“Saying that Danny Barnes plays the banjo is like saying Lionel Messi kicks a soccer ball. Barnes doesn’t just play the banjo—he plucks it, thrums it, claws it, bashes it, runs it through processors, plays it backward, drenches it in reverb, and layers it over computerized drums, distorted guitars, and weird chicken sounds. His prowess with the instrument makes him a deserving winner...” --Texas Monthly, Michael Hall

ASHEVILLE, NC -- Banjo player extraordinaire Danny Barnes is the 2015 recipient of the 6th annual Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass. Described as "one of a kind" and widely acknowledged as "one of the best banjo players in America," Barnes is recognized for his experimental sound. The raw and unpolished musical breadth of his compositions has propelled him across the industry today. Barnes will be releasing a new solo record, a ten year anniversary re-recording of an earlier album called Get Myself Together[2005]. The new release, Got Myself Together, comes out in November on Eight 30 Records. He will be on the road solo this fall and winter; stay tuned for dates to be announced.

A Texas native now living northwest of Seattle, Barnes is one of bluegrass music's most distinctive and innovative performers. He is known for blending together different sounds which defy labeling while redefining the banjo’s perceived image in a wide-ranging and four-decade long career. From his early days as the driving force behind the impressive Austin-based Bad Livers, a band of pioneering Americana missionaries, through a prolific solo career and the development of his trademark approach he calls “Barnyard Electronics” (which is also the name of his 2007 album) that incorporates digital technology and various effect pedals to stretch the tonal range of the instrument, Barnes has always listened to his proudly offbeat inner voice. His live shows involve a computer program he built in max/msp and a banjo. 

Recently, he was recording in his home lab when a package arrived from Steve Martin with a letter notifying him that he was the recipient of 2015 recipient of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass. 

Nashville, TN (September 25, 2015) -- At 9:28 AM today the music video for Maiden Dixie's "The Road" premiered on the ZUUS Country television network (the premier and additional air times are correct in the time zone in which the viewer is watching). Director Zack Dyerzack worked hand-in-hand with the band to develop the video concept for the song which uses the beauty of rural Shorewood, MN as the backdrop for the song's soulful message about choices made. 

Written by Roy Holdren and Maiden Dixie's Jonathan Krentz, the song appears on the band's sophomore studio album UNSAFE & SOUND (Navigator Records), released in April of this year.
The band was back in the studio earlier this week working on new music before heading out to North Dakota on the current leg of the UNSAFE & SOUND Tour 2015.  

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — After the unprecedented success of Buck ’Em! The Music of Buck Owens (1955-1967), Omnivore Recordings is prepared to take the country icon’s story to the next stage with Buck ’Em! Volume 2: The Music of Buck Owens (1967-1975). Street date for the new two-CD set is November 13, 2015.Volume 1 remains available.
If Volume 1 started the story, Buck ’Em! Volume 2 continues it, tracing the influential music of Bakersfield’s hero via an impressive 50 tracks.
From #1 singles like “Who’s Gonna Mow Your Grass,” “Johnny B. Goode,” and “Tall Dark Stranger,” to favorites including “Ain’t It Amazing, Gracie” and the original version of “Streets of Bakersfield,”Buck ’Em: Volume 2 continues the journey of Alvis Edgar Owens, Jr. [Buck] throughout his run into the 1970s and into the homes of America on Hee Haw.

Featuring notes culled from the best-selling book, Buck ’Em! The Autobiography of Buck Owensby the artist with Randy Poe, and featuring photos and ephemera, the legend of Buck reigns supreme with this capper to the first volume. With mastering from Michael Graves, whose work onHank Williams’ The Garden Spot Programs, 1950 earned him a Grammy, the listener is not only reliving history, but hearing it better than it’s ever sounded.

That bearded presidential duo, The Roosevelts, return with a new track and it is THE JAM. From the lyrics to the infectious melody, it's simply irresistable. Listen to the track below, pick it up on iTunes or Amazon and keep it spinnin'!
For more informaiton visit their official website

On Friday, January 22, 2016, Green River Ordinance will release its third studio album, 'Fifteen,' an 11-track collection with simple message: hold fast to the things that are true. Since coming together 15 years ago as teenagers, the band -- Josh Jenkins (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Jamey Ice (guitars, banjo, mandolin), Joshua Wilkerson (guitars, vocals, mandolin, piano), Geoff Ice (bass, vocals, harmonica) and Denton Hunker (drums, percussion) -- has been about the core value of "finding something more," rather than simply selling records, and the idea of a deeper meaning has remained central focus ever since.

That honesty and closeness echoes throughout 'Fifteen' with the rollicking "Red Fire Night," the warm "Simple Life" ballad rich with pedal steel and twinkling piano, and "Life in the Wind," a see-sawing acoustic sing-along celebrating a full and more satisfying life.

After walking away from a contract with EMI in 2011 to find its own voice, the band's first experiment out of the gate validated their instincts: "Dancing Shoes" became a breakout hit for the group, landing in rotation on SiriusXM and selling upwards of 150,000 singles. For 'Fifteen,' the band continued making music its own way, writing the bulk of the record at the same cabin on Caney Fork River where it composed the 2013 EP 'Chasing Down the Wind.'

'Fifteen' is available for pre-order beginning Friday, Sept. 25. Upon purchase, fans will receive four songs, including "Keep Your Cool," "Red Fire Night," "Maybe It's Time (Gravity)" and "Simple Life." For more on Green River Ordinance, please visit greenriverordinance.com.

NEW YORK, September 24, 2015 – NASH FM 94.7, New York City’s only Country radio station, presents “NASH BASH” at Manhattan’s Beacon Theater on October 26 at 7:30 p.m. featuring Country star Lee Brice as the headliner and performances by Rodney Atkins, Mo Pitney and Dylan Scott.

NASH BASH marks NASH FM 94.7’s return to the Beacon Theater following the station’s successful NASH Holiday BASH at the venue in 2013, which featured performances by Dierks Bentley and Parmalee.
The concert celebrates New York’s Country Station listeners across the tri-state area. As NASH’s flagship station, NASH FM 94.7 draws nearly 1.4 million listeners a week. Country fans can listen live for chances to win tickets to the stellar concert event beginning soon.

Nashville, TN) September 23, 2015 –   Compass Records is excited to announce the addition of Mountain Heart, the award-winning newgrass band, to its roster. The 5-piece band has been known for cutting-edge excellence in acoustic music circles since its inception in 1999. Widely known throughout the music industry for continually pushing the boundaries of bluegrass inspired roots music, the band has gained legions of loyal fans as a result of their superlative musicianship and constant touring.

Now, they have further broadened their sound by adding the expert fiddle talents of Molly Cherryholmes. With five GRAMMY nominations under her belt, Molly is a revered fiddle player, as well as an accomplished singer, and she fits right in to a band comprised of top pros in every position. Mountain Heart has unmatched energy and a keen sense of entertainment dynamics, both of which have helped them forge a unique sound and stage show that appeals to an ever-growing variety of musical tastes.

Mountain Heart has been nominated for GRAMMY, ACM, and CMA awards, and has won multiple IBMA awards. They've appeared on the stage of The Grand Ole Opry over 130 times and have shared the stage with acts ranging from Punch Brothers, The Avett Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Yonder Mountain String Band, Merle Haggard, George Jones and Brad Paisley, Alison Krauss, Tony Rice, Levon Helm, and John Fogerty, to name a few.

"We cannot wait for our friends and fans to hear the new Mountain Heart lineup, and we encourage you to stay tuned as we unveil national touring news as well as new details of our forthcoming release. For now, please help us welcome Molly to the Mountain Heart family!”

(Nashville, Tenn. – September 23, 2015) – Country music icon, John Anderson, has released a praiseworthy new single, titled “Don’t Forget To Thank The Lord,” to Country radio. The track, which is the second release from his most recent album, Goldmine, was co-written by Anderson and John Rich.

“Don’t Forget To Thank The Lord” was shipped to radio on Sept. 14. Radio listeners will love the positivity of the song, which calls for us to be thankful for all the many blessings the Lord has given us.  To hear “Don’t Forget To Thank The Lord,” click here.

For Anderson, the single was born out of a sincere thankfulness for all the opportunities he’s been given to pursue his music.

“I’ve always loved the Lord and been very thankful He’s allowed me to do what I do. That’s a pretty good message for anybody, no matter whether they like the song or not,” said Anderson.

“Don’t Forget to Thank The Lord” is even more powerful when performed live. To see Anderson on tour across the United States, visitJohnAnderson.com for a complete list of upcoming tour dates.

Anderson released his new album, Goldmine, on May 26, which also marked his first album release in nine years.  Released on his own record label, Bayou Boys Music, the 13-track collection of original material features authentic lyrics and Anderson’s signature sound.  The award-winning and Hall of Fame songwriter wrote or co-wrote 12 of the album’s 13 tracks. The album is currently available on iTunes, Amazon, and other major digital retailers.

Anderson got his start in 1977 when he signed with Warner Brothers Records.  He went on to have his first major hit in 1980 with Billy Joe Shaver’s, “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal (But I’m Gonna Be a Diamond Someday).” Other hits include the classic “Wild and Blue,”released in 1982, and “Swingin,” the No. 1 Billboard Country single co-written with Lionel Delmore that would lead Anderson to garner the CMA Horizon Award. 

Throughout his career, Anderson has produced 23 albums and released more than 60 singles (26 of which charted in the Top 10). He was inducted into theNashville Songwriters Hall of Fame on October 5, 2014, and holds a wealth of industry awards including Academy of Country Music Career Achievement Award. 

For more information on John Anderson, visit his official website at JohnAnderson.com. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Center Sound Records is proud to announce the partnership with New Day Christian Distributors and Daywind Records as they continue to promote Grammy, ACM, CMA and Billboard award winning artist Lynn Anderson’s final recording Bridges.
 
“Mary and I have seen such an overwhelming response from the entertainment community since her passing,” says Craig Brandwynne, Vice President of Center Sound Records. “Lynn was a lady of faith and held no reservations when it came to telling us about her baptism in the Rio Grande and her church services with her partner Mentor Williams in Taos, NM. We are blessed to introduce this legendary voice to the Christian and Gospel market.  This project opened up a whole new world of possibilities for Lynn and we are excited for these new audiences to hear the iconic voice that country fans have treasured for years.”
 
“New Day Christian Distributors and Daywind Records are honored to release Lynn Anderson’sGet Up Joseph to Southern Gospel radio and handle distribution on this project,” says Ed Leonard, Vice - President of New Day Christian Distributors and Daywind Records.  “This is a historic release.  To our knowledge, no song by Lynn has ever been released to this format.   Fans will get an opportunity to hear her wonderful voice alongside the exuberant group The Oak Ridge Boys.”
 
When The Oak Ridge Boys heard of Lynn’s passing, Duane Allen wrote the following statement: “It was a pleasure to record with Lynn.  I remember the first time we saw her at the Utah State Fair.  We were playing the small stage and we finished early enough to see her on the main stage.  She owned Utah that night.  She didn't stop until she won everybody's hearts including mine. She sang her way to heaven.”

Texas troubadours Shane Smith & The Saints have just released their elegantly gritty sophomore full-length album, ‘Geronimo.’ Drawing from a dynamic mix of styles and influences (Credence Clearwater, Band Of Horses, The Allman Brothers Band, Mumford & Sons, Dropkick Murphys), ‘Geronimo’ is a stylistic departure from the band’s previous work. Combining elements of rock, Cajun folk, Celtic/Irish music and Americana, the result is a superbly crafted album from a cohesive group of musicians that includes Smith (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar & Harmonica), Chase Satterwhite (Bass, Upright Bass & Harmony Vocals), Bryan McGrath (Drums & Percussion), Tim Allen (Electric Guitar, Mandolin, Donro & Harmony Vocals) and Bennett Brown (Fiddle & Harmony Vocals).

In the midst of a heavy tour schedule, ‘Geronimo’ was self-produced and recorded in Austin, Dallas and Nashville.  It features fifteen thought-provoking tracks brimming with incisive narratives. With his smoky rich voice and emotionally keyed delivery, Smith’s vocals blend effortlessly with the band’s signature four-part harmonies.
"This record is extremely important to us. It was never recorded to produce big radio singles. It wasn't recorded with the intent of fitting a working mold or sound,” explains Smith. “ ‘Geronimo was made to set us apart from all other bands and brand a sound that is completely unique to ourselves. And I think that's exactly what it will do." 
Album opener “The Mountain” showcases the band’s impeccable musicianship and storytelling prowess. It begins as an acapella Appalachian hymn, but transforms into a fiddle-heavy, in-your-face folk song about the burning underground coal mine in Centralia, PA. Meanwhile, the first single “All I See Is You” is driven by high-energy roots instrumentation and tells the tale of a young man's love for his wife with the underlying message that the beautiful places traveled and moments lived amount to nothing without his partner. Click here to listen.

“Oil Town” is a twang-filled waltz about the extreme dynamics faced by towns moving in and out of "oil booms" throughout Texas. “New Orleans” is a take on a freed-slave’s ambition to become a performing musician leading him on a swampy path to the Crescent City – an ambitious love song for the landscape that quickly turns into a Cajun front porch jam. There’s a beautiful simplicity to “Born & Raised” which includes vocal help from Haley Cole.
Rounding out the collection is the title track, which holds dual meaning for the band. “On one end, it is an attempt to pay tribute to the life of Geronimo, the Apache warrior,” says Smith. “I've always been fascinated by Geronimo and the principles he stood for. This also presented the perfect opportunity to relate the term "Geronimo" with our intensions of this album and the "jumping from a cliff" idea that it symbolizes. If we are going to attempt a career in music, this album is our commitment to give it everything we've got, despite all of the odds working against us. “ 
Known for their engaging and exuberant live shows, Shane Smith & The Saints are about to embark on their most extensive tour to date. They will play various markets throughout their home state and crisscross the US hitting several first-time stops including Chicago, IL, Indianapolis, IN Albuquerque, NM and Memphis, TN.  They’ll also test the international waters in December, playing the Red Dirt Pub Crawl in Dublin, Ireland. You can get regular concert and news updates at http://www.shanesmithmusic.com/
   
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