Editor, Author at Maverick Country

Alejandra shares new song Orlando

Having spent the last two years living in Europe to support the release of La boca, Alejandra Ribera returned to Canada in 2016 to begin recording her follow-up album at Kingston’s Bath-house Studios. Alejandra was deeply affected by the events happening around the world during the creation of the album, and with the recent events in Orlando, Florida has decided to offer a brand new song from the album as a tribute to the victims and also to help those affected by these and similar events cope with their loss. Alejandra said: “Audre Lorde said ‘Your silence will not protect you’ and it is a sentiment I have always taken to heart. Yet in the days following the shooting in Orlando I found myself paralyzed by my sadness and wanting nothing more than to retreat from the world. Grief is an unpredictable beast and the truth is that the only way that I really know how to respond in moments like these is with art. So I’m breaking my silence.” “Songs often function like prayers for me and I look to them for both guidance and comfort. The week of the Orlando shooting I received the final mix of the album that I’ve been working on since February. I wrote the track Orlando in 2015 and recorded it this past winter. Originally it began as a poem inspired by the character in Virginia Woolf’s novel by the same title. I wrote it whilst in Paris the week of Charlie Hebdo shooting. At that time I needed to remind myself of the potential for transformation that can only come in our most vulnerable moments. I believe that when we feel totally stripped bare by sadness we are given a particular kind of opportunity to soften towards ourselves and see the pain as an invitation to be more present and awake.” “Orlando and the theme of rebirth feels as pertinent to me now as it did a year and a half ago when I wrote it. I mainly wrote it to soothe myself and so it is in that same spirit that I’m humbly offering it now. I wish you all light. Take care of each other starting with yourselves.” You can stream the track from her site here: http://alejandraribera.com/news/new-song-orlando/ This is the direct soundcloud link to the track: https://soundcloud.com/alejandraribera/alejandra-ribera-orlando-album-vers

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Uncle Lucius announce UK tour dates for autumn

Live Events, News / Editor

For a decade, the band built its fan base the hard way, through relentless touring and restless searching. When the time came to exit the Nashville ‘machine’ and find a new way to create and release the music they needed to make, they called on their die-hard fans for help. Hundreds of believers pledged tens of thousands of hard-earned dollars. Both humbled and exhilarated, the band hit the studio, eager to justify their fans’ love with the labor of their hearts and souls. The resulting fourth LP, THE LIGHT is the statement their fans have waited for, with its songs of seeking and questioning, of reaching out to others, of excavating the hidden strength within. After years spent spreading their message across Texas, here at last is the vehicle that can take them to the national – and international – level. Much about Uncle Lucius sets them apart. Five songwriters combining forces is neither common nor easy, but what each individual loses in pride the band more than gains in power. The song itself matters more than who wrote it, more than the genre to which it belongs. “It’s not about trying to write a certain kind of song,” says Galloway, “it’s about harvesting whatever song comes.” Despite that organic method, THE LIGHT’s 12 songs share themes of travel, movement, and quests without destinations. The album places the band in unfamiliar sonic territory, and much credit belongs to producer George Reiff (Shinyribs, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Band of Heathens) for testing their limits. Every member influences every other, and that combined filter comes close to defining what Uncle Lucius is. “We’re a five-headed beast,” Galloway insists, “and our songs speak for us. Whether we succeed depends on how well they resonate in the world.” Uncle Lucius’ single ‘Age of Reason’ is available now to stream via Soundcloud.

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Nashville in the round tour announced with Sarah Darling, Jenn Bostic and Kyshona Armstrong in Spetember 2016

Live Events, News / Editor

A taste of Nashville comes to the UK in September 2016. Nashville in the Round will comprise three Nashville residents and wonderful female voices performing together and individually whilst supporting each other. An evening in the style of the Nashville’s famous Bluebird Café as Sarah Darling, Jenn Bostic and Kyshona Armstrong, each recording artists in their own right come together for an evening of songs in the round from the music city. Sarah Darling: http://www.sarahdarling.com/ https://youtu.be/iZk44Wt-KyI Jenn Bostic: www.jennbostic.com https://youtu.be/pBg9btpGqKU Kyshona Armstrong: http://www.kyshona.com https://youtu.be/YojaAOkZ0VQ 3 Sept The Winemakers Club London EC2 4 Sept The Musician Pub Leicester 5 Sept The Met Studio Stafford 7 Sept The Green Note London NW1 8 Sept Norden Farm Centre for the Arts Maidenhead 9 Sept Jubilee Town Hall Kirton in Lindsey 10 Sept The Atkinson Southport 11 Sept The Hive Shrewsbury 12 Sept Kitchen Garden Cafe Birmingham 13 Sept The Bicycle Shop Norwich 14 Sept Chapel Sessions, St. Edwards Church Netley 15 Sept Tin House Coffee Portadown NIR

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Taylor guitars

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For more information go to: http://tylrgt.rs/29cTn8n

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British Country Music Awards Nominations Announced!

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The nominees for the prestigious British Country Music Awards have been announced. This event has attracted and become the benchmark for many artists who were previously unknown to the Country music fans who just attend the many events around the club scene and as Country music in the UK grows more and more young acts have been enticed to the genre and so these awards recognise those up and coming artists both here and abroad as well as the more celebrated performers. They are open to all. Members of the British Country Music Association will have the final say on the winners when voting takes place. Of the nominees Ben Earle gets three nominations including two with Crissie Rhodes as part of The Shires. Nathan Carter gets another nod for Entertainer of the Year, he was nominated too in 2014 and 2015 as was Raintown who must be doing something right, they have four nominations this year, one for Entertainer and the other three in Video, Album and Group categories. Gary Perkins, who recently won CCN Band of the Year also gets a nomination in the Entertainer category. Newcomers to the awards nominations are The Southern Companion, Ashton Lane, Thorne Hill and Red Sky July. A spokesman said: ‘The quality of the British acts who have come to the fore since British Country music has stepped up to the mark means we shall be soon listening to more of our own acts rather than importing them from across the world. We can match the US with quality, we just need to get them publicised more. The likes of The Southern Companion, Holloway Road, The Shires and Ward Thomas are creating waves and it is no wonder the large recording companies have opened offices in London.’ For more details of the Awards Show and the Best of British event to be held the day before at the same venue in London or go to bcmawards.co.uk. The nominees are: Entertainer of the Year The Shires Nathan Carter Jess & The Bandits Raintown Gary Perkins Group of the Year Dexeter Raintown Jess & The Bandits Gary Quinn Band Red Sky July Female Vocalist of the Year Laura Oakes Claire McArthur-Bain (Raintown) Katy Hurt Jessica Clemmons (Jess & The Bandits) Crissie Rhodes (The Shires) Musician of the Year Lee Guyler Justin Johnson Scott Poley Sarah Jory John Pettifer Duo of the Year Ward Thomas The Shires Luke & Mel Holloway Road Ashton Lane UK Album of the Year Belle Cannon – Evolution The Southern Companion – 1000 Days Of Rain Raintown – Writing On The Wall Thorne Hill – No More Holding Back Red Sky July – The Truth And The Lie Male Vocalist of the Year Thorne Hill Ben Earle (The Shires) Nathan Carter Pete Kennedy Gary Quinn Horizon Act of the Year The Southern Companion Narn Acoustic Journey Samantha Lloyd Fitzwallace UK Song of the Year The Southern Companion – Crash Katy Hurt – Love You More Luke & Mel – Bad Habit Ashton Lane – Seventeen Raintown – Nineteen Again International Song of the Year Chris Stapleton – Tennessee Whiskey Thomas Rhett – Die A Happy Man Tim McGraw – Humble And Kind Maren Morris – My Church Carrie Underwood – Smoke Break International Album of the Year Chris Stapleton – Traveller Thomas Rhett – Tangled Up Carrie Underwood – Storyteller Eric Church – Mr Misunderstood Chris Young – I’m Coming Over International Act of the Year Little Big Town Dixie Chicks Phil Vassar Thomas Rhett Kip Moore Video of the Year Thorne Hill – Open Road Raintown – Writing On The Wall Luke & Mel – Bad Habit Gary Quinn – Dodge Your Bullet The Southern Companion – Drive

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Bobby Rush signs to rounder records with new album PORCUPINE MEAT set for September 16 release

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Naming one’s album after a song titled “Porcupine Meat” may seem a little unusual — unless, of course, you’re Bobby Rush, who earned his first gold record in 1971 with a hit entitled “Chicken Heads.” He elaborates on his recent composition: “If a lady won’t treat me right, but she doesn’t want anyone else to have me, that is hard to digest.” Hence the lyric, “too fat to eat, too lean to throw away.” is Rush’s debut release for Rounder Records, and one of the best recordings of his astonishing 60-plus year career. The album is due out September 16, 2016. Rush estimates that he has cut over 300 songs since he first began making music. He has been honored with three Grammy nominations, as well as ten Blues Music Awards and 41 nominations. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2006. Make no mistake: Rush is not your typical octogenarian. At age 82, he exudes the energy of a 20-year-old, on the road for more than 200 dates a year. His hectic tour schedule has earned him the affectionate title King of the Chitlin’ Circuit. Rush has traveled the globe including Japan and Beirut. In 2007, he earned the distinction of being the first blues artist to play at the Great Wall of China. His renowned stage act features his famed shake dancers, who personify his funky blues and the ribald humor that he has cultivated during the course of his storied career. PORCUPINE MEAT will not only please Rush’s older fans, but is likely to win over many new ones. Billington reflects, “We wanted to come up with something fresh, while staying 100% true to Bobby.” The album was recorded in New Orleans, and Rush was pleased and proud to be given the opportunity to make an album in his home state for the very first time. His impassioned vocals and in-the-pocket harmonica playing are among the best performances of his career. Unlike most of his recent releases, these sessions only feature real instruments and no synthesizers. All of the rhythm tracks were cut live in the studio, often edited down from jams that on several occasions ran close to ten minutes. For the project, Billington assembled some of the best Louisiana musicians, including Shane Theriot, David Torkanowsky, Jeffrey “Jellybean” Alexander, Kirk Joseph, Cornell Williams, and others. Rush brought along his old friend and longtime collaborator, guitarist Vasti Jackson, who worked with Bobby and Scott on getting the songs ready for the studio. Guitar greats Dave Alvin, Keb’ Mo’, and Joe Bonamassa all make guest appearances on the album.

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Jake Owen set to release AMERICAN LOVE July 29

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The much-anticipated new album AMERICAN LOVE represents the best of Jake Owen both musically and personally, and that’s because the project is the result of a soul-searching journey that led him to explore the meaning of life and music. While recording the album, he ventured down some enticing new musical paths, but eventually decided to return home to his Florida-inspired roots, embracing the unique sound for which he is popular. Personally, he worked through the pain and healing of a divorce and renewed his commitment to what really matters in life–hope, optimism and the power of love. AMERICAN LOVE is a new beginning for Owen, who has become a beacon of positive vibes through his uplifting lyrics and melodies, optimism, love of the beach and his youthful spontaneity. This begins the exciting new chapter in his award-winning career that has earned five number one hits– ‘Barefoot Blue Jean Night,”Beachin,’ ‘The One That Got Away,’ ‘Alone with You’ and ‘Anywhere with You.’ “This record has been very enlightening because I found myself through the songs. I got back to basics with AMERICAN LOVE,” he says of the project co-produced by award-winning songwriters and producers Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman with four tracks co-produced Lukas Bracewell and Owen, “This is me, this is what I want to say and this is what I want people to remember me for. These songs promote positivity and love.”

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Americana guitarist Jesse Dayton set to release THE REVEALER September 16

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Texas guitarist, singer/songwriter Jesse Dayton releases his new album,THE REVEALER, on September 16 via his new record deal with Blue Elan Records. Dayton, the country-blues-punk guitarist from Beaumont, Texas, has been building a cult following around the globe, playing 180 shows a year in North America and Europe, with his guitar shredding, country-infused, Americana sound. Recorded in Houston at the Gulf Coast’s hit factory, SugarHill Studios, The Revealer puts Dayton’s considerable talent on full display as he plays guitar, bass, percussion, and keys, as well as singing his own harmonies. He’s assisted by childhood buddy Eric Tucker, Mike Stinson, and Eric Hughes on drums, and Austin ringers Riley Osbourne (piano and B3) and Beth Chrisman (fiddle). Evans and engineer Steve Christensen, a Grammy Award winner for his engineering work on Steve Earle’s 2009 Grammy nominated album Townes, round out Dayton’s dream team. “John and I go way back to our days in Houston,” Dayton explains, “and once we got in the studio it felt like the ghosts of Freddy Fender, George Jones, and Doug Sahm were in the room with us. They all recorded massive hits there with Huey Meaux and there’s just such a powerful vibe. You’re surrounded by all this Texas music history and that’s inspiring.” THE REVEALER starts right off with a bang, from the track titled ‘Daddy Was A Badass’ a driving piece recalling the hard charging life of Dayton’s own father and uncles. This opening track explains a whole hell of a lot about who Jesse Dayton is and why he sounds so different from the current wave of Americana artists. Other highlights include ‘Three Pecker Goat’ which Dayton co-wrote with longtime friend and Americana star Hayes Carll and a duet on ‘Match Made In Heaven’ with Austin songbird Brennan Leigh. An early chance meeting with Austin blues impresario Clifford Antone (the man who discovered Stevie Ray & Jimmie Vaughn, Charlie Sexton, Doyle Bramhall Sr. & Jr, etc.), led to an invitation for Dayton to “come to Austin and play Antone’s, anytime.” This priceless exposure, coupled with the number one ranking of his first record,RAISIN’ CAIN (1995) on Americana radio, led to Dayton being hired at a young age to play with his heroes.

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The Devil Makes Three Announces REDEMPTION & RUIN Out August 26th

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Fresh off a sold-out headlining show at Red Rocks Amphitheater, The Devil Makes Three are proud to announce their new album, REDEMPTION & RUIN set for release August 26th on New West Records. The album will be available digitally, on CD, and on vinyl. The band are set to play four UK/Eire shows this month before heading out on an extensive US tour in the fall. TOUR DATES July 15 – London, UK @ Garage July 16 – Manchester, UK @ The Deaf Institute – July 17 – Glasgow, UK @ King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut July 18 – Dublin, IE Whelans REDEMPTION & RUIN is a concept project of 12 handpicked songs that bring fans in on the repertoire and legacy that have inspired The Devil Makes Three from before they founded the band. Divided in to two sides, the subjects of “redemption” and “ruin” are explored through various works by Muddy Waters, Tampa Red, Townes Van Zandt, Tom Waits, Hank Williams, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson to name a few and The Devil Makes Three’s interpretations of these songs also feature an all-star cast of guest stars like Emmylou Harris, Tim O’Brien, Jerry Douglas, Darrell Scott and guitar great Duane Eddy. Pete, Cooper and Lucia’s mutual love of these songs, their exploration of the human condition and the therapeutic keening of the blues melodies has been found throughout their albums of original material but here on Redemption & Ruin their bringing listeners directly to the source point of their inspiration. The Devil Makes Three have been simplistically tagged as everything from punk to bluegrass to rockabilly, but as one sweaty show will dispel and clarify; they know and fully appreciate the tradition, but really what they do is throw down. In 15 years together they’ve played just about every well worn bar and theatre in America and have quietly built such a massive following that they now headline amphitheaters and festivals and sell thousands of tickets a night.

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Dolly Parton's new album PURE & SIMPLE available worldwide August 19

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Today, world-renowned singer/songwriter/entertainer Dolly Parton and Sony Music Nashville announced a joint venture and the launch of Dolly’s new studio album, PURE & SIMPLE for worldwide distribution on August 19. Releasing on Dolly Records/RCA Nashville, PURE & SIMPLE can be pre-ordered starting Friday, July 8. “I may not be pure, but I’m as simple as they come! This new PURE & SIMPLE project is really special to me because I’m taking my fans back to my roots. I feel like these songs have a pure, tender side and we didn’t go overboard with arrangements. I’m so glad we’ve teamed up with our friends at Sony to get this album out to the fans,” said Dolly Parton. Doug Morris, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said: “Dolly Parton is a national treasure and an iconic singer/songwriter. We are thrilled to be expanding our successful relationship with her through this new global agreement. We are very proud to call her a member of the Sony Music family.” “This is a special reunion for Dolly, RCA Nashville and for me personally,” commented Randy Goodman, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Nashville. “Our entire Sony Music Nashville team is elated.” Continues Goodman, “We have a firm foundation of Dolly’s incredible catalog of hits on RCA Nashville as well as Columbia Nashville.”

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