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Maverick’s Lifestyle Editor, Eric Dahl, has been a very busy man testing out new products and appliances, one of which being the new DX Johnny Cash Martin guitar This past September in Nashville, TN, members of the C.F. Martin Company, media representatives, John Carter Cash and Carlene Carter all gathered for the release of the new DX Johnny Cash Martin guitar. Created in collaboration with Johnny’s son, John Carter Cash and the Cash Foundation, the guitar is an affordable alternative to higher end Martins that Cash played during his career. Always ahead of his time in music and style, Johnny Cash was the first artist to receive a custom ordered Martin finished in all black to match his style and persona in the 1970s. That iconic D-35 Martin graced many stages over the years and in 2006 Martin released a commemorative D-35 Johnny Cash model. Much like his father John Carter Cash is proud of the Martin affiliation and the level of craftsmanship they put into each instrument. The new DX Johnny Cash Martin is a dreadnaught body finished in solid Jett black with the Cash name inlayed in the fretboard. To keep costs down the top, back and sides are constructed from (HPL) high-pressure laminate, the neck is a black birch laminate and the fingerboard is Richlite. What surprised me is that the guitar comes equipped with the Fishman MX electronics system factory installed (with most Martin’s this is an option).  Controls are inside the sound hole for easy access and the battery compartment is at the bottom of the body next to the input for ease access, while also included with the instrument is an embroidered gig bag. At the release party, I was allowed to play the DX Johnny Cash acoustic guitar.  The high-performance neck taper and tonality when strummed or picked resonated with the feel of an expensive guitar. The finish seemed very durable and the inlayed stars and Cash logo in the fingerboard really pop visually when you are holding it, as does the custom rosette around the sound hole with Johnny Cash’s signature printed at the bottom. John and Carlene were both extremely pleased with how the completed guitar came out and it was obviously a goal to get this instrument into the hands of beginning and intermediate musicians who can’t afford a custom shop Martin, but still required a well-built instrument that they could learn and perform with. Having the ability to place a Johnny Cash instrument into up and coming artists also keeps his musical legacy alive for future generations, just as John Carter Cash has done through his music and the artists he records and produces at Cash Cabin studios, which Johnny had built as a personal sanctuary in 1979). The guitar’s body size is a D-14 fret, which makes it very comfortable to play seated or standing. This Martin won’t replace your favorite D28 Martin, but I see it as an ideal singer/songwriter guitar that you wouldn’t be afraid to bump, scratch or play as hard as you needed to while conjuring a new song from it. Martin Guitars has created a winner in the features of the DX Johnny Cash Martin and the value. I’m considering purchasing one myself, as I am listening to a Johnny Cash song playlist as I write this article. I believe the man in black would be proud to have his name on this guitar! www.martinguitar.com

Rising star Dylan Schneider recently achieved a milestone as he made his Grand Ole Opry debut on November 2 at the fabled Ryman Auditorium. The 20-year-old performed Hometown Heartless and How to Country – both from his latest EP ‘Whole Town Talk’ – at the Opry’s original home, where of course, shows are held over the winter months. Speaking about his experience, Schneider said that he refused to go into the Ryman no matter how tempted he was until he was pencilled in to perform there and to have the opportunity to do so will be something that lives with him forever. “I’ve passed the Ryman Auditorium a million times in the past few years and I always told myself I wouldn’t set foot in the building until I was there to play that stage,” Schneider said. “So for my Opry debut to be in its original Ryman home was an incredible honour and one I’ll never forget.” Schneider recently finished a 16-city tour supporting Florida Georgia Line around America, while his aforementioned EP was released in August.

In association with The Americana Music Association UK, AmericanaFest UK will be returning on January 28-30, with the UK Americana Awards rounding things off. The awards will be held at London’s Troxy, upgrading in size once more due to to the increasing demand, while the full list of nominees have also been announced. Much like last year, five key awards have already been revealed – they are the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Trailblazer Award, the Grassroots Awards, the Bob Harris Emerging Artist Award and the Legend Award. This year, Joan Armatrading will take home the Lifetime Achievement gong, Nick Lowe will have his name on the Trailblazer Award and Mark Whitfield from Americana-UK.com has a taken the Grassroots Award. Meanwhile, Ferris & Sylvester have been crowned with the Emerging Artist Award and Lonnie Donegan is the 2020 recipient of the Legend Award. On January 28, the Conference will take place at Hackney Picturehouse, with Armatrading taking up the role of keynote speaker, while the evenings of the 28th and 29th will see 75 artists from the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and Europe showcasing across eight venues in Hackney. The full list of nominees are: UK Instrumentalist of the Year Ben Smith Jim Maving Siân Monaghan Will Page UK Song of the Year Little Piece of Heaven – Elles Balley (written by Elles Bailey, Bobby Wood, Dan Auerbach) This Fire – Jamie Freeman (written by Jamie Freeman, Ben Glover) Hear Your Voice – Danni Nicholls (written by Danni Nicholls, Kyshona Armstrong) Amy – Rosanne Reid (written by Rosanne Reid) UK Album of the Year ‘Here There’s No Sirens’ – Pete Now (produced by Joe Bennett) ‘Chasing Lights’ – Ida Mae (produced by Ethan Johns) ‘Bleeding on the Soundtrack’ – William the Conqueror (produced by Ethan Johns) ‘Walk Through Fire’ – Yola (produced by Dan Auerbach) UK Artist of the Year Jade Bird Bear’s Den Frank Turner Yola International Song of the Year Turn Off the News (Build a Garden) – Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real (written by Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real) Letter to Madeline – Ian Noe (written by Ian Noe) Saying Goodbye – J.S. Ondara (written by J. S. Ondara) Me and the Ghost of Charelagne – Amy Speace (written by Amy Speace) International Album of the Year ‘Undress’ – Felice Brothers (produced by Jeremy Backofen) ‘Highwomen’ – Highwomen (produced by Dave Cobb) ‘Songs of our Native Daughters’ – Our Native Daughters (produced by Rhiannon Giddens and Dirk Powell) ‘Mint Condition’ – Caroline Spence (produced by Dan Knobler) International Artist of the Year Brandi Carlile The Dead South Larkin Poe Mavis Staples

Rising US trio Temecula Road ticked off another milestone recently as they made their debut at the fables Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on November 1. The trio – made up of Dawson Anderson and Emma and Maddie Salute – performed their latest single Maybe Not on the famous circle stage, as well as their cover of Desperado by Eagles. Speaking after the performance, the trio were on a huge mental high and expressed their joy ands delight that they had been able to perform at the Opry. “Tonight has been a dream come true,” said Emma.  “We feel so very blessed,” added Maddie. “I am speechless and that doesn’t happen very often. What an amazing night,” Dawson stated. Recently, Temecula Road were in the UK and Europe supporting Scotty McCreery, which included dates in London, Manchester, Berlin and Cologne.

Kerri Watt has shared the latest track from her upcoming album in the form of Chasing Aeroplanes, also releasing a video for the track as well. You can watch the video below. [wpdevart_youtube]n19x5rwg95c[/wpdevart_youtube] The single – which premiered on Bob Harris’ Country Show on BBC Radio 2 – follows Cut Me Loose, which Watt released earlier this year with her album set to drop just before Christmas. Speaking about the single, Watt explained that the lyrical nature of the track revolves around her conflict between moving forward with adult life or waiting to see if there is a plan in place first. “Chasing Aeroplanes is a stream of consciousness about my future and a conversation I’ve had with many girl friends about having kids and the next stage of life,” Watt said. “Do I have to have everything figured out first? What about my independence, my career? I’m sure I want to have a family one day, but until then I’m loving being young and free.” Earlier this year, Watt supported Keith Urban at his warm-up gig for C2C 2019 at O2 Kentish Town Forum in London and duetted with Urban that night for a rendition of The Fighter.

Ward Thomas have revealed that they will be on the road in the UK in April and May 2020, for what will be an intimate acoustic based tour. Tickets are available from 9am on November here. The twins had a very successful tour earlier this year, including a headline date at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, but will be appearing in much smaller venues for this tour, with the emphasis being on more personal shows. Rather than have a huge production, it will just be a stripped back light as the sisters plan to make the music the main focus of the evening. The duo have also appeared at London’s two biggest indoor venues in The O2 Arena and Wembley Arena in 2019 for Brad Paisley and Jack Savoretti respectively, duetting on Whisky Lullaby with Paisley and a cover of Human by The Killers with Savoretti. Ward Thomas will be playing: April 24 – Grand Central, Liverpool, England April 25 – Mackintosh Church, Glasgow, Scotland April 26 – Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Scotland April 27 – RNCM Concert Hall, Manchester, England April 29 – Forum, Bath, England April 30 – City Varieties, Leeds, England May 1 – Forum Theatre, Barrow, England May 2 – Engine Shed, Lincoln, England May 5 – O2 Academy Bournemouth, Bournemouth, England May 6 – Assembly, Leamington, England May 7 – Union Chapel, London, England May 9 – St Georges, Brighton, England May 10 – Palace Theatre, Southend, England May 11 – Epic Studios, Norwich, England May 13 – New Vic Theatre, Woking, England

The Cadillac Three have revealed that their fourth full-length album ‘Country Fuzz’ will be released on February 7, just ahead of their slot at C2C 2020. The group marked the news by released not one, but two new tracks for fans to get stuck into in the shape of Long After Last Call and Back Home. Previous singles Crackin’ Cold Ones With the Boys and All the Makin’s of a Saturday Night will both feature on the record. Speaking about the name of the album, frontman Jared Johnston said that the name sums up everything that The Cadillac Three are about when it comes to their actual musical output and that it has been in the works for a quarter of a decade. “We’ve spent the last two-and-a-half years working on this album,” Johnston said. “But our sound even since high school has always been the epitome of Country Fuzz – Country, rock and just a little bit of funk.” The group have also announced a European tour, which includes their dates at C2C and is structured around that. The band will be in London on the Friday of C2C, Glasgow on the Saturday and Dublin on the Sunday.; The Cadillac Three are playing: March 6 – Verti Music Hall, Berlin, Germany March 8 – AFAC Live, Amsterdam, Netherlands March 13 – O2 Arena, London, England March 14 – SSE Hydro Arena, Glasgow, Scotland March 15 – 3Arena, Dublin, Republic of Ireland

It’s been almost eight years to the day since Scotty McCreery won American Idol and put his name in lights across the whole nation, with his country music playing and charm dazzling the whole country. Since that day, McCreery has bolstered his reputation in the UK with a number of hits, but had yet to venture over to the UK for a show in any capacity. On October 26 2019, that changed as McCreery walked out to a completely sold out Bush Hall in London, which needed another date to be added due to the exceptional demand surrounding his arrival. Support on the day came from Temecula Road, who returned to the same venue they performed at earlier on in the day for the Country Hits Radio Hub to perform an identical set, just to more people. Much like earlier that day, their set was well received and they got a great reception from the audience. It was time for McCreery though and the cheers that erupted when he walked out on stage told him all he needed to know about how the UK audience was feeling and he did his very best to make it a hugely fun and entertaining evening for all. See You Tonight brought rapture and the UK audiences that are normally so reserved when it comes to watching artists were loving every second of it, with that energy feeding McCreery in a venue way too small to contain him. Be it the title track of his second album, Seasons Change, or The Trouble With Girls or Boys From Back Home, everything McCreery touched turned to gold on the night and you could tell he was taking great pleasure in how things were going. Even though McCreery won American Idol, it was only in 2018 that he had his first US Country No. 1 in Five More Minutes and he explained that the track was about his late grandfather, who he says would’ve been extremely proud to see McCreery in the UK given his affection for it. The track was met with jubilation, with everyone singing along, before McCreery and his band delved deep into the country music playbook to put together a five song medley from days gone by, sparking line dancing and mass singalongs in the process. McCreery then told the audience that him and his band hadn’t played I Love You This Big – his first single and the track that won him American Idol – in a fair while, but said that he was asked before the show to play it by someone in the audience and upon receiving the request, said that he would play it. He then brought that member of the audience, who had Down’s Syndrome, up to sing with him and the roar of appreciation that went up when he sang into the mic with McCreery was comfortably the highlight of the night – McCreery making a new friend and the audience member leaving with the biggest smile you can imagine. The night went pretty much as expected, in all honesty – McCreery came, saw and conquered, the crowd went wild and begged for a future return, everyone left happy and McCreery’s UK adventure got off to the best possible start. When McCreery comes back, it’s almost certain he’ll be in a much bigger room – maybe even around the corner at Shepherd’s Bush Empire – and will almost certainly sell it out, but whether he can capture the magic that he conjured up at Bush Hall will be his biggest challenge, as this was certainly a night to remember. Scotty McCreery played: See You Tonight Wherever You Are Boys From Back Home Mama Loved Papa (Garth Brooks cover) This Is It Seasons Change Take It Easy (Eagles cover) In Between Check Yes or No (George Strait cover) You Make That Look Good The Trouble With Girls Walk in the Country Blue Jean Baby Five More Minutes Hello Darling (Conway Twitty cover)/Forever and Ever Amen (Randy Travis cover)/Folson Prison Blues (Johnny Cash cover)/Chattahoochee (Alan Jackson cover)/Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident – John Michael Montgomery cover) I Love You This Big Home in My Mind Feelin’ It ———————————————————————— Your Man (Josh Turner cover)

The Country Hits Radio Hub daytime shows really caught the eye for Country Music Week 2019, with a number of top artists showcasing their abilities. The Saturday hub – hosted by Baylen Leonard – had Temecula Road, Willie Jones, Tebey and Tenille Townes on the bill, with each playing a 25-30 minute set before Leonard would ask them questions from the audience. First up was Temecula Road, who were enjoying their first trip back to the UK in a good few years and the trio soon set about making their presence felt. Their cover of Desperado by Eagles went down a storm and the harmonies fused with the lovely chords at their disposal were lapped up by the audience, with many rushing to meet the talented trio after their set at the meet and greet. It was then time for Willie Jones, who just about everyone is talking about at present. Everyone stood up immediately for his set as they knew it would be a riot and while the debate will forever go on as to whether Jones is country (we’re not entirely sure throwing in an acoustic guitar gives you a pass at country music, but hey ho), there is no doubt that a Willie Jones set is some of the most fun you will ever have at a gig. What was so refreshing to see is that even though there would’ve been a number of purists in the crowd, everyone to a person – young and old – were on their feet and dancing away to Jones’ set. Ultimately, when a crowd is reacting like that, who cares about strict genre rules? Tebey was next – starting the Canadian invasion on the stage in the process – and credit must go to the former Wimbledon resident for really trying to make a connection with his audience, with Tebey regularly trying to engage and speak to those in attendance. This was appreciated by those in the crowd and his songs were greeted in a warm fashion, while his cover of Avicii’s Wake Me Up was joined in by many. After the gig, Leonard told the crowd that Tebey was actually at C2C 2019, which may surprise those who were there given that he wasn’t on the bill, but his reasons for coming were purely to find out more about how to get on the ladder and play gigs in the UK, which is hugely commendable. Finally, it was Tenille Townes‘ turn, with the Canadian closing the set and in doing so, putting on one of the best country gigs of 2019. Straight from the get-go, the pint sized artist had the audience in the palm of her hand, with her staggering musical ability moving some to tears during Jersey on the Wall and Somebody’s Daughter, bringing people to dance during her cover of Keith Urban’s Love Somebody and getting people to sing along loudly during White Horse. It was just Townes and a guitar, yet she had so much impact on the crowd to the point the whole room gave her a very lengthy standing ovation at the end – visibly moving Townes to the point she was in tears. The Country Hits Radio Hub was certainly one to remember and fingers crossed all of the artists on the Saturday, of course in addition to Townes, will be on the bill in some capacity at C2C.

The growth of the Under the Apple Tree sessions has been nothing short of remarkable since they were started by ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris, with a huge platform being offered to a vast number of artists looking to make their way up the ladder. At Bush Hall, the night was dedicated to progress that has been made, with Harris taking up his role as compere to highlight just how Under the Apple Tree has grown and helped certain artists – and all the artists on the night were linked to Harris and the sessions in their own way. Foreign Affairs kicked things off, with the two-piece from Bristol sounding absolutely massive in Bush Hall – their electric guitars in particular almost bringing the building down as the two rattled through their back catalogue in emphatic fashion. It’s amazing to think that it’s just the two brothers in the band, with the two harnessing a phenomenal amount of talent to the point that if you closed your eyes and looked away, you’d think there were at least four on stage. Their songs struck a chord with many in the audience and as their set came to a close, to mass applause, Harris returned to the stage to announce that Under the Apple Tree have signed a publishing deal with peermusic UK and that Foreign Affairs have become the first band to be signed as a result of that agreement, marking great news all round. It was then time for Harris’ most recent UK Americana Emerging Artist Award winners in Curse of Lono to take to the stage, with their cinematic and expansive sound reverberating around the walls of Bush Hall. The band also had a surprise up their sleeve for the London audience on what frontman Felix Bechtolsheimer described as what “may or may not be” the group’s last gig of 2019, as Alabama 3 member Nick Reynolds joined the group to play harmonica and add backing vocals to a few songs. Closing their set on Valentine, the Americana five-piece also left to a very positive reception and Harris once again returned to the stage to introduce the final act of the night in Robert Vincent. Explaining how he came across Vincent as part of a ‘Bluebird Cafe swaps with Bluecoat’ scheme in Liverpool, where many singer-songwriters came to showcase their talents, Harris said that he was completely blown away by Vincent and was amazed that he hadn’t heard his musicianship before, eventually making Vincent the inaugural UK Americana Emerging Artist Award winner. After Vincent took to the stage, it was very clear to see what Harris saw in him as him and his band put on a show that simply wowed everyone in attendance, playing a mixture of old songs and new. The Liverpool artist was on top form and even when he was in danger of overrunning his set due to time constraints, absolutely no-one was complaining such was the quality of the performance and the songs he was playing. A thoroughly enjoyable evening and we’ll look forward to seeing how Under the Apple Tree moves forward in a number of ways with peermusic.