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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
 Posted - 18/08/2009 : 21:50:46
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Hi Whisperers
Doesn't appear we have a thread directly related to Bob's Country Show. Perhaps we can share our thoughts on what we hear so again Bob can gain some pointers from our feedback.
BHC Thursday 13 August 2009
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b00m020g
Firstly I want to give thanks for hearing CALLAGHAN @ 9mins on last weeks show. With many tuning in for the Martina McBride Maida Vale session this was the perfect week to make her Bob Harris debut. I have been a fan of this young lady since late 2006. The band (of the same name) she was in gained widespread UK airplay and Radio presenters enthused over them. Its been great to see Callaghan making progress in her own right as a solo artist on the slow burn. To have this recognition from Bob will give her a huge lift and faith in what she is striving for. Regarding this Bobs comparison to Andrea Glass was spot on.
I was thrilled to hear Bob set up her new song 'Smile' by saying "...I know if you like Martina I think you'll really enjoy this new sound, her name is Callaghan.....I saw Callaghan do a special showcase at the beginning of this year I thought she was terrific....Through a series of different circumstances she met up with Shawn Mullins and between them and they have gone into the studio and produced some tracks with Callaghan and this the first of those its absolutely lovely from the CD London To Lawrenceville, Callaghan and the song is called 'Smile' ".
I notice from the playlist that its linked to some new wiki info etc . There is now a great quote from Shawn Mullins himself:
"The world needs more singer songwriters like Callaghan. In a time where mediocrity is seen as brilliant, Callaghan truly shines through as the real deal. Her voice is original and pure, and she is one of the greatest unsigned talents I've ever heard." - Shawn Mullins
On her Myspace it says Callaghan is scheduled to tour the US with Shawn in 2010.
The song SMILE is now available to download for FREE for a LIMITED TIME - LINK
I have seen Callagan perform quite a few times at the Foyer in The National Theatre on the south bank. These have all been very enjoyable 90min sets, playing her own material and mixing in her own interpretations of songs by Jewel, Sarah McLachlan, Alison Krauss and James Taylor. She has more dates there later this year. Yes, this prompted me to flag up Callaghan on the 'New To You Talented UK Artists' thread and also concerning The Sound & Vision 2009 Cancer UK Charity night which Bob was patron.
I'm delighted she has made the BHC breakthrough following in the footsteps of other UK artists like Two Fingers Of Firewater and Lucie Diamond.
Whisperers - Which new artists have you been following that you feel could get played on Bob Harris Country? Where are the hidden gems?
Martina McBride Session
This cetainly lived up to expectations. I wasn't anticipating just Martina and a couple of acoustic guitar players. Such sparse production certainly enhances the power and message in the songs. Also you realise the difficulty of singing Independence Day with some many high notes only someone like Martina can pull it off.
I was surprised Bob brought up the subject of her front cover picture on Shape Magazine LOL
She looked more fabulous than LeAnn Rimes and Julianne Hough. As Terry Wogan says each time "She's Mighty Pretty"
'Over The Rainbow' was a great session performance. In the latest Maverick Magazine her live review says Martina almost let emotions get the better of her during a chilling performance of that at the Indigo2. Three other standout performances received standing ovations. I hope she will return again to the UK for a full tour.
Thanks Bob for the conversation and a great BHC Session.
I've recently heard a few tracks played on Radio Ulster by new artist from Australia called Chloe Hall. She is currently on tour in Canada and is coming for dates right round the UK in the Autumn. One never knows whether an artists music has arrived on the Bob Harris doormat. A name to make a note of. Maverick ( Sept Issue) have an album review and small feature on her.
Whisperers - Are you a regular listener to the Country Show? Which tracks/Albums/sessions have you enjoyed the most so far in 2009? I think for me its been Wine, Women & Song. I would dearly love to hear more new songs from Matraca Berg's CD. More Please Bob.
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mervejames08
Rarely Whispers
49 Posts |
Posted - 18/08/2009 : 22:27:51
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hi Andy, it's called "Smile" not shine, yes she is great, i have downloaded her new track.
merve james |
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 18/08/2009 : 22:51:21
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| Hi Merve , With posting about Martina and thinking about her new Album SHINE I've confused myself! Thanks for that I'll correct my error. I'm glad you like 'Smile' and have downloaded it. Nice of an artist to be generous like that. Hope you enjoyed Martina's session too? |
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mervejames08
Rarely Whispers
49 Posts |
Posted - 19/08/2009 : 05:49:22
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i like Martina, but find her stuff very produced, but great live singer. great you've started this country thread, i did stop writing as it seemed there was no place for the country fan on here LOL.
Still listen intentley for the occasional british artist apearing on Bob's show.
i play "Smile" all the time, its pefect for the radio 2 playlist.
Has he ever had a british country artist to do a live session?
merve james |
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 19/08/2009 : 12:18:36
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quote:
Originally posted by mervejames08
.... but great live singer. great you've started this country thread, i did stop writing as it seemed there was no place for the country fan on here LOL....Has he ever had a British country artist to do a live session?
merve james
As I'm someone who is not a dyed-in-the-wool traditional Country music fan I'm listing these artists on the basis some (#) have been played on Bob Harris Country. As far as I remember the only session on the Country Show was Redlands Palomino Company the rest were after midnight sessions on the Saturday Show. As those on here know already Bobs Country Show covers a spectrum of styles - country/ Americana / Acoustic/ Folk / bluegrass / roots/ singer-songwriter. This begs the question perhaps in terms of the programme name it should be re-branded Bob Harris Americana. Would this then attract more listeners rather than put off with the British stereotypical view of "country" ?
These are Bob's UK session guests which I've enjoyed:
Manchester based singer-songwriter Angie Palmer 13 Jan 2007. Loved her CD Tales of Light and Darkness
# London based Americana band Redlands Palomino Company 22 March 2007
Wonderful Glasgow singer-songwriter Yvonne Lyon June 2007
# Swansea band The Storys- 24 Feb 2008
Gaelic singer-songwriter Julie Fowlis 19 Oct 2008
Chris While & Julie Matthews-11 Jan 2009
Irish folk-singer songwriter now West Country based Cara Dillon-18 Jan 2009
Devon singer-songwriter Ella Edmondson -18 Apr 2009
# London bluegrass/country-rock band The Barker Band-7 May 2009
Jon Allen-30 May 2009 (3 page feature Sept 2009 Maverick Magazine)
# Bolton Singer-songwriter Andrea Glass- 11 July 2009
London based blues/roots singer-songwriter Bex Marshall-18 July 2009 (2 page feature Sept 2009 Maverick Magazine
Hull's very own Singer-songwriter Val Marshall is due to a be a session guest in December
Personally I think that Bex Marshall's music would be perfect for the Country Show and contenders for future UK Country session guests- Two Fingers Of Firewater, The Haley Sisters Band and Eilidh Paterson. Regarding Eilidth I heard her on a Radio Ulster broadcast with a live Texas special. What a voice she has, and for me she eclipsed Nanci Griffith's performance.
These are names on a par with things were hearing from America.
UK's Rachel Warwick did a session with Nick Barraclough some years ago she looked to have everything going for her but it appears her career is currently on hold.
Merve , Thats great you have a thread to now post your views on the country scene. I'm delighted that Callaghan has been embraced by Bob on the Country Show and that you are enjoying her song 'Smile'. This will give encouragement to other UK artists making original music and not merely churning out covers by well-known American artists.
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 26/08/2009 : 20:59:47
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Good to hear on last weeks Country Show Bob mention that Elizabeth Cook is to team up with him for The Americana Awards coverage. Nanci Griffith can't seem to say enough good things about Elizabeth calling her a "jewel" and her "favourite honky-tonk writer" She co-wrote A Simple Life on her Hearts And Minds album.
Whilst posting in this Country Thread thought it worth mentioning a couple of things Country related
1) RURAL TV - Although I don't currently have the means to watch if you have access to Sky channel 279 & Freesat 403 there are some Country programmes on their music channel which include The Marty Stuart Show and past Porter Wagoner Shows for those interested in a blend of Classic Trad / Modern Country Music
Maverick Magazine article says Rural TV had a massive showing at Americana in Newark this year. PRESS RELEASE
2) If you are a UK/ European Bluegrass Artist or Band there is now another outlet to get your music heard via UKCOUNTRY Radio. Although I'm not a big bluegrass lover myself I found myself thoroughly enjoying the First Show last Thursday presented once a month by recording artist Lynne Butler. A show dedicated solely to UK and European Bluegrass music. It was great to hear the music of The Toy Hearts from Birmingham who are to feature on the next show on 17th September which repeats on the 18th. Contact Lynne HERE or on MYSPACE
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2009 : 21:21:16
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Bob Harris Country 10 Sept 2009 - LISTEN
Excited to hear Bob may be meeting up with Rosanne Cash at the Americana Awards and to hear she has a new album due.
Personally I loved her 'Black Cadillac' CD, it wasn't to everybody's taste. It was great to catch her on that UK tour.
Thanks for Corinne West session @ 29mins. Excellent live music and conversation. Interesting to hear her take of Everybody's Talkin' by Harry Nilsson. When a song like this is both slowed and stripped down the focus is very much on the lyrics.
I know the main focus on Bob Harris Country will be on the Americana's but for those who follow mainstream as well the
CMA Awards 2009 Nominations were announced yesterday see:
http://www.cmaawards.com/artists_by_category.aspx
Its quite industry/commericially driven with quite a few of the usual suspects. It would have been terrific to see someone like Holly Williams gaining a New Artist or Female Vocalist nomination.
Good to see Joey+Rory nominated for Vocal Duo. Haven't as yet made it onto Bob Harris. I love their ballads.
Something to keep both camps happy with both sides of the country spectrum covered with Taylor Swift and Jamey Johnson nominated. The Two Singer-Songwriters are "Reshaping Modern Country Music" There are twin currents running very strong in country music, both are serving what once were niche markets. One movement is now powerful and didn't exist a few scant years ago. The other used to be powerful but has been dormant for years.
"Taylor Swift has country music's heart right now, but Jamey Johnson for damn sure has its soul " Quote by Nashville Skyline |
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Isobelj
Frequently Whispers
749 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2009 : 12:55:44
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It was great to hear Corinne West on Thursday's show.
Those nominations for CMA are interesting, some great people on the list also some equally talented people missing from it, which is disappointing.
Isobel |
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 13/09/2009 : 14:35:11
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Hi Isobelj, Who would you have liked to see included in the nominations?
Great to hear in the first hour of Joe Fish Country today the new single by Rosanne Cash.
It's the classic song 'Sea of Heartbreak' and it's a duet with none other than Bruce Springsteen! It sounds great.
The song was written by Hal David and David Hampton, originally recorded by Don Gibson in 1961 and appeared on Johnny Cash's album Unchained in 1996.
Yes this is the first single from Rosanne's forthcoming album THE LIST, due out in the first week of October. The story goes that Johnny gave Rosanne a list of 100 essential country songs when she was 18 years old. This song must have been one on 'The List'
A great collaboration with Rosanne and The Boss, me thinks that Bob Harris will be playing this very soon! Hope you get to meet her in Nashville Bob!-If you do tell her we love it!
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 18/09/2009 : 20:01:34
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Its was good to hear Bob speaking with Jim Lauderdale (Captain Americana) and Elizabeth Cook on Thursdays BHC. Very good conversation piece. "That is so wonderful" said Bob after hearing Elizabeth perform a brand new song 'My Heroin Addict Sister' LIVE. I'm not sure what to make of it, certainly a tell it like it is song right from the soul.
Flatlanders track 'Homeland Refugee' really is terrific , best of the night. LISTEN LINK
Just off subject but worth mentioning, it was extremely refreshing to hear a young guy speaking on Radio Sheffield recently who is starting to put on Country nights promoting young UK country bands in Sheffield and bringing some young bands up from London. The bands having gone through a vetting process. I feared Country was dying on its feet in the UK and then you hear about things like this!
Their first show took place last weekend with a band called The Good Intentions appearing.
Check out Whippoorwill Sheffield for details - MYSPACE
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2009 : 20:51:08
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Country Show 1 October 2009
Bob - Loved the Rosanne Cash track and can't wait to hear the session on the 22nd. Haven't heard of Mandy Barnett for quite a while wondered what had happened to her espe. Great you got to meet her in Nashville and the talk you had will form part of that special.
Country Matters:
Interesting to read on the Rolling Stone Magazine website about the decline in album sales, down 11% on the third quarter compared with last year. This certainly looks the case in terms on The Billboard Country Charts.
Taylor Swift is outselling the rest by loads (3.9-Million) If you take for example Martina McBride whose song 'SHINE' was playlisted on Radio2 her Album chart position with SHINE is #45 its sold just 1,535 copies this week, a 5% increase on last week (1,462) and total album sales of 131,046 (Soundscan data)
I guess that is compensated by the millions of dollars the big name artists make touring.
Jace Everett - I am very surprised to see that this songwriter/performer is to be a NEW name on the Radio2 "C" playlist starting next week! I haven't heard his music played for a couple of years and it was indeed 2007 that you played him Bob.
UK artist Rachel Warwick topped him for the top in 2006 she performed with him in New York. In 2007 Jace also played at the Carling Acadamy with Dierks Bentley for the New From Nashville event. He also did a showcase with Julie Roberts and appeared with her at Celtic Connections.
Researching, even more intriguing is that the track to be playlisted is a track from his first album called 'Bad Things' Video Clip, which has since been chosen for American TV Drama True Blood.
I see Jace Everett was with Epic Sony but left this major label and is now an Independent. Therefore even more of a surprise the Playlist Committee are to add his name without the monetary push of a major.
Bob did you have an influence on this happening?
The UK's Lucie Diamond has a new song called "Outside Voice" which she co-wrote with Jace.
http://jaceeverett.com/
Miranda Lambert - She is be the cover feature in the new Maverick Magazine. Its gone straight to #1 on the Country Charts which has temporarily kept Taylor Swift off the top. I will be interesting to read about Miranda's album as its HOT. By this I mean having sampled the songs it seems cranked up and is fatiguing after several tracks. It looks like its had the the LOUDNESS treatment applied to it. When you compare this to the easy on the ear production by John Leventhal on the new Rosanne Cash album (available on vinyl too) I know which one I'd choose.
New Releases this week on Humphead Records come from Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker, Eric Church and David Nail.
Bob, Will any of these be played on the Country Show or do you prefer to reference to the Americana Chart?
Anyone have any reactions to the above?
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 12/10/2009 : 17:45:32
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BOB - Thanks for playing the new Lyle Lovett track on last weeks show which has got a UK release. Great to see him on Jools Holland show.
Ricky Scaggs The session/interview was very good, particularly liked the track 'The City That Lis Full Square'. Brought back memories when you and Nick Barraclough presented the Radio2 Country Festival at The London Arena in April 2000. Ricky & Kentucky Thunder were on before Reba McEntire.
Sam Bush - Ref the track you played on October 20 the album Circles Around Me on Sugar Hill gets a release.
Country News
James McMurtry - So Rosanne Cash isn't the only one to release a new album on vinyl!
Live in Europe (Lightning Road)
Now, he's back with another live disc, a document of McMurtry's first European tour, on which he was joined by keyboardist Ian McLagan and fellow Texas songwriter Jon Dee Graham. The set is available as a CD with a bonus DVD or as a deluxe vinyl LP package with a CD and DVD insert.
AMY FARRIS - She has been played 4 times on Bob's show. Sad that Austin native fiddle player Amy Farris had been found dead at her residence in Los Angeles at the age of 40. Suicide is suspected, but an investigation is currently underway. Farris was a talented fiddle player and had recently been part of the group Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women. Her only solo release, Anyway, was produced by Alvin in 2003. Farris was scheduled to play Saturday with the Guilty Women at San Francisco's Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival.
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bobharris
The Whisperer
319 Posts |
Posted - 12/10/2009 : 20:30:22
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Andy...I hadn't heard the news about Amy. Very sad.
Bob. |
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 13/10/2009 : 15:32:45
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Hi Bob, Sorry to be the bearer of that bad news
http://www.amyfarris.com/
Sam Bush - Fans may like to hear him talk about the new album 'Circles Around Me' courtesy of this video from Sugar Hill.
VIDEO LINK
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SimonT
Rarely Whispers
23 Posts |
Posted - 30/10/2009 : 19:34:17
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Was there no show on 29 Nov?
I was just about to sit down and listen.
Simon T |
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 31/10/2009 : 11:08:01
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Hi Simon,
With the BBC celebrating its 75 years association with the Maida Vale Studio's there have been several re-runs from the BBC archives. On the Country Show this week 29 Oct Bob introduced Bonnie Raitt's live broadcast from 1999 - LINK
Although Bonnie is on the edges of Country music I for one was delighted to get the chance to hear this again - Thanks for selecting it Bob! LISTEN AGAIN
Its was absolutely SUPERB it sounded fantastic through my HI FI. What a voice Bonnie has, so distinctive, in a world currently being filled with unmemorable and samey ones. When she and the band play a tight set they cannot be bettered. The musicianship is outstanding. The first Music DVD I bought was Bonnie's Road Tested and its remained my favourite.
Country News
JACE EVERETT - is to play a show on Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 PM Monto Water Rats LONDON. INFO His song from 6 years ago 'Bad Things' has had widespread airplay on Radio2 ( playlisted) as its the theme tune to CH4's True Blood.
McGraw debuts in first - Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tim McGraw debuted in first on the Billboard country Album chart with "Southern Voice" for the week ending Nov. 7 with Taylor Swift's "Fearless" slipping to second ( This has now sold over 4-million copies ). McGraw was second on the overall top 200 Billboard chart. Tim's album has sold 136,574 copies in its first week.
Steve Martin heads to MerleFest - Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Steve Martin will bring his banjo skills to MerleFest next year.
Martin, who released his first album ever this year, will perform on the Watson Stage on Saturday, May 1. "I've heard great things about MerleFest for years," said Martin. "As a musician, it's an event I'm really looking forward to playing."
Martin released "The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo" and has toured with Martin are the Steep Canyon Rangers, who will perform with him at MerleFest.
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 13/11/2009 : 19:23:16
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Some really excellent news here CONGRATS to Al Booth!
BBC producer receives CMA international honor- Thursday, November 12, 2009 :
BBC Radio 2 Executive Producer Al Booth was surprised at this week's CMA International Media Reception when she was presented with the 2009 Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in media, which contribute to the development of country music outside of the U.S.
"Country music is always what I wanted to work, and I wanted to work in country music radio," said Booth. "That's not very easy in the U.K., so to get this award is absolutely incredible. I want to thank CMA for all they do to help us put on our CMA show, which is going out across the U.K. on Friday night. "
A lifelong country fan, Booth is the country specialist at the United Kingdom's most popular radio station BBC Radio 2, with a weekly reach of nearly 13.5 million listeners. She produces the station's weekly country program, hosted by Sony Award-winning presenter Bob Harris. For 10 years, she has worked alongside Harris and other presenters on BBC Radio 2's coverage of the CMA Awards, the Americana Music Awards and the South by Southwest Festival. She has written and produced BBC documentaries including "Roots, Rappers and Rednecks" and "'80s Nashville - Taking Back the Country," the latter presented by Wynonna.
"Al has been a strong voice for country music in London and throughout the United Kingdom with her work on BBC Radio 2," said Wendy Pearl, CMA Vice President of Communications. "She is a passionate advocate of our artists and format, and very deserving of this award."
Booth was in town preparing to produce BBC Radio 2's coverage of the Country Music Association awards. The highlights show with performances and interviews will be broadcast in the United Kingdom on Nov. 13.
Al - Thanks for all you have done over the years on Bob Harris Country. Looking forward to the CMA highlights tonight with Dale Winton. MANY CONGATULATIONS!
Like this PHOTO
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Isobelj
Frequently Whispers
749 Posts |
Posted - 14/11/2009 : 12:38:28
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That is good news! I forgot to look up what had happened at the CMAs.
It's so good to see that recognition.
Thursday evening's country show last week was a gem.
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remedyman
Occasionally Whispers
143 Posts |
Posted - 20/11/2009 : 15:50:33
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That was one cracking country show last night, nice to see Kevin Deal being played and Cross Canadian Ragweed.
Now Bob how about Shutdowntown's "Flush" album.
http://www.shutdowntown.com/ |
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Isobelj
Frequently Whispers
749 Posts |
Posted - 21/11/2009 : 13:21:41
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I loved the Thursday evening show this week, great to hear those charts.
Great to hear Guy Clark and Rosanne Cash, also the Band of Heathens (who were top of the chart a couple of weeks ago - great for an independent band!). |
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 01/12/2009 : 22:22:09
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The POCO track has to be one of the best tracks ever. I first heard it when Rusty Young was a guest on the Johnny Walker Show a few years ago - Its an absolute stormer.
Really good to hear Gretchen Peters. Her website is shortly to be re-launced. Incidently Gretchen has a track on the BanDaged Together 2CD. Her version of 'When You Wish Upon A Star' . The Peter Kay Animated All Stars (THE OFFICIAL BBC CHILDREN IN NEED MEDLEY) is top of the singles chart. Considering the number of major recording artists that assembled at Abbey Road to record BanDaged Together it I really don't understand why the Single 'All You Need Is Love' and the Album weren't really promoted. Its only appeared on a supermarket compilation chart and not on any Official Top 100 Chart.
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Isobelj
Frequently Whispers
749 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2009 : 11:35:56
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| I loved that Lyle Lovett song last night, rest of the show great as well. |
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Isobelj
Frequently Whispers
749 Posts |
Posted - 11/12/2009 : 13:49:38
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Great to hear Lyle Lovett again last night, and for some reason I really like that theme tune for 'True Blood' although I can't understand that current fixation with vampires! But that song just has a really earthy, rich sound, and it is 'catchy'.
Was delighted to hear the Band of Heathens - Cornbread - I can't imagine any other band being able to pay such a gritty, intense tribute to baked food, I love that song. Colin Brooks has sucha wonderful voice too, amazing vocals in the band. That was a real treat, I wasn't expecting to hear them in last night's show.
All featured songs were good to hear, and what a great session with Reckless Kelly. My only complaint about the show, it's too short. |
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 11/12/2009 : 17:29:11
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quote:
Originally posted by Isobelj
Great to hear Lyle Lovett again last night, and for some reason I really like that theme tune for 'True Blood' although I can't understand that current fixation with vampires! But that song just has a really earthy, rich sound, and it is 'catchy'.
Hi Isobel.
Yes the Lyle Lovett track is great I enjoyed seeing him perform 'Keep It In Your Pantry' on the Jools Holland Show.
Agree Jace Everett's Bad Things is stunning and it had very good airplay across the shows on Radio 2 when it was playlisted. As a result it charted over here.
I actually won the single this week on Brian Clough's Country show The American Connection Show. Reading other people's posting there is certainly a big following of Americana/ Country music in the north east and I'm sure many will have missed hearing Brian's show on Sunday evenings via Smooth Radio. Believe it or not the radio programmers seemed to think listeners would prefer to hear Pete Waterman instead.
The good news is Brians Country show although curtailed to 60-70mins continues and the neat thing is that it is available as Listen On Demand as a MP3 if you can't listen live.
Strangely on the lastest show #12 he played Lyle lovett too. The music mix has the latest chart entries, well-known favourites and some hidden gems. One of these was a song called 'Bed Of Roses' from the album Pier Pressure by band Chesapeake- It was terrific. Details
At least there is a download option - AMAZON LINK
I hope Bob doesn't mind me mentioning Brian its just nice to let people known about other enjoyable Country shows apart from Bob Harris Country of course.
Here are the links to Brian Clough's American Connection.
Program Podcasts
American Connection Topics & News
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Isobelj
Frequently Whispers
749 Posts |
Posted - 13/12/2009 : 12:01:48
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Hi Andycole
Congratulations on winning the single.
There is quite a shortage of shows playing that kind of music so I should think any are welcomed, thanks for those links.
The north east certainly has become a centre for Americana which will no doubt increase as more artists get to know that. I really appreciate having so much great music so close by, I'd think twice about moving anywhere else for that reason alone! |
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jela
Frequently Whispers
792 Posts |
Posted - 18/12/2009 : 10:07:54
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Great songs on the seasonal special last night - I was particularly pleased to hear 'Snow' by Sam Baker as it's probably my favourite track from 'Cotton'
Also another of my favourites was sort of there - the song Little Wood Guitar by Sugarland is written by Ellis Paul. Ellis and Kristian Bush go back a long way and Kristian is the Executive Producer of Ellis' new CD The Day After Everything Changed and duets on Paper Dolls
Also loved Christmas in Paradise Mary Gautier and Christmas in Washington Steve Earle
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SimonT
Rarely Whispers
23 Posts |
Posted - 18/12/2009 : 21:21:33
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"Snow" by Sam Baker was truly remarkable. You sort of feel that you must have known that song all your life when you hear it, and you don't want that gentle piano finale to end.
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 03/01/2010 : 21:39:11
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It was great to hear Bob say at the weekend that Madison Violet are to be on the Country show very soon.
Really nice to see in the News feature in Maverick Magazine Jan Issue that Al Booth BBC Radio 2 executive and producer of Bob Harris Country receiving the 2009 Wesley Rose International Media Achievemnt Award. Unless you are a subscriber to MAVERICK with the loss of Border's Bookstore it will be very hard to obtain so sharing a scan of the article - CLICK LINK.... maximise image to read
Congrats to Al ! :)
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2010 : 10:19:13
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An interesting article on CMT ( Who no longer give a damn about UK country fans)about music this past year and decade. Anyone have an opinion?
CMT NEWS LINK |
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Isobelj
Frequently Whispers
749 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2010 : 13:29:25
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I am sorry about the loss of Borders, they had a few magazines it was hard to purchase anywhere else and it was a good bookshop too.
That CMT article is interesting, I can see 'where they are coming from' but thought it made a few obvious statements; people stay loyal to singers they like, it's the lyrics and songs (I would say and the music as well).
I don't agree the past decade has been poor for music, I think it's been very exciting in many ways.
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remedyman
Occasionally Whispers
143 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2010 : 13:44:56
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| Any article that starts off by saying that the last decade has been a low point in just about every genre of music has got to be a rubbish article. Personally i think it's been the best decade for new music since the seventies. |
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2010 : 20:08:28
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Thanks Isobel and remedyman for your replies to the CMT news item.
Which artists came under your "new music" selections.
The CMT piece was a personal viewpoint but I did find myself agreeing with certain points. With people thinking about their Country albums of the decade it made me think about mine. I have bought hundreds of country releases covering the 90's. You lose track of time ( excuse pun) but I was looking at the publishing dates on my CD collection.
I cannot believe how few mainstream ( or what were ) artists I've bought from 2000-2009.
Nothing by Tim McGraw, Strait, A Jackson, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Billy Dean , Faith Hill, Lorrie Morgan, Linda Davis, Martina McBride, Deana Carter, Chely Wright, Jo Dee Messina, Wynnona, Sara Evans Tanya Tucker and LeAnn Rimes.
Just some single album purchases by Suzy Bogguss, Pam Tillis, Lee Ann Womack , Kathy Mattea, Shania, Victoria Shaw, Trisha Yearwood, Reba, Allison Moorer, Emmylou Harris ( Red Dirt Girl-2000) and Vince Gill. With 2 album purchases by Alison Krauss, Terri Clark, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Nanci Griffith, Keith Urban and Travis Tritt. That was it!
With following Bob Harris Country since the very first show in 1999 I have found what I do buy is now largely exclusively singer-songwriter fare or Americana artists who were once in the mainstream (Eg Rosanne Cash, Gretchen Peters, Vince Gill..) but no longer consider themselves to be.
So regarding mainstream Country based on what I've actually bought it looks like the last decade was a disappointment. In fact Bob has shyed away largely from the mainstream with occasional session specials with Martina McBride and Sugarland for instance.
Reba McEntire - Yes quite something for a 55 year old to be top of the Country Singles chart at the end of 2009. I think that people are impressed with the singles they hear on Country Radio but there is a reluctance now to buy whole albums. In America the sales figures are poor compared with yesteryear.
I think that loyalty is waning.
Take REBA for example, with literally thousands of spins in America, TV etc her album KEEP ON LOVING YOU sold 361,442 copies in 16 weeks when she used to sell millions. Tim McGraw in just 7 weeks has overhauled that total with his CD SOUTHERN VOICE.
Ironical that Tim is the most played artist in the 2000's but has never toured the UK - Proof that he doesn't need us?
BILLBOARD - For 2009 Country sales declined by about two percent which bucked a trend as album sales are down 12% compared to same week last year and 13% down as a whole for 2009.
Country album sales were down 24.0% for 2008 compared to 2007.
Personally I felt that most of the stuff on the Billboard Country Charts was very disappointing in 2009.
The only Country artist in America to sell over 1-million copies in 2009 are in descending order:
Taylor Swift FEARLESS - 5,045,196 total sales
Taylor Swift - TAYLOR SWIFT - 4,560,231 total sales
Sugarland - LOVE ON THE INSIDE - 1,956,059 total sales
Hannah Montana Movie Soundtrack - 1,778,405 total sales
Zac Brown Band FOUNDATION - 1,372,931 total sales
Lady Antebellum - Lady Antebellum - 1,241,061 total sales
Darius Rucker LEARN TO LIVE - 1,176,531 total sales
Rascal Flatts UNSTOPPABLE - 1,102,077 total sales
Carrie Underwood - PLAY ON 996,712 total sales ( will have pass a million by now)
Interesting to see LITTLE BIG TOWN made Record of the Week on Radio 2 and now to be "A" playlisted. Ken Bruce and Janice Long didn't really make any positive comments about them merely introducing the track. This follows in the wake of heavy promotion for Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Martina McBride and to a degree Jace Everett. American labels still seem to throw big budgets at the UK market.
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Isobelj
Frequently Whispers
749 Posts |
Posted - 14/01/2010 : 22:42:04
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Great show this evening - good to hear Todd Snider's session. Also enjoyed hearing James Hand - was just thinking about him being over here soon. And Tom Russell.
Not sure about the reference to everyone being able to get outside, just managed to get out in the car today but had to dig out of snow clumps en route - doesn't auger well for getting to gigs in Jan!
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2010 : 19:54:00
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COUNTRY Grammys - 31 Jan 2010
Taylor Swift -Wins Album Of The Year for "Fearless." Swift won over George Strait's "Twang," Zac Brown Band's "The Foundation," Keith Urban's "Defying Gravity" and Lee Ann Womack's "Call Me Crazy."
Taylor Swift- Best country song for "White Horse over All I Ask For Anymore, Casey Beathard and Tim James, songwriters (Trace Adkins), High Cost Of Living, Jamey Johnson and James Slater, songwriters (Jamey Johnson); I Run To You, Tom Douglas, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelly and Hillary Scott, songwriters (Lady Antebellum) and People Are Crazy, Bobby Braddock and Troy Jones, songwriters (Billy Currington).
Taylor Swift - best female country vocal solo for White Horse. She won over Miranda Lambert for Dead Flowers, I Just Call You Mine by Martina McBride, Just a Dream by Carrie Underwood; and Solitary Thnkin' by Lee Ann Womack.
Zac Brown Band - Best New Artist Zac Brown Band won the Grammy for Best New Artist Sunday night. The Georgia band, who scored big with "The Foundation," won over Keri Hilson, MGMT, The Ting Tings and Silversun Pickups.
Keith Urban - Best Male Vocalist for Sweet Thing. He won over All I Ask For Anymore from Trace Adkins, People Are Crazy by Billy Currington, High Cost of Living by Jamey Johnson and Living for the Night by George Strait.
Carrie Underwood - Best country collaboration. She shared the award with Randy Travis, who won his eighth. Others nominated were Beautiful World - Dierks Bentley and Patty Griffin, Down The Road - Kenny Chesney & Mac McAnally, Start A Band - Brad Paisley & Keith Urban, Everything But Quits - Lee Ann Womack and George Strait.
Lady Antebellum - Best country duo or group. - I Run to You was Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals. Others nominated were Cowgirls Don't Cry, Brooks & Dunn, Chicken Fried, Zac Brown Band, Here Comes Goodbye, Rascal Flatts, and It Happens, Sugarland
Steve Martin - best bluegrass album - for "The Crow," his debut. He won over Jim Lauderdale's "Could We Get Any Closer?," Michael Martin Murphey's "Buckaroo Blue Grass," Bryan Sutton And Friends' "Almost Live" and Rhonda Vincent's "Destination Life."
Levon Helm - won the first ever Best Americana Album Grammy for "Electric Dirt."
Helm took his Grammy over Bob Dylan's "Together Through Life," Willie Nelson & Asleep At the wheel's "Willie and the Wheel," Wilco's "Wilco (The Album)" and Lucinda Williams' "Little Honey."
Steve Earle - won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album for "Townes," his tribute to Townes Van Zandt.
Neko Case was also nominated in the category for "Middle Cyclone" and albums by Tracy Chapman, Shawn Colvin and Elvis Costello.
Swift saves best for last - Sunday, January 31, 2010
Taylor Swift the final and perhaps biggest award of the 52nd annual Grammys - Album of the Year for "Fearless." The honor was the fourth of the night for Swift.
Swift won out over Beyonce's "I Am Sasha Fierce,' Lady Gaga's "The Fame," Dave Matthews Band's "Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King" and Black Eyed Peas "The E.N.D."
Some would suggest that several of the above should not be classified as "Country" with so much pop/rock now dominating the Country Billboard Charts. Lady Antebellum look set to sell 400,000+ copies in their first week for their second album 'Need You Now'. Certainly 4 good songs on it but sounds even less country than their first. Is country music now categorised as to what the songs represent rather than what they actually sound like - I'm Lost!
When Taylor Swift appeared on both GMTV and BBC Breakfast she was referred to as 'Country & Western' and the Daily Mail online think she's a country & western star - LINK
Maybe I've got it all wrong! 
Should we in the UK stop trying to pigeon-hole and put artists into boxes 
How far should the edges of Country music be blurred
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valerie
Frequently Whispers
469 Posts |
Posted - 02/02/2010 : 00:59:06
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Country music is "3 chords and the truth" eg Hank Williams,Patsy Cline et al. Country rock is "a few more chords,a guitar solo or two and the truth" eg Hickory Wind by Gram Parsons. Whilst not being an out and out Nashville Country fan myself,I really do feel that all this other mainstream pop fluff stuff posing as country music is a bit much |
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 04/02/2010 : 22:36:19
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The Madison Violet Session was fabulous tonight - Thanks Bob. Great conversation, exquisite songs and harmonies - Loved it! That will be a hard one to beat in 2010.
Been listening back to Gerry Anderson Show from last Friday. Beth Nielsen Chapman was on. Regarding Marcus Hummon Beth said on Gerry's show "I want him to be heard".
Well its happened tonight on Bob Harris Country!
I have Marcus's CD 'All In Good Time (1995).Tonights play of 'Bless The Broken Road' sounds like a newly recorded version. Apart from Rascall Flatts who cut it my particularly favourite version is by Melodie Crittenden written by Marcus Hummon and not forgeting Jeff Hanna who is Matraca Berg's husband and member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
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ken
Frequently Whispers
221 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2010 : 17:27:03
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Have to agree about the Madison Violet session - beautiful stuff. I ordered the album straight afer the show finished.
Cheers
Ken |
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2010 : 16:54:38
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Bob mentioned back in September that he was surprised to bump into the adorable Amanda Holden when he was there at The Americana Awards. As I'm not a TV addict last night I missed seeing the last in series of Amanda Holden's Fantasy Lives it was broadcast on ITV at 9pm.
I only knew about it as Gretchen Peters has flagged this up on myspace! Thanks G! She said she appeared on it 5 mins into the show.
Thankfully its available to watch for 28 days from this link:
http://www.itv.com/itvplayer/video/?Filter=120697
The blurb:
Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden's Fantasy Lives website
Amanda Holden takes on the mantle of Country singer, getting tips from the legendary Kenny Rogers before organising and performing in a Country extravaganza in Austin, Texas.
Yes there are clips from The Americana Music Awards and also Ray Benson, Dale Watson, Elizabeth Cook, Matraca Berg,Suzy Bogguss,Gretchen Peters,Kimmie Rhodes, Jerry Jeff Walker who recorded "Mr. Bojangles" and others make appearances.
Ray Benson certainly enjoyed the hugs and kisses with Amanda! 
Great that Amanda met up with the Wine, Women & Song gals at Matraca Berg's house - which looks beautiful.
Bob, This reminds me any chance of hearing more from Matraca's latest CD I believe weve just had the one track on the Country show. Also will you be inviting Amanda in for a live session Our new princess of country! Did you help to arrange those contacts for Amanda in Nashville & Texas intriguing
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Isobelj
Frequently Whispers
749 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2010 : 18:20:41
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I saw the programme was going to be on last night AndyCole so made a note to myself to watch it, not being always switched on where the TV is concerned.
It was a fun programme and it was good to see Bob Harris there. I nearly posted on this last night afterwards but wasn't sure which topic to put it on!
Todd Snider briefly appeared along with the author of Mr Bojangles (a song I love). Also I really liked seeing a very brief clip of Jimmie Dale Gilmore and other Flatlanders who were on stage at the Ryman.
It was a good programme I thought, Amanda Holden got picked up a lot, literally! Wonder if she thought that was part of the deal when she signed up for it. I thought she did well, it must have been quite nerve wracking singing live in Austin, as an English person performing to a local audience. Country Roads is a great song too.
What I always tend to think when watching programmes an hour long like that is what must have been edited out, such a shame to go all that way, put in all that effort and have such an opportunity with chat to those people, all crammed in to just one hour. Pity it couldn't have been longer.
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andycole
Frequently Whispers
699 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2010 : 18:56:09
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quote:
Originally posted by Isobelj
It was a fun programme and it was good to see Bob Harris there. I nearly posted on this last night afterwards but wasn't sure which topic to put it on!
......It was a good programme I thought, Amanda Holden got picked up a lot, literally!
Hi Isobel , I didn't spot Bob was he in the Ryman footage? Yes Amanda did get picked up a lot. As she said to Ray Benson "I think you want a Barbie Doll to take home" or words to that effect!
Not sure where to post this too but I figure Bob's Country Show link is always suitable all things mainstream country.
1) Martina McBride is coming back, so far 1 date in London :
Indigo2 Greenwich Mon 28 Jun 2010, 19:00 - Booking link Its very unclear what kind of seat you may have or is it standing? Last year I heard her show was excellent at this venue. Ray Benson was there too that day guesting with The Derailers.
2) Brad Paisley - Just seen a priority booking link for a show at the wonderful Shepherd's Bush Empire, Wednesday, June 23 at 7:00 PM. Who knows if more dates will follow? The last time he came over was April 2000 at the Radio 2 Country Festival. He was a new artist then and was a massive bonus. Still think 'Who Needs Pictures' is his best album.
Just seen Tickets Go on GENERAL SALE This FRIDAY 12 FEB @ 9AM
http://www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk/event/12052/brad-paisley-tickets
Everything seems to figure around London they get the Olympics and everything else! |
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Stock Car G
Frequently Whispers
478 Posts |
Posted - 11/02/2010 : 09:40:19
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| Andy, there was quite a long piece featuring Bob chatting to Amanda after she'd been on stage. Looked like it was shot outside the venue on the sidewalk. |
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BOB HARRIS Country Shows
