FGL brought their Here's To The Good Times Tour to NYC last week for three sold out shows. We were fortunate enough to attend two of them. The third and final night on Friday was a party from start to finish.

Canadian Dallas Smith opened the show. He has already had success with the Canadian rock band Default in the 2000s, but he really should be ready for another round in country music. Unfortunately, he was only able to perform 6 songs, but those six were filled with energy and electricity. He is an engaging performer with a powerful voice that is suited for country or rock. He knows how to work the stage, constantly moving and engaging the crowd whether it be with eye contact, points or smiles. He played songs from his Canadian country debut album Jumped Right In: "Somebody Somewhere" & "Nothing But Summer." He didn't forget his rock roots as he performed a cover of Audioslave's "Cochise" that actually went over well with crowd many of whom were nodding their heads and fist pumping throughout. Finally, he performed his latest single "Tippin Point" which is being played on Sirius XM's The Highway as a Highway Find. It is a fun song with a great energy that was a perfect ending to his (too short) set.

On Wednesday, CitiPrivatePass held an intimate
QandA with the hottest duo in country music Florida Georgia Line. No more than 60 fans were seated at wooden tables decorated with flowers and mason jars. For only $25 each person in attendance had unlimited beverages and a full dinner with dessert. As if that were not enough, Ray Waddell, the Executive Director of Content & Programming for Touring and Live Entertainment, Billboard moderated a question and answer session with Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley for about an hour. Questions were also pulled from Twitter and then asked directly by the fans in attendance.

After introductions, the guys gave a little background on how they met, with them jokingly not remembering correctly if it was Christian Mingle.com  “where BK had a great profile” or Farmers United. In actuality, they met at Belmont where they began writing songs together. The guys said some of the best advice they ever got was from Don Schlitz (if you don’t know who he is, look him up) who said once at Belmont “there is a
song in every conversation, all you need to do is listen.”

They began performing together and spoke of how they roughed it: taking baby wipe showers & living out of Brian’s Tahoe, which wasn't all that bad because it had a DVD player in it. They played little places in Nashville such as the Hotel Indigo. And as to who took on which role on stage? Well, they said, it just fell into place naturally.

Their real big break came on the Country Throwdown Tour where they gained a "mental toughness" playing only 5-6 songs on a side stage. But soon it was obvious that that side stage was where everyone wanted to be. They not only played a great set, but they would stay after for 2hours signing autographs and meeting fans in a heat that would give either parties heatstroke. They mentioned their gratitude to Corey Smith and Colt Ford as artists they opened for who gave them a chance. And of this fast rise to fame they had this year? They said they never expected all that they have & they are extremely blessed.

Earlier this month, FGL won CMA Vocal Duo of the Year and Single of the Year for Cruise' which has sold over 6 million downloads. This was far from where they were two years ago when they downed a few shots and snuck into the awards. Ray spoke of how a lot of people in the industry take shots at FGL, but “you guys are really pioneers”. He noted how they truly developed a sound all their own while writing and playing the type of music they want. Music fans have wanted something different and these guys have delivered. As Ray said, "no doubt, these guys will be ones we are all still talking about in 20 years." Their first three singles hit #1 and their current single "Stay" is poised to do the same as well as be remixed for pop radio.

Brian and Tyler than answered some fun questions such as where is the oddest place you have singed an autograph. They said boobs are “typical” so the oddest place would have to be a forehead. Their favorite tattoos: Brian’s is on his right arm “music is healing" and Tyler’s is one on his back, a Bible verse that has to do with his Dad. He certainly spoke the truth when he said “you see tattoos are addictive” as he showed off his ink. They were proud to say that from day one til now they still run their twitters and tweet themselves (except when it gets very busy). Tyler admitted BK is better at Twitter then he is, but they both love to see the fans post photos.

In their downtime, Brian likes to bow hunt and fish. Tyler likes to ride his motorcycle. They really don’t have a big long rider for shows they just really need a place to exercise, maybe ride a bike and healthy food. They also said the one person they would like to collaborate with is rapper Lil' Wayne. As time was running out, they answered a few more questions such as what their favorite song to play live was. 'Cruise' wins hands down because of the way "you guys react, the fans go nuts."

Everyone in attendance got a parting gift of a cookbook and a copy of the Here's to The Good Times cd. As a surprise everyone also had quick photo with the guys. After, the duo had to bolt to Times Square to perform for the Billboard 10th Anniversary Touring Conference Concert which benefitted Musicians On Call. Many of the fans who were at Hill Country for this special event were going in the same direction to see FGL do what they do best on stage at the Best Buy Theater.

Follow FGL on Twitter: @FLAGALine
Follow Brian on Twitter: @PlayBkPlay
Follow Tyler on Twitter: @THubbmusic
 

Think of your favorite artist of the moment (or even one you have liked for years). Now imagine them in 40years? Do you think they have what it takes to have longevity in the music business? On Monday night, November 4th, Merle Haggard, at 76years of age, played to a sold out crown at the Tarrytown Music Hall in Tarrytown, NY. From the hoots and hollers coming from the crowd, you could tell there was not one person in the room who was not thrilled to be able to have the opportunity, for the first time or the fortieth, to see this living legend. When he came out in hat and dark shades, the majority of the audience stood. He seemed genuinely touched and started off his hour and a half set with a smile that continued throughout the show. He and his 8 piece band kicked things off with "Big City" and went on for about 20 songs that included "Silver Wings,"  "Mama Tried," "That's The Way Love Goes," & "I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink," during which the hat and glasses came off.
Prior to performing "Ramblin' Fever" he said how this song was close to his heart.

He voice was thinner and softer and he had to repeat the introduction to "If We Make It Through December," but no one minded because honestly, everyone there would probably watch him sing the phone book. It was truly a pleasure to be in the same room & watch this man and his band, which included his wife and his son Ben. He truly still has a love for the music, performing and the fans.

He told the story of how the Country Music Hall of Fame, which he was inducted in 1994, requested an article of his to display. He gave them the Martin guitar with his name on it. Then, when the floods occurred the Martin got washed away. He then said he wrote a song about it & we all needed to get our hankerchiefs out because it was a sad song. "Working in TN" had everyone clapping along, definitely not crying.

The night concluded with a standing ovation & "Okie From Muskogee," which he dedicated to all of the marijuana smokers. As we left the music hall, it was evident from overhearing all of the comments that "The Hag" did not disappoint.

Thomas Rhett released his first full length album on Tuesday entitled It Goes Like This. He was in NYC on release day and lucky NASHFM listeners had the opportunity to see him perform and answer questions at Hill Country BBQ.
When he first came onto the stage, with a smile on his face and backwards ballcap on his head, he talked about being in NYC for the past three days & how he just came from Glamour magazine where he played some songs for people who "probably don't even know who George Strait is."

To start off, he jokingly decided to "take us back" a whole six months to the song that started it all for him "Something To D With My Hands." He asked the crowd if they wanted to get rowdy and the truly energetic crowd responded with cheers and hollers. Then, with a smile on his face, he took us back again, "old school" to four months ago....he played his favorite song and probably his "most controversial song" so far "Beer With Jesus."

After he performed those songs, Kelly Ford, NASHfm midday host and host for this evening, raised her glass and toasted his song "It Goes Like This" being #1 on the charts for three weeks. When asked how that felt, again, Thomas joked that "you break so many records you don't remember them all." Then added how awesome it was and that all of this was really "all about the fans." He spoke of his dad, Thomas Rhett, who is an amazing songwriter but also had his own hits in the mullet wearing days of 1990s, such as "Don't Get Me Started." He said it was very cool to write with his dad who always told him that he had a natural talent for writing while adding that when he was 3-4years old he liked to be the one behind the camera, filming/recording. He went on to talk about playing at the Hollywood Bowl & performing on Leno which was "awesome" and how it was just amazing to have Michael Douglas "an Oscar winner" watching him from the couch with his arms crossed and approving.

Kelly then opened the floor to questions, which Thomas graciously answered. His favorite moment on the Night Train Tour was "playing Madison Square Garden...and I'm not just saying that because I am in NYC." This was met with loud claps as many in attendance that night said they saw him at that MSG show. He was asked who he would like to tour with, country genre and his response was quick "Eric Church, besides Merle Haggard, Eric is the ultimate." He also mentioned playing the Faster Horses Festival was one of his top five moments of the year & a place he would like to play would be Yankee Stadium. 

Next two songs were played off of the cd and we all listened including Thomas who said it was "kind of weird" to sit and listen to his own cd. "Middle Class White Boy" & "Call Me Up" were crowd favorites and many seemed to already know the words.

His admiration for Eric Church shown again when someone asked him what song means a lot to him. His response was "These Boots" or "Love Your Love The Most." Prior to playing "Round Here," which he co-wrote, he played the introductory notes to Eric Church's "Homeboy." He also played "1994" which he co-wrote for Jason Aldean & told the crowd he also co-wrote "Parking Lot Party." The boy has been busy!

Some final audience questions included what kind of beer he liked "Miller Lite..or PBR." and his thoughts on who will win EOTY at the CMAs, "Luke Bryan."
The night ended with "It Goes Like This."

Thomas Rhett's album is available online and in stores.
For more information, visit www.thomasrhett.com

Want some opinion on new albums and singles? We also write reviews for www.gotcountryonline.com

Head on over and read what we think you should be adding to your music collection!

There was no better place to be Wednesday night
than in Brooklyn at The Bell House for Will Hoge’s record release show for ‘Never Give In’ which was released on October 15th. With a capacity of about 350 people, the venue was a perfect one to see an intimate performance by this skilled singer/songwriter and musician.

Will and his band came out around 9pm and for an hour and a half they never let up. As someone who attends many, many shows, I can tell you in all truth there is nothing quite like a Will Hoge show. He gives you all he has and then some. He has energy, passion and soul which you can see & hear throughout the set. In addition to all of that, he is engaging, personable and funny. He told a story about how coming into the city for the gig their van got pulled over by a cop. The cop asked him if he was a musician, of course he said yes; then the cop asked him his favorite Rolling Stones song and let him go. 

Will played songs old and new to fans who were there seeing him for the first time to fans who were there seeing him for the 40th.  He and his band, including a new keyboard player, were pretty flawless. The set kicked off with the first track on the new record “A Different Man.” After playing the title track “Never Give In”, which he dedicated to everyone there that night, they took it down a notch to “play a sad one.” “Trying To Be A Man” is definitely one that tears you up, but in a way that a good song should.

The set went straight up rock and roll with “Ms Williams” and “Sex Lies & Money”  to country with
“Strong” and “Secondhand Heart” with a generous amount soul throughout.

It was a testament that his loyal fans were in attendance when he played one of his older songs, “Highways Home.” He stepped away from the microphone and the audience continued singing knowing all of the words. He has said his music was always considered too rock for country and too country for rock, but now that the country genre seems to be expanding, he seems to have found someplace where his music can be embraced. After a set of 18 songs, he and the band left the stage, but to everyone’s delight they came back for four more songs. It was a fantastic night of music that left you wanting more. He closed out the night with “Lover Tonight” (off of The Man Who Killed Love album) coming down off the stage whilst singing and walking to the exit where he stayed and met fans.

Sunny Sweeney opened for Will. On stage, she is extremely funny and personable. Sunny is a solid singer songwriter who played old songs and some from her upcoming album (which is fan funded via Pledge Music). Songs she sang included “From A Table Away,” “Carolina On The Line,” “Drink Myself Single”
& “Bad Girl Phase.” Sunny can also be heard daily on the radio as she is currently one of the morning personalities on NASHfm in NYC.

Will Hoge’s current single “Strong” is at country radio now. His album ‘Never Give In’ can be purchased at online retailers. Start with this one if you don’t know his music, then work backwards and get his entire catalog, promise you they’ll be those records you play over and over again. For more information visit 
http://willhoge.com/wired/


 

Some of you might wonder why I am writing about Eric Hutchinson, he's not country. Well, we love any type of GOOD music here at TDC and Eric makes good, no great, music, blending pop, soul and rock. I always leave one of his shows with a smile on my face yet wondering "why isn't this guy more well known?"

On Wednesday night Eric performed an intimate acoustic sold out set at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC. The venue is one of the best I have ever been in: small yet not claustrophobic, terrific atmosphere and excellent staff.

Eric came on at 905 to many cheers and hollers. He started out with one of his "favorite foot stomping songs" "Watching You Watch Him" which has a deceptively upbeat tempo with not so sunny lyrics. That being said, the song has one of my favorite lines ever: "I'm a window pane/a phantom limb/when I am watching you watch him." Then for the rest of his hour set, he alternated between playing a baby grand piano and acoustic guitar. And when he plays that guitar he moves to the music which is not only a joy to see, but is infectious as well and soon you find yourself moving too. He opened the door for some requests from the crowd, "Villanova" being one, but when that portion of the show was over, he retuned to the set list and gave us some material that will be on the new record. "A Little More" and "Goodnight Goodbye" are signature Eric tunes with well thought out lyrics and beautiful melodies. His intelligient and witty songs, on which you can hear influences from the Beatles to Stevie Wonder, are some that make you move your feet, clap your hands & sing along.

Other songs played included what he has said is his favorite to perform live "Not There Yet," an old song that's now a new song "Breakdown More" (a fan favorite that is full of heartfelt lyrics), "Oh" and "Rock & Roll." The set ended all too soon, but Eric came out for one encore, his excellent version of "I Want It That Way" (yes the one by the Backstreet Boys).

Eric's latest album, Almost Solo in NYC, showcases how charismatic, engaging and down right funny he is live. He is giving away this album, which was recorded in December, for FREE, so do yourself a favor and get it here. It'll be the best album you have ever gotten for a tweet, guaranteed!

The Ready Set Roll Tour rolled into the Gramercy Theatre in NYC this past Saturday. Chase Rice & Sam Hunt,  well…..they pretty much nailed it.

For awhile now, my friend had been telling me all good things about Chase and his music. So when tickets went on sale for a local show, I felt obligated to check him out. Honestly, I went into it not knowing what to expect about the show, his vocals and the audience (who for the most part was a bunch of pretty well behaved frat boys & young females). Was the show enjoyable? Let’s put it this way, after the drive home I went online and purchased his music.

Chase came out around 915pm and began his set with “Dirt Road Communion.” The crowd sang along to every single word. He commented that he would give the audience all he had for this show and they had
to give it back….it happened. That guy worked the stage like a pro walking from left to right, standing on top of speakers& jumping around with energy to spare. He made excellent eye contact with the crowd and played to every single person in the place. Songs played that night (and which the majority of the
crowd knew word for word) included “Ready, Set Roll,” “PBR & PBJ,” “Drunk On You,” “How She Rolls,” “Whoa” and a great cover of Lit’s “My Own Worst Enemy.” About halfway through, the band left the stage and Chase sat solo on a barstool and did two songs acoustic: Jack Daniels and Jesus and a little bit of the “best song ever written The Dance.”

Then we had what I consider an A+ moment at a show: Chase introduced his amazingly talented band & his tour manager, who managed to rap the “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” song. Each member (there are 4) was given a few moments to display their incredible skills. Not only are they extremely capable, they genuinely looked like they were having a blast. In my opinion, it always seems to be the bass players who have the most fun when you watch them on stage. It was no different here. Chase’s bass player, looking like he was moonlighting from a metal band, was energetic, talented and enjoying every second of it. He shook his head with such force while in the moment, I cannot imagine he didn’t have a headache by the end of the night. 

Chase returned to the stage for one encore, the song which he has “every right to sing because he co-wrote it,” “Cruise,” the massive single from Florida Georgia Line. One more final bit of praise for the guy: after the encore, he went from one end of the stage to the other signing hats, posters, phones……and one woman’s
chest.

Sam Hunt, whose song “Raised On It” is currently being played as a Highway Find on Sirius XM The Highway opened for Chase. He came on stage at about 8:15pm along with 2 guitar players, one
electric & one acoustic. He said he and the guys were “newbies” at this and only brought what they could only fit into their black van which they named Giselle.  Sam told the crowd he was from Georgia, but had the look of a local New York boy about him. His first number “Ex To See” had the crowd wondering what they were getting into…a bit heavy on the rap & the use of a computer providing back up. The perplexed
looks soon left the crowds faces because the rest of his set had a modern country flavor & saw the crowd singing, dancing and having a terrific time. He performed his own songs and those he has written but were recorded by others, including Keith Urban’s “Cop Car,” Kenny Chesney’s “Come Over” and “We Are
Tonight” which is on Billy Currington’s new album. He also played a medley of country tunes which the audience ate up including “Dust On The Bottle,” “Meet Me In The Middle” & “Chattahoochie.” He too genuinely seemed happy to be on that stage performing & was also very energetic and engaging. The set
concluded with him coming off of the stage, down to the rail and singing “Raised On It.”

Sign me up for the next show.

Chaes Rice’s ‘Ready, Set, Roll’ EP comes out on Tuesday. Visit www.chaserice.com for more info!

Head over to Sam Hunts website and download his music for FREE.  http://www.samhunt.com/


 

It has been almost two years since there was new music from Joe Nichols. The wait will be over October 8th when his eighth studio album & his first with Red Bow Records, Crickets, will be released.


Honestly, I have never purchased a Joe Nichols album. He has had a string of hits and four #1s, but nothing made me feel the need to buy the music. This all changed after listening to Crickets. I will not only purchase this album, I plan on getting the others and recommending Crickets to friends. Joe has said that with this record he “feels a renewed fire
for the music,” which is something that will definitely come across to anyone who listens.

It is a rare album that doesn’t have me skipping tracks; Crickets is one of those rarities. 16 songs, yes 16, and all of them are terrific. The album blends nicely the traditional country sound with
elements that make the songs current. His deep, rich voice delivers the songs in a way that makes you want to listen to the record on repeat. The sound of crickets throughout the album sets the mood for listening: in the country, on the porch, at dusk, feet up, tea in hand.

“Just Let Me Fall In Love With You” is a radio ready song that was a great choice to open the record. The songs sets the scene for a night where everything is right from the crickets singing to the river rolling to the spotlight of the moon. Everything is perfect so “don’t blink, don’t think, don’t move, just let me fall in love with you.” Many a female might just melt when they hear those lyrics.

“Hard to Be Cool” continues the good time vibe.  It’s simply a fun song about a guy who is so enamored with a girl, its hard for him “to be cool” around her. 

“Baby You’re In Love With Me” has an introduction that pulls you into this sweet song about a guy telling the girl to just take a chance & see where the moment leads. He’s going to prove that “this is where you wanna be” because “maybe you’re in love with me.”

“YEAH” is a song with a cool groove that Joe said was one of the first songs he cut for the album. A song about a guy and girl meeting, but one with a bit of role reversal. In it, the girl is “calling
the shots tonight” so he can say “YEAH” to basically whatever she says.

“Billy Graham’s Bible” is one of my personal favorites on the album; a very traditional sounding country song on which his voice shines. Everything in this life has a place it is supposed to be, where you come alive, including a man& woman who together “are finally home.”

“Better Than Beautiful” This song is simply that, beautiful. It is about a man who finds his missing piece-that woman who has blessed his life “more than he deserves”, and how he appreciates her and the life he has that is ”so magical, so natural, so wonderful.” Definitely a song that will be played at many a wedding.

“Gotta Love It” and I do, especially the nice addition of horns on the track. There is a laid back feel here, “like a front porch swing,” which will put you in a warm and fuzzy mood as you think about the one you love and how that person “is the only other one in this world who makes you feel like that.” Because don’t we all “love it when that someone you love is lovin’ you right back?”

“Sunny and 75” is the first single from the record, currently in the top 25 at country radio.

“Y’ant To” & “Hee Haw” Joe  had referred to “Y’ant To” as “dirty country” but both of these driving
country numbers play the naughty card along with a catchy beat and a good dose of funny. Crank them up.

“Love Has A Way” is a mid-tempo romantic song about how love has a way of making things happen from unbuttoning buttons, turning the lights down and “showing me you’re the one.”

“Smile On Mine” Coming in at just under 3minutes, this song is a gem. It is a fun upbeat song 
in which he asks her to “tell me what I gotta do to get your smile on mine, get you back in my arms later on tonight” from opening a bottle of wine to taking a ride in his truck.  

“Open up A Can” opens appropriately enough with the sound of someone poppin’ a top to “one of those days, hell one of those week.” It is an everyman song that will have you singing along.

“Old School Country Song” not only feels like an old school song, but is about how we may live in 2013 yet we live the same experiences from years past from cheating to loving, doing people wrong and missing a loved one.

“Footlights” is his version of his favorite Merle Haggard song. With this song, Joe pays tribute to Merle and his own his father, who passed away a decade ago. The song is about performing and  how an artist may live their life on and off stage.

“Crickets” is a story about a guy on a date who has maybe a bit too much to drink. He let’s those words “I love you” slip out & then you hear what happens next. It is a nice conclusion to a satisfying album.

“Crickets” will be available on Ocotber 8th. You can find out more at www.joenichols.com


 

When the lights went down and the video screens turned on, Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford New Jersey went absolutely nuts for Kenny Chesney on Saturday night. After a video introduction, with a few celebrity cameos, the man himself emerged. I had never seen Kenny, so I  was anxious to see what all of the hoopla was about. Darn, that man delivered. From the moment he came out and for about the two hours that followed, he was nothing short of the Energizer bunny. He bounced around that stage, tipping his hat and smiling like no artist I have ever seen before. His live act impressed me, but what I noticed even more was how this man interacts with his fans. He made eye contact with everyone I could see (I was in the pit), high fived people of all ages and grabbed hands continuously. He also frequently pointed/shone a light on people in the stands, so that everyone felt like they had a connection with him. "Rock Star," "Beer in Mexico" and "Come Over" were just a few of the songs he played and most everyone seemed to be singing along.

Will I go out and buy all of his albums, probably not. Would I see him again, definitely.

Kacey Musgraves, Eli Young Band and Eric Church were also on the bill. Kacey is a fabulous singer songwriter, however when 5 o'clock rolled around the stadium was not even a quarter full. She played "Blowin' Smoke", "Merry Go Round" and the hit she co-wrote (that everyone was surprised to learn...how do they not know this????) for Miranda Lambert "Mama's Broken Heart." The highlight of her set was her last song "My House" in which she and the band came out to the end of the catwalk, danced and marched in line. It was fun, not cutesy and the crowd loved it. She and her band sounded good, but she lacks stage presence and audience interaction (many people zoned out during her set), but maybe she'll take a few pointers from Kenny.

Maybe I have seen EYB too many times, but their set was the same thing they have been doing for the past two years, including what Mike Eli says when he talks to the audience. The audience loved them though and their energetic performance really brought the mood of the crowd up. Plus, Mike Eli interacted with everyone any chance he got and must have signed at least 40 items from the stage while singing. The songs they played include "Even If It Breaks Your Heart," "Skeletons," "Crazy Girl" and their current single "Drunk Last Night." If you get the chance to see them, do because watching Mr. Young (lead guitar) and Mr. Thompson (drums) alone is worth the price of the ticket.

Eric Church. The stadium still wasn't full when he took the stage, but he gave 100% and got an enthusiastic response from the crowd. He commands the stage and gives an electric performance. He smiles and points to the crowd alot, but his one on one interaction with the crowd is minimal. He mentioned years back playing for a small crowd at Prospectors when he sang a bit of "Livin Part of Life"....but obviously those people were not there that night because very few around me knew the song. As he always does he funneled two beers (although longnecks, not cans) and signed pair of boots for a lucky fan. He ended with Springsteen thrilling the NJ crowd when he added a verse of  Born to Run.

www.kennychesney.com
www.ericchurch.com
www.eliyoungband.com
www.kaceymusgraves.com