NYC celebrated Texas this past weekend with fans coming in from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Maine to see the Texas Tailgate and the Four On The Floor Tour.

Friday night, Kevin Fowler kicked off the Texas Tailgate with an almost hour set of high energy songs. I had never seen Kevin before and I have to say he was pretty terrific, a lot of fun and really funny! He joked around, interacted with the audience and just showed everyone a great time. he moved around alot...hence, no photo for y'all. 

Next up was Reckless Kelly. These guys have been around for about seventeen years. They are seriously one of the best bands around and if you don't know them well.....you need to. They also kept their set high energy, slowing it down just once. They played songs from their 2013 Grammy winning album Long Night Moon as well as "Ragged As The Road" and "Love In Her Eyes." I cannot say enough positive things about this band, from the quality of their songs to their ability as musicians, they are top notch. I sincerely hope these guys make it back to our area soon.

Casey Donahew Band, who for the first time headlined the Tailgate, opened their set with "Stockyards" and played songs that the entire crowd was singing along to like "Double Wide Dream," "Whiskey Baby" and "Small Town Love." Again, their set was up-tempo, fun and filled with great songs (and maybe one small fight on the floor). The night concluded with "Go To Hell."

If Friday night was crowded, Saturday night for Four On The Floor was jam packed! Truly, one of the best nights of music ever. Stoney LaRue, Wade Bowen, Josh Abbott Band and Randy Rogers Band gave their fans four hours of fantastic tunes. You might think "really, Texas music lovers in NYC?" Well....yes and lots of them. I was so pleasantly surprised that there were people who knew the words to almost every song each artist played. It's amazing to me (and makes me so happy) that bands who get no national radio airplay can have such a following, especially outside of their region. It just proves that there is terrific music out there that you are not hearing on your radios. You may have to dig a little to find it, but it's there and when you do, you'll have wondered how you ever got along without it.

In fact, Wade and Randy both commented that although none of the four bands have ever come close to having a radio hit (although Wade's "Saturday Night did hit #39) the place was packed with people who really appreciated their music. They seemed both surprised and grateful and made sure to thank everyone for coming out.

These bands don't require video screens or theatrics. It really is all about the music, the musicianship and having a good time. What was really nice to see was a true camaraderie between all of the guys on stage. Josh Abbott came out to join Wade on "Resurrection" and Willy Braun assisted Wade on "Glory Days." In addition, Stoney came out to play with JAB and the drummers from all four bands just seemed to hang out with one another, playing and laughing and smiling the entire show. 

The night ended with an interesting take on "Fuzzy" with Josh, Stoney and Wade coming out on stage in animal costumes and a giant sing along to Merle Haggard's "I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink."

Let's hope we don't have to wait a year for these guys to come back to the area.

Watch Wade Bowen with special guest Willy Braun of Reckless Kelly perform "Glory Days."
Randy Rogers Band perform their new song "Satellite." 

If you have read any of our reviews before, you know that the CMA Songwriters Series at Joe's Pub in NYC is an event we never miss. This year celebrates the 10th anniversary of the shows & February's installment was one of the best yet. 
As always, Bob DiPiero was the evening's host. This time he brought along songwriters Jon Nite, Tim Nichols and Kix Brooks. The foursome sat across the stage, guitars in hand and told the stories behind the songs in typical writer's round fashion, taking four turns each. 

Bob started off the evening thanking "the best friend a songwriter could have in New York City, Joe's Pub." Then he launched into "Cumberland Road," assisted by Kix on harmonica. Bob also played his "love letter to the south," "Southern Voice," as well as "Gone" and "You Can't Take the Honky Tonk Out of The Girl" which was preceded by the story that inspired the song, one of his ex-wife's sister, Connie. 

Kix Brooks is not only an incredible artist, but a funny and engaging storyteller as well. He told the stories behind the hits "Red Dirt Road" as well as "Only In America." In addition, he played a humorous new song that received a warm reception, (that might be titled) "Broke Down."

Jon Nite was up third and made jokes about having to follow Kix, but he more than held his own. He played the hit he wrote for Dierks Bentley "Tip It On Back," telling what inspired him to write the song, that being his wife's non-cancerous tumor diagnosis. He also performed "Whatever She's Got," David Nail's recent number one and "When We Were Us," the number one duet from Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert.

Last, but certainly not least, was the very funny Tim Nichols, who jokingly said he felt he didn't get the thunderous applause that he was used to when he started "Heads Carolina, Tails California," so he repeated the introduction. The audience then obliged him with the applause "he was used to." He also told the story of how he wrote a song for Garth Brooks, who declined it. One of the "new guys" named Tracy got the song and recorded it. He said jokingly that he didn't like that because "people don't listen to the new guys." However, it all worked out in the end because the new guy changed his name to Trace [Adkins] and the song was "(This Ain't) No Thinkin' Thing." Tim closed out the night with "Live Like You Were Dying."

The intimate evening gave the feeling that we in the audience were privy to something special. It was a terrific night filled with lots of great music and laughter that we cannot wait to repeat again when the Songwriter Series returns.

For more information visit 
www.cmaworld.com
www.joespub.com

Photo Credits: Doreena Silva & TDC

Freezing cold temperatures on a Tuesday might deter some people from going out to see a show, but when the band playing is Whiskey Myers, you go regardless of the weather conditions.

The last time these guys were in NYC was in the fall at Hill Country Live. Their stop in the big apple this time was a precursor for what will surely be a busy week as they ready the release of their third album Early Mornin' Shakes on February 4th. 

Rockwood Music Hall is a tiny venue that circulates artists through about every hour. It holds about one hundred or so people, a much smaller capacity than what they are used to, as Whiskey Myers regularly plays to sold out crowds at 1000 person capacity venues. The guys hit the stage about 8:30 and played a short forty-five minute set for a crowd of about 65 people. To me, it was a perfect show: intimate with great energy and, of course, excellent music. They started off, appropriately enough, with "Bar, Guitar and A Honky Tonk Crowd" then continued with the southern rock sound playing tracks from the new album including "Early Mornin' Shakes" and "Hard Row to Hoe" on which you could see guitarist Cody Tate immerse himself and get lost in the music. 

"If you can't be good then be f-- loud" said lead Cody Cannon. Whiskey Myers is loud and undeniably good. However, they are certainly not a one dimensional band. They're genre mixers whose sound is organic, manifold, and unique. The audience heard their diversity first hand in songs from Early Mornin' Shakes, like "Home" and "Dogwood" (on which John's guitar skills were more than evident) and the sadly beautiful "Broken Window Serenade" from Firewater. Cody's soulful, passionate voice conveys the stories in their songs, whether it is ones with a rockabilly, bluesy lean or a ballad. Gary and Jeff more than expertly handle their duties on bass and drums respectively. The result is a honed, edgy sound that will leave you wanting more.

They closed out the night with "A Different Mold," which highlighted not only Cody Tate's musicianship, but his vocals as well. It seemed to be over just as it was getting started, but it was a special show well worth seeing because undoubtedly next time Whiskey Myers is in NYC they will be at a much larger venue with a much larger crowd.

For more information visit www.whiskeymyers.com
Early Mornin' Shakes will be available on February 4th and is available for pre-order.

Man it was cold outside, but inside the Garden, the sold out crowd was enjoying a little over three hours of music from Luke Bryan and the guys on the That's My Kind of Night Tour.


Newcomer, and Luke's former merch guy, Cole Swindell burst onto the scene last year with his now top five and still climbing hit "Chillin' It." When Cole came out to perform his set, the venue was only about 1/3 full. The people who weren't there...well, they missed a terrific six song set. Cole is a natural performer. He works the entire stage, interacts with the crowd, encourages everyone to stand up and have fun and is always smiling. You can tell he is extremely humble and grateful for the success that has come his way in such a short time. He stated how thrilled he was to be in NYC and to be playing MSG. He and his band sounded like they have been doing this for longer than they actually have. They performed "Hey Y'All," "Get Up," "Brought To You by Beer," and his new single "Hope You Get Lonely." He concluded with "Chillin' It." 
Look out for this guy because in a few years, he will be selling out the Garden as a headliner. 
NB. Cole moves around alot, making it very difficult to get good pictures with a point and shoot. I apologize in advance for the blurry photo.

The crowd at the Garden loved and I mean LOVED Lee Brice. A few songs in and seats were full....with no one actually sitting. Everyone was standing and singing with him the entire set. Every song he sang received thunderous applause and cheering. He worked hard and at times seemed both overwhelmed and thankful for the reception he received from the crowd. "Hard To Love," "A Woman Like You," and "I Drive Your Truck" were twenty thousand people sing alongs on which his voice was strong and emotive. Other songs in his set included "Drinking Class," which he said was about his daddy and people who work hard, and his new single, a song for his wife "I Don't Dance." He utilized video screens, but they did not distract from watching him or his band. They flashed images of beer, trucks and nature and thankfully did not just play videos of the songs he was singing. A female jumped the stage during "Love Like Crazy," however security promptly removed her while Lee commented and laughed "that's crazy." He closed out his set with the raucous "Parking Lot Party."

I had not read or heard anything about Luke's set for this tour (no, I don't live under a rock), so I was impressed and maybe even a little amazed when I saw the opening to "That's My Kind of Night." Yes, a big black jacked up truck emerged from under the stage with Luke on the roof while a bonfire "burned" nearby. Whether you like his music or not, there is no denying, Luke is an entertainer with a capital "E." That man smiled, ran around, played guitar, gyrated, danced, laid on the floor to take photos and selfies with fans, high-fived, and gave 200% for the hour and a half he was on stage. He played all of his hits from "Country Man," "Rain Is A Good Thing," to "Do I," "Drunk On You," and "Crash My Party." And as with Lee's set, the cheering and applause after every song were continuous and deafening.

The only song that really didn't go over well with the crowd was the combo of "Muckalee Creek Water"/"Drinkin' Beer and Wastin' Bullets." A lot of people sat down and their attention waned. Perhaps it was because the songs took on more of a rock vibe, but that said, there was some pretty awesome guitar playing by Michael Carter at the finish. After that song, the crowd came back to the fun of spring break and "Suntan City" where Luke handed out cold beers from a Cabelas' cooler (hopefully all of the recipients were of age) and performed Macklemore and Ryan Lewis's "Can't Hold Us." Luke held his own with the song even commenting after:"shit that was hard, there are a lot of words." 
"Drink A Beer" brought a truly solemn moment to the night when he sat on the edge of a pier that, like the truck, emerged from under the stage, and played the song just him and the guitar. It was a heartfelt moment for anyone who has lost someone.

After what seemed like a few seconds, Luke and the guys came out for the finale. And here is my only gripe: Luke played "The Only Way I Know" which I thought would be the perfect opportunity to bring Lee and Cole back out to sing, but instead, Luke sang all three parts himself. It was fine, although I just think having the others come back out would have made it better.

And finally, if you have seen the show, you know that the stage is quite high, but somehow another woman (perhaps in her 40s) got a boost and jumped on it. She grabbed Luke from behind when he started singing and attempted to get him to um, gyrate into her. Luke wanted nothing to do with it. Security got her off and Luke said "what in the hell do you think you're doing?" I honestly wonder what is going through someone's head to behave like that? It baffles me. Anyways, Luke regained his composure and launched into the finale of "Country Girl" at the end of which he brought a young man up on stage to teach him the way to shake it.

Luke, like the others, seemed grateful to everyone in attendance and thanked the crowd for coming out along with a "see you in September" when he brings the tour back for round two.

For more information:

www.lukebryan.com 
www.leebrice.com
www.coleswindell.com

It seems a lot of people, myself included, have a bad case of Winter Doldrums. I've found that a good live show is the surest cure, so I was really looking forward to seeing Holly Williams with Jason Isbell at The Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw North Carolina recently.  The 700 tickets for this show sold out so quickly that another show was added for the following week.  Those tickets also sold out in no time.

It's safe to say that the majority of the people in the venue were there to see Jason Isbell and some were unfamiliar with the opener, Holly Williams.  It's also safe to say that after her eight song set, she had gained quite a few new fans.

The granddaughter of Hank Williams Sr. and daughter of Hank Williams Jr., Holly's Americana music skews more towards traditional country. She performed songs from her critically acclaimed album "The Highway" released in early 2013.  The songs on this album are obviously very personal and the emotion in her voice conveys as beautifully live as it does on the album. Highlights from the set were "Drinkin'",  title track "The Highway", "Gone Away from Me", and "Waiting on June". The only song in the set not from her recent album was a great version of "I Saw the Light", written and recorded by Hank Sr. in 1948.  By the time she finished her set, she really had the crowd warmed up for the headliner.

By all accounts, Jason Isbell has had a stellar year. His most recent album, "Southeastern" is on every "Best of 2013" list that I've seen, but I was largely unfamiliar with his music. Like his opening act, his music is Americana but skews a bit more towards rock than country.  The former member of Drive-By Truckers and his band, The 400 Unit, took the stage to huge applause and started their twenty song set with "Flying over Water". He moved with ease from more rock oriented songs to the gripping, emotionally charged "Elephant" and "Travelin' Alone", to an especially good cover of Candi Staton's "Heart on a String". The crowd moved right along with him, singing along the entire time.  These were long time fans with a deep appreciation for his formidable talent as a songwriter and musician.

Though I came to the show primarily to see Holly Williams, I left with a much greater appreciation for Jason Isbell's music. If you get the chance to see either of these artists on tour, don't take a pass. They won't disappoint.   

For more information visit www.hollywilliams.com & www.jasonisbell.com

Special thanks to Harriett Watkins, who attended the show and was kind enough to write this review for the site. You can follow Harriett on Twitter @harriett0312

  

On Thursday December 12th, Corey Smith brought his Movin' On Up Tour, presented by Ones To Watch and Texas Pete, to the Gramercy Theater in NYC. The 500 capacity venue was close to, if not, sold out. Seeing an artist in a venue like the Gramercy is something I would take over an arena or stadium show any day. There's nothing to distract you from the reason you are there: to experience honest to goodness good music, which was something everyone definitely experienced Thursday night.

When an artist comes out to The Jefferson's theme song, you know it is going to be a good show. Corey started around 9:15pm and for the next hour and a half played his "country-ish," as he called it, music for the enthusiastic crowd. The energy started out high on "Carolina" and didn't let up. Corey is one of those artists that does something which I really appreciate: he talks to the audience. He spoke about the stories behind the songs (all of which he wrote), financing all of his 8 records and touring the country. He also spoke of the gratitude he has for the fans' support over the years and for everyone who came out Thursday night. Corey told of when he played for college kids at a bar in GA (when Brantley Gilbert opened for him) having only $50 to pay a fiddle player. Now though, he could play his songs with a full band and launched into "Dahlonega."

Many of the songs that he played, including "Drinkin' Again," "$8 Bottle of Wine", "Twenty-One" and "I Love Everyone" were accompanied by the crowd singing along to every word. When he played his current single, and Sirius XM Highway Find, "Ain't Going Out Tonight" people were not only singing, but cheering loudly.

Although he mentioned that he doesn't like to play cover songs often anymore because it "brings back bad memories," he said that he and the band had been playing a song in sound check and wanted to play it live: Matchbox 20's "3AM." Watching the fans reaction, they did a perfect job.

It speaks volumes when an artist introduces their band members. Corey did that and gave each member a chance to shine by having them perform snippets of songs like "Stairway to Heaven," "Sweet Emotion" and "The Way It Is."

Early in the night, before he played "Maybe Next Year," he said that he hoped that everyone "has much to drink, moves their bodies, makes friends with their neighbors and enjoys themselves." By the end of the night, that was mission accomplished. After chants of "one more song," Corey returned to the stage and performed an acoustic "F-The PoPo" and "If That's Country" with the band.

You know it's a good show when it's time for the encore and you don't want it to be over. It was my first time seeing Corey live, but it certainly won't be my last. Don't miss the chance to see him when he comes near you.

For more information visit www.coreysmithmusic.com

On Thursday night, December 12th, NASH FM 94.7 "America's Country Station" hosted its first ever "NASH Holiday BASH" featuring performances by Dierks Bentley and Parmalee.

The concert event took place at the beautiful Beacon Theater in NYC and celebrated the growing number of NASH FM 94.7 listeners. The Holiday Bash is the latest offering from “America’s Country Station” following the successful “Up Close and Country” concert series which featured performances by Brad Paisley, Thomas Rhett, The Band Perry and more.

As people walked into the festively decorated Beacon lobby, NASH was getting everyone in the holiday spirit by handing out Santa hats. Around 8pm, Parmalee, who have the #1 song in the country, kicked off the show with "I'll Bring The Music," which they most certainly did. Their years of performing together were evident as they sounded terrific & performed a solid set. Matt delivers all of the lyrics with believability whether it's a ballad or fun up-tempo number. Josh, Scott and Barry are more than skilled musicians who also provide nice harmonies. The guys are not only fun to watch on stage, but seem to be having fun performing themselves. They continued with songs from their album Feels Like Carolina including "Already Calling You Mine," "Back In The Day," the laid back "Day Drinkin'" and personal favorite, the fabulous "Close Your Eyes." Matt spoke about how his father, who was in a band, taught him to play guitar, strumming a little "Night Moves" before launching into their #1 "Carolina." Many times throughout their set, they expressed how grateful they were to the fans and radio for everything that has happened to them this year. Although many in the audience were seated for their set, Parmalee received standing ovations after both "Carolina" and their top 40 hit "Musta Had a Good Time."

After a brief intermission when a few Rockettes and Santa graced the stage. Dierks Bentley and his talented band of brothers emerged and everyone was immediately on their feet. Dierks, as he always does, brought the party. At one point, that party got a little risque as Dierks asked people (women) to throw things on stage and "stripped' out of his button down to his t-shirt. Bras, tank tops, and even a sock, made their way to the stage.

There aren't many other performers out there who work as hard as Dierks does. He always gives it 100% or more and has such a great time performing whether it be in a theater or arena. He works the entire stage, never stops moving and interacts with everyone he can, including bringing a young lady on stage to "play" guitar while he takes a beer break (or whatever it is that he has in his cup). He played all of his hits from "Am I The Only One," "Free and Easy," "Every Mile A Memory" to "How Am I Doin.'" He sat on a stool and played acoustic performing a funny, new song "Drunk On A Plane." Additionally, he also performed "Back Porch," the bluegrass favorite "Up On The Ridge" and his current heartfelt single "I Hold On." The night closed out with one of his ten number one singles "HOME." Dierks' new album Riser is due out early next year.

For more information visit

www.parmalee.com
www.dierks.com
http://www.nashfm947.com/

The Eli Young Band brought their Drunk Last Night Tour to NYC this past Thursday. The all ages show at Terminal 5 had everyone in attendance, whether they were 15 or 45, singing, dancing and having a good time.




Eric Paslay, whose debut album drops February 4th, opened the show. He is an accomplished songwriter whose songs can be poignant, honest and playful. I have seen Eric a few times, each time acoustic. This time, he was backed by a full band. I was surprised at how hard he rocked out for his approximately 40minute set. He previewed some of the songs that will be on the upcoming album including "Keep On Falling" and "Deep As It Is Wide." He closed out his set with his current Top 10 hit "Friday Night." With hands in the air like it was a Friday night, everyone sang and danced along. 

At about 9:30pm, EYB emerged to much applause and many screaming girls' "I love yous." The front row was filled with energetic young ladies who had their hands outstretched all evening to get a touch, a high five or a pick from the band...and the guys obliged.

The Eli Young Band are no strangers to the stage. They have been together for over ten years and are definitely a solid band live. They play and they play well. For this tour, they had a simple black backdrop with their name and some cool lighting effects. They really don't need more than that. The music is the draw here and it speaks for itself. But the guys just don't stand there and strum their guitars either, they most definitely know how to play to a crowd and keep the energy level up. I am a huge fan of Mike Eli's (yes, the Eli portion of EYB as many people in attendance thought Eli Young was a band member) versatile voice. Whether he's singing a ballad like "Guinevere" or rockin' out to their version of Skynyrd's "Gimme Three Steps," he always sounds good. In addition, he walks the entire stage and interacts with everyone he can without missing a beat. Chris Young though, the Young in EYB, has to be the hardest working man on that stage. You can tell he is enjoying himself because he is always with a smile or a funny face. And he jumps around so much that by the end of the night he is drenched. Jon, the bass player, is also always smiling whether he's standing at the mike, jumping up and down or going to visit Chris, "the man with the faces." Watching Chris Thompson play the drums for an hour and a half is worth the price of admission alone. He plays with intensity and emotion and his silly putty face expressions convey it all. It does the heart good to see people on stage that not only sound good, but genuinely seem to enjoy what they are doing.

The Eli Young Band opened with "On My Way" and continued with the crowd pleasers "When it Rains," "Small Town Kid" and "Skeletons." They even brought Eric Paslay back out to sing the song he co-wrote with Will Hoge, that EYB took to #1, "Even If It Breaks Your Heart." They also previewed a few new tunes including "Enough Is Enough" and "Dust." The night ended with a full on sing-a-long to another #1 "Crazy Girl."

The EYB plans to release a new album in February.

For more information visit: http://www.eliyoungband.com/

http://www.ericpaslay.com/index.html

This past week the CMA brought their Songwriter's Series to close out the show's 9th year in NYC. The show has become a two day event, with two shows each evening. As always, the night was hosted by Bob DiPiero who this time brought along James Otto, Deana Carter, Rory Feek and James Slater. These shows are always entertaining, but the artists who were there this time seemed to be some of the most genuine, grateful people to grace that stage.

Bob DiPiero has written a huge catalog of hits. This time he performed five of his well known songs including "Southern Voice" and "Cumberland Road." As well as the songs, these rounds are also known for their stories. Bob told one of being at a gas station and how a young man kept looking at him. The man finally came over and told Bob that he just cut one of Bob's songs. The young man? Easton Corbin. The song? "Lovin' You Is Fun" which Bob then performed.

Next to Bob was James Otto and if you have not heard his voice, you are missing out. He has a deeply soulful and powerful voice that moves you when you hear him. He forgot the words to his first song, but quickly recovered and sang the song he wrote with Zac Brown, "No Hurry" to which he added "Do you know why I'm in "No Hurry?" as he segued into Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'." He sounded so good that Deana jokingly asked "why do I have to come after you?" But the admiration they had for one another shown through when James answered her "because you're killer." In addition to that song, James performed "In Color" which he wrote with Jamey Johnson. He had many people tearing up when talked about the last verse having meaning to anyone who served. He spoke of his Dad who was a drill sergeant, and he himself who was in the Navy. Finally, he played the song he is most well known for "Just Got Started Loving You."

Deana Carter, who was called "the rose between four thorns" by Bob, explained to the audience why she has been out of the spotlight for years: she took time to raise her now 9 year old son. Although she lives in Los Angeles now, she was originally from in Nashville and said that being on stage this night made her miss Nashville and the camaraderie of songwriters. She sang a song she wrote with Matraca Berg after Matraca came over one morning after a bit of drinking the prior night, "You and Tequila" She was so happy that Kenny cut that song because she had gone a long time without anyone cutting her songs, that she thought maybe she was going to move in a different direction with her life. She also performed "Did I Shave My Legs for This" and her first #1 "Strawberry Wine" as well as a song from her new album Southern Way of Life about hitting a low point in her life when she found herself on the kitchen floor wondering how she would pay the bills.

Rory, in his signature overalls, first sang a song that Easton Corbin cut "Little More Country Than That." Next, he performed an extremenly humorous song about loving someone that was now gone. The initial verses were deceiving and when it as revealed he was talking about a truck, everyone in the room began laughing. He spoke how his main goal was to become a songwriter in Nashville and how he has done that. He spoke lovingly of his wife, Joey, who could not be with them because she is 7months pregnant and due in February (his older daughters who were in their 20s were in attendance). He sang a lovely, touching song that was for his wife, but one he said he sang to many other girls before her called "Teaching Me How to Love You." He ended with a song by "some guy on The Voice "Some Beach."

James Slater is a not only a songwriter, but a stellar piano player. He performed "Mexicoma" a track that can be found on Tim McGraw's current record. That song he said he wrote in a swimming pool where he "might have been in a Mexicoma." James (jokingly) said he is from the "deep south," Panama. He lived in Europe for many years then after 9/11 decided to return to Nashville where he has been ever since. He told a terrific story about how he wanted Garth Brooks to record one of his songs. He knew Garth hung out at the Pancake Pantry, so he went there hoping to meet him. He did, but Garth told him he was retired and wasn't cutting new songs. Thankfully for him though, Martina McBride cut the song, "In My Daughter's Eyes." He also brought a 22 year old female singer from the audience up to sing. Even though they had never practiced they dueted, on the Gloriana hit "Can't Shake You." He finished with a song called "Ain't My Baby Grand" he co-wrote with Brett James and hope to have Tony Bennett sing it. It definitely had the feel of a Bennett song and hopefully they will get their wish.

The CMA Songwriter's Series will return in 2014. Check back with www.joespub.com for more information.

http://www.jamesotto.net/

www.deana.com

http://joeyandrory.com/

http://www.jamestslater.com/

There's a little place in NYC that is putting other venues to shame for having incredible live music. Hill Country Live, on 26th Street, consistently brings amazing artists to the city. This past Monday night was no different. Whiskey Myers, a southern country rock band from Texas, performed an almost two hour set for free. Yep free. And if you weren't there, you missed out.

Who knows what to expect in terms of a turnout for a show on a Monday night in the big apple, but the place seemed at least 60% full at all times. Patrons came in and out to eat (the place is a BBQ joint), but many stayed and the majority of people seemed to pay attention. This to me speaks to just how good of a band they are. The lead singer in voice and mannerisms reminds me of Jaren from the Cadillac Three, but neither band is showy. The guys are a tight sounding group that lets the music, with influences from rock, R&B and country, do the talking. Whiskey Myers delivered, whether it was via a harmonica, guitar solos or harmonizing vocals. Their songs will grab you, not only through the melody, but the lyrics as well. They played some new stuff off of their forthcoming album Early Morning Shakes as well as 'Anna Marie', 'Virginia,' 'Ballad of A Southern Man' and their current single 'Home.' As with all good shows, it came to an end all too quickly. Be sure to check these guys out online and at a show if they come near you.

Their new album will be available in February.

For more information http://www.whiskeymyers.com/