia, May 20

MADRID, ES: Moby Dick Club, May 21

VALENCIA, ES: Sala El Loco, May 22

BARCELONA, ES: La Nau, May 23

SAARBRUCKEN, DE: Garage, June 17

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, UK: Black Deer Festival, June 19-21

GDANSK, PL: Stary Manez, Nov 10

WARSAW, PL: Palladium, Nov 11

KRAKOW, PL: A2 – Centrum Koncertowe, Nov 25

BUDAPEST, HU: Durer Kert, Nov 26

PRAGUE, CZ: Forum Karlin, Nov 28

A rock band without a drummer, a bluegrass band without a fiddler. To the gentlemen of The Dead South, a self-styled 4-piece string band from Regina, Saskatchewan, it’s about how, not what, you play. 

The JUNO Award winning, Canadian gold certified band's original and current lineup includes the gnarled baritone of Nate Hilts, Scott Pringle on mandolin, whistling cellist Danny Kenyon and virtuosic banjo player Colton Crawford. The four-piece, string-driven approach puts the interplay of unique and versatile voices front and centre, with Hilts, Pringle and Kenyon all sharing lead vocal duties.

THE DEAD SOUTH SHARE NEW SONG “BLUE TRASH,” A FRIENDLY WINK AT BLUEGRASS TRADITIONALISM

September schedule includes IBMA Bluegrass Ramble showcases, in-stores at Rough Trade (Brooklyn) and Grimey's (Nashville).

USA SERVED COLD TOUR presented by Live Nation Ones To Watch and SiriusXM Bluegrass Junction rolls in November.

"Saskatchewan’s The Dead South draws you in with their unique storytelling, foot-stomping bluegrass-folk." - Billboard 

"They earn their keep with truly distinctive touches, such as metal-inflected banjo and “fiddling” on a cello." - Chicago Reader

Tangy banjo and back chop beats drive “Blue Trash,” the third song from The Dead South’s forthcoming Sugar & Joy. Out today, “Blue Trash” is a playful acknowledgement that along their road from unsigned Canadian string set to Gold Certified, JUNO Award winning, Billboard charting band, some have taken issue with the prairie pickers’ progressive style. “Blue Trash,” built on a perfectly bluegrassy banjo lick, is about the importance of expressing their own musical hearts, on their own terms.

For more from Sugar & Joy, you can get weird and get friendly with “Alabama People,” a headbanging bluegrass tune released last month. Written and recorded on the spot, the song’s spontaneous origin shows a band fully in the moment, inspired by the experience and channeling the energy of place (The Nutthouse) and people (producer Jimmy Nutt, assistant engineer Cody Simmons, visits from members of The Swampers, late nights with the locals at Champy’s Shoals). Beyond its two minutes of stomping swagger, “Alabama People” also feels like a snapshot, Eggleston-style, a vivid, unsettling, evocative vignette.

As the release date for Sugar & Joy nears (October 11, 2019), The Dead South’s fall schedule includes stops in NYC, Raleigh and Nashville in September for an in-store at Rough Trade (9/24), multiple showcases at this year’s World of Bluegrass, and a stop at Grimey’s in Nashville (9/28). The band’s USA SERVED COLD tour, presented by Live Nation Ones To Watch and SiriusXM Bluegrass Junction, has also expanded to include new west coast dates.

The Dead South, a gold rush vibing four-piece acoustic bluegrass set from Saskatchewan, infuse the genre's traditional trappings with an air of frontier recklessness, whiskey breakfasts and grizzled tin-pan showmanship. The sound, built on a taut configuration of cello, mandolin, banjo and guitar, speeds like a train past polite definitions of bluegrass into the grittier, rowdier spaces of the traditional world. The gold-certified, JUNO Award winning band's original and current lineup includes the gnarled baritone of Nate Hilts, Scott Pringle on mandolin, whistling cellist Danny Kenyon and virtuosic banjo player Colton Crawford. The four-piece, string-driven approach puts the interplay of unique and versatile voices front and centre, with Hilts, Pringle and Kenyon all sharing lead vocal duties.

Sugar & Joy will be released on October 11, 2019.

SUGAR & JOY TRACK LISTING

1. Act of Approach

2. Diamond Ring

3. Blue Trash

4. Black Lung

5. Fat Little Killer Boy

6. Broken Cowboy

7. Snake Man Pt. 1

8. Snake Man Pt. 2

9. Heaven In A Wheelbarrow

10. Crawdaddy Served Cold

11. Alabama People

12. Spaghetti

13. Distance Oneself

TOUR DATES:

WORLD OF BLUEGRASS SHOWCASES

9/25 – 9pm – Kings (Official Showcase)

9/25 – 10pm – Lincoln Theatre, The Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum showcase

9/26 – 4:20pm – Raleigh Convention Center, Room 304

FREE IN-STORE APPEARANCES

BROOKLYN, NY: Rough Trade, Sept 24, 6pm

NASHVILLE, TN: Grimey’s, Sept 28, 5pm

CANADA SERVED COLD TOUR 

REGINA, SK: Conexus Centre, Oct 12*

VANCOUVER, BC: Commodore Ballroom, Oct 19 + 20+ (Oct 19 SOLD OUT)

KELOWNA, BC: Kelowna Community Theatre, Oct 21+

EDMONTON, AB: Winspear Centre, Oct 23+ (SOLD OUT)

CALGARY, AB: MacEwan Hall, Oct 24+

SASKATOON, SK: TCU Place, Oct 25+

WINNIPEG, MB: Burton Cummings Theatre, Oct 26+

OTTAWA, ON: TD Place Arena, Oct 29~

TORONTO, ON: The Phoenix, Oct 31~

MONTREAL, QC: MTelus, Nov 1^

QUEBEC CITY, QC: Imperial, Nov 2^

FREDERICTION, NB: Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market, Nov 4^

HALIFAX, NS: The Marquee, Nov 4^ (SOLD OUT)

*w/ Andino Suns

+ w/ Legendary Shack Shakers

~ w/ Elliott BROOD

^ w/ Devarrow

USA SERVED COLD TOUR Presented by LiveNation Ones To Watch and SiriusXM Bluegrass Junction.

TEMPE, AZ: Marquee Theatre, Nov 24*

LAS VEGAS, NV: House of Blues, Nov 25*

SAN DIEGO, CA: House of Blues, Nov 26*

LOS ANGELES, CA: The Belasco Theatre, Nov 27*

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA: The Fremont Theatre, Nov 29*

RENO, NV: Virginia Street Brewhouse, Nov 30*

SAN FRANCISCO, CA: The Fillmore, Dec 1*

SACRAMENTO, CA: Ace of Spaces, Dec 2*

PORTLAND, OR: Roseland Theatre, Dec 4+

SEATTLE, WA: Showbox SoDo, Dec 5+

SPOKANE, WA: Knitting Factory, Dec 6+

GARDEN CITY, ID: Revolution Concert House, Dec 7+

SALT LAKE CITY, UT: The Depot, Dec 9#

GRAND JUNCTION, CO: The Mesa Theatre & Club, Dec 10#

DENVER, CO: Mission Ballroom, Dec 12#

LINCOLN, NE: The Royal Grove, Dec 13#

KANSAS CITY, MO: The Truman, Dec 14#

CLEVELAND, OH: House of Blues, Jan 5#

BUFFALO, NY: Asbury Hall at Babeville, Jan 6#

BOSTON, MA: House of Blues, Jan 7#

BROOKLYN, NY: Warsaw, Jan 9#

PHILADELPHIA, PA: Theatre Of The Living Arts, Jan 10#

SILVER SPRING, MD: The Fillmore Silver Spring, Jan 11#

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA: Elevation 27, Jan 12#

CINCINNATI, OH: Bogarts, Jan 14#

LOUISVILLE, KY: Mercury Ballroom, Jan 15#

ASHEVILLE, NC: Orange Peel, Jan 16~

RALEIGH, NC: The Ritz, Jan 17~

CHARLOTTE, NC: The Underground, Fillmore Charlotte, Jan 18~

CHARLESTON, SC: Music Farm, Jan 20~

ORLANDO, FL: House of Blues, Jan 21~

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL: Revolution Live, Jan 23~

TAMPA, FL: The Orpheum, Jan 24~

ATLANTA, GA: Buckhead Theatre, Jan 25~

w/ Scott H. Biram*

w/ Elliott BROOD+

w/ The Hooten Hollers~

w/ Legendary Shack Shakers#

IRELAND AND UK SERVED COLD TOUR 

DUBLIN, IE: Vicar Street, Feb 18

BELFAST, UK: Ulster Hall, Feb 19

GLASGOW, UK: O2 Academy, Feb 21

NEWCASTLE, UK: O2 Academy, Feb 22

MANCHESTER, UK: Academy, Feb 23

BIRMINGHAM, UK: O2 Academy, Feb 25

PORTSMOUTH, UK: Guildhall, Feb 26

LONDON, UK: Brixton Academy, Feb 27

NOTTINGHAM, UK: Rock City, Feb 28

EXETER, UK: Great Hall, Feb 29

EUROPE SERVED COLD TOUR

ANTWERP, BE: De Roma, Mar 24

UTRECHT, NL: TivoliVredenburg, Mar 25

HAMBURG, DE: Docks, Mar 27

COPENHAGEN, DK: Amager Bio, Mar 28

OSLO, NO: John Dee, Mar 29

STOCKHOLM, SE: Debaser Strand, Mar 30

BERLIN, DE: Columbiahalle, Apr 1

HANNOVER, DE: Capitol, Apr 2

LEIPZIG, DE: Werk 2, Apr 3

PRAGUE, CZ: Palac Akropolis, Apr 4 (SOLD OUT)

VIENNA, AU: Gasometer, Apr 5

ZURICH, CH: Volkshaus, Apr 7

MUNICH, DE: Tonhalle, Apr 8

FRANKFURT, DE: Batschkapp, Apr 9

COLOGNE, DE: E Werk, Apr 11

PARIS, FR: La Cigale, May 12

LAUSANNE, CH: Les Docks, May 14

MILAN, IT: Serraglio, May 16

MADRID, ES: Moby Dick Club, May 21

VALENCIA, ES: Sala El Loco, May 22

BARCELONA, ES: La Nau, May 23

BONFIRE MUSIC GROUP LAUNCHES MANAGEMENT DIVISION BASED IN NASHVILLE LED BY STEVE JOHNSON

Representing the Best in Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Folk, Roots, and Beyond… 

Bonfire Music Group is excited to announce its newest endeavor, Bonfire Management. Led by industry veteran Steve Johnson, the firm will represent some of North American Music’s biggest and rising acts. Johnson will join the team consisting of Bonfire Music Group's owner Lonnie Lassiter, CEO Ethan Burkhardt and marketing director Kyle Watson.

“I’m looking forward to all the great things ahead with Bonfire. I’ve known Lonnie and Ethan for over 10 years, we have worked closely, and they have turned in to family, just like the artists I’m privileged to be working with on the roster,” says Steve Johnson. “I can’t wait to get things going. I’m beyond excited to be leading their Management Division. We have assembled a strong roster of artists and will be supporting a few festivals. It’s a fun mix of working with artists and events, really all the fun things I enjoy about the music community. Now, let’s make some wonderful noise and get things going!”

The artists on the Bonfire Management roster are Chatham County Line, The Barefoot Movement, The Slocan Ramblers, Jason Lee McKinney Band, Mike & Amy Aiken, and Anna Lynch. Bonfire Management will also oversee the operations of The Earl Scruggs Music Festival slated for its inaugural event Labor Day weekend of 2020 in Mill Spring, NC at the Tryon International Equestrian Center.

The new Bonfire Management division, which begins operation August 1st based out of East Nashville, Tennessee, will be led by a well-respected music industry personality, Steve Johnson, who most recently held down 6-plus years as the Artist Relations Manager at MerleFest. Johnson has a diverse background including stints in hospital administration, air medical/aviation services, leading non-profit organizations both in and out of the arts/music communities, and in government affairs having spent time on Capitol Hill. To his music industry credit Johnson started Mountain Music Entertainment and HoosierDevil, both focused on artist and event management and booking, he has worked with many artists providing management and/or booking support, including Junior Sisk, Lorraine Jordan, Mark Newton, Danny Burns, Nu-Blu, Songs From The Road Band, and Rodney Dillard (just to name a few) additionally his companies have produced or supported several music events including the Historic Jonesborough Bluegrass Series, Jam in the Trees, and Johnson has directly served as Artist Relations Staff to Red Ants Pants Music Festival, Mountain Song, and Graves Mountain Festival of Music.

Johnson’s last role in the music community was serving as Tour Manager to the Steep Canyon Rangers which included time on the road with Steve Martin, Martin Short, Jeff Babko, and the Steep Canyon Rangers tours. His musical roots started early with his Aunt who was Bill Monroe’s Fan Club President and his mother, father, and other family members worked and helped promote many festivals for Monroe when Johnson was a child. He was fortunate to have solid underpinnings spending time with Mr. Monroe and many of the first generation of bluegrass and roots music artists like Kenny Baker, Don Reno, Jimmy Martin, John Hartford, Dr. Ralph Stanley, and many, many more. To listeners of North Carolina based WNCW Radio you may have heard his baritone tinged interviews on the MerleFest Radio hour where served as a co-host to the show for 3 years.

“We are excited for this new direction and to have Steve on board with the team,” said Ethan Burkhardt, CEO of both Bonfire Music Group and Pinecastle Records. “Steve is known for being a hard worker in the music community and is well connected to many facets of the industry. We look forward to great things ahead.”

About Bonfire Management Artists:

Chatham County Line (CCL) has never been shy about crossing borders. Birthed from country rockers Stillhouse in 1999, the Raleigh, NC-based quartet initially referred to its sound as new traditional, “We were in love with bluegrass, so we wanted to play bluegrass without really being trained in it,” Chatham County Line’s vocalist/guitarist Dave Wilson says. The group used the term “guerrilla bluegrass” to describe themselves in those early years, mainly because they had such a mobile form of playing. The band’s name comes from one of their very first practices when the then—unnamed group—Wilson on guitar, vocals, and harp; John Teer on mandolin and fiddle; Chandler Holt on banjo; and Greg Readling covering bass, pedal steel, and piano duties, were trying to find Holt’s place in Chapel Hill and got lost. “We crossed the Chatham County line, and we never looked back,” Wilson says. “Just saw the sign, and said that’d be a good idea for a name, and the next thing you know….”

Dave Wilson of Chatham County Line had this to say about the partnership: “Steve Johnson has been a great friend to CCL through the years and always has a smile and a kind word to share. When we heard he was dipping his toe back into the management scene we were really excited for him and knew he would be a good fit for where we see ourselves in the music world. We look forward to some handshaking good times and hopefully a little bit of sweat on our behalf. Stoked to be aboard with Bonfire Management!”

The Barefoot Movement took off their shoes and took to the stage a little over 7 years ago. Hard work and talent have taken them from east coast to west, from north to south, and even across the Atlantic Ocean. They have appeared in Country Weekly Magazine, RollingStone, CMT Edge, Music City Roots, and Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour. Their original music was featured on the Outdoor Channel's program "Huntin' the World: Southern Style" and their music video for their popular song "Second Time Around" has been seen nationally on the Zuus Country Network. They have been selected as showcase artists at both the International Bluegrass Music Association and the AmericanaFest events. With crowds teeming with enthusiasm at every performance, and new fans joining the fold across the nation, word is spreading and the message is clear: barefoot is better.

“We are so excited to be collaborating with Bonfire as we prepare to release our forthcoming album. At a certain point in an artist's career, it's essential to expand their team to allow them more freedom to focus on the music itself. We're confident that Steve and his Bonfire colleagues are the team for us and we so look forward to embarking on this partnership,” said Noah Wall, lead singer and fiddle player with The Barefoot Movement.

The Slocan Ramblers (2019 Juno Award Nominees) are Canada’s bluegrass band to watch. Rooted in tradition, fearlessly creative and possessing a bold, dynamic sound, The Slocans have become a leading light of today’s acoustic music scene. With a reputation for energetic live shows, impeccable musicianship and an uncanny ability to convert anyone within earshot into a lifelong fan, The Slocans have been winning over audiences from Merlefest to RockyGrass and everywhere in between. The Bluegrass Situation recently said, “This fearless, fleet-fingered string band is adventurously advancing the high lonesome sound of bluegrass to great acclaim.”

Jason Lee McKinney (Band) features iInternational award-winning songwriter, Jason Lee McKinney who continues to partner with keyboard/guitarist Barry Strauser and bassist Billy Wright as he has for the better part of a decade as well as the adding of slide guitar virtuoso Sam Berce over the last couple of years. In addition to their radio success from Sacred Southern Soul their dynamic partnership has earned the band a top 10 hit in Texas with 2015’s Lisha’s Leaving off of Play Something You Believe Vol. 1, 4 Independent Country Music Awards (Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Americana Song of the Year, Americana Album of the Year) from 2013’s Troubadours Vagabonds and Thieves; and a 2018 Josie Music Awards nomination for Americana Song of The Year from Sacred Southern Soul. This band is fresh but has history; the Jason Lee McKinney Band has 6 albums, over 75 originals, not to mention the band knows 80 covers songs as diverse as their originals. The band songs narrate a cannon of Sweet Southern Soul that is drenched deep in Americana soil, blending elements of Memphis Blues, Gospel, and Soul with Appalachian Folk, Traditional Country and good old Heartland Rock and Roll. 2018 also saw the band locked away at North Mississippi All Stars studio Zebra Ranch in Coldwater, MS with producer Kevin Houston (Robert Plant, North Mississippi All Stars, Lucero, Buddy Guy, Southern Avenue, Ghost Town Blues Band, Samantha Fish, Patty Griffin, and Jim Lauderdale) working on the album Pieces (not yet released). The band feels it is their best yet and takes things to another level.

Mike & Amy Aiken’s music definitely has an ocean view. Mike Aiken’s vast treasure chest of experiences and mastery of varied stringed instruments have contributed to a catalogue of music that cannot be defined by one genre or style. This well-traveled Virginia songwriter and sea captain may have been born in the wrong century. Aiken has drawn tales - and hope - from trail riders, aging rodeo champs, sea captains, Rastafarians and outlaws, to craft tunes that draw the threads of these independent spirits together. Amy Aiken, Mike’s musical and adventuring partner from stage to sea, brings her own sincerity and personality to the duo, delivering sweet harmony vocals and tasty percussion. Each is a licensed US Coast Guard Captain, has sailed over 30,000 blue-water miles, and logged countless miles on the road performing in North America and Europe. Together they have also logged seven studio albums, one first-round Grammy nomination, No. 1 and No. 13 in Europe, five songs Top 25 US charts, in addition to founding the Aiken & Friends Fest, a music festival benefiting youth music education, now in its 14th year.

“We are very excited and pleased that partnering with Steve and Bonfire has become a reality, said Mike Aiken. “Hot Damn, we are going to kick some ass together!”

Anna Lynch is a native Californian, born and raised in the small wine country town of Sebastopol, California, and now residing in a small town on the outskirts of the Pacific Northwest musical-rich community of Portland, Oregon. Her musical underpinnings were formed by her parents in the California bay area folk scene and honed throughout the backcountry of Alaska where she earned her first accolades as a band leader and songwriter. Lynch is an in- demand vocalist, songwriter, and with her unique “right hand strum” on the guitar is finding success across many genres and with fans of all musical tastes. One minute you find yourself with tears in the corner of your eye and the next with a smile on your face. It’s all delivered with a sincerity that is authentic and genuine.
Her self-titled debut album, released in 2013 to critical acclaim, was heralded as “one of my favorite albums,” “something real that you can endlessly fall into love with “a compelling honesty to the writing and a clear truth to the delivery of every single line,” “a true recording artist,” and Country Music Television (CMT Edge) profiled her song Railroad Man from the release. The Bluegrass Situation described her music as “top-tier American sounds, percussive mandolins and unforgettable hooks.”

The inaugural Earl Scruggs Music Festival will be held in Mill Spring, North Carolina Labor Day Weekend of 2020. The festival will be a two-day (Friday night/Saturday) event taking place at the Tryon World Equestrian Center. The festival is a collaborative effort between The Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, North Carolina and WNCW Radio on the campus of Isothermal Community College in Spindale, NC. The musical lineup will feature top tier bluegrass, Americana, Folk, Roots, and beyond appearing on two stages. The first lineup announcement, and limited early bird ticket options, will be made available at the International Bluegrass Music Association World of Bluegrass festivities in Raleigh, NC in late September. Additional details will be coming via the Bonfire Management website.

For more information, visit www.bonfiremanagement.com

RICKY SKAGGS CELEBRATES 65th BIRTHDAY, 60 YEARS IN MUSIC

Last Thursday, July 18, country and bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs celebrated his 65th birthday, marking 60 years since he struck his first chords on the mandolin. At a concert stop in Stephenville, Texas, Skaggs' good friend and Texstar Ford Summer Concert Series sponsor Doug Montgomery made sure to host the celebration appropriately by surprising him with a guitar-shaped birthday cake.

Over the course of his six decade career, Skaggs has racked up 12 #1 hit songs, 15 GRAMMY® Awards, 13 IBMA Awards, nine ACM Awards, eight CMA Awards, two Dove Awards, and throngs of additional honors including inductions last year into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the IBMA Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and the National Fiddler Hall of Fame.

On 60 years in music, Skaggs reflects:

"Wow, it's hard to believe that 60 years ago my dad put a little mandolin in my bed early one morning after driving all night to get home from a job he was working up in Ohio. Home was where his heart was, the mountains of eastern Kentucky, the love he had for my beautiful mom, our family and his love for playing music. He instilled that same love for family into my heart as well. I've traveled so much in the last 60 years, played lots of places around the world, seen things I never dreamed of, things that I'd only seen in world history books at school. I got to play with so many of my heroes and those that had influenced me as a young boy. But with all of that behind me, I can say nothing, and I mean nothing, means more to me than family. My faith in Jesus Christ, and the love of my family have been the foundation stones I've built my career upon. I wouldn't record a song that I'd be ashamed to sing in front of my mother. Sixty years sounds like a long time, but it's gone by so fast I can hardly believe it. I'm so thankful that I've had good people to work with all along the way. I'm also very thankful to all the fans who bought tickets to come out and see our shows and all the music that you've bought over the years. It's much appreciated. There's more music to come, more towns to play. God bless all of you."

Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder continue to blaze the tour trail, performing nearly 100 live concerts each year. On Thursday, August 1, he'll perform live at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium as part of the Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman concert series. A limited number of tickets remain available for purchase at Ryman.com.

GRAMMY-NOMINATED ARTIST GENA BRITT ANNOUNCES UPCOMING STAR-STUDDED ALBUM "CHRONICLE:FRIENDS AND MUSIC" SET FOR RELEASE JULY 12

Brand New Single “Over and Over” Available Now for Download and Streaming

To say that 2019 has been a career-defining year for Bluegrass singer Gena Britt would be an understatement. Kicking off the year with a Grammy nomination alongside her all-female band Sister Sadie, and later going on to debut at the legendary Grand Ole Opry, Britt is determined to carry on that momentum with the announcement of her brand new solo project. The upcoming album, appropriately titled Chronicle: Friends and Music is set for release July 12 via Pinecastle Records. Fans can pre-order the upcoming collection HERE, where they’ll instantly be able to download the lead single.

“I’ve always wanted to capture the magic that happens when you create music with your friends. Pinecastle Records, who I’m excited to be partnered with, has allowed me to do just that on Chronicle: Friends & Music,” says Gena Britt. “Twenty-one of my most favorite people, who happen to be incredible musicians and singers, have joined me on this recording and I’m so excited for everyone hear it.”

Serving as the first taste from the project, the opening track “Over and Over” serves as the lead single. Written by Eli Johnston and Kevin McKinnon, the upbeat track features Britt singing lead vocals, while Sister Sadie bandmate Tina Adair performs tenor. The result is an upbeat anthem that is sure to strike a chord with fans of traditional Bluegrass music.

The hard-hitting project pays tribute to Britt’s North Carolina roots, showcasing the lonesome Mountain sound which the banjo extraordinaire has perfected. Included on Chronicle: Friends and Music are 13 new recordings, with a star-studded lineup of guests. One key highlight is a collaboration with reigning IBMA “Female Vocalist of the Year” winner, Brooke Aldridge and Flatt Lonesome songstress Charli Robertson on the classic Bill Monroe track, “On and On.” Another standout moment on Chronicle: Friends and Music is the Brent Cobb written “Traveling Poor Boy” which features ACM and CMA winner Marty Raybon singing lead, while Britt sings along.

With the formation of the critically-acclaimed group Sister Sadie, Britt wanted to showcase part of that sound on the upcoming album. One example is Dale Ann Bradley’s vocal contribution to the track, “You Don’t Get Over That,” where the 5-time IBMA “Female Vocalist of the Year” winner sings tenor. Powerhouse vocalist Tina Adair also joins Britt on four of the recordings, singing tenor and high baritone. ACM winner Deanie Richardson also contributed via fiddle on five of the tracks, helping to create a full and cohesive sound.

The album buildup has already begun, with Britt performing over the weekend at the legendary Station Inn. Including a number of special guests, the audience was able to hear several of the tracks performed live for the very first time. Stay tuned for even more exciting news to come as it gets closer to the official release.

Chronicle: Friends and Music Track Listing

1. Over And Over
2. You Don’t Get Over That
3. Soldier’s Lament
4. Get Up In Jesus’ Name
5. Runaway Train
6. On And On
7. Come To Jesus
8. Traveling Poor Boy
9. Daddy’s Shoes
10. Untold Stories
11. Ships That Don’t Come In
12. Big Country
13. Looking Forward To The God Life

#TUNEIN ALERT - RICKY SKAGGS TO APPEAR LIVE ON THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION OF AMERICA'S NEWS HQ ON THE FOX NEWS CHANNEL

Fifteen-time GRAMMY winner Ricky Skaggs will appear on this weekend's edition of America's News HQ on the Fox News Channel. Skaggs will join the show live in-studio to discuss his storied career in music, including his recent inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame and IBMA Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.

Catch Skaggs on America's News HQ this Saturday, January 12 at 12:50 PM CT / 1:50 PM ET.