NashvilleGab - Country music news and Nashville gossip

Trace Adkins enjoys the feeling of being near death

Hey, one man's adrenaline rush is another's "you've got to be kidding" me I guess.

Trace Adkins recently chatted with The Washington Postand among the topics they talked about were Trace's run-ins with his exwife who shot him in the heart, cutting off one of his fingers, and running himself over with a tractor.  While some might see these as unlucky events, Trace just sees them as exciting moments in his life.

"I've cheated death several times," Adkins says. And that's just fine with him. "There is no greater adrenaline rush than when you think there's a possibility you're about to die."

And on a lighter note, he also talks about beating out some of the other country boys last year to be named Country Weekly's "Country's Sexiest Man."

"I think it's flattering," Adkins says of the honor. "But I find it humorous at the same time. You have to look at the pool they choose from. I know all those guys. I don't think any of them are sexy," Adkins says with a laugh. "And I include myself with that."

Lucky thing it's the fans who got the last say in the sexy country men issue I guess. 

Oh, and you're welcome for the shirtless Trace.  It seemed to fit with the whole "sexy country man" half of this post.  You can see more here.

Officially there is no official word of Kenny in 3-D

I guess it's always good to keep your options open.  As I told you earlier, word was that Kenny Chesney's Philadelphia show was being taped for a possible 3-D movie, video, TV special, or whatever.  Well here's the official word I just got in my inbox. 

    While there has been a great deal of internet speculation about filming at Kenny Chesney's Philadelphia stadium show at Lincoln Financial Field, there is nothing concrete to report. Long time fans of the 4-time consecutive Academy of Country Music and 4-time and current Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year are aware that Chesney has been documenting his concerts, recording sessions and tour life for years - and the filming in Philadelphia is an extension of that.

     “These are the moments you're often so busy living, they blur,” Chesney says. “I've been shooting everything since I started headlining shows - and to me, you never know what you're gonna do with it, how you might string it together.

     “A lot of the fans have been part of our videos, the 'Roadcase' DVDs we've done… our year end video, which is just for all of us out here on the road… and when we decided to do something a little different, because we've never shot in 3-D before, I wanted to make sure we'd be able to use it. Could it be a movie? A DVD? Sure…

     “It was a magic night. You never know. But you can't go find all those people to get their permission after the fact, so we decided to be safe… whatever it was.”

     Chesney's No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems and Guitars, Tiki Bars & A Whole Lotta Love Tours did in fact become “Roadcase” DVDs, which documented the life of the tour. “Living In Fast Forward,” “Summertime” and much of the video footage shown behind Chesney in concert is captured on the road as well.

     “It's pretty magic… a lot of what happens… Rather than talk about it, we capture it. I'm just surprised to see so much interest and Internet interest in something that - other than the medium - is pretty typical of what we've been doing out here for years.”

So there you have it, the official word is there is no official word.  Guess we'll just have to be patient to see what becomes of the 3-D footage. 

John Rich helps introduce a new generation to Sinatra

 

John Rich said in an interview not too long ago with CMTT that if he could sing a duet with any artist of another genre he'd pick Frank Sinatra. Well a duet might be tough, unless they did one of those fancy digital pairings, but John did get to do the next best thing, he got to record one of Frank Sinatra's songs (One For My Baby (And One More For the Road) to help introduce a whole new generation to Ol' Blue Eyes. 

According to Billboard, John Rich joined other artists such as Maroon 5, the Kooks, and Seether to record, "13 Sinatra songs that Apple commissioned for "His Way, Our Way," an exclusive collection of covers and originals that goes on sale today (July 7) at the iTunes Music Store. Other artists who have their way with Ol' Blue Eyes favorites include the Kooks, John Rich, Seether, the Morning Benders and the Kills. An iTunes "His Way, Our Way" page has been created which features the covers and originals side by side.

The collection, which iTunes created with the support of Frank Sinatra Enterprises, aims to introduce a newer, younger audience to the Sinatra songbook while introducing longtime Frank-o-philes to new artists."

Sounds like a dream come true for John to me. 

Oh, and on a side note, while looking for pictures of John and Frank I came across this story of John and his dog who was returned to him after he had gone missing.  The dog's name is Frank Sinatra.  Guess John really does love Sinatra. 

And here's Frank Sinatra singing One For My Baby.

 

I have a feeling Terri Clark's new album's gonna be awesome!

Country Standard Time talked with Terri Clark about her new album that hits stores in September and she told them about the first single, Gypsy Boots. 

"It was this fun song I'd written that was kind of like my life," Clark said. "I started doing it in the shows acoustic - because it says a lot about who I am, where I come from... and the fans just went wild for it. So, wild that we decided to work it up with the band... People were coming up to the merch table asking when or how they could get it. It was completely organic, and also completely me."

"But the other thing about the song is that even though it's specific to me or a traveling musician, it's everybody. Everybody's restless... everybody wants to have that moment when they're completely free and rocking... where they're totally alive, and I think people plugged in pretty hard on that vibe."

She's been performing Gypsy Boots for quite a while and I must say it's a definite toe-tapper.  Can't wait to start hearing it on the radio.  Here's video from 2007.

 

Country's going high tech

Well a while back I had a post about Darius Rucker getting an iPhone app.  Then yesterday or the day before there was Tanya Tucker getting an iPhone app.  Rascal Flatts of course are getting their iTunes pass thingy going.  Well now comes word of two more groups going high tech.

First off is Sugarland who have released a new thing for your iGoogle profile that helps you stay up to date on all things Sugarland.  Go here to download that. 

And next is Lady A who have released their very own iPhone application on iTunes which will let you stay up-to-date with everything Lady A while on the go.  With this app, you can do the following:

- watch the latest Webisode Wednesday
- browse photos
- listen to their music
- read blog posts
- find out about upcoming concerts
- and much more!

Get your own Lady A application HERE!

Update: Here's another to add to your ever-growing list - Keith Urban.  Just found this...

Keith and Zannel, the award-winning mobile service that allows people to instantly share their videos and pictures to Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, and other social networks, announced an exclusive partnership today to launch an innovative iPhone and iPod touch application. Available starting today, the "Keith Urban VIP Pass" provides fans with exclusive behind-the-scenes video, picture, and text updates sent directly to their phone from the tour.

Also coming very soon, members of Monkeyville, Keith's online community, who have an iPhone or iPod Touch, will have access to an exclusive Monkeyville application for FREE!  Members will be receiving more info in the coming days on how to get their application so stay tuned!

Clint Black gets busy touring

Just came across some new tour dates for Clint Black.  Looks like he's going to be a busy boy until late fall.  And hey, he's even coming to my neck of the woods - albeit about eight hours away. 

July 2009
11 - Craven, Saskatchewan - Qu'Appelle Valley
17 - North Myrtle Beach, SC - Alabama Theatre
30 - Sandy City, UT - Sandy City Amphitheater
31 - Aspen, CO - Belly Up Aspen

August 2009
1 - Olathe, CO - Community Park
4 - Dawson Creek, British Columbia - EnCana Event Centre
8 - Detroit Lakes, MN - Soo Pass Ranch
9 - Baraboo, WI - Ho Chunk Casino
13 - Denver, CO - Oriental Theater
15 - Sandpoint, ID - Memorial Field
16 - Enoch, Alberta - River Cree Resort & Casino
18 - Lynden, WA - Northwest Washington Fair and Events Center
20 - Modesto, CA - Gallo Center for the Arts
21 - North Bend, OR - The Mill Outdoor Casino Hotel & RV Park
22 - Tacoma, WA - Emerald Queen Casino
25 - Kennewick, WA - Benton Franklin Fairgrounds

September 2009
4 - San Jacinto, CA - Soboba Casino
6 - Lake Bryan, TX - Ziegenbock Festival
27 - Winnipeg, Manitoba - Club Regent Casino
28 - Regina, Saskatchewan - Casino Regina Show Lounge
30 - Minot, ND - North Dakota State Fairgrounds

October 2009
1 - Minot, ND - North Dakota State Fairgrounds
2 - Clear Lake, IA - Surf Ballroom
3 - Manitowoc, WI - Capitol Civic Centre
28 - Lafayette, LA - Parc International
31 - Westlake, LA - Isle of Capri

November 2009
4 - Columbia, MO - Jesse Auditorium
6 - Indianapolis, IN - Clowes Memorial Hall
14 - Aurora, IL - Paramount Theatre

George Strait's Twang hits stores August 11

Here's the announcement with all the details about George Strait's new album, Twang, from UMG Nashville. 

George Strait’s “Living For The Night,” the first single from his upcoming album TWANG, hit the Top 15 mark in just three weeks making it one of the fastest rising singles of his career. The song, written by Strait, his son Bubba Strait and legendary songwriter Dean Dillon sits at #15 this week on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and #13 on the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart. With the debut single racing up the charts, the street date of TWANG has been moved up to August 11, 2009.

"It makes a papa proud to have my son contributing to the creation of this record,” Strait admits. “We had a great time writing with each other and then Dean adding his magic made it even more special. I hope the people that buy this record have as much fun listening to it as I had making it."

“Living For The Night” marks the first time Strait has penned a song since “I Can’t See Texas From Here” from his 1982 debut – Strait Country. Strait co-wrote two additional songs on TWANG - “He's Got That Something Special” and “Out Of Sight Out Of Mind.” Bubba Strait also wrote the track “Arkansas Dave.”

Co-producing this thirteen-track disc with legendary producer Tony Brown, Strait proves again why he has sold over 67 million albums throughout his record-breaking career. TWANG, Strait’s 38th album, was recorded at Shrimpboat Sound Studio in Key West, FL. It is the same studio where they recorded Strait’s last two award-winning albums.

2009 has already been a year of accolades for Strait. His platinum-selling Troubadour was named “Best Country Album” at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards in February. In April, Strait was the fifth artist ever to receive the Academy of Country Music's Artist of the Decade honor. Most recently, he headlined the kick-off event at the new Dallas Cowboys' stadium, selling out the venue is less than an hour. The concert was hailed by the Dallas Morning News as “an extravaganza” that “showcased Strait at the pinnacle of his musical game.”

With a career spanning more than 25 years, Strait has 57 #1 singles to his credit, which is the record for more Number One hits than any artist in history including Elvis. His 33 different platinum or multi-platinum albums have earned him the most RIAA platinum certifications in country music and third in all genres behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley. Strait was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006, making him one of a few artists to receive such an honor while still actively recording and producing music.

Track Listing for TWANG:

1. Twang - Jim Lauderdale, Kendell Marvel and Jimmy Ritchey

2. Where Have I Been All My Life - Sherrie Austin, Will Nance and Steve Williams

3. I Gotta Get To You - Jim Lauderdale, Jimmy Ritchey and Blaine Larsen

4. Easy As You Go - Steve Bogard and Rick Giles

5. Living For The Night - George Strait, Bubba Strait and Dean Dillon

6. Same Kind Of Crazy - Delbert McClinton and Gary Nicholson

7. Out Of Sight Out Of Mind - George Strait and Bubba Strait

8. Arkansas Dave - Bubba Strait

9. The Breath You Take - Dean Dillon, Jessie Jo Dillon and Casey Beathard

10. He’s Got That Something Special - George Strait, Bubba Strait and Dean Dillon

11. Hot Grease And Zydeco - Gordon Bradberry and Tony Ramey

12. Beautiful Day For Goodbye - Doug Johnson and Pat Bunch

13. El Rey - Jose Alfredo Jimenez

Guess the gams, hairy pooch edition

Hey, haven't had a "guess who" for a while.  So anyone care to take a guess which star was busily combing their dog's hair?  Answer after the jump...

Your daily dose of Honky Tonk TV

Country Music News on Kid Rock, Digital Rodeo, Toby Keith, and Alan Jackson http://www.honkytonktv.com

Guest writer: Indie Artist Leslie Craig Keeps Music City Rockin’

I've often made it known that if any of my readers ever had the urge to try their hand at writing, I'd fully support their efforts and post what they write (well to a point anyway).  Most people sort of laugh uncomfortably and say, "Yeah, maybe I'll try it sometime."  Well I can't believe it took a year, but someone finally took me up on my offer.  Introducing a great piece about a new artist named Leslie Craig by Deidre DeFelice.

Enjoy everyone.  And thank you Deidre for writing such a wonderful piece......

Nashville is the place people come to take a risk, chase their dreams, and spend countless hours singing for complete strangers who may or may not even remember their name. The entire city is full of live music venues fully booked with talented artists who put their heart and soul into focusing on turning their dream into reality. Offering live music seven days a week, Nashville is home to some of the most gifted musicians in the world.
 
It takes a certain balance of passion, motivation and risk-taking to pick up your life and move to a new city in order to pursue your biggest dream. Not just any musician has what it takes to put themselves out there, hoping and praying that the right person will hear their music and realize they are worth more than just an average bar gig. I have recently met someone who, I am completely certain, possesses each and every quality that is required in order to truly make it in the music business. If you have never heard the raw talent of indie artist Leslie Craig, then you haven’t experienced truly extraordinary music.
 
After moving to Nashville four years ago from St. Louis, Leslie landed a full time gig in January of 2007 singing at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. I have had many nights out in Nashville, stopping into all the different bars 2nd Avenue and Broadway have to offer,  yet I always find myself spending the most time at Tootsie’s. This is a very well known establishment that has become one of the most popular tourist attractions on Broadway, yet that’s not why I returned to Tootsie's again after my first visit. The reason I can devote countless hours to hanging out at the same bar is because of  the phenomenal performances I have seen by Leslie Craig. Since I first heard her sing, I realized there was something different about Leslie than all of the other performers downtown. I have racked my brain trying to find someone to compare her unique sound to, but I have come up with no one. Combining her total rocker style with southern country charm, Leslie can perform any song flawlessly, from Led Zeppelin’s “Rock ’n Roll” to Brooks and Dunn’s “Believe”. Her distinctive vocals and remarkable stage presence keep hundreds of people pouring into Tootsie’s every night she performs.
 
Not only does Leslie put her own spunky twist on everyone's favorite songs, but her original music is not your average country tune. There’s something magical about her ability to combine great lyrics with her phenomenal vocals that keeps you entertained for hours. She has been blessed with an undeniable gift that even the most country music hating person can appreciate. If one thing is certain, it‘s the fact that Leslie has the ability, motivation and personality to make the kind of music you can‘t help but listen to over and over again. Her first record is almost complete and many people, including myself, are greatly anticipating its' release. Get a sample of what's to come from Leslie by visiting her MySpace music page at www.myspace.com/lesliecraig where you can hear a few songs that will be included on her album.