Rochelle Mills, Author at Maverick Country

New Instruments from Kala Brand Music Co.

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Kala Brand Music Co. had an excellent display booth at the NAMM show in Anaheim, California this past June. Two of the new instruments that they released that caught my eye and that Maverick received for review was the new Emi Sunshine signature Ukulele and the Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-BASS. Emi Sunshine has been featured in the pages of Maverick Country in the past and she continues to be a shining star Appalachian, Americana, and Country music. Emi is known as a multi-instrumentalist, but she is frequently associated with the Ukulele. Her signature model is a Concert model uke with her mockingbird logo on the headstock and a custom black vine rosette around the sound hole. The body features black binding, satin mahogany neck, back and sides. The neck shape is easy to play, and spruce top is full sounding. Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle increase the tonality. And the closed back tuners keep the Emi Sunshine Signature Concert Ukulele in tune. The included gig bag also has Emi’s mockingbird logo on it. Bakithi Kumalo has endorsed Kala instruments for over a decade, and he is best known as a bassist and collaborator for Paul Simon. Kumalo was a part of the popular 1985 album by Simon “Graceland.” Bakithi worked with Kala to design his ultimate U-BASS. The first thing that surprised me was the usage of Kala’s Round Wound U-BASS strings that have more of a traditional bass string feel. Kumalo’s Zulu shield logo is on the headstock of the U-BASS and on the gig bag. The tone of this U-BASS is very warm and full thanks to its Mahogany top, back, sides and neck. The U-Bass Active built-in electronics feature three EQ bass, middle and treble an LED tuner and battery check light. The opened geared tuners are solid and consistent. The sound unplugged is great but plugged in is where the Bakithi Kumalo Signature Acoustic-Electric U-Bass really shines. Whether you are trying to deliver a traditional bass sound or an upright tone you can achieve it with this instrument. The fretted rosewood fingerboard is easy to navigate too. The custom Kumalo gig bag also has neck support to keep your U-Bass from shifting in the gig bag. Both of these new signature instruments from Kala Brand Music Co. are extremely well built and affordable as well.

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Black Mountain Thumb Picks

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If you haven’t found the right thumb pick yet, then Black Mountain might be a great place to visit. Their uniquely designed thumb picks merge traditional shaped flat picks with a spring-loaded plastic back that fits them securely to your thumb. Black Mountain offers them in different pick shapes and thickness and also you can select how much spring tension you desire. From the review picks that we received I personally preferred the higher tension picks so that stay securely on my thumb while picking. These are the first thumb picks to utilize a spring and they are extremely comfortable to perform with. Black Mountain picks were invented by Cole McBride who was a full-time guitar instructor seeking the perfect thumb pick for his own playing style. You can select heavy gauge, medium or jazz tipped picks currently. The variety pack is probably the best option so you can try out different spring tensions and thickness of picks. Black Mountain has also released a Slide Ring for slide guitar players. They’ve done an incredible job of merging flat pick benefits and thumb pick requirements into one device at Black Mountain – check them out!

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WATCH: What He Didn’t Do – Carly Pearce

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Reigning ACM/CMA Awards Female Artist/Vocalist of The Year Carly Pearce delivers a reflective new music video for her latest GOLD-certified single “What He Didn’t Do.” Deeming the song “one of many diary-like anthems that embodies Pearce’s strength and pure storytelling soul,” CMT premiered the stunning visual ahead of her Artist of the Year honor on Friday (14/10) at 9:00P ET / 8:00P CT on CMT. Filmed just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, director Alexa Campbell helped Pearce close a significant, final chapter in her ‘29’ story that “brought her country music career to new heights” (CMT).

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Stage Thinbody Nylon Acoustic/Electric by Cordoba

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The first time I played Cordoba’s new Stage Thinbody Nylon Acoustic/Electric guitar was at the Namm show in Anaheim, California this summer and I was impressed with the prototype then. One of the inherent challenges with a Nylon string Classical guitar is their tendency to feedback with played on stage at higher volumes. Cordoba has had the Stage guitar in development for years to combat these exact issues, whilst still achieving true nylon string guitar sounds. Besides the super thin chambered body what shines through most about the Stage guitar are its electronics. Co-designed with Fishman the blend knob on the guitar allows you to blend the under-saddle transducer pickup with an interior microphone pickup. This helps to capture a very realistic miced classical guitar sound. And if preferred you can use one of the pickups exclusively, but to my ear a blending of the two sounds the best. The stunning Edgeburst finished flamed maple veneer is layered on top of a spruce wood top on the Stage guitar. The rest of the body is crafted from mahogany for warmth and resonance. The neck profile is thinner than most Classical necks making it easier for players that are comfortable with electric guitar necks to navigate. It features a pau ferro fingerboard on a 3-piece Cordoba Fusion mahogany neck. The soft cutaway affords full access up the neck for soloing and chord inversions. Access to the battery compartment is on the back of the guitar. Dial in your perfect amplified sound with volume, EQ and Body Blend controls on the top. The three slotted sound holes on the top bout of the body are also mirrored in mother of pearl on the top of the headstock. There are no fret markers on the fretboard, but Cordoba has provided side markers on the neck. The beveled heal to body attachment makes playing all the way up the neck a true joy and totally comfortable. This is a semi-hollow body guitar, so it is much thinner than your typical nylon string or Classical guitar, but that also makes it more resistant to feedback. The Cordoba machine heads, and bone nut are nice details that are functional and look great on the Stage guitar. The included Cordoba gig bag is made from recycled nylon, so you can be environmentally conscious while you travel to your next gig.

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iRig Pro Quattro I/O Mixer & Interface

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IK Multimedia’s new iRig Pro Quattro I/O has many applications and an abundance of connectivity in one compact device. It can be used for mobile field recordings, podcasting, broadcast video and streaming where you want more control over your audio. On the top portion of the iRig Pro Quattro you have the LED meters at the top, four volume controls for the mics/inputs, a headphone level and line out level control. The four microphone inputs (two on the front and two on side) will accept XLR or ¼” inputs. For condenser mics there is a 48V switch for both pairs of channels plus 2 x RCA inputs ana 3.5mm line in for channels ¾. On the left side of the Quattro, we have Midi in and out, headphone output and 2 x XLR balanced outputs for channels one and two for stereo. At the bottom there is (V DC, USB power and a host plug in or you can power the Quattro with the included AA batteries. A connector clip is included for the back of the device so you can mount it on a stand or video camera for easier control and cables are included too. The iRig Pro Quattro I/O can interface with your iPhone, iPad, Mac/PC or Android devices. It also includes free software such as AmpliTube 5 SE, T-RackS 5 SE and two other titles of your choice. The Quattro is an incredible tool for making your audio sound better, use of multiple microphones and inputs simultaneously and total controlling on mixing the audio to one or more output devices. Other single channel interfaces on the market are limited on control and only provide a single output option. The iRig Pro Quattro I/O is a handheld portable mixer/interface that provides total control of your mics and audio so that levels are balanced, and sound quality is superior. If you are streaming your performances on social media or your website the Quattro can make you sound much better than the built in microphones on smartphones, tablets or computers. But keep in mind the microphones are not included you must still provide those. Podcasters this is one device that will let you mix yourself and three other quests at the same time. The iRig Pro Quattro I/O is an amazing audio tool that is cost effective for all it does!

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Donner Seeker DST-400 Electric Guitar

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Donner released their new Seeker series DST-400 solid body electric guitar and Maverick Country got their hands on one of these budget friendly instruments. The body is made of Alder which we haven’t seen in a reasonably priced S style guitar in a bit. The finish is a translucent green/black that still allows the wood grain to peek through. The DST-400 shines in the electronics division with a single coil, single coil, humbucker configuration. The extra tones come from the 2nd tone knob which is a push/pull allowing 7 different tone selections plus a 5-way switch for standard pickup choices. The push/pull knob changes the pickups to three single coil pickups when pulled upward and when pushed down you have the single/single/humbucker setting. The neck profile is a thin “C” and is made of maple with an Indian Laurel wood fretboard. Hardware on the Seeker DST-400 guitar is chrome with adjustable saddles, 2-point tremolo and tremolo arm. The tuners are vintage style, and the guitar input is standard angled S style like you would expect. The body on the Donner has been very well shaped and sanded with no rough edges or edgy contours. The guitar includes a guitar cable, guitar strap and gig bag. Although it is a bit on the heavy side at 5.86kg we must expect this with an Alder wood body and the return is more sustain in notes. The Donner Seeker DST-400 surprised me with its’ playability right out of the box. If you are wanting to add an S style electric guitar to your instrument selection but are on a budget, then you should definitely consider the Seeker DST-400. Donner has provided a nicely crafted electric guitar with plenty of tonal choices that can fit anyone’s playing style.

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Ewan Macfarlane to release ‘Milk’

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Former Apollo 440 and Grim Northern Social frontman – EWAN MACFARLANE will release his keenly anticipated new solo album on 28 October, via Royale Stag Records. Ewan Macfarlane’s life is one that has been lived to the max. He was being managed by Bill Curbishley (The Who) when a quick visit to see Apollo 440 in the studio resulted in a creative connection with the group that lasted some 20+ years. Their time together ended when he played his final show with them in front of 30,000 people in Seville. During that time, he won further acclaim with the rootsy rock ‘n’ roll and searing soul of The Grim Northern Social. After Seville, Ewan re-emerged out of the blue with the Petty/Springsteen style of his highly acclaimed debut solo album ‘Always Everlong’ in 2021. And continuing that prolific solo spell with barely a breather in-between, he’s already preparing its follow-up for release less than a year later: ‘Milk’. A record that finds an artist pushing himself into new territory and throwing another fascinating curveball, ‘Milk’ is unlike anything Ewan has made before. Fourteen songs ultimately dedicated to his soulmate, Jo; they collectively make for an album that explores love and all of the roller-coaster notions that come with it. As Ewan explains: “‘Milk’ is a concept album all about the same woman, my wife Jo. I suppose a modern take on a love album, with twists and turns. It’s about all the highs and lows of love, lust and passion, and one that I believe many people will relate to. For me personally it’s the best piece of work I’ve done to date. Everything about this record just flowed from start to finish with regards to the process. I’m very proud of the product.” Nestled amongst songs of love, there are numerous references to Ewan’s other burning passion: music. Referencing greats old and new, from interstellar trailblazers like Ziggy Stardust (“Love & The Lonely”) to Scottish risers The Snuts (“Won’t Stop Burnin’), there’s even a song that pays gentle homage to the genius of Al Green (“When Al Green Sings”). While still rooted in the Americana touchstones of his debut, flashes of The Replacements, Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys, Rodriguez, Aerosmith, The Clash and Lucero are all detectable in its heady mix; a testament to an artist with an enthusiasm for rock music in all its eclectic and energising forms. With his persistent, near-obsessive approach to making music still his driving force, Ewan began writing and recording new material almost immediately after the release of his acclaimed debut ‘Always Everlong’. Honing this new clutch of songs almost relentlessly since, the resultant record, ‘Milk’, was recorded, produced and performed almost exclusively from his Royale Stag studio at home in Scotland. With additional bass parts added by Andy McCafferty, the record was given its final mix by friend and bandmate Ashley Krajewski (of Apollo 440) and mastered by Chris Pavey. Honest, humbling and often humorous songs that, like love, reveal more the better you get to know them; ‘Milk’ will be released on 28 October 2022, via Royale Stag Records.

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Donner DDP-80 Digital Piano

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Donner’s new DDP-80 Digital Piano is designed to be a part of your home or studio. It features 88 full-size weighted keys and has a vintage wood furniture look. The Donner DDP-80 arrived in one box and only required 20 minutes for complete assembly. The DDP-80 includes a triple sustain floor pedal like a standard acoustic piano. Four sturdy metal legs elevate the piano and secure to the bottom of the keyboard. Two x 20-watt built-in speakers provide the sound from beneath the piano. On the back side there is modern connectivity including a headphone output (for silent practice), USB output (computer or tablet), ¼” output (for PA or amplifier), sustain pedal plug in and power plug input. When headphones are engaged it automatically mutes the speakers. The fruitwood cabinet where the 88 weighted piano keys reside is nicely crafted and would fit in most homes or music rooms. AWM dynamic sampling and new French Dreams Sound Source are the software used to provide Donner DDP-80 with its lush piano tones. Dimensions for the piano are 126.8cm x 35.5cm x 74.5cm and it weighs 21.3kg. A matching attachable wooden music stand is included with the piano. Ideal for music, smartphone or tablet while practicing or recording. The Donner DDP-80 doesn’t include a bench, but a matching one is available. The sound quality and playability of the Donner DDP-80 was a pleasant surprise especially in an instrument in this reasonable price range. The standout features are the small footprint to display the piano, weighted keys, great piano sound, and wood styling features. This would be a great family piano or an instrument for beginners, intermediates or people with limited space that still want real piano sounds! The Donner DDP-80 is a great value. www.donnerdeal.com

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CMHoF and Museum embraces its Western Edge!

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There is always something new, cool, and historic going on at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, TN and that includes their latest exhibit. Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock. The title alone gives you an idea of the extent of this undertaking and why it will be open for a three-year run. To cover this much musical ground the hall needed a massive space so the exhibit will be housed in the recently updated 5,000 square foot gallery that opens September 30th. The goal is to showcase some of the many aspects of the LA based songwriters, singers, and musicians from the 1960s through the 1980s that played country music and mixed it with rock. The repercussions of which are still heard today in popular music. Featured artists and bands will include the Eagles, Poco, Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Emmylou Harris, Buffalo Springfield, and Linda Ronstadt. Plus, other artists that successfully melded country, rock, and bluegrass into a singular form of music. The next generation of forward-thinking artists in Los Angeles, California spawned Los Lobos, Dwight Yoakam, the Blasters, Rosie Flores, and Lone Justice. They took things even further by embracing Mexican folk music, honky-tonk music, rockabilly, and punk music. To announce the exhibit in June the Country Music Hall of fame featured Grammy award winning artist Dwight Yoakam and country-rock star Chris Hillman performing from the Troubadour in LA. In the museum’s Ford theater in Nashville CMHF member Emmylou Harris performed “The Road” a tribute song to Gram Parsons. She was joined by Nashville local Jeff Hanna founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and songwriter Matraca Berg who played “Mr. Bojangles.” More than 40 hours of filmed interviews have been cultivated by the museums curatorial and creative team for this exhibit. Other artifacts on display will be period correct instruments, stage wear, original song manuscripts and interactive elements to explore. Original interview footage, performance clips, historic photos and audio recordings will be available to engage with throughout the displays. A multitude of musicians and songwriters were pulled to Los Angeles during the 1960s thanks to the youth counterculture of the times. Ash Grove was one of the many popular music clubs that showcased up and coming bluegrass bands like the Kentucky Colonels and the Dillards setting the stage for what is now American Roots music. In West Hollywood the Troubadour venue drew in songwriters and artists with some friendly musical competition mixed in with the instrumentation and harmonies. A Western Edge: Los Angeles Country-Rock in Concert will be held at the CMA theater in the Hall on Friday, September 30th at 7pm central time in Nashville, TN. The lineup will include Dave Alvin, Alison Brown, Rodney Dillard, Rosie Flores, Jeff Hanna, Chris Hillman, Bernie Leadon, John McEuen, Wendy Moten, Herb Pedersen, John Jorgensen, JayDee Maness, Steve Duncan and Mark Fain. More performers are to be added and hopefully this concert will be uploaded to the Country Music Hall of Fames website after the live performances. On Sunday October 2nd at 7pm the famous Desert Rose Band will be reuniting for a performance for the first time in more than a decade. As if all of this wasn’t enough there will also be a extensively researched book released covering the exhibit. The Hall will also be supporting educational programs with the exhibit to educate youth groups. During the 1970s and 80s many people took Country-Rock for granite and only years later realized the impact that this genre of music would have on future musical artists. Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock is a don’t miss exhibit and I’m certain there will be more performances planned around it’s three years stay at the hall. You’ll definitely want to plan on spending some time to fully immerse yourself in the Country-Rock music and the artists that helped shape this magical merging of music styles that is still popular today. If you are coming to Nashville, TN go on the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s website to get your tickets early. I have a feeling this exhibit will be drawing big crowds and you never know who you might see or bump into while you’re at the hall?

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Jordan Davis: “Buy Dirt” and “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot”

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Multi-Platinum Snakefarm [in the UK] hitmaker Jordan Davis gathered with industry, family, and friends to celebrate two #1 hits, “Buy Dirt” and “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot,” Monday (10/3) at Tailgate Brewery in Nashville. View photos from the event here. Along with Luke Bryan and his fellow co-writers – his brother Jacob Davis, and brothers Matt and Josh Jenkins – Davis was honored with a plaque for the Double-Platinum, multi-week #1 “Buy Dirt.” Standing as one of the most-streamed country songs of 2021 and 2022, “Buy Dirt” has garnered 680 million streams to date, was recently named the NSAI Song of the Year, and is currently nominated for both Single of the Year and Song of the Year at the upcoming 56th Annual CMA Awards. Davis was also honored for “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot” along with Lonnie Fowler, who co-wrote the song inspired by Fowler’s first date with his wife. The track marked Davis’ third consecutive chart-topping hit from his debut album, Home State. Davis recently celebrated back-to-back sold out nights headlining Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, with MusicRow noting Davis “rises to stardom, shines on Ryman Stage.” His current single “What My World Spins Around” is climbing the country radio charts, tallying more than 96 million streams with high-profile performances on NBC’s TODAY and ACM Honors. Stacking more than 3.7 BILLION career streams to date, Davis recently released the latest preview of new music from his forthcoming album with the track “Midnight Crisis” ft. Danielle Bradberry. Produced by Paul DiGiovanni and penned by Davis, DiGiovanni and Derrick Southerland, “Midnight Crisis” follows Davis’ fan-favorite song “Next Thing You Know.” Davis is on the road now with Luke Combs for his Middle of Somewhere Tour and will join Thomas Rhett early next year for the international leg of his Bring the Bar To You Tour.

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