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£3.00 - €7.00 - US$10
MARCH 2016
Volume 21 Number 3
Dances in this issue:
Big Blue Tree
Everyday
It Takes All Kinds
C2C
Festival
Cha Cha ‘Round And ‘Round
Like Tangerine Honey
Mountains To The Sea
Rum Is The Reason
South Side Shake
Strip It Down
Have A Ball
Baby I’m Right
THE WORLD’S NUMBER 1
Country Music
& LINE DANCING MAGAZINE
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:21 Page 2
Phil Mack presents at
Thoresby Hall Hotel
Thoresby Park, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire NG22 9WH
on July 22nd 2016 for 3 nights half board
Artists appearing:
Mary Duff, Philomena Begley, Ged Graham, Crystal Swing,
Trevor Loughrey, Ben Troy, Marisa D’Amato, Jacqueline Sharkey,
John Permenter, Sarah Jory, Shunie Crampsey, Ryan Turner Band,
Bill Conlon & Emerald, plus more to be added
To book or for more information call Veronica on
01708 733110
or Warners direct on
03332 020304
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:21 Page 3
Publisher:
email:
Editor:
email:
Marilyn S Davis - t: 01909 561003
[email protected]
Rob
[email protected]
Editorial Team:
Stuart Cameron, Alan Perkins, Maura Sutton,
Gaye Teather, BJ Thomas, Hannah Valize,
Tom Caldwell, Jeanne Jordan, Lee Williams
Dance advisor:
email:
Rob Fowler
[email protected]
Address:
Advertising:
email:
UC Magazine, PO Box 4257, Sheffield
S25 9DA
Janet Hibbert - t: 01909 561003
[email protected]
Graphic Design: RoMa
email: [email protected]
Published by:
email:
website:
Puddleduck Publishing Ltd
t: 01909 561003
[email protected]
www.upcountrymagazine.co.uk
For members’ area access email:
[email protected]
ȴ 2016 All rights reserved
No part of this publication should be reproduced without the prior
permission of the publishers.
ISSN 1743-5544
The editor welcomes unsolicited manuscripts. Every care will be
taken with submitted material and photographs although no
responsibility will be taken for the loss or damage of that work. A
sae should be enclosed for the return of submitted material. Typed
or handwritten manuscripts should be neatly presented and of
readable quality but submissions are preferred on disk in MS Word
format or by email. All editorial is subject to sub-editing and the
editor's decision is final. We request that editorial items are not sent
in as part of mass mailing exercises. The editor will respond to
follow up courtesy calls to enquire if a piece of editorial will be used
but editorial discovered printed in similar magazines before our
print deadline will be removed. The views in this magazine are not
necessarily those of the publishers.
UC March 2016
Marilyn ...
It seems as if there was a time when we wrote about the well known and not so well
known Country stars who we would never see on our shores. Well that has now
changed and we did persevere in our endeavours to keep you in touch with what
was happening. Now, though, it is happening closer to home and with Up Country
being the only magazine to keep you in touch for the past 20 plus years with the
whole world of Country music, we are now more relevant than ever before.
Not only does the C2C festival, which takes place this month, bring us the artists we
would only see if we were to make the trip over the pond to the US but we seem to
be at long last the main stopping point when the Country music stars are planning
their European tours.
Many of you will know that I am also a keen line dancer so to combine both line
dancing and Country music in one magazine is a pleasure and in any case, line
dancing came about because of Country music.
We have had quite a few new subscribers recently so to keep everyone in touch
with the C2C we have featured many of the artists who will be appearing there and
given you a small résumé of each one. We shall be there to enjoy what is going to
be bigger and better than before and yes, I know I will not enjoy every aspect of the
C2C but then there is so much choice, it won’t matter.
Also inside this issue we give you a run-down on the Pop-up stages because these
shows are free for anyone to attend and the featured artists are the cream of the crop
as far as the organisers are concerned.
At this time of year we are inundated with new albums and offers of interviews from
the artists who are releasing them and so we have chosen to interview, amongst
others, Vince Gill who I had the pleasure of seeing and talking to a few years back
at the aforesaid C2C. He is one of the most genuine and talent artists on the scene
today and his new album is fabulous. You can read more about him inside and we
have four of his albums to give away to lucky competition winners.
We try as much as possible to bring you the news on not only the up and coming
artists but others who have stood the test of time so in forthcoming issues you can
look forward to reading about the inimitable Loretta Lynn, Aaron Watson, Kip Moore
and David Nail.
This month we have an assortment of dances chosen by our new dance editor. I
don’t think there are many choreographers in the UK who have had as much success
as Rob Fowler with his dances. He has been there from the start and continues to be
as busy as ever and during his time has won a host of awards within the dance
scene. If you need to contact Rob with queries about any of the dances, his email
address can be found inside this issue. His dance career has just got even busier.
There are more and more Country music and line dance events being hosted during
the year. Up to now our diary is filling up with the events we are planning to go to in
Folkestone, London, Skipton, Ripon, Darlington and Northamptonshire and that is for
just the first part of the year so we shall see you around somewhere soon.
Keep listening, keep dancing and keep it Country.
3
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CONTENTS
March 2016
Regulars
News
6
Top 10 Albums & Singles
13
The Line Dance Section
33
Top 10 Dances
35
Gig Guide & Class Listings
47
Hotdisc
60
CD Reviews
62
Features
20 Country 2 Country
We give you a résumé of the artists who will be
performing inside the main arena at the O2 this
month.
24 Hannah’s World
Hannah Valize and Tom Caldwell take a look
around the world at Country music to keep you in
touch with what is happening where.
26 2010
We don’t travel so far back this month, just to
2010 when the volcano, Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland
caused havoc across Europe interrupting both
domestic and international flights.
20
28 Vince Gill
Alan Perkins interviewed Vince Gill about his Last
Bad Habit. Vince Gill has a long association with
the UK and was happy to chat about his music.
54 Palm Springs
Having had a vacation in Palm Springs we just
had to tell you more about what there is to see and
do and what is happening in this oasis in the
southern California desert.
6 4 60
CMR Nashville
News and gossip from the world of Country radio CMR Nashville style.
64 Country 2 Country Pop-ups
28
UC March 2016
With more and more club circuit acts getting a
look-in on the Pop-up stages around the O2 we
thought we would give you a run down on this free
to enter part of the C2C Festival.
5
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www.upcountrymagazine.co.uk
Keeping you up to date with what is happening with the major stars of Country
Aphonopelma johnnycashi
Scientists have named a new species of
tarantula after Country music legend Johnny
Cash.
Aphonopelma johnnycashi was discovered
in California near Folsom Prison - which the
musician made famous in his song, Folsom
Prison Blues, recorded in 1955.
The colouring of the spider, which measures
up to six inches across, also brings to mind
the Man in Black, who favoured dark outfits
- mature males have solid black bodies.
It was one of 14 new tarantula species
found in the US, all members of the
Aphonopelma family.
Dr Chris Hamilton, from the Florida Museum
of Natural History, who named the spider,
said: ‘We often hear about how new
species are being discovered from remote
corners of the Earth but what is remarkable
is that these spiders are in our own
backyard’.
The team spent more than a decade
searching for tarantulas in locations ranging
from scorching deserts to frigid mountains in
the American south-west.
In total, the scientists looked at nearly 3,000
specimens – the most comprehensive
taxonomic tarantula study ever conducted.
Their findings were published in the journal
ZooKeys.
Vince Gill - Guitar
Centre RockWalk
Vince Gill has had a legendary career in
Country music and it’s still going strong.
The awards he has racked up include 20
Grammys, 18 CMA’s, membership in the
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and
membership in the Country Music Hall of
Fame.
Now the singer can add membership to
the Guitar Center RockWalk after Eagles
guitarist Joe Walsh helped induct and
honour him on February 4th.
Others who have been inducted in the
past include Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page,
Carlos Santana, Johnny Cash, Marvin
Gaye, James Brown, BB King and Stevie
Wonder.
Vince Gill and Lyle Lovett.
‘It is an absolute honour to be chosen by
my peers to be inducted into Guitar
Center’s RockWalk’, says Vince Gill in a
press release. ‘I’ve always been grateful
to be able to spend my life doing what I
love to do and to be recognised in such a
monumental way - cemented next to the
legendary artists reflected on the
RockWalk - is a moment I could never
have imagined when I picked up that very
first guitar.’
Vince Gill and Lyle Lovett are teaming up
for a 13 city tour that will take place
through February and March of this year.
Each show will be a series of intimate
solo and duo performances, during which
the artists will serve as their own
accompanists.
‘For a night like this there is no plan’,
Vince said. ‘I know Lyle won’t have a plan
and I won’t either. What he plays will
inspire me and probably vice-versa. It’ll
be like playing ping-pong. Whatever
song he chooses to sing will inspire the
next song that comes out of me.’
‘I enjoy shows that are not planned out’,
Lyle Lovett observes. ‘This will be two
songwriters in the round. It’s informal, so
there will be lots of ad-libbing. It will be
like little snapshots of our experiences.’
6
March 2016 UC
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COMPETITION . . .
.
We have four Vince Gill cds to be won . . .
Down To My Last Bad Habit
How many Grammy awards has Vince Gill had?
The first four correct entries pulled out of the bag will receive his latest cd.
Please send your answer on a postcard or the back of a sealed envelope to:
Vince Gill Competition, UC, PO Box 4257, Sheffield S25 9DA to reach us
no later than March 10th 2016.
Usual Up Country rules apply, a copy of which is available on request.
Good luck!
4
VINCE GILL
ALBUMS
TO BE WON
The question for the George Strait cd was ...
Including Cold Beer Conversation how many studio albums has George Strait
released?
The answer is 28.
The winners of George Strait’s Cold Beer Conversation album are:
Mrs L Gates, Glasgow; Jane Morgan, Swansea; J Swift, Nottingham; and Margaret Page, Birmingham. Cds are on their way.
Kings of the Dance
Carleton Grange Social Club
Pontefract, West Yorkshire WF8 3RJ
February 26th 2016
7.30pm
Dave Inglis
Large dance floor, plenty of parking, bar, dj.
For more information call
Gill or Alan on 07885 536216
Email: [email protected]
UC March 2016
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www.upcountrymagazine.co.uk
Keeping you up to date with what is happening with the major stars of Country
Dolly Parton reaches 70
Born January 19th, 1946 in
Tennessee, Dolly Parton is
arguably the most successful
Country musician in history, as
well as an actress of some
renown and a cultural icon
based on her outlandish
appearance.
Born into a family of 11 siblings
suffering from poverty, she quickly
rose above her surroundings to
begin recording before the
1960s. She has been in the
national consciousness almost
as far back.
Dolly has two Oscar
nominations for film-related
music and American audiences
certainly should know her for her
roles in 9 To 5 and Steel
Magnolias. Country music fans
know her even better as the
prolific singer and songwriter
who penned I Will Always Love
You, Jolene, Coat of Many
Colors, Here You Come Again,
Islands In The Stream and
dozens more. Dolly has collared
eight Grammy awards and an
astonishing 46 nominations.
She is a member of both the
Country Music Hall of Fame
and the Songwriters Hall of
8
Fame.
Even the culturally aware who
might not be so familiar with her
music or acting certainly know
her for her ostentatiously
augmented appearance. She
doesn't deny her use of plastic
surgery, which includes
augmentation of her naturally
prodigious breasts. Her plastic
surgeon said that she has had
her face altered significantly as
well.
Dolly Parton, who estimates she
has written more than 3,000
songs, is surely quite wealthy as
a result of royalties accrued from
the hits she's written. Every time
you hear Whitney Houston's
searing rendition of I Will Always
Love You from the soundtrack
of The Bodyguard, it is
accompanied by a cash register
ringing up more money for her.
However, Dolly Parton has sown
some of her proceeds back into
her native soil, establishing
Dollywood, a successful
amusement park, in her home
region.
She is also an advocate for
childhood literacy and has
established Imagination Library,
which gives a free book every
month to pre-school children in
the programme in the US,
Canada and the United
Kingdom.
It's this simple: If Dolly Parton
didn't exist, someone would
have had to invent her. Here are
six things you may not have
known about the great goddess
of Country music:
1. She once entered a drag
queen lookalike contest - and
lost. Here's what she said about
it. ‘They had a bunch of Cher’s
and Dolly’s that year, so I just
over-exaggerated - made my
beauty mark bigger, the eyes
bigger, the hair bigger,
everything’, she said, laughing.
‘All these beautiful drag queens
had worked for weeks and
months getting their clothes so I
just got in the line and I just
walked across and they just
thought I was some little short
gay guy ... but I got the least
applause.’
She is a vocal supporter of
LGBT rights and hosted Gay
Day at her theme park,
Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge,
Tennessee. The event drew the
ire of the Ku Klux Klan.
2. She has a one and only.
Dolly Parton met the handsome
Carl Dean in a Nashville
laundromat when she was just
18. They were married in 1966
and are still happily together.
They don't have children,
something that she says ‘so
everybody's kids could be
mine’. I can keep my nieces
and nephews and then when
I'm sick of them I can say, 'Hey,
come get these kids, they're
driving me crazy’. Great Aunt
Granny, is what they call me.’
3. Her ‘girls’ have aged just
fine, thank you very much.
With breasts that enter a room
five minutes before the rest of
her tiny frame, Dolly has made
no secret about the fact that her
40DDs are store-bought or that
she's a frequent flyer at the
plastic surgeon’s clinic. She
once famously quipped, ‘It costs
a lot of money to look this
cheap!’ and noted, ‘If I see
something saggin’, baggin’, or
draggin’, I’m gonna have it
nipped, tucked, or sucked!’
For the record, she believes that
her breast augmentation has
held up (literally) quite nicely and just in case, the girls are
insured for $600,000.
4. She wrote the song they
played at Whitney Houston's
funeral and hearing it played
there did her in.
Dolly wrote the 1974 charttopper, I Will Always Love You,
which was later immortalised by
Whitney Houston in the 1992
blockbuster film, The
Bodyguard.
‘When they played it at her
funeral and they lifted her coffin
Dolly Parton.
up, man, it was like somebody
stabbed me in the heart with a
knife’, she said. ‘It just
overwhelmed me.’
5. She is Miley Cyrus'
godmother and always has her
back.
Dolly has supported Miley on
numerous occasions, even as
she urged her to seek help in
rehab. She's called Miley a
‘smart girl’ and, through the
years her fans have on occasion
thought that she, Dolly, was
also trashy but in the end,
Dolly said she felt certain that
Miley would make the right
choices.’
6. Retirement isn't in her
vocabulary.
Dolly may be turning 70 but she
has no plans to slow down. ‘I
will never retire unless I have to’,
she has said. ‘As long as I'm
able to get up in the morning,
get that makeup on and my
high heels on and even if I can't
wear high heels, I'm going to
do like Mae West, I'm going to
sit in a wheelchair with my high
heels on.’
Happy birthday Dolly!
March 2016 UC
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www.upcountrymagazine.co.uk
BBC 2 Country
Chris Evans has announced the return
of Radio 2 Country, to broadcast
nationally from March 10th to 13th
2016.
The pop-up station will cover the
C2C: Country To Country festival at
The O2 in London and promote
Country music in general.
Bob Harris launches the four day
station with his show, Welcome To
Radio 2 Country.
Highlights on the schedule include a
celebration of Country pop with Sara
Cox and a look at storytelling in
Country music with Steve Wright.
Paul Sexton predicts Nashville’s next
big stars and breakout artists of
2016, Paul Gambaccini presents
America’s Greatest Country Hits and
CMA-winning singer/songwriter
Gretchen Peters presents Sad Songs
Make Me Happy with tracks from
Emmylou Harris, Trisha Yearwood
and Vince Gill.
Presenters Bob Harris and Jo Whiley
introduce music from the C2C:
Country To Country festival at The
O2 in London with performances plus
back stage action and more.
Keeping you up to date with what is happening with the major stars of Country
Dierks Bentley to host ACM Awards
Dierks Bentley has some big
shoes to fill as he takes over
hosting duties from Blake
Shelton at this year’s ACM
Awards but he’s already
preparing for the show in
April.
‘I’ve got a couple of ideas that
I’ve been putting down in my
phone and we’re getting ready
to do some promo stuff here
pretty soon, so we’ll start getting
together on that’, he said during
a recent interview.
Although he and his co-host Luke
Bryan aren’t left alone to write
the show. ‘There are some great
writers that write for the ACMs,
so we’ll lean on those folks and
hopefully contribute some of our
own things, as well’, he said.
‘I think it just comes down to me
having a few drinks and just
being loose. Just a little
something to take the edge off,
right?’
Let’s not forget this obviously isn’t
his first time onstage in front of a
massive audience. He’s learned
a lot from his own concerts.
Dierks Bentley.
‘I’ve had some shows where I
really plan out what I’m going
to say’, he says. ‘Then I’ve had
other shows where I’m like,
‘Take a sip of the Ole Smoky
Moonshine and just let it be
natural and cross your fingers
that you say the right things. I
think it’s kind of a combination
of the two, you know!’
One thing is for sure, though,
Dierks Bentley and Luke Bryan
won’t take things too seriously.
The 51st annual Academy of
Country Music Awards is set for
April 3rd in Las Vegas.
The world’s Number 1 Country music and
line dance magazine.
Get all the latest news and gossip from the famous
and not so famous Country artists.
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Keeping you up to date with what is happening with the major stars of Country
Chris Janson reflects on his rise from struggling artist to successful star
Finally, Chris Janson has
landed at the top. The
singer/songwriter
recently scored his first
number one hit after
years of hard work and
unfortunate detours, with
the surprise smash, Buy
Me A Boat. Prior to that
success, however, he
was signed to both the
now-closed Bigger
Picture Music Group
and Columbia
Nashville; he released
an EP with each label
but failed to produce a
hit single.
Not that he was
discouraged. Instead,
Chris Janson focused on
songwriting unaware
that he was ultimately
paving the way for his
own career as an artist
to finally get off the
ground.
He sat down one day
10
and wrote Buy Me A
Boat with his publisher,
Chris DuBois, then
decided to release it on
his own without the
backing of a label. The
track was meant more
as an offering to his
loyal fans than a way to
secure another record
deal.
The rest is musical
history. Buy Me A Boat
sailed up the charts,
garnering the attention
of Warner Brothers and
the label quickly signed
him to their roster. The
song is now the title
track of his latest
album.
To follow the success of
Buy Me A Boat, the
Missouri native has
released another single,
Power Of Positive
Drinkin’, which he also
wrote with Chris
DuBois, along with
Mark Irwin.
This rapid success
following so many years
of struggles has only
fuelled his drive to keep
working harder than
ever before.
A man who wasn’t sure
that he would ever fulfill
his goal of being a
Country artist, let alone
that the unique sounding
Buy Me A Boat would
serve as the launching
pad for the career he’s
always wanted, Chris
Janson hopes that his
success means success
for others just like him as
well.
Chris Janson has been a
regular performer at the
Grand Ole Opry and is
well known to the
regulars and visitors
alike with his
performances.
March 2016 UC
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Keeping you up to date with what is happening with the major stars of Country
Big Machine Label Group announces international expansion
Nashville-based independent record label,
Big Machine Label Group, has expanded
its international presence with a new office
and staff in the UK. Located within the
Universal Music Group offices on London’s
Kensington High Street, the BMLG UK team
is comprised of Chris Koegen (Head of
International), Alexandra Hannaby (Label
Manager) and Amy Maunder-Taylor (Label
Coordinator) with plans to develop more
over the next year. Jimmy Chapin remains
Senior Manager of International and is
based in the BMLG US headquarters.
The establishment of a UK office allows
BMLG to take complete ownership over the
record cycle for its artists, who have seen
much success over the last year with radio
airplay and live shows. BMLG will continue
to work with Ted Cockle and the team at
Virgin/EMI for Taylor Swift.
‘Our continued strong relationship with
David Joseph and the Universal Music
Group is highlighted and defined by this
investment and belief in the Big Machine
Label Group. It highlights how dedicated
we are to the UK (and related territories) in
breaking our artists through and building on
their ever-growing fanbases. This is a
natural expansion of our original mission
and I can’t thank David and his incredible
team enough for this opportunity’, said Scott
Borchetta, President and CEO of the Big
Machine Label Group.
‘Few would bet against Scott Borchetta
succeeding in his mission to take his artists
and their music to a wider audience in the
UK’, said David Joseph, Chairman and
CEO, Universal Music UK. ‘He’s an
exceptional discoverer of new talent, whose
new team is ready to build on what our
labels have already achieved here. I’m
looking forward to supporting them as the
UK chapter of the Big Machine story
unfolds.’
Taylor Swift has toured and sold out
stadiums around the world while her albums
have earned multi-platinum selling status
and topped radio and sales charts where
Country music is not traditionally popular in
areas such as Asia and Europe.
Thomas Rhett is currently receiving A-list
airplay ahead of Coldplay and One
Direction on BBC Radio 2 with his platinumselling hit, Crash And Burn. He is headed
to the UK for the first time this March for
promotion and to perform at the 2016
C2C Festival on the main stage.
Having sold out every show they’ve played
in the UK over the last two years and
gearing up for their headline Night Life
Religion Tour, The Cadillac Three, Like Kings
of Leon before them, are poised for their fist
big break in the UK - where they’ve sold out
every headlining tour for nearly two years before conquering their US home turf’.
Scott Borchetta has twice been awarded
Scott Borchetta.
the Jo Walker Meador award by the
Country Music Association for his
advocating and supporting Country music’s
marketing development in territories outside
the United States.
He was awarded International Services to
Country music by the British Country Music
Association.
BBC Radio 2 Country Stage
at The O2
Another great new feature is
announced for the annual
Country to Country festival at
The O2.
For the first time a day time
programme of live music and
special events will be taking
place at Indigo at The O2 on
Saturday 12th March and
Sunday 13th March from
midday to 4pm.
Presented by BBC hosts, the
two day programme will
feature CMA talks, artist
signings and live music
including performances by
David Nail, Lauren Alaina,
Brooke Eden and Old
Dominion with more to be
announced.
2016
April 10th - The Princess Theatre,
Hunstanton
April 22nd - The Playhouse Theatre, Epsom
Dexeter at one of the Pop-up stages in the concourse at the O2.
UC March 2016
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www.upcountrymagazine.co.uk
Will Nashville
be back for
Season Five?
It looks like cast and fans have
something to be excited about; ABC’s
Nashville will almost assuredly be
returning for a fifth season.
‘We don’t have any plans to finish
Nashville’, said network boss, Paul
Lee. ‘We have an incredibly
passionate audience. The Nashville
audience grows by a large amount in
our viewings.’
The Country music drama also does
an excellent job holding true to what
the city’s music scene is all about. For
many fans it serves as a behind the
scenes look at what life is like for
some of the industry’s greatest icons.
Infiltrating events such as the CMA’s,
along with local venues like the
Bluebird, the story gives an authentic
portrayal of the rise to Country
stardom and the highs and lows of
being famous.
Country music favourites such as Brad
Paisley, Luke Bryan, Sara Evans and
Florida Georgia Line have also
appeared on the show.
ABC does a great job at taking the
show’s universe beyond its weekly 60
minute window on ABC. By delivering
original music from the show’s talented
stars, there are many different avenues
to grow from. Songs from the show
have seen modest success in digital
downloads. The cast has also done
live concerts, tours and shows at the
Grand Ole Opry.
With Country music on the rise
nationally and internationally and
quality hits emerging from the show
each week, it’s no wonder the network
wants to hold on. The drama is full of
fast paced plot twists and many
unanswered questions.
Although no air date has been set just
yet, it doesn’t look like there will be
dirt on Nashville’s grave just yet.
12
Keeping you up to date with what is happening with the major stars of Country
Michael O’Rourke back in the news
A Scottish man has been sent to jail after
refusing to turn down his Country and
western music.
Michael O’Rourke from Peterhead,
Scotland was given a jail sentence of four
months after violating noise ordinances
and ignoring multiple complaints from
neighbours. Among his favourite artists,
the voices of Dolly Parton and Johnny
Cash contributed to his lock-up on January
8th.
Folsom Prison blues, indeed!
He has earned the title of the ‘oldest raver
in town’ thanks to his lifelong love of
playing his music good and loud.
One of the reasons why the 58 year old
is constantly turning up the volume is
because he is partially deaf. Over the
years authorities have charged him with
seven noise violations and have even
confiscated his record player.
Undeterred, the Country superfan went on
to violate an anti-social behaviour order,
originally handed down in an effort to
ban him from playing music at high
volumes. That resulted in him going
before a judge in Peterhead Sheriff Court.
Not amused by the outlaw’s wild listening
choices, the judge handed down a strict
Michael O’Rourke.
sentence - ‘This is the sort of behaviour
that when it does occur it is expected to
come from a teenager living away from
their parents for the first time’, Michael
O’Rourke was told. ‘This course of
conduct from you - a man of 56 - is
appalling.’
He must return to court in three months to
face additional charges, including
resisting a police officer. Once he’s
released the Country fan hopes to sell his
house and move to a more secluded area
where he can continue to enjoy his tunes
at full volume.
Jackie Storrar launches
crowdfunding bid
A Country singer from Fife with terminal
cancer has launched a crowdfunding bid
to enable her to record one final album.
Jackie Storrar, who lives in Kirkcaldy, said
the disease has not yet robbed her of her
voice but it will eventually, so time is of
the essence.
The singer, who was inducted into the
British Country Music Hall of Fame last
year, wants to end her 30 year singing
career on a high by recording an album
with her long-time collaborator and
husband Steve Thiebault.
She is trying to raise £10,000 to make
the album a reality and has pledged all
proceeds to the charity that has supported
her through treatment, Maggie's Cancer
Care.
The couple have spent their adult lives
travelling the world working as radio
presenters and musicians.
Mrs Storrar was first diagnosed with
cancer six years ago and came through
the ordeal but in 2013 she was told the
cancer had returned and this time it was
terminal.
She said: ‘I would like to feel I have left
something special that Steve and I had
done together. It would be my legacy.
‘It’s been a huge struggle against the odds
to reach this point. Also being inducted
into the British Country Music Hall of
Fame has given me an incredible boost.
‘I would just love to get back into the
studio for one last time and create an
album which sums up the music I love the
most.
‘I’d like to use it to raise funds for
Maggie’s Centres. Our local Fife centre
has been such an enormous place of
support for myself and my husband, we’d
love to give something back.’
The crowdfunding appeal was open until
February 4th with everything raised above
the £10,000 target going straight to the
charity.
Jackie Storrar.
March 2016 UC
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:21 Page 13
www.upcountrymagazine.co.uk
Keeping you up to date with what is happening with the major stars of Country
Top
Sin City launches its latest
production - Country
COUNTRY ALBUMS
UC March 2016
THIS MONTH
PREVIOUS MONTH
good time for all!
‘Keep your eyes open for the visual
surprise in the shower scene and one
lucky audience member gets to go
onstage with the girls and become a
Country star in another number.’
The producers have X Burlesque at the
Flamingo, which has run now for 14 years
and X Rocks in its third year at the Rio.
Angela continued: ‘X Country seemed to
be a natural progression, with Country
music becoming mainstream, crossover
and more popular daily.
‘When we were approached by Caesars
to do a show at Harrah’s we knew it was
the perfect fit for that property. We began
producing X Country seven months ago.
‘Each of our topless revues are different,
different sets and props, different music,
different ideas, yet they are all the same in
that they star truly gorgeous, talented girls,
are fast paced and feature the highestquality production in its genre.’
X Burlesque opened in November 2002
at the then Aladdin Hotel and moved to
the Flamingo nine years ago, with its X
Burlesque University opening in March
2008. X Rocks opened in 2013 at the
Rio.
The couple also opened X Comedy in
June and produce Piff The Magic Dragon’s
show, which opened two months ago at
Flamingo.
Once X Country is up and running the
girls will open a Go-Go Pit and bar midFebruary at Harrah’s.
Angela summed up: ‘We’re always
looking for the next project to add to our
arsenal. We are working on something
right now but it’s a little too soon to talk
about it. We’ll let you know as soon as
we have it firmed up.’
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Traveller, Chris Stapleton
It's About Time, Hank Williams Jr
Pawn Shop, Brothers Osborne
Reloaded: 20 #1 Hits, Blake Shelton
Nothing Shines Like Neon, Randy Rogers Band
Montevallo, Sam Hunt
Boots On The Ground, Frank Foster
Tangled Up, Thomas Rhett
Storyteller, Carrie Underwood
Kill The Lights, Luke Bryan
Mr Misunderstood, Eric Church
Untamed, Cam
I'm Comin' Over, Chris Young
Yours, EP, Russell Dickerson
Meat And Candy, Old Dominion
Buy Me A Boat, Chris Janson
Illinois, Brett Eldredge
Cass County, Don Henley
Damn Country Music, Tim McGraw
Anything Goes, Florida Georgia Line
THIS MONTH
WEEKS IN THE CHART
Six sexy dancers are about to change the
face of line dancing with their country
curves when X Country celebrates its
grand opening at Harrah’s in Las Vegas.
It’s the latest ‘X’ production from husband
and wife producing team of Matt Stabile
and Angela Sampras.
They’ve recruited knockout beauties Emma
Smith, Carrie Jean, Chloe Vashaw, Jill
Reed, Nina Kane and Erin Green to be
the Daisy Dukes made famous by actress
Catherine Bach on The Dukes of Hazzard.
The girls kick off the new topless adult
production with a warning: Flirt’n With
Disaster by Molly Hatchet. They shake it
off to Taylor Swift’s hit of the same name
and really strut their stuff on a ‘Cruise’ by
Florida Georgia Line. The other dances
include Carrie Underwood’s Before He
Cheats, Truck Yeah by Tim McGraw and
The Thunder Rolls by Garth Brooks.
In all, there are 26 numbers in the
pleasure-packed show, perhaps best
summed up by Cowboy Troy and Big &
Rich’s hit Drink, Drank, Drunk. You are
going to have a real Girl Crush (Little Big
Town) on the six curvy cuties by the time
they dance out on the Sin Wagon Dixie
Chicks hit.
The glamour girls dig back in time for
Crazy by Patsy Cline, Foggy Mountain
Breakdown by Earl Scruggs & Lester Flatt
and 9 To 5 by Dolly Parton. Even new
Caesars Palace headliner Reba McEntire’s
Fancy is on deck just before Hank
Williams Jr promises All My Rowdy
Friends Are Coming Over Tonight.
Angela said: ‘Like the other ‘X’ shows, X
Country is fast paced and stars beautiful,
talented, really hot girls! From an erotic
shower scene to a street fight to girls on a
vertical bed, X Country promises a kick’n
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COUNTRY SINGLES
1 18 Die A Happy Man, Thomas Rhett
2 41 Break Up In A Small Town, Sam Hunt
3 14 Home Alone Tonight, Luke Bryan featuring
Karen Fairchild
4 42 Stay A Little Longer, Brothers Osborne
5 36 I Love This Life, LoCash
6 18 Backroad Song, Granger Smith
7 49 I Got The Boy, Jana Kramer
8 13 Heartbeat, Carrie Underwood
9 19 Beautiful Drug, Zac Brown Band
10 13 Break On Me, Keith Urban
11 10 Drunk On Your Love, Brett Eldredge
12 6 You Should Be Here, Cole Swindell
13 24 Dibs, Kelsea Ballerini
14 26 Gonna Know We Were Here, Jason Aldean
15 12 Confession, Florida Georgia Line
16 12 Nobody To Blame, Chris Stapleton
17 12 Mr Misunderstood, Eric Church
18 34 We Went, Randy Houser
19 26 Gonna, Blake Shelton
20 21 Country Nation, Brad Paisley
13
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:21 Page 14
www.upcountrymagazine.co.uk
Keeping you up to date with what is happening with the major stars of Country
Marty Haggard
CCN Awards
Voting is now taking place for the CCN
Awards to be held on Sunday May 8th
2016 at the Grampian, Corby
Northamptonshire.
The CCN Awards recognise those artists
who ply their trade up and down the UK in
clubs and at festivals.
Categories include Entertainer of the Year,
Solo Act, Duo, Band, Male Vocalist, Female
Vocalist, Dance Act, Musician and
Newcomer and more. Voting forms are
available on request at 01653 917217.
Prior to the main show, on Saturday May
7th, The Grampian, with its huge dance
floor and superb lighting system with space
for over 400 people will host a showcase
event. All promoters and guests are invited
to attend.
This event will be free to enter with the main
aim to support those artists who wish to
show their skills to both the industry
professionals and the general public.
If any acts wish to perform on this showcase
they should call 01653 917217 to enquire
about availability.
During the Saturday there will be a dance
dj, fun and games, a raffle, hot and cold
food and trade stalls. (All trade stall
enquiries also to 01653 917217 or email
[email protected] for more details.)
We have been reminded that Marty
Haggard will be returning to our
shores in May for five dates.
Illness has forced his father, Merle
Haggard to postpone a string of
concert dates. According to the
Country icon's Facebook, Merle was
admitted to an undisclosed California
hospital where he's battling
pneumonia.
Aline Holidays in
Skipton
The Aline Holiday weekend at the
Rendezvous Hotel, Skipton, North
Yorkshire has just a few places left.
This popular weekend, to be held from
March 18th to 20th 2016, features
Darren Busby, Richard Palmer, Jonny &
Lynnette and Dave Inglis in a huge
ballroom where dancers and listeners
are well catered for.
For more information call Gill on
07759 149001 who says she will
be happy to give you full details and
availability.
Cross Country
magazine
With 132 pages, the March issue
of Cross Country has over 60
advertisements covering festivals,
weekend events, clothing and
more, giving comprehensive
coverage of what is happening in
the world of Country music in the
UK.
The cover featured artist is Ray
Peters & The Smokey Turtle Band
who will be performing at the
C2C Festival in March.
For more information on Cross
Country magazine, which lists just
about all the Country music clubs
and acts in the UK, go to
www.crosscountrymagazine.co.uk.
14
March 2016 UC
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:21 Page 15
www.upcountrymagazine.co.uk
Keeping you up to date with what is happening with the major stars of Country
Chris Stapleton, Eric Church lead 51st Annual
Academy of Country Music Awards nominations
Eric Church and Chris Stapleton lead the
nominees at this year's Country Music
Awards.Both have three nominations each,
including Male Vocalist and Album of the
Year.
Chris Stapleton has earned two nominations
in the Album of the Year category for
Traveller, as both artist and co-producer.
Eric Church has been nominated for the first
time in the Entertainer of the Year category,
along with Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks,
Luke Bryan and Miranda Lambert.
Miranda Lambert has also earned her 10th
consecutive nod for Female Vocalist of the
Year. She's in competition with Carrie
Underwood, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea
Ballerini and Jana Kramer.
This year's Country Music Awards are due
to take place in Las Vegas on April 3rd.
The fact that Chris Stapleton raked in five
ACM Awards nominations, including Male
Vocalist and New Male Vocalist and Album
of the Year for Traveller, wasn't particularly
surprising for the singer/songwriter who,
undoubtedly had a breakout year.
Kelsea Ballerini and Jana Kramer being
among the nominees for Female Vocalist of
the Year show that the genre is opening its
doors to new talent in that category who
have the chart credentials - after usually
including one or two heritage artists as
merely a filler.
Year crop. The fourth, Garth Brooks, is up
for the biggest award of the night Entertainer of the Year.
A big tip of the hat to Brett Eldredge,
nominated for New Male Vocalist of the
Year in 2014, the soulful stylist earned his
first nod in the overall male vocalist
category this year. Year by year, since his
2010 debut single, Raymond, he continues
to climb the stairway to Country
superstardom.
Of the snubs, Lady Antebellum just enjoyed
one of the most successful years of their
career from a touring standpoint with their
Wheels Up tour. Throw in the fact that they
have continued to enjoy consistent success
with their singles and it's a little perplexing
that the trio wasn’t in the running for vocal
group of the year.
Blake Shelton is one of the most successful
recording artists in the format. His role on
NBC’s The Voice has brought him visibility
unlike any other performer and when he
tours he manages to sell out venue after
venue but, his absence here speaks
volumes.
Carrie Underwood was not technically
snubbed this year. The powerhouse female
vocalist earned her 11th consecutive
nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year.
Although what does she have to do to earn
more recognition for continuing her high
quality of work? It’s time the industry paid
her a little more attention!
Kelsea Ballerini.
The inspirational story of Joey + Rory has
kept Country fans very emotionally
involved. The couple,who are enduring
Joey Feek's valiant fight against cervical
cancer, are definitely industry favourites.
Their nomination for Vocal Duo of the Year
was definitely one of the more emotional
ones of the announcements but keep in
mind that the Feeks have been in the
winners’ circle before, winning the prize for
New Vocal Duo of the Year in 2009.
It’s obvious that Country music has been
doing a great job at cultivating its next
wave of veteran performers. Despite a year
that included number one albums from acts
such as Alan Jackson, George Strait and
Reba McEntire, there are only four
nominees this year who enjoyed any chart
success pre-2000. Three of those artists Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban and Gary
Allan - are included in the Vocal Event of the
UC March 2016
15
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UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:21 Page 17
www.upcountrymagazine.co.uk
Glenn Frey 1948-2016
Glenn Frey was born in Detroit in
1948. After graduating from high
school he played for a while with
the local bands of the time. His
first professional recording
experience, at age 19, was
performing acoustic guitar and
background vocals on Bob Seger's
single, Ramblin' Gamblin' Man.
Glenn had said that Bob strongly
encouraged and influenced him to
focus on writing original songs
and they remained good friends
and occasional songwriting
partners in later years.
Glenn then moved to Los Angeles
to follow his then girlfriend, who
was an aspiring singer. There, he
was introduced to long time
writing partner JD Souther by her
sister, he then debuted as a
songwriter while fronting
Longbranch Pennywhistle, a duo
he formed with JD. Glenn also
met Jackson Browne during this
period because the three
musicians lived in the same
apartment building. Glenn later
said that he learned a lot about
songwriting from hearing Jackson
work on songs in the apartment
Keeping you up to date with what is happening with the major stars of Country
- by BJ Thomas
below going over the same song
for hours whilst honing it to
perfection.
Glenn met drummer Don Henley
in 1970 when Linda Ronstadt
needed a backing band for a
single gig, she hired Glenn, Don,
Randy Meisner and Bernie
Leadon on the advice of her
boyfriend who coincidentally was
JD Souther. Glenn and the boys
became Linda’s backing band for
her 1971 summer tour and that
line-up later became the Eagles
with Glenn playing guitar and
keyboards and Don Henley
playing drums.
Eagles was the debut album
released on Asylum Records in
1972, the first of two albums
recorded in quick succession at
London's Olympic Studios with
British producer Glyn Johns. It was
during this period I first saw them
perform live at Manchester’s Free
Trade Hall supporting Leslie
West’s Mountain. From the first
chords of the opening song, Take
It Easy I was hooked. To say that
Glenn and the boys opened up a
whole new musical world to me is
an understatement, the next day I
went straight to Rare Records in
Manchester to pre-order the
albums and have followed the
band ever since.
The first record was an immediate
success, reaching the top of the
charts and going platinum. As we
all know the Eagles went on to
become one of the best-selling
groups of all time. Glenn wrote or
co-wrote often with Don Henley,
JD Souther and Jackson Browne
many of the group's songs and
sang the lead vocals on a number
of Eagles hits including Take It
Easy, Peaceful Easy Feeling,
Tequila Sunrise and Lyin' Eyes.
The Eagles broke up in 1980 and
reunited in 1994, when they
released a new album titled Hell
Freezes Over. The album had live
tracks and four new songs. The
Hell Freezes Over Tour followed
and at their first live concert in
1994 Glenn famously announced
‘for the record, we never broke
up, we just took a 14-year
vacation’.
The last Eagles' album, Long Road
Out Of Eden was released in
2007, followed by The Long
Road Out Of Eden Tour 20082011.
In 2013, the two part
documentary, History of the
Eagles, was aired on US tv and a
two year, History of the Eagles
world tour followed, this ended on
July 29th, 2015 at Bossier City,
Louisiana, a concert which would
turn out to be Glenn’s final bow.
During the last few years of his life
Glenn was dogged by ill health
and he died in New York City on
January 18th 2016 from
complications arising from
rheumatoid arthritis, colitis and
pneumonia. With his untimely
death we have undoubtedly lost
one of the greatest songwriters of
all time. R.I.P. Glenn Frey.
The largest circulation British Country music magazine in the
UK with advertisements for events throughout the UK, club
reports and a gig list with more than 500 clubs
Subscribe to Cross Country
for £18 per year
or why not subscribe for
2 years for only £30*
*Pay via paypal on your credit or debit card (additional charge of £2.50 applies) at www.crosscountrymagazine.co.uk
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UC March 2016
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17
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:21 Page 18
CYPRUS
The Phil Mack
International Country Show
Wednesday March 2nd 2016
7 Nights Half Board
From £725 per person
Phil Mack & Bob Brolly present guest artists - Lisa Stanley, Mark Roberts,
Fergal Flaherty, Trevor Loughrey, Shunie Crampsey, Marisa D’Amato (Malta), Ben Troy
ATHENA BEACH HOTEL - PAPHOS
The elegant waterfront resort of the Athena Beach Hotel provides unsurpassed luxury and style, with the highest levels of quality and a superb choice of facilities and
amenities, making this the ideal destination to relax. The Athena Beach Hotel has also recently been fully refurbished with all rooms, public areas and facilities renovated to a
high standard.
The Athena Beach Hotel is set in spacious and attractive gardens with glorious sea views, leading directly to the beach. The Athena Beach Hotel is well located in Paphos, close
to local bars, restaurants and shops and only 1.5 km from the centre of Paphos.
The hotel facilities include:
• 3 freshwater swimming pools
• 1 indoor heated pool
• Indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis
• 1 floodlit tennis court
• Table tennis and pool table
• Outdoor flat bowls green in resort (8 rinks)
• Indoor bowls green (6 rinks)
• Indoor and outdoor short mat facilities
The holiday includes:
• 20kg hold luggage per person
• Return flight from various regional airports (subject to availability)
• Return airport coach transfers in Cyprus
• Full Dunwood Travel representation service in resort
• Half Board - buffet breakfast & dinner
• Full use of the excellent Athena Beach facilities
• Entertainment The Phil Mack International Country Show featuring guests
Single Room Supp £12pppn / Side Sea View Supp £4pppn / Sea View Supp £7pppn. £150 deposit per person required to secure your flights. Cheques made payable to DUNWOODTRAVEL.
Flight seats subject to availability and rates quoted on point of sale are estimate and subject to change.
Dunwood Travel will contact you on receipt of deposits to advise actual selling cost. Please supply copy of passport photograph page showing full NAME as appears/ Passport number and DOB at
time of supplying deposits or supply passport details in writing.
Dudley
St Joseph Court, Trindle Road, Dudley DY2 7AU - 01384 455655
E& O. E 20/08/15 KP The information detailed is correct at time of publication, this information is subject
to change and you are asked to consult Dunwood Travel for updated information .
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:21 Page 19
www.upcountrymagazine.co.uk
Keeping you up to date with what is happening with the major stars of Country
The Bluebird Cafe at the C2C featuring Nashville songwriters
Folks such as Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Faith
Hill, Kenny Chesney and Trisha Yearwood
all performed at The Bluebird in Nashville
on their way to the top of the charts. Garth
Brooks performed on both the Open Mic
and Sunday Songwriter’s shows before he
was discovered - at The Bluebird - and
signed to Capitol Records. Taylor Swift
performed in the round in 2004 for record
label executives at the club, leading to her
relationship with Big Machine Records.
Kelsea Ballerini waited in line to attend a
Bluebird show and then garnered her own
seat at The Bluebird in the round
performances before rising to stardom.
A typical show at The Bluebird features
three or four songwriters performing in the
round, a format made famous at the club
where the performers take turns playing
their original music, sharing the stories
behind the songs and accompanying each
other instrumentally and with backing vocals.
Over 80,000 people visit the venue
annually. The Bluebird Cafe has been
featured in publications such as Southwest
Spirit, Up Country, National Geographic
Traveler, the New York Times and Rolling
Stone magazine where the club was voted
one of the Top 10 Best Clubs in America.
Since opening its doors in 1982, The
Bluebird Cafe has become a world famous
venue where, from the novice to the star, all
levels of songwriters are welcomed and
supported.
The Bluebird Cafe at C2C
Nashville’s world famous Bluebird Cafe (as
featured in the Nashville tv series) is coming
to London for the first time with ticketed,
early afternoon performances (before the
main arena opens) in The O2’s listening
room, Club WM, as part of the Country to
Country Festival.
There are two programming slots on
Saturday and two on Sunday.
Saturday March 12th - 11.30am
Jessi Alexander, Barry Dean and Lori
McKenna.
Saturday March 12th - 1.45pm
Striking Matches, Charles Esten, Georgia
Middleton and Gary Burr.
Sunday March 13th - 11.30pm
Shane McAnally and the members of Old
Dominion.
Sunday March 13th - 1.15pm
Barry Dean, Maren Morris and Shane
McAnally.
Each slot will be ticketed and ticket prices
are £25 - each ticket includes an exclusive
Bluebird Cafe poster.
The Performers:
Barry Dean, originally from Kansas and
now based in Nashville, is a CMA and
Grammy award winner who has co-written
numerous hits including Pontoon and Day
Drinking for Little Big Town, Tattoo for
Hunter Hayes, Diamond Rings & Old
Barstools for Tim McGraw, On To
Something Good for Ashley Monroe and
UC March 2016
Anyone Else for Blake Shelton.
Jessi Alexander is one of Nashville’s most
prolific and talented songwriters. She
recorded for Columbia and released her
debut cd in 2005 and enjoyed a couple of
hits before changing course and focusing
on an award-winning and very successful
career as a songwriter. She’s co-written big
hits for Miley Cyrus, Luke Bryan and the
CMA award-winning I Drive Your Truck.
Lori McKenna has become one of
Nashville’s most in-demand Country
songwriters. Her songs have been cut by
Faith Hill, Alison Krauss, Tim McGraw and
Reba amongst others. Her co-written song,
Girl Crush, recorded by Little Big Town,
won a Country Music Association award
for Song of the Year and Single of the Year
and is nominated for a Grammy for Song
of the Year, Best Country Duo/Group
Performance and Best Country Song. Along
with her successes as a songwriter, Lori has
released critically acclaimed studio albums.
Her latest cd, Numbered Doors, was
named one of the 40 Best Country Albums
of 2014 by Rolling Stone.
Striking Matches comprise Sarah
Zimmermann and Justin Davis who occupy
the sweet spot at the intersection of
Country, rock and blues, where all of the
elements blend to form an authentically raw
and rootsy sound that has a timeless and
international appeal. They’ve written songs
for the Nashville series and toured with
Ashley Monroe, Keith Urban and Train.
Charles Esten is best known for his role on
Nashville, playing the character of Deacon
Claybourne but is quickly gaining acclaim
as a singer/songwriter in his own right. He
has performed at the Grand Ole Opry, the
historic Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird
Café and is a featured artist on the eight
successful Nashville soundtracks that have
been released to date.
Georgia Middleman, originally from
Houston, Texas and now Nashville-based
has written songs for the likes of Reba
McEntire, Faith Hill, Tracy Lawrence and
Radney Foster. She is married to fellow
songwriter Gary Burr and they have
recorded together and also perform as a
trio called Blue Sky Riders with Kenny
Loggins.
Gary Burr is an American musician,
songwriter and producer who started out in
Pure Prairie League and wrote his first hit,
Love’s Been A Little Bit Hard On Me, in
1982 for Juice Newton. Inducted into the
Country Music Songwriter’s Hall of Fame,
he’s recognised as one of the most
successful songwriters in music history with
hits spanning pop, Country and even latin
music.
Shane McAnally is a CMA award-winning
songwriter and producer who has penned
15 and counting career number one songs
for artists, including Miranda Lambert,
Brandy Clark and Lady Antebellum and is a
frequent collaborator of Kacey Musgraves,
having co-produced both of her studio
albums (Same Trailer Different Park and
Pageant Material) and contributed as a
songwriter to the albums.
Old Dominion’s spirited take on modern
Country can be heard on their debut cd,
Meat And Candy. The songs sparkle with
clever lyrics and innovative instrumentation.
‘When we first sat down, we had a lot of
singalong, fun ‘candy’ songs’, says lead
singer Matthew Ramsey. ‘We decided we
needed to show our more serious side a
little too. We needed ‘meat’ songs too!’
Maren Morris from Texas has quickly
established herself in Nashville’s music
community with songwriting and vocal
styling that reflect her Country, folk and pop
influences. The female singer/songwriter
was named one of CMT’s Next Women of
Country as well as a CMT Listen Up Artist
of 2016, VEVO Discover Artist, SiriusXM
Artist to Watch in 2016, one of Spotify’s
Spotlight on Country 2016 Artists and
many 2016 ‘watch lists’ including USA
Today, Billboard and the Huffington Post.
The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
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Miranda Lambert
At the coveted CMA awards in November Miranda picked up her 21st award by bringing home the
Female Vocalist of the Year.
Miranda Leigh Lambert was born on November 10th 1983 and gained fame as a finalist on the 2003
season of Nashville Star, where she finished in third place. She made her debut with the release of Me
And Charlie Talking, the first single from her 2005 debut album, Kerosene. This album, which was
certified platinum in the United States, also produced the singles Bring Me Down, Kerosene and New
Strings. All four singles were top 40 hits on Billboard Hot Country Songs.
After Epic's Nashville division closed she was transferred to Columbia Records Nashville for her second
album, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, which was released in early 2007. Although the title track failed to make
the top 40, the next three singles, Famous In A Small Town, Gunpowder & Lead and More Like Her
were top 20 hits, with Gunpowder & Lead becoming her first top 10 Country hit in July 2008. Her third
album, Revolution, was released in September 2009 with five singles being released from the album,
including two number one hits, The House That Built Me and Heart Like Mine.
She has also been honoured at the Grammy Awards and the Academy of Country Music. She released
her fourth album, Four The Record and also collaborated with Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley
in the side project, Pistol Annies. Her fifth album, Platinum was released in June 2014, the album was
preceded by the lead single, Automatic, which hit top five on the Country charts and won the Grammy
award for Best Country Album. The album’s second single, Somethin' Bad featured Carrie Underwood.
Country to Country 2016
C2C: Country to Country is an annual multi-day Country
music festival created by AEG Europe and SJM
Concerts in association with the Country Music
Association. The festival takes place each March and,
after just two years, became Europe's largest Country
music festival and welcomes over 50,000 fans across
the weekend.
The festival was originally announced in December
2012 with the first one taking place on March 16th &
17th 2013 at The O2 in London. It was then announced
the festival would extend to the 3Arena in Dublin in
2014, taking place on the same weekend as the
London event, with artists switching venues each day.
In 2016 the festival continues to expand with events
also taking place at the Clyde Auditorium in Glasgow
plus shows at Hovet Arena Stockholm and Oslo's
Spektrum Arena.
Over the years Up Country has featured all but two of
the artists who are to perform on the main arena stage
at The O2 in March. The exceptions being Chris
Stapleton and Andrew Combs. Here we have a quick
résumé on each act.
Carrie Underwood
Carrie is one of the most awarded singers in any genre of music and has built a stellar career on cinematic songs, from
her first chart-topper, Jesus, Take The Wheel to more recent number one smashes with Blown Away, Two Black Cadillacs,
Something In The Water and Little Toy Guns.
Since winning American Idol in 2005 she has sold 58 million records worldwide, scored 21 number one hits, including 11
she co-wrote and earned over 100 major awards.
She was the first female artist to be twice named the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year. She is a
respected member of the Grand Ole Opry and has tallied 38 weeks at number one on Billboard’s Top Country Albums
chart with songs that have been streamed more than 1.5 billion times worldwide.
In addition to her impressive recording career, Carrie has branched out into acting with roles in film and television,
including starring as Maria von Trapp in NBC’s Emmy-winning The Sound Of Music Live! which attracted 44 million
viewers.
She has also launched her own fitness lifestyle line, CALIA by Carrie Underwood, which made a splash during New York
Fashion Week in 2015.
Of her music she says, ‘music is at its most powerful when it tells a story. Few things are more potent than a song that
washes over the listener, each cinematic line surging with emotion and taking the audience on an unexpected journey’.
In the past decade she has emerged as one of the most compelling storytellers of her generation and knows how to
weave and deliver a delicious tale. Aptly titled, Storyteller, her fifth studio album is filled with intriguing characters and
fascinating reflections on life, death, love and heartbreak.
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Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett is the man of the moment!
Years before he kicked off his career with It Goes Like This, a debut album that spawned five
top 40 hits and three numbers ones, Thomas Rhett spent his childhood listening to the
sounds of FM radio.
‘Growing up there was no such thing as listening to one radio station’, he remembers.
Instead he would regularly flip from one station to another, cranking up a mix of Country,
pop, r&b, rap, rock and oldies.
Decades later, he’s tipping his hat to those days with Tangled Up, an album that mixes the
sound of his influences with equal doses of groove, melody and twang. Although recorded in
his hometown of Nashville, Tangled Up was written all over America during a year-long
tour in support of his first album. There was something about the highway that made him
feel creative. Something about the crowds that made him feel inspired. Something about
the sold out shows that made him want to return to the tour bus and write something
exciting. With help from a handful of co-writers he whipped up a new batch of songs
during the hours before soundcheck, after the encore and during the long rides from one
city to the next.
Eric Church
Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Lee Musgraves self released three albums before
appearing on the fifth season of the USA Network's
singing competition, Nashville Star in 2007, where she
placed seventh. She signed to Mercury Nashville in 2012
and has released two outstanding albums on the label,
Same Trailer Different Park in 2013 and more recently,
in 2015, Pageant Material.
In April 2014 she won the Academy of Country Music
award for album, Same Trailer Different Park and in
June 2014 she released a new song called The Trailer
Song, which she debuted on the Tonight Show starring
Jimmy Fallon. Same Trailer Different Park was certified
gold in August 2014 for selling over 500,000 copies. Her
single, Follow Your Arrow was also certified gold, while
Merry Go Round was certified platinum.
Kacey was seen more recently gracing the stage at last
year’s Royal Variety Performance held in London.
Dwight Yoakam
This man can be described as one of the stalwarts of Country
music after honing his craft now for a number of years. Not only
is he known for his songwriter skills but that of an actor and
film director but being most famous for his pioneering Country
music.
He has been popular since the early 1980s and has recorded
more than 21 albums and compilations, charted more than 30
singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts and sold more
than 25 million records.
He has recorded five Billboard number one albums, 12 gold
albums and nine platinum albums, including the triple platinum
This Time. Add to this his many achievements in the performing
arts, he is also the most frequent musical guest in the history of
the Tonight Show.
UC March 2016
Kenneth Eric Church, born May 3rd 1977, is
better known to us as Eric Church. He is a
singer/songwriter who signed to Capitol
Nashville in 2005 and has since released a
total of five studio albums for that label. His
debut album, 2006's Sinners Like Me,
produced four singles on the Billboard
Country charts including the top 20 hits How
'Bout You, Two Pink Lines and Guys Like Me.
His second album, 2009's Carolina produced
three more singles and in 2011 his Chief
album garnered his first number one album
and gave him his first two number one
singles, Drink In My Hand and Springsteen
and the hits Homeboy, Creepin' and Like
Jesus Does. His third number one single was
The Only Way I Know which he, Jason
Aldean and Luke Bryan recorded for Jason
Aldean's album, Night Train.
A fourth album, The Outsiders, was released
in February 2014 and produced five new
singles between 2013 and 2015 with the
title track, Give Me Back My Hometown,
Cold One, Talladega and Like A Wrecking
Ball. Talladega and Give Me Back My
Hometown each reached number one on the
Country Airplay chart.
Eric Church got his sixth number one hit with
Keith Urban in May 2015 with the single,
Raise 'Em Up.
He released his fifth studio album, Mr
Misunderstood on November 3rd, 2015.
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Little Big Town
Chris Stapleton
This relatively new artist to a lot of us released his album,
Traveller, in May last year which initially debuted at number
two on the Billboard Country Albums chart with more than
27,000 albums sold, making it the best selling first week by a
debut Country artist in 2015. The album also received
immediate and extensive good reviews and landed him
bookings on the Late Show with David Letterman, The View,
Late Night with Seth Meyers and the Late Show with Stephen
Colbert, amongst others.
Following a historic show on the CMA Awards, he is the first
artist to win Album of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and
New Artist of the Year at the same awards.
Traveller became the first album to re-enter the Billboard 200
all genre album chart at number one, where it stayed for two
straight weeks. He also performed a show-stealing Rolling
Stone duet on the live awards show with superstar and friend,
Justin Timberlake. He ended the year with four nominations at
the 58th Annual Grammy Awards for Album of the Year, Best
Country Album, Best Country Song for Traveller and Best
Country Solo Performance, Traveller.
He has co-produced with Dave Cobb, who is also nominated in
the Producer of the Year category.
Traveller is comprised of songs written throughout Chris’ 15
year career and evokes his childhood when Country, blues, rock
and r&b swirled together to create a distinctive sound that still
resonates with modern fans. Beloved by critics, fans and fellow
artists, the album has received Best of 2015 attention in a lot of
publications in the US and many more.
Renowned and respected in Nashville, he has co-written six
number one hits for some of Country music’s biggest stars and
has continually worked as an in-demand session musician,
providing masterful backup vocals and guitar work to countless
pieces of music.
22
Hot on the heels of their wildly successful album, Tornado, Little Big
Town’s prescription for continued success and creative drive is in their
sixth album, Pain Killer. The two years since Tornado’s release have
proven to be the most motivational for the inspired family of artists,
together since 1998. Little Big Town earned two number one radio
hits with Tornado and Pontoon, a Grammy, two ACM and three CMA
awards and an Emmy.
They also found time to headline a sold out tour, join Keith Urban
across North America and host the CMA Music Festival: Country’s
Night To Rock, twice. These hard earned accolades and new
opportunities provided a steady dose of inspiration at every turn,
leading them to a fresh and very intentional approach to their latest
studio album. They co-wrote most of Tornado’s songs as a group and
knocked out production in a matter of weeks, whereas the road to
Pain Killer was significantly longer in the making and much more
calculated.
Ashley Monroe (Glasgow only)
Ashley Monroe was already a seasoned showbusiness veteran when she released her self-titled album in 2007
at the age of 19. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, she was raised in a family with a great love for Country music.
She is related to Carl Smith and members of the Carter Family on her father's side. She developed a passion for
music, taking her first piano lessons when she was only seven. At age 11 she won a talent contest in Pigeon
Forge, Tennessee singing Patsy Montana's western classic, I Want To Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart and brought
home a $100 prize. She was soon a regular performer at a theatre in Pigeon Forge.
However, her world was turned upside down when her father died in early 2000 and 13 year old Ashley began
writing songs to help her deal with the tragedy. A few years later she began making trips to Nashville to
perform her music in clubs along the fabled Lower Broadway district and before long she pulled up stakes and
moved to Music City.
Whilst her youth led to a certain degree of resistance at record labels and publishing houses in Nashville, her
music impressed manager Clarence Spalding who signed her as a client and began shopping her talents around
town. While an initial major label development deal went sour, in 2006 her music found an appreciative ear at
Columbia Records and she teamed up with producer Mark Wright, whose clients include Clint Black, Gretchen
Wilson and Los Lonely Boys, to record her first album. She released her second studio album, Like A Rose on
March 5th 2013 and received widespread recognition.
Maddie & Tae (London only)
Maddie & Tae didn’t set out to be the revolutionaries of the Country
mainstream, they just wanted to write songs about life the way two
18 year old young women at the time were living it. Their songs
include themes about bullying, clueless boys, the power of
friendship, heartbreak and coming of age - all the things we have to
encounter at that age.
Like a lot of young people they grew up on the Dixie Chicks’ full-tilt
acoustica. Both dreamers knew what they wanted early, the pair met
at 15 through a vocal coach and came to Nashville for a publishing
summer camp. They met Big Machine Label Group’s senior vice
president of A&R, Allison Jones and fate stepped in. They are deeply
invested in the music and with a strong emphasis on harmony, they
evoke the Everly Brothers’ tandem vocal style with a nuance and
control to their singing unseen in today’s over vocalising Country
music.
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Sam Hunt
Sam Lowry Hunt is a Country music singer/songwriter and former
college football player. Born in Cedartown, Georgia, he played
football in his high school and college years and once attempted
to pursue a professional sports career before signing with MCA
Nashville in 2014.
Prior to his successful solo career he was credited for writing
singles for Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Billy Currington and
Reba McEntire. His debut RIAA gold-certified album, Montevallo,
which includes three platinum US Hot Country Songs charttoppers made him the first Country artist to have all of the singles
from his debut album to peak within the top 40 of the Billboard
Hot 100 chart and the second solo male in the SoundScan era to
lead Top Country Albums and Hot Country Songs being a new
artist with his first album.
The lead single from the album, Leave The Night On, peaked
atop, concurrently, the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay
charts. He is also the first rookie male artist in the past two years
to be a number one on Top Country Albums and the first Country
act as a main artist since Clint Black to occupy both year-end
number one Country album and single with Montevallo and Take
Your Time.
With the launch of his career he has quickly assumed recognition
from both inside and outside the Country music community for his
boundary breaking artistry, incorporating use of r&b and pop
into the production and songwriting of his songs. He has been
honoured with numerous awards, including one American Music
Award, one Academy of Country Music Award and one CMT Music
Award as well as nominations for Billboard Music Awards and
Grammy Awards.
or
d
t
Andrew Combs
Andrew Combs is an American singer/songwriter and
guitarist from Dallas, Texas who currently resides in
Nashville, Tennessee.
He released his debut EP, Tennessee Time, in May 2010,
which has been compared to Mickey Newbury and Guy
Clark. In April 2012 he released a vinyl seven inch called
Big Bad Love.
In July 2012 Andrew Combs signed to the Nashvillebased music publishing arm of New York City record
label, Razor & Tie. In October 2012 he released Worried
Man, which American Songwriter gave a four star
review, writing: ‘As singer/songwriter first albums go it’ll
be tough to beat this as one of the year’s finest, from a
newcomer who is hopefully just tapping into his talent’.
In 2013 Andrew supported Shovels & Rope and Caitlin
Rose on national tours and performed at the Newport
Folk Festival.
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UK
USA
Grand Ole Opry
The movie - The show that made
Country music famous - presents
live performances and intimate
backstage moments from Country
favourites Brad Paisley, Blake
Shelton, Darius Rucker, The Band
Perry and Brett Eldredge in a
made for cinema concert film
which was shown in over 200
US cinemas on February 12th.
Doubtless dvd and cable tv will
follow.
The Shires
Ben and Crissie were on the Grand Ole
Opry after receiving an invitation from
the Country Music Association in
Tennessee. Ben Earle, 27, from St
Albans, said, ‘we found out we were
playing when a fan told us we were
listed on the Opry’s website. We didn’t
believe it but our manager told us it was
true. It’s a dream for us to play at the
home of Country music. It’s so important
to maintain our Britishness. We sing
about fish and chips in our song, Made
In England. Like the other performers at
the Saturday night show, broadcast live
on satellite radio and as a webcast, The
Shires will sing two songs to demonstrate
their skills.
They will be able to play a whole set at
Glastonbury later in the year.
Hannah’s W
Hannah Valize & Tom Caldwell
UK
Germany
David Bowie
In the huge outpouring of emotion at his death,
various facts were uncovered. For one, he
shared the same birthday as Elvis Presley and
naturally became a great fan.
Dwight Yoakam said David Bowie told him that
six months before Elvis’ death in August 1977,
Elvis had telephoned asking David Bowie to
produce his next record. ‘That was based on
Elvis having heard David Bowie’s Golden Years
and I thought oh gosh it’s a tragedy that he
was never able to make that. I couldn’t even
imagine David Bowie producing Elvis. It would
have been fantastic. It has to be one of the
greatest tragedies in pop music history that it
didn’t happen, one of the biggest missed
opportunities.’
Winnetou
The fictional Apache chief has become part of folklore since Karl May
wrote the first Old Firehand in 1875 and continued with stories of the
old West until 1910. He has gone on to become the best selling
German author ever and dominated German literature for over a
century. Albert Einstein found solace in them in his darkest hours and
Adolph Hitler references them in his recently republished Mein Kampf.
After a series of films in the 60s and tv series in the 80s, the annual Karl
May festival was established and draws 30,000 visitors. It features a
trail which meanders over two kilometres through the Lößnitzgrund with
its gorges, rocks, the stream and historic narrow-gauge railway complete
with western town, Little Tombstone, Indian village Distant Land and
PowWow Am Hohenstein.
You can go there on the Santa Fé Express, by car, or even on
horseback! It is held in Radebeul, Saxony from May 15th-17th.
USA
Blake Shelton
After releasing his greatest hit album,
Reloaded: 20 #1 Hits in October, Blake had
to wait until 2016 for the 21st, Gonna.
Again it’s a release from his current album,
Bringing Back The Sunshine.
If you have ever played Angry Birds then you
will be delighted to find that Blake will be
voicing the part of Earl, one of those Little
Green Piggies, in the forthcoming Angry Birds movie. He also penned
a song for the movie, with some difficulty, ‘I don’t have a whole lot of
experience being shot out of a slingshot at pigs’.
24
USA
Carrie Underwood
After a slip-up on a national tv show, Carrie
admitted her husband, Mike Fisher only knows
the words to one song, Tag Team’s Whoomp!
(There It Is).
Now he has learned the words to the Garth
Brooks hit, The River, Carrie said, ‘a duet is
coming soon’.
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USA
USA
Trisha Yearwood
Fox TV will be producing a two
hour live musical event, The
Passion For Easter in which
Trisha plays Mary. As she follows
her son into Jerusalem, she has
already witnessed Jesus’ struggle
with opposition from other
religious leaders.
The Passion will air from various
locations around New Orleans,
with hundreds of people
marching from outside the
Superdome to the live stage at
Woldenburg Park, carrying a 20
foot illuminated cross.
World
Kenny Chesney
Kenny said that Apple's commercial
represented a chance to better connect with his
No Shoes Nation fanbase.
‘The fact that I can take my fans by the hand
and drag them along with me is pretty exciting,
I love music and my fans love music and again
the fact that we can share it together like we
have is beautiful’.
For their part, Apple's Larry Jackson said
getting Kenny on board was a major win. ‘I'm
just happy that he liked the idea and he trusted
in us. We’re happy to work with him, he's
amazing.’
USA
Kenny Rogers
Kenny’s favourite song to perform is Every
Time Two Fools Collide, originally a duet with
Dottie West, which reached number one in
1978.
‘My persona is, I’m more known for The
Gambler and the Dolly Parton stuff but that
was the song that I loved doing’, Kenny
explained. ‘I think Dottie West is one of the
most unappreciated artists ever in Country
music and I’m going to do everything I can to
get her into the Country Music Hall of Fame.’
After one final tour, the details of which have
not yet been announced, Kenny will be
retiring, partially in order to spend more time
with his family, including his 11 year old
boys. ‘I’ve truly done everything I could do,
I’ve won everything I could win and now my
life has to go on.’
USA
Randy Travis
Fans have prayed for a full
recovery since Randy’s stroke in
2013. They knew it would be a
long trek but close friends have
said that, ‘he can talk, say words
but no sentences yet’.
USA
Zac Brown
When Zac’s fourth studio album, Jekyll + Hyde, debuted at number one on both
the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts, electronic sounds confused
Country fans. ‘I’ve been making some more electronic music, which I really
enjoy doing. I don’t ever want to stop making Country and I don’t want to stop
making electronic music either. We had something like a nine week number one
with a rock song, Heavy Is The Head and that’s amazing to me. It just makes
me want to create another batch of music just like Jekyll + Hyde’.
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Country music in
2010
This month we continue our series looking back
randomly over the years of Country music where we
will find interesting facts and figures.
We are looking back to the year when Blake
Shelton and Miranda Lambert got engaged.
Country Events
• January:
Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert.
Chely Wright.
Taylor Swift becomes the youngest Country music artist and also youngest person
to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. She also won three more
awards that night for Best Country Album, Best Female Country Vocal
Performance and Best Country Song.
• February: Wynonna Judd announces that she will reunite with her mother, Naomi Judd to
tour and record a studio album for the final time as The Judds.
• April:
Disney Music Group announces the closure of Lyric Street Records. The label's
flagship act, Rascal Flatts, along with Bucky Covington, Kevin Fowler and Tyler
Dickerson follow them within the label's parent company. Three other artists on
the roster, Sarah Buxton, Love And Theft and The Parks are released from the
label.
Carrie Underwood becomes the first woman in history to win the Entertainer of
the Year award at the Academy of Country Music Awards twice. She previously
won the award at the 2009 ceremony.
• May:
Chely Wright becomes the first major Country artist to come out as homosexual.
Flooding on the Cumberland River in Nashville, Tennessee causes damage to the
Grand Ole Opry House and Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
The Grand Ole Opry performances are moved to the Ryman Auditorium, War
Memorial Auditorium and the Two Rivers Baptist Church, all of which were
unaffected by the floods. The common areas of the Gaylord Opryland Hotel were
destroyed and parts of the hotel are under 10 feet of water.
Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert become engaged after five years of dating.
• July:
Carrie Underwood and Ottawa Senators player Mike Fisher marry.
• October: Billy Ray Cyrus and wife Tish file for divorce in Nashville (which has since been
called off).
Randy Travis and wife Elizabeth file for divorce.
• December: The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts honours Merle Haggard for
his lifetime contributions to the arts.
Country Music Hall of Fame Inductees
•
•
•
•
Jimmy Dean (1928-2010)
Ferlin Husky (1925-2011)
Billy Sherrill (1936-present)
Don Williams (1939-present)
Deaths
Billy Ray Cyrus and his wife, Tish.
26
• January 16th - Carl Smith, 82, honky tonk-styled star of the 1950s through to the 1970s.
• January 27th - Shirley Collie Nelson, 78, rockabilly artist, second wife of Willie Nelson.
• June 13th - Jimmy Dean, 81, popular Country music singer, actor and entrepreneur, best
known for his 1961 hit, Big Bad John and his eponymously named sausage company.
• July 15th - Hank Cochran, 74, songwriter.
• July 22nd - Margaret Ann Rich, 76, songwriter, wife of the late singer/songwriter
Charlie Rich.
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Top Songs of the Year
Every Dog Has Its Day
White Liar
Pretty Good At Drinkin' Beer
Stuck Like Glue
Why Don't We Just Dance
The House That Built Me
Trailerhood
Toby Keith
Miranda Lambert
Billy Currington
Sugarland
Josh Turner
Miranda Lambert
Toby Keith
Southern Voice
The Man I Want To Be
If I Die Young
Hurry Home
Free
The Boys Of Fall
As She's Walking Away
Tim McGraw
Chris Young
The Band Perry
Jason Michael Carroll
Zac Brown Band
Kenny Chesney
Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson
Elsewhere in 2010
January:
The prime Minister, Gordon Brown announced that full body scanners would be introduced at UK airports
following the failed attack on Northwest Airlines Flight 253 on December 25th 2009.
The UK was once again deluged by heavy snowfall as it endured its worst cold spell since the winter of 1981-82.
February: The Birmingham based confectionery giant, Cadbury was taken over by American rival, Kraft Foods in an
£11.5 billion deal.
March:
Following lengthy discussions between Royal Mail managers and Communication Workers Union, representatives
agreed a deal to settle the postal workers dispute.
April:
Gordon Brown visited Buckingham Palace to seek the Queen's permission to dissolve Parliament on April 12th,
triggering a general election on May 6th.
A cloud of volcanic ash from the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland caused the closure of airspace over the
United Kingdom and northern and western Europe.
May:
Chelsea became champions of the Premier League after beating Wigan Athletic 8-0 on the final day of the season.
Ed Miliband followed his brother David in declaring his candidacy in the Labour leadership election.
Netto announced the sale of all its UK stores to Asda in a £778 million deal.
June:
Beavers bred in the wild in Scotland for the first time in 400 years.
The Strata (The Razor), a 148 metre, 43 storey, 408 flat skyscraper at Elephant & Castle in the London borough
of Southwark, that incorporates wind turbines into its structure, is completed.
David Cameron announced his intention to have all British troops home from Afghanistan by 2015.
July:
The British Grand Prix at Silverstone is won by Mark Webber with Lewis Hamilton in second place.
Metro Bank opens its first branch, in Holborn, London, the first wholly new high street bank for more than a
century.
August:
British newspaper, The News Of The World prints evidence that the current Lord's test between England and
Pakistan was rigged in a match fixing scam worth millions of pounds.
September: Seamus Heaney's poetry collection, Human Chain published and nominated for the 2010 Forward Poetry Prize.
October:
The Equality Act comes into effect, consolidating legislation requiring equal treatment in access to employment
and services regardless of gender, race, health, disability, sexual orientation, belief and age.
Chancellor George Osborne unveils the highest post-war cuts in public spending.
November: The one millionth Range Rover is produced at the Land Rover factory in Solihull, 40 years after the original Range
Rover was first produced.
The Government unveils plans for the biggest shake up of the welfare system since the 1940s.
December: England's bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup fails, having attracted only two votes. FIFA awards the tournament
to Russia instead.
Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland
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...2010
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Vince Gill
28
- Good Habits
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Vince Gill is now
regarded as one of the
elder statesmen of
Country music and his
talents as songwriter,
guitarist and singer
can only be described
as outstanding.
Having won a fistful of
CMA’s, Grammy
awards and many
other accolades, few
other artists can
match his stature or
level of success.
After a break of three
years Vince has
released his latest
album, Down To My
Last Bad Habit. After
his recent ventures
into traditional and
bluegrass Country he
has returned to the
style of music with
which he made his
reputation in the late
80s and 90s.
by Alan Perkins
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Vince
Born in Oklahoma in 1957 Vince Gill’s
recording career did not take off until he
had moved to Nashville 30 years later.
Time spent in California, some of it as
lead singer with Rodney Crowell’s
Cherry Bombs, gave him time to
developing his songwriting skills and this
was reflected when he released his first
album, Turn Me Loose, with the
number one single of
the same name.
However, it
was several
years after this when he made his name
with another smash hit single, When I
Call Your Name, from the album of the
same title and this really established his
reputation as a singer, writer and musician.
I was lucky enough to speak with Vince
recently and he was as equally delightful
as when we met personally at the initial
C2C event four years ago.
We began by talking about the new
album and the style and I asked Vince
about the thinking behind it. He told me,
‘I never stop writing and I had a new
bunch of songs that I wanted to record,
they reflect what I am feeling at the time
and are not set in any particular style’. I
then asked about his recent journey into
traditional and bluegrass music. ‘I’ve
always loved playing in that style. I had
a period where I wanted to explore the
music more but now I am more about my
own music.’
The album was recorded in Vince’s own
home studio and I wondered if this had
impacted on the final product. ‘It’s less
stressful when you know you can work at
home’, he explained ‘but I don’t think it
changed the sound of the final product.’
When I mentioned that the album
reminded me of the classic Vince Gill
sound of the 90s he said this was not a
deliberate return to those times even
though the album title might have
suggested it. ‘This is just the sound I
wanted from my new songs and if it
sounds like earlier albums then so be it. I
just want to make something I am
pleased with and I’m absolutely
delighted with this latest collection of my
songs’.
We then discussed the fact that he does
so much more than record his own
30
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Gill
albums and is regarded as a leading
guitarist. I suggested that his playing style
matched his laidback vocals and he told
me that was very much down to his teacher.
‘Chet Atkins was the person who gave me
all my skills and style and everything I have
came through him.’
In the early 80s his playing was so highly
regarded that Mark Knopfler invited him to
join Dire Straits and when Vince’s career
had a slight dip in the 90s it was revived
by an invite to play at Eric Clapton’s
Crossroads guitar festival.
‘I was so grateful and surprised to be
invited by such an icon and he has been
such a good friend since. When I
appeared on stage with all these great
players it had a tremendous impact on my
profile and put me back in the limelight.
Things went really well after that.’
In a similar vein, we spoke about his
relaxed vocal style and Vince went on to tell
me that he sang as he felt.
‘There were a lot of influences in my early
days, I listened to a range of Country
singers, blues, rock and soul performers
and they all impacted on the way I sing.
The one thing I am sure of is that a Country
singer should sing Country like a Country
singer and not try to be something else.’
In the same vein I asked about the current
trends from Country vocalists and if he was
happy with change.
‘When I first listened to records it was all
the Carter Family and people like Jimmy
Dickens and much of the music came from
religious groundings but things moved on
through various phases and we had the
twang of the 60s and 70s and the rockier
sounds of the 90s. I guess now there is
more edge to Country but it may move
back to a more traditional sound in years to
come.’
It was no surprise to him that Chris
Stapleton had been so successful at this
year’s CMAs. ‘I have written with him for
years and we all knew previously how
good a singer Chris was and when he
sang with Justin Timberlake at the ceremony
it just blew everyone away and the world
became aware of his quality. So Country
will always have fine singers with a
traditional sound.’
He went on to explain his thinking about
current trends when he told me that young
people are influenced by what music they
hear in their youth. ‘Today’s young Country
stars grew up with a great deal of hip-hop
and rock to listen to and it is bound to
come through in their writing. Today’s music
has moved on so future stars in Country will
reflect that.’
Vince went on to discuss the new
generation of musicians he admires and
here he mentioned Kacey Musgraves and
Brandy Clark as young writers who are
producing ‘edgy’ songs with a more
traditional sound and amongst the most
exciting of the next generation he pointed to
Cam (recently featured on Up Country’s
cover), Ashley Monroe and Charlie
Worsham as being the leading lights he
admires and expects to be highly
successful.
Beyond his own work, he is renowned for
the contributions he makes to many other
artists’ albums, be it as writer, guitarist or
vocalist. One article listed over 400
records where he had appeared in one
guise or another and when I asked him
about this he told me confidently it was
greater than that. ‘I would say it is more like
twice that’, he commented. ‘The list is still
growing and the phone is always ringing,
asking for me to contribute to albums or
write songs and I’m happy to help.’
When I asked how he was able to fit
everything in and still carry on touring, he
put it down to loving what he did. ‘I still live
to make music and without it (and after a
pause he concluded), I might as well not be
here. I make the most of every opportunity
and will carry on doing what I can for as
long as possible.’
As to the future, I asked whether he would
be touring the new album and if so would
he be more selective about where he
played.
Again Vince demonstrated his love for the
music by telling me he would carry on as
always with a full tour schedule.
He joked, ‘I may be almost 60 but I ain’t
fading with the sunset just yet! I plan 30 or
40 dates’. Although when I suggested he
might not go the whole hog with the tour he
agreed. ‘It’s good to think that in my
position I can be selective about where I
play and how many shows I do.’
Although his new album title talks of being
Down To His Last Bad Habit, Vince Gill has
spent a musical life demonstrating a wide
range of quite the opposite.
Whether it is making albums, playing
guitar, supporting other artists, songwriting,
scooping awards or in his other great work
as a charity fundraiser, he is a total winner.
The perfect
gentleman,
musician and
performer Vince Gill
continues to show
why he is one of
Country music’s
superstars and his
latest album just
adds to his list of
outstanding
achievements.
Down To His Last Bad Habit
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Dancing with Rob
My name is Rob Fowler and for those who don’t know me I’ve been on the circuit for 25 years,
travelling the world and promoting Country and line dance. I was asked by Up Country if I
would like to be Dance Editor for the magazine which I accepted as an honour. They say I can
ease my way in gently until I get into the swing of the deadlines and get to know which dances
have already been published in past issues so here goes with my choice for this month.
It will be very difficult to keep up the high standard that Gaye brought to the table but I will try
my very best. I look forward to the challenge of bringing you some great dances to amazing
Country music by the best choreographers and encouraging new talent for the future.
34 Comments
35 Top Ten Dances
This special section for the
line dance community
needs your input. Also if
you would like to send us
your top 10 classic dances
and the songs you
associate with them or
enjoy dancing them to, we
shall try and compile a list
of your all-time favourites.
Email us at
[email protected].
Rock Around The Clock
Smokey Places
Black Coffee
Backtrack
Strollalong Cha Cha
Come Dance With Me
Best Of Friends (Partner dance)
Cowgirl Twist
The Skip
Kelly’s Cannibals
Rob
Line dances in this issue ...
36 Big Blue Tree
37 Everyday
38 It Takes All Kinds
39 Cha Cha ‘Round And ‘Round
40 Like Tangerine Honey
41 Mountains To The Sea
42 Rum Is The Reason
43 South Side Shake
44 Strip It Down
Partner dances in this issue ..
45 Have A Ball
46 Baby I’m Right
Margaret Fields - Peterborough
47 Line dance class guide
48 What’s On
Tush Push
Patient Heart
County Line Cha Cha
Electric Slide
California Frieze
Cruisin’
Midnight Waltz
My Maria
Tropicana Parking Lot
Walkin’ The Line
Waltz Across Texas
Jamaica Mistaka
Hog Wild
Copperhead Road
Swamp Thang
Commitment
Islands In The Stream
Scotia Samba
Red Hot Salsa
Fly Like A Bird
Timeless Classics
Timeless Classics
UC March 2016
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October 14th to 16th 2016
Join us at the Erskine Bridge Hotel, Glasgow
*2 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast
The Legends are coming to Scotland
Jo Thomson, Scott Blevins, Daniel Whittaker, Gary Lafferty,
Raymond Salimijn, Lizzie Clarke, Rob Fowler and Scooter Lee
Workshops with the Legends
These smaller Legends Weekends will allow you to get to know your favourite ‘Legend’ better.
Our Legendary Djs will be playing your favourite dances and tunes from the past, present and future!
Sit, chat, reminisce and share your memories.
Our Legends have kept the dance floors full for over 25 years
A time to Celebrate!
All rooms are en suite with tea making facilities, tv, hairdryer and telephone.
Some rooms have picturesque views of the River Clyde and the bridge.
All guests have free use of the Hotel Leisure Suite and Swimming Pool.
Don’t delay in reserving your place.
Places are limited for this weekend - £169 per person - £30 deposit
Booking Line: 01253 365432
Email:[email protected] - www.legendsinline.com
34
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Top
Send your top Country music dances into
us and a selection of those published will
receive a free cd.
DANCES
DAVE BISHOP - SOUTHERN CROSS, LUDLOW
BELINDA SEYMOUR - WILTSHIRE
HEAVENLY CHA
PLACES
CORN DON’T GROW
HOMEGROWN
WOMAN TROUBLE
LAY LOW
SINATRA AND CHARDONNAY
THE REAL DEAL
PATSY FAGAN
NEW SHADE OF BLUE
TELEPATHY
PLACES
HEAVENLY CHA
CORN DON’T GROW
WAGON WHEEL ROCK
NEW SHADE OF BLUE
WHITE ROSE
MEMPHIS LOVE
WALK BACK TO ME
TRIPLE MIX
CROW VALLEY LINE DANCE, CWMBRAN
JUST ANOTHER WOMAN
THE REAL DEAL
SINATRA AND CHARDONNAY
LAY LOW
DIME STORE COWGIRL
BOILING POINT
SKIP THE LINE
COME AS YOU ARE
H.T.V
ROCK AND ROLL
MRS L MASON - LEICESTERSHIRE
THE REAL DEAL
SKIP THE LINE
BIG BLUE TREE
RAIN
NEW SHADE OF BLUE
GOD BLESS THE GIRLS
LAY LOW
DIME STORE GIRL
LOCKIN’S BAR
MEMPHIS LOVE
LINDSAY GRAHAM - SURREY
LAY LOW
LOCKLIN’S BAR
IT’S HIGH TIME
RAIN
GOD BLESS THE GIRLS
BOILING POINT
NEW SHADE OF BLUE
DIME STORE GIRL
SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME
BIG BLUE TREE
MS S CARTER - BRISTOL
Dance
Locklin’s Bar
Boiling Point
Lay Low
The Real Deal
It’s High Time
Rain
Gold Bless The Girls
Memphis Love
New Shade Of Blue
Big Blue Tree
Music
Locklin’s Bar
Burning Love
Lay Low
Baby I’m Right
High Time
Rain
Pageant Material
That’s How I Got To Memphis
New Shade Of Blue
Big Blue Tree
SADIE’S DRESS
WHEREVER YOU ARE
LOCKLIN’S BAR
LAY LOW
HEAVENLY CHA
CORN DON’T GROW
LIKE COCA COLA IN HOLLYWOOD
BIG BLUE TREE
UNTIL THE DAWN
NEW SHADE OF BLUE
MR L RICHARDS - LINCOLNSHIRE
LAY LOW
BOILING POINT
NEW SHADE OF BLUE
FLY LIKE A DOVE
HEAVENLY CHA
PLACES
CORN DON’T GROW
RAIN
A BOY AND A GIRL
SINATRA & CHARDONNAY
MRS B CLARKE - LANCASHIRE
THE REAL DEAL
RAIN
BIG BLUE TREE
GOD BLESS THE GIRLS
LAY LOW
NEW SHADE OF BLUE
BOILING POINT
MEMPHIS LOVE
SINATRA AND CHARDONNAY
SADIE’S DRESS
DANCES
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
ROLLINGVILLE LINEDANCE CLUB, KENT
Artist
Michael English
Travis Tritt
Josh Turner
Darius Rucker
Kacey Musgraves
Tanner Gomes
Kacey Musgraves
Roch Voisine
Southern Pacific
Michael English
LOCKLIN’S BAR
LAY LOW
THE REAL DEAL
BOILING POINT
RAIN
IT’S HIGH TIME
MEMPHIS LOVE
NEW SHADE OF BLUE
WHERE CORN DON’T GROW
BIG BLUE TREE
The list that considers the top Country
music dances of the moment.
Please send us your lists and let
everyone know what dances you are
doing in your area, whether they are
couple or line to the address below or
email them to
[email protected].
Choreographer
Maggie Gallagher
Karl-Harry Winson / Tina Argyle
Darren Bailey
Heather Barton / Willie Brown
Robbie McGowan Hickie / Tony Vassell
Kate Sala
Kate Sala
Vikki Morris
Yvonne Anderson
Ria Vos
Send your top ten dances to: UC, PO Box 4257, Sheffield S25 9DA. Email: [email protected]
UC March 2016
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Dance Time
Big Blue Tree is a great up tempo and lively song and is already a great hit with the dancers.
BIG BLUE TREE
Beginner: 4 Wall Line Dance (32 Counts)
Choreographer: Ria Vos (NL) - [email protected] - (November 2015)
Music: Big Blue Tree by Michael English (16 count intro after main beat kicks in on the words ‘Well I’)
Cd: Dance All Night
Music available from iTunes and Amazon
Dance rotates in anti-clockwise direction
1: Toe struts x2. Rocking chair. Toe struts x2. Side rock. Quarter turn. Step forward
1&
Step Right toe to Right side. Drop Right heel to floor
2&
Step Left toe across Right. Drop Left heel to floor
3&
Rock Right forward to Right diagonal, Recover onto Left
4&
Rock back on Right. Recover onto Left
5&
Step Right toe to Right side. Drop Right heel to floor
6&
Step Left toe across Right. Drop Left heel to floor
7&8
Rock Right to Right side. Recover on quarter turn Left. Step forward on Right (Facing 9 o’clock)
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36
2: Heel struts x2. Rocking chair. Step. Kick. Coaster step
1&
Step forward on Left heel. Drop Left toe to floor
2&
Step forward on Right heel. Drop Right toe to floor
3&
Rock forward on Left. Recover onto Right
4&
Rock back on Left. Recover onto Right
5 - 6 Step forward on Left. Kick Right forward
7&8
Step back on Right. Step Left next to Right. Step forward on Right
3: Diagonal lock steps Left. Diagonal lock steps Right. Step. Right mambo forward. Run back x3
1&2
Step Left forward to Left diagonal. Lock Right behind Left. Step Left forward to Left diagonal
&3& Step Right forward to Right diagonal. Lock Left behind Right. Step Right forward to Right diagonal
4
Step forward on Left
5&6
Rock forward on Right. Recover onto Left. Step back on Right
7&8
(Run) Small steps back stepping Left. Right. Left
4: Coaster cross, Rumba box, Coaster cross
1&2
Step back on Right. Step Left next to Right. Cross step Right over Left
3&4
Step Left to Left side. Step Right next to Left. Step forward on Left
5&6
Step Right to Right side. Step Left next to Right. Step back on Right
7&8
Step back on Left. Step Right next to Left. Cross Left over Right
Start again
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Dance Time
You will all know this song and although written many years ago, this dance could be popular.
EVERYDAY
Beginner: 4 Wall Line Dance (32 Counts)
Choreographer: Audrey Watson
Music: Everyday by Buddy Holly (8 count into - start on vocals)
Cd: The Best Of Buddy Holly and various other compilations
Music available from iTunes and Amazon
Dance rotates in anti-clockwise direction
2: Rock back. Recover. Shuffle. Shuffle. Rock forward. Recover
1 - 2 Rock back on Right. Recover onto Left
3&4
Step forward on Right. Step Left next to Right. Step forward on Right
5&6
Step forward on Left. Step Right next to Left. Step forward on Left
7 - 8 Rock forward on Right. Recover onto Left
3: Chasse Right, Rock behind. Recover. Chasse Left, Rock behind. Recover
1&2
Step Right to Right. Step Left next to Right. Step Right to Right
3 - 4 Cross rock Left behind Right. Recover onto Right
5&6
Step Left to Left. Step Right next to Left. Step Left to Left
7 - 8 Cross rock Right behind Left. Recover onto Left
4: Out. Out. Hold. In. In. Hold. Kick-ball-change, Step. Pivot quarter turn Left
1&2
Step Right to Right. Step Left to Left. Hold
3&4
Step Right to centre. Step Left to centre. Hold
5&6
Kick Right forward. Step Right next to Left. Step Left next Right
7 - 8 Step forward on Right. Pivot quarter turn Left (Facing 9 o’clock)
Start again
UC March 2016
t: 01909 561003 e: [email protected] website: www.upcountrymagazine.co.uk
1: Cross rock. Recover. Triple step in place. Cross rock. Recover. Triple step in place
1 - 2 Cross rock Right over Left. Recover onto Left
3&4
Step in place on Right. Left. Right
5 - 6 Cross rock Left over Right. Recover onto Right
7&8
Step in place on Left. Right. Left
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Dance Time
Here is a nice western swing song by George Strait to dance to with no tags nor restarts.
IT TAKES ALL KINDS
Easy Improver: 4 Wall Line Dance (32 Counts)
Choreographer: Diana Dawson (Scotland) - [email protected] - (January 2016)
Music: It Takes All Kinds by George Strait (Intro - start on vocals)
Cd: Cold Beer Conversation
Music available from iTunes and Amazon
Dance rotates in clockwise direction
1: Right side strut. Cross strut. Rock & cross. Left side strut. Cross strut. Rock & cross
1&
Touch Right toe to Right side. Drop Right heel to floor
2&
Touch Left toe across Right. Drop Left heel to floor
3&4
Rock Right to Right side. Recover onto Left. Cross Right over Left
5&
Touch Left toe to Left side. Drop Left heel to floor
6&
Touch Right toe across Left. Drop Right heel to floor
7&8
Rock Left to Left side. Recover onto Right. Cross Left over Right
2: Rumba box. Shuffle back. Coaster step
1&2
Step Right to Right side. Step Left beside Right. Step forward on Right
3&4
Step Left to Left side. Step Right beside Left. Step back on Left
5&6
Step back on Right. Step Left beside Right. Step back on Right
7&8
Step back on Left. Step Right beside Left. Step forward on Left
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38
3: Step, Clap, Step, Clap, Step, Quarter turn, Cross, Half turn, Step, Kick-ball-change
1&2& Step forward on Right. Clap. Step forward on Left. Clap
3&4
Step forward on Right. Pivot quarter turn Left. Cross Right over Left (Facing 9 o’clock)
5
Quarter turn Right stepping back on Left
&6
Quarter turn Right stepping forward on Right. Step forward on Left (Facing 3 o’clock)
7&8
Kick Right forward. Step Right back in place. Step Left in place
4: Charleston step, Jazzbox
1 - 2 Touch Right toe forward. Sweep back on Right and step
3 - 4 Sweep Left foot back touching Left toe behind Right. Sweep forward on Left and step
5 - 6 Cross Right over Left. Step back on Left
7 - 8 Step Right to Right side. Step Left slightly forward
Start Again
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Dance Time
This is a lovely ballad by Olivia Newton-John. Well done to Max Perry on this one.
CHA-CHA ‘ROUND AND ‘ROUND
High Beginner: 4 Wall Line Dance (32 Counts)
Choreographer: Max Perry (USA)
Music: Dancin’ ’Round and ’Round by Olivia Newton-John (24 count intro. Start on vocals)
Cd: Totally Hot (Country).
Music available from iTunes and Amazon
Dance rotates in clockwise direction
1: Step Left. Rock back. Recover. Cha cha forward. Step half turn. Together. Step half turn. Together
1 - 3 Step Left to Left side. Rock back on Right. Recover onto Left
4&5
Step Right forward. Step Left forward. Step Right forward
6 - 7 Step forward on Left making half turn Right. Step Right next to Left
8 - 1 Step forward on Left making half turn Right. Step Right next to Left
3: Left side rock. Recover. Cross shuffle. Side rock. Recover. (Start weave to Left) Cross. Step Left
2 - 3 Rock Left to Left side. Recover ono Right
4&5
Cross Left over Right. Step Right to Right side. Cross Left over Right.
6 - 7 Rock Right to Right side. Recover onto Left
8 - 1 Cross Right over Left. Step Left to Left side.
4: Cross behind. Step Left. Synocopated cross rock x2. Side. Together
2 - 3 Cross Right behind Left. Step Left to Left
4&5
Cross rock Right over Left. Recover onto Left. Step Right to Right
6&7
Cross rock Left over Right. Recover onto Right. Step Left to Left
8
Step Right next to Left
Start again
UC March 2016
t: 01909 561003 e: [email protected] website: www.upcountrymagazine.co.uk
2: Rock forward. Turn half Left. Cha cha forward. Step quarter turn Left. Together. Cross shuffle
2 - 3 Rock forward on Left. Step Right in place and turn half Left (Facing 6 o’clock)
4&5
Step Left forward. Step Right forward. Step Left forward
6 - 7 Step Right forward and turn quarter Left. Step Left in place (Facing 3 o’clock)
8&1
Cross Right over Left. Step Left to Left side. Cross Right over Left
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Dance Time
Although this is stated to be a beginner dance I have changed it to advanced. See what you think!
LIKE TANGERINE HONEY
Advanced: 4 Wall Line Dance (32 Counts +1 restart)
Choreographer: Sebastiaan Holtland (NL) - [email protected] - (January 2016)
Music: Tangerine Honey by Frankie Moreno
(Intro: 16 counts after the vocals start on approx 18 sec)
Cd: Frankie Moreno 2012
Music available from iTunes and Amazon
Dance rotates in anti-clockwise direction
l: Step. Side. Sailor step kick. Together. Cross. Side. Back. Long step Right. Slide. Turn
1 - 2 Step forward on Right. Step Left to Left side
3&4
Step Right behind Left. Step Left slightly to Left. Low kick Right diagonal forward
&5&6 Step Right in place. Step Left across Right. Step Right slightly to Right. Step back on Left
&7 - 8 Long step on Right to Right (push hips back). Slide Left towards Right. Make quarter turn Left
touching Left in front of Right (Facing 9 o’clock)
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40
2: Step. Turn, step back and sweep. Anchor step Left. Sweep. Sailor step point. Turn quarter Left.
Together
1 - 2 Step forward on Left. Making half turn Left step back on Right sweeping Left from front to back
3&4
Lock Left behind Right (taking weight onto Left). Recover weight onto Right. Recover back onto
Left and sweep Right from front to back
5&6
Step Right behind Left. Step Left to Left. Point Right forward
7 - 8 Step Right back in place making quarter turn Left (bending knees as you turn). Step Left next to Right
(Facing 12 o’clock)
* Restart here during wall 4. (You will be facing 3 o`clock)
3: Side. Behind. Side. Cross. Step. Cross and sweep. Syncopated cross vine Left. Cross. Unwind
1 - 2& Step Right to Right. Step Left behind Right. Step Right slightly to Right
3&4
Step Left across Right. Step Right to Right. Step Left across Right and sweep Right from back to
front
5&6& Step Right across Left. Step Left to Left. Step Right behind Left. Step Left to Left
7 - 8 Step Right across Left. Unwind half turn Left taking weight onto Left (Facing 6 o’clock)
4: Jump feet apart. Swivel heel and toe. Half rumba box Right. Half turn Left walking
circle. Quarter turn shuffle
&1
Jump both feet apart Right. Left
&2
Swivel Right heel Left. Swivel Right toe Left (holding weight onto Left)
3&4
Step Right to Right. Step Left next to Right. Step Right forward
5 - 6 Making quarter turn Left walk forward on Left. Making quarter turn Left walk forward on Right
7&8
Making quarter turn Left step forward on Left. Step Right next to Left. Step forward on Left
(Facing 9 o’clock)
Start again
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Dance Time
When all the dancers are together this dance is one to watch them strut their stuff. Impressive!
Nice song too.
MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA
High Beginner: 2 Wall Line Dance (64 Counts +1 restart)
Choreographer: Maggie Gallagher (November 2015)
Music: Mountains To The Sea by Mary Black featuring Imelda May (Start after 8 counts or 4 seconds intro)
Track available from iTunes and Amazon
1: Rock forward. Recover. Rock back. Recover. Rock forward. Recover. Shuffle back
1 - 4 Rock forward on Right. Recover onto Left. Rock back on Right. Recover onto Left
5 - 6 Rock forward on Right. Recover onto Left
7&8
Step back on Right. Step Left next to Right. Step back on Right
2: Rock back. Recover. Rock forward. Recover. Rock back. Recover. Shuffle forward
1 - 4 Rock back on Left. Recover onto Right. Rock forward on Left. Recover onto Right
5 - 6 Rock back on Left. Recover onto Right
7&8
Step forward on Left. Step Right next to Left. Step forward on Left
* Restart here on wall 5 (Facing 12 o’clock)
4: Side. Touch. Side. Touch. Heel & heel & heel. Hold
1 - 4 Step Right to Right side. Touch Left next to Right. Step Left to Left side. Touch Right next to Left
5&6
Tap Right heel forward. Step Right next to Left. Tap Left heel forward
&7 - 8 Step Left next to Right. Tap Right heel forward. Hold
5: Side. Touch. Side. Touch. Heel & heel & heel. Hold
1 - 4 Step Right to Right side. Touch Left next to Right. Step Left to Left side. Touch Right next to Left
5&6
Tap Right heel forward. Step Right next to Left. Tap Left heel forward
&7 - 8 Step Left next to Right. Tap Right heel forward. Hold
6: Jazzbox quarter forward. Jazzbox quarter cross
1 - 4 Cross Right over Left. Quarter turn Right stepping back on Left. Step Right to Right side.
Step forward on Left
5 - 8 Cross Right over Left. Quarter turn Right stepping back on Left. Step Right to Right side.
Cross Left over Right (Facing 6 o’clock)
7: Vine Right. Cross. Chasse. Rock back. Recover
1 - 4 Step Right to Right side. Cross Left behind Right. Step Right to Right side. Cross Left over Right
5&6
Step Right to Right side. Step Left next to Right. Step Right to Right side
7 - 8 Rock back on Left. Recover onto Right
8: Vine Left. Cross. Chasse. Rock back. Recover
1 - 4 Step Left to Left side. Cross Right behind Left. Step Left to Left side. Cross Right over Left
5&6
Step Left to Left side. Step Right next to Left. Step Left to Left side
7 - 8 Rock back on Right. Recover onto Left
Start again
UC March 2016
t: 01909 561003 e: [email protected] website: www.upcountrymagazine.co.uk
3: Side rock. Recover. Cross shuffle. Side rock. Recover. Cross shuffle
1 - 2 Rock Right to Right side. Recover onto Left
3&4
Cross Right over Left. Step Left to Left side. Cross Right over Left
5 - 6 Rock Left to Left side. Recover onto Right
7&8
Cross Left over Right. Step Right to Right side. Cross Left over Right
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Dance Time
I couldn’t resist this song from Toby Keith and I can imagine many British acts covering it as well.
RUM IS THE REASON
Improver: 4 Wall Line Dance (32 Counts + 2 restarts*)
Choreographer: Rob Fowler (UK) - [email protected] - (October 2015)
Music: Rum Is The Reason by Toby Keith (Start on vocals - 18 seconds)
Cd: 35mph TOWN. Music available from iTunes and Amazon
Dance rotates in anti-clockwise direction
1: Side. Together. Chasse. Cross rock. Recover. Quarter turn shuffle
1 - 2 Step Right to Right side. Step Left next to Right
3&4
Step Right to Right. Step Left next to Right. Step Right To Right
5 - 6 Rock Left over Right. Recover onto Right
7&8
Quarter turn Left on forward shuffle on Left. Right. Left
* Restart 1 from here during wall 3 (Facing 3 o’clock)
* Restart 2 from wall 8 (Facing 12 o’clock)
t: 01909 561003 e: [email protected] website: www.upcountrymagazine.co.uk
42
2: Right mambo forward. Coaster back. Step forward. Turn. Cross. Touch and click
1&2
Rock forward on Right. Recover onto Left. Step back on Right
3&4
Step back on Left. Step Right next to Left. Step forward on Left
5 - 6 Step forward on Right. Make quarter turn Right stepping Left to Left side (Facing 3 o’clock)
7 - 8 Cross Right behind Left. Touch Left to Left side and click fingers
3: Cross. Turn. Shuffle back. Rock back. Recover. Full turn
1 - 2 Cross Left over Right. Make quarter turn Left stepping back on Right
3&4
Step back on Left. Step Right next to Left. Step back on Left
5 - 6 Rock back on Right. Recover onto Left
7 - 8 Half turn Left stepping back on Right. Half turn Left stepping forward on Left
4: Rock. Recover. Chasse. Rock. Recover. Shuffle half turn
1 - 2 Rock forward on Right. Recover onto Left
3&4
Step Right to Right. Step Left next to Right. Step Right to Right
5 - 6 Rock forward on Left. Recover onto Right
7&8
Quarter turn Left stepping forward on Left. Step Right next to Left. Step forward on Left
making quarter turn Left (Facing 9 o’clock)
Start again
March 2016 UC
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:21 Page 43
Dance Time
Thomas Rhett is high on BBC2’s playlist and he is also on at the C2C festival in March.
SOUTH SIDE SHAKE
Improver: 4 Wall Line Dance (32 counts)
Choreographer: Darren Bailey (UK) - [email protected] - (December 2015)
Music: South Side by Thomas Rhett (16 count intro)
Cd: Tangled Up. Music available from iTunes and Amazon
Dance rotates in anti-clockwise direction
1: Touch. Together. Heel. Together. Touch. Together. Heel. Together. Bumps hips Right x3. Touch
1&2& Touch Right to Right side. Touch Right next to Left. Touch Right heel forward. Together
3&4& Touch Left to Left side. Touch Left next to Right. Touch Left heel forward. Together
5 - 7 Step Right to Right side and bump hips to Right x3
8
Touch Left next to Right
Option: Counts 5-7 can be hip rolls or body rolls or shake
3: Right lock step. Left lock step. Syncopated rocking chair. Step. Twist Left. Twist Right with turn
1&2
Step Right forward on Right diagonal. Lock Left behind Right. Step Right forward on Right
diagonal
3&4
Step Left forward on Left diagonal. Lock Right behind Left. Step Left forward on Left diagonal
5&6& Rock forward on Right. Recover onto Left. Rock back on Right. Recover onto Left
7&8
Step forward on Right. Twist Left heel in towards Right. Twist Right heel out making a quarter
turn Left (weight ends on Right) (Facing 9 o’clock)
4: Cross rock. Recover. Side. Cross rock. Recover. Side. Walk back Left. Right. Left. Touch
1&2
Cross rock Left over Right. Recover onto Right. Step Left to Left side
3&4
Cross rock Right over Left. Recover onto Left. Step Right to Right side
5 - 6 Step back on Left. Step back on Right
7 - 8 Step back on Left. Touch Right next to Left
Option: On counts 5-8 you can add a little shimmy with the shoulder while walking back
Start again
UC March 2016
t: 01909 561003 e: [email protected] website: www.upcountrymagazine.co.uk
2: Touch. Together. Heel. Together. Touch. Together. Heel. Together. Bump hips Left x3. Touch
1&2& Touch Left to Left side. Touch Left next to Right. Touch Left heel forward. Together
3&4& Touch Right to Right side. Touch Right next to Left. Touch Right heel forward. Together
5 - 7 Step Left to Left side and bump hips to Left x3
8
Touch Right next to Left
Option: Counts 5-7 can be hip rolls or body rolls or shake
43
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:21 Page 44
Dance Time
Here is a gentle night club two step for you to try.
STRIP IT DOWN
Intermediate 4 Wall Line Dance (32 Counts)
Choreographer: Rachael McEnaney-White (UK/USA) - [email protected] - (October 2015)
Music: Strip It Down by Luke Bryan. (16 counts intro from start of track. Start on vocals)
Cd: Kill The Lights. Music available from iTunes and Amazon
Dance rotates in clockwise direction
1: Side Right. Behind. Cross. Side Left. Behind. Cross. Step turn and sweep. Cross. Side Right. Step
Left behind and sweep. Behind. Side Left
1 - 2& Step Right to Right side. Close Left slightly behind Right. Cross Right over Left
3 - 4& Step Left to Left side. Close Right slightly behind Left. Cross Left over Right
5 - 6& Make quarter turn Right stepping forward on Right as you sweep Left. Cross Left over Right.
Step Right to Right side
7 - 8& Cross Left behind Right as you sweep Right. Cross Right behind Left. Step Left to Left side
(Facing 3 o’clock)
2: Cross rock. Recover. Rock Right. Recover. Behind. Side Left. Cross. Left side Rock. Turn.
Rocking chair. Threequarter turn
1&2& Cross rock Right over Left. Recover onto Left. Rock Right to Right. Recover onto Left
3&4
Cross Right behind Left. Step Left to Left side. Cross Right over Left
5&6& Rock Left to Left side. Quarter turn Right as you recover onto Right. Rock forward on Left.
Recover onto Right (Facing 6 o’clock)
7&8& Rock back on Left. Recover onto Right. Half turn Right stepping back on Left. Quarter turn Right
stepping Right to Right side
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44
3: Cross rock. Rock Right. Recover. Cross and sweep. Cross. Side Right. Half diamond turn. Cross.
Turn
1 - 2&3 Cross Left over Right. Rock Right to Right side. Recover onto Left. Cross Right over Left as you
sweep Left (Facing 3 o’clock)
4&5
Cross Left over Right. Step Right to Right side. Eighth turn Left stepping back on Left (Facing 1.30)
6&7
Step back on Right. Eighth turn Left stepping Left to Left side. Eighth turn Left stepping forward
on Right (Facing 10.30)
8&
Cross Left over Right (squaring up to face 9 o’clock). Quarter turn Left stepping back on Right
(Facing 6 o’clock)
4: Turn. Touch. Side Right. Touch. Side Left. Together. Side Left. Side Right. Touch. Side Left.
Touch. Full turn rolling vine. Cross
1&2& Quarter turn Left stepping Left to Left side. Touch Right next to Left. Step Right to Right side
(slightly forward). Touch Left next to Right
3&4
Step Left to Left side (slightly forward). Step Right next to Left. Step Left to Left side (slightly
forward)
5&6& Step Right to Right side (slightly forward). Touch Left next to Right. Step Left to Left side
(slightly forward). Touch Right next to Left
7&8& Quarter turn Right stepping forward on Right. Half turn Right stepping back Left. Quarter turn
Right stepping Right to Right side. Cross Left over Right (Facing 3 o’clock)
Styling:
Counts 1 - 6& should have a ‘groove’ to it. Sway into each step using hips moving very slightly forward.
Start again
March 2016 UC
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:21 Page 45
Dance Time
It has been a while since we have had a fun partner dance so go on ...
HAVE A BALL
Partner Dance ( 32 Counts)
Choreographer: Tina Argyle (UK) - (December 2015)
Music: Must've Had A Ball by Alan Jackson (20 count intro. Start on vocals)
Cd: Everything I Love and also Superhits. Music available from iTunes and Amazon
To be danced in a circle in pairs (as the Barn dance) - start side by side holding inner hands.
Inner person starts with the left, outer person starts with the right.
You will have swapped places by the end of the dance and therefore swap start legs each time.
1: Shuffle forward x 3. Step forward. Touch
1&2 Step forward. Step together. Step forward
(Inner person lead with Left - outer person lead with Right)
3&4 Step forward. Step together. Step forward
5&6 Step forward. Step together. Step forward
7 - 8 Step forward. Touch
(If preferred, drop hand hold at this point)
3: Chasse, Rock back. Recover. Vine quarter turn. Touch
1&2 Step to side. Step together. Step to side (Inner person to the left. New outer person to the right)
(Holding both hands in front)
3 - 4 Rock back. Recover
5 - 6 Step to side. Cross behind
7 - 8 Quarter turn stepping forward. Touch (Inner person quarter turn Right. Outer person quarter turn Left)
4: Chasse. Rock back. Recover, Quarter turn shuffle, Rock back. Recover
1&2 Step to side. Step together. Step to side (Inner person to the Left - outer person to the Right)
3 - 4 Rock back. Recover
5&6 Quarter turn stepping back. Step together. Step back (Inner person turn Left. Outer person turn Right)
7 - 8 Rock back. Recover
You will be back in the original starting position but will have swapped places with your partner.
Inner person becomes outer, outer person becomes inner.
Start again
Enjoy… have a laugh … Have A Ball!!
UC March 2016
t: 01909 561003 e: [email protected] website: www.upcountrymagazine.co.uk
2: Chasse. Rock back. Recover. Crossing vine. Step to side. Cross
1&2 Step to side. Step together. Step to side (Inner person to the Left - outer person to the Right)
3 - 4 Rock back. Recover
5 - 6 Step to side. Behind (Inner person goes behind outer person to change places)
7 - 8 Step to side. Cross. (Swap holding hands over)
45
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:21 Page 46
Dance Time
Here is a nice and easy partner dance that flows gracefully around the floor to an already popular
song for a line dance.
BABY I’M RIGHT
Partner Dance (48 Counts)
Choreographers: Chris & Trev - Lonestar WPDC - [email protected] - (January 2016)
Music: Baby I’m Right by Darius Rucker (16 count intro)
Cd: Southern Style. Music available from iTunes and Amazon
Same footwork throughout.
Start facing LOD, side by side (Sweetheart)
1: Step. Scuff. Step. Scuff. Rock. Recover. Coaster step
1 - 4 Step forward on Right. Scuff. Step forward on Left. Scuff
5 - 6 Rock forward on Right. Recover onto Left
7&8 Step back on Right. Step Left next to Right. Step forward on Right
2: Step. Half turn. Shuffle forward. Rocking chair
1 - 2 Step forward on Left. Pivot half turn Right (RLOD)
3&4 Shuffle forward on Left. Right. Left
5 - 8 Rock forward on Right. Recover onto Left. Rock back on Right. Recover onto Left
t: 01909 561003 e: [email protected] website: www.upcountrymagazine.co.uk
46
3: Cross. Step back. Quarter turn shuffle turn. Cross. Step side. Cross behind. Quarter turn
1 - 2 Cross Right over Left. Step back on Left
3&4 Shuffle quarter turn Right on Right. Left. Right (Facing ILOD)
(Release Right hands bring Left hands over Lady’s head)
5 - 8 Cross Left over Right. Step Right to Right. Cross Left behind Right. Step quarter turn Right on
Right (Facing LOD)
Release Left hands bring Right over Lady’s head back into Sweetheart)
4: Man: Walk. Walk. Shuffle. Lady: Half turn. Shuffle. Both: Step. Together. Chasse
1 - 2 Man: Step forward on Left. Right. Lady: Half turn Right on Left. Right
(On count 1 take Left arm over Lady’s head. Count 2 release Right hands)
3&4 Man: Shuffle forward on Left. Right. Left. Lady: Shuffle back on Left. Right. Left
(Lady facing RLOD)
5 - 6 Both: Step Right to Right. Step Left next to Right
7&8 Step Right to Right. Step Left next to Right. Step Right to Right
5: Quarter turn. Step. Cross over, Step side. Cross behind. Sweep Left behind. Step side. Cross. Hold
1 - 4 Man: Quarter turn Right stepping onto Left. Cross Right in front of Left. Step to Left on Left.
Cross Right behind Left.
Lady: Quarter turn Left stepping onto Left. Cross Right in front of Left. Step Left to Left.
Cross Right behind Left.
5 - 8 Sweep Left behind Right. Step Right to Right. Cross Left in front of Right. Hold
(Count 1 now facing OLOD in reverse Indian)
6: Rock. Recover. Quarter turn. Shuffle forward. Change Sides on Walk. Walk. Shuffle
1 - 2 Both: Rock to Right on Right. Recover onto Left making quarter turn Left
3&4 Shuffle forward on Right. Left. Right
5 - 6 (Changing sides Man behind Lady) Walk Left. Right
(Count 5 Release Right hands take Left hands over Lady’s head. Count 6 come back into Sweetheart)
7&8 Shuffle forward on Left. Right. Left
Start again
March 2016 UC
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:21 Page 47
Instructors and Classes
BEDFORDSHIRE
Western Renegades, Luton. Tel: Lucy
01582 585039 or 07790 571364.
Rosemarie’s, Shefford. Tel: Rosemarie
01462 617052.
BRISTOL
DB Dance Ranch, Bristol. Tel: Dick
Barton 0117 330 4119.
Laughter In Line, Bristol. Tel 01454
773929.
Sidewinders, Southampton. Tel: Pat &
Ray 02380 661015.
F G Stompers, Cowplain, Waterlooville.
Tel: Elaine/Mike 02392 790803.
HERTFORDSHIRE
Hitch & Hook Linedancing, Barnet and
Southgate. Tel: 0776 2225951.
Best Western Linedancers,
Warrington. Tel: Roy & Ann 01925
267942.
Wendy’s Wildkatz, Watford. Tel: Wendy
07913 516974.
L&B Linedancing, Derby, Alvaston.
Tel: Lynn 01332 370824 or 07816
312057.
Posse Western Dancers, Killamarsh,
Chesterfield. Tel: 07967 5022221.
DEVON
Kingsbridge Linedancing, Kingsbridge.
Tel: Sue 07989 817898.
DORSET
Chasing Lines, Tarrant Keynston.
Tel: 07931 491581.
DURHAM
Southern Cross LDC, Darlington. Tel:
Tony 01325 263259.
Line Dance In Cardiff.
Tel: Hank or Denise 0292 021 2564.
Trailblazers Linedancing, Corby. Tel:
Amanda 07968 576976.
WEST MIDLANDS
Louisiana’s, Dudley. Tel: 07901
656043.
Hot Stompers, Brigg, Scunthorpe. Tel:
Denise 01652 781004.
CHESHIRE
Suzie’s Stompers, Frodsham, Elton. Tel:
01928 725760.
DERBYSHIRE
Ay Up Mi Duck Western Dancers,
Chesterfield. Tel: 07729 790722.
Kick’n’Grin Linedancers, Stanwick,
Rushden. Tel: Mandy 07854 843202.
HAMPSHIRE
Amigos LDC, Waltham Chase,
Portsmouth. Tel: 01329 832024.
HEREFORDSHIRE
Teme Valley Western Dancers,
Whitbourne. Tel: Jeff & Thelma 01886
821772.
CUMBRIA
Lakes Stompers, Winster, near
Windermere, Ambleside. Tel: Rod
01539 445187.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
J&S Dance Rance, Daventry, Towcester.
Tel: Suzanne 01327 830279.
Sioux, Reepham & Cherry Willingham,
Nettleham. Tel: Susan 01522 750441.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
1st Steps Linedance, Iver. Tel:
Stephanie 07958 643307.
CORNWALL
Do Wyno It, St Blazey, Tywardreath,
Tresmeer. Tel: Maureen or 07881
707450.
Posse Western Dancers, Sheffield. Tel:
SUSSEX
Dixie Belles, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton 07967 5022221.
Clymping. Tel: 01243 585298.
Country Belle, Doncaster. Tel: Julie
01302 532952.
Viking CWDC, Selsey, West Sussex.
Tel: 01243 608427.
Renes Revellers, York. Tel: Rene & Dave
01904 470292.
Lone Star Liners, Willingdon,
Eastbourne. Tel: Ros 01323 504463
AppleJacks LDC, Horbury, Dewsbury,
Wakefield. Tel: Pauline 01924
TEESSIDE
478203.
Hitchin’ Post, Stockton on Tees.
Tel: Joan 01642 363824.
Owzit Start? LDC, Glusburn, Otley,
Skipton, Eastburn, Keighley.
TYNE & WEAR
Arizona Linedance Club, South Gosforth. Tel: Christine 01756 794893.
Tel: 07868 424587.
Goin Stompin, Sheffield. Tel: 0114 247
1880.
Feelgood Linedancers, Byker,
Newcastle. Tel: Shirley 01912 366075.
Bramley Band Linedancers, Leeds. Tel:
Julia 07984 011184.
WALES
BJ2, Barry, Bridgend, Llantrisant,
Strut & Smile, Huddersfield. Tel: Betty
Penarth. Tel: Sian 07810 188100.
01484 602499.
The Westernairs, Aberystwyth,
Ceredigion.
Partner Classes
Tel: Carl 01970 612893.
Silver Spur CWDC, Coleford, Somerset.
Crowvalley Line Dance Club, Cwmbran. Tel: Harry & Dot 01373812852.
Tel: 01633 866753.
Mulepackers C&W Club, Porton,
Salisbury. Tel: 01722 717800 or
Boots Linedancers, Menai Bridge,
01722 340054.
Anglesey. Tel: Kath 01248 713989.
Alan B's Nuline Dance, Bolton, Bromley
Cross. Tel: 01204 654503
Peacetrain, Sandridge, St Albans,
Welwyn Garden City. Tel: Michelle
07979 593574.
KENT
Country Kickers, Manston, Broadstairs.
Tel: 07876 047575 or 01843
585537.
Country Kickers, Ramsgate. Tel: 07876
047575 or 01843 585537.
LANCASHIRE
Days Out West American Line Dance,
Swinton, Pendlbury, Worsley.
Tel: Kerris Milligan (D&GI) 0161 950
1711.
Alan B's Nuline Dance, Preston.
Tel: 01204 654503.
Elaine’s Dancers, Horwich, Bolton. Tel:
01204 694609.
C Siders, Skegness. Tel: Jane 01754
881160.
LONDON
Hitch & Hook Linedancing, Southgate.
Tel: 0776 2225951 or 0208 805 7547.
AB Coasters, Wembley. Tel: Val 07958
962007.
MANCHESTER
AppleJacks LDC, Middleton.
Tel: Pauline 01924 478203.
MERSEYSIDE
Best Of Friends, St Helens.
Tel: 01942 519323.
NORFOLK
Paul’s Crazy Legs, Great Yarmouth,
Gorleston-on-Sea. Tel: 01493 669155.
Dy'n'Mo Dancers, Heacham and
Hunstanton. Tel: 01485 571166.
Rocking Horse Rebels, Kettering. Tel:
Dianne 01536 760129.
NORTHUMBERLAND
Arizona Linedance Club, Morpeth. Tel:
07868 424587.
Hooked On Country, Farnworth, Bolton.
Tel: Teresa 01942 792293.
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Jetsets Line Dance, Trowell. Tel Jane
0115 930 9445.
Julie’s LDC, Horwich, Bolton. Tel:
01204 692265.
G-Force L0DC, Sutton-in-Ashfield. Tel:
01623 403903.
D’s Dance Ranch, Leigh. Tel: Dorothy
01942 674737.
Double B Linedancers, Long Eaton,
Nottingham. Tel: Sue or Graham 0115
972 8690.
S.O.F. Line Dancing, Smethwick.
Tel: Mad or Crazy 01922 645460.
JP Linedance Club, Aldridge, Sutton
Coldfield. Tel: 0121 308 5192.
WIRRAL
Ali-Cats, Irby, Meols, Moreton &
Woodchurch.
Tel: Alsion or Ian 0151 652 3328.
WILTSHIRE
Sarum Stompers, Salisbury.
Tel: Anne 01722 333887.
SCOTLAND
Audrey Watson, Stranraer, Dumfries &
Galloway. Tel: 01776 705701.
Mulepackers. Three clubs in and around
Salisbury: Laverstock, Porton and West
Grimstead.
Tel: 01722 717800 or 01722
340054.
Fancy Feet WDC, Blackpool, Ormskirk.
Tel: Jean Webb 07984 188972.
SURREY
Screaming Eagles, Mitcham, Morden.
Tel: Sylvia 0208 395 4045.
WORCESTERSHIRE
BJ’s Busy Boots, Bromsgrove. Tel:
Brenda 01527 870151.
Rob Francis, Colchester, Tiptree, West
Mersea, Elm Park, Hornchurch.
Tel: 07776 402237.
AppleJacks LDC, Middleton, Oldham.
Tel: Pauline 01924 478203.
Evenlines, Mytchett, Camberley.
Tel: Eve 01276 506505.
Teme Valley Western Dancers, Worcester.
Tel: Jeff & Thelma 01886 821772.
GREATER MANCHESTER
Best Of Friends, Greater Manchester.
Tel: 01942 519323.
LINCOLNSHIRE
Busy Boots, Grantham. Tel: Diane
01476 576823.
SUFFOLK
JT Steppers, Gt Cornard, Newton Green.
Tel: Jean 01787377343.
YORKSHIRE
Partyzone, Bridlington. Tel: Phil 01262
674152.
PJ’s Linedancing, Sacriston. Tel: PJ
07969 096237.
ESSEX
Sundowners, Gt Yeldham. Tel: John
01787 461973.
UC March 2016
Liberty Belles, Blackpool, Preston. Tel:
01253 352591.
Dave & Kath, Grimsargh. Tel: 01253
352591.
The Dance Ranch, Petworth, West
Sussex. Tel: David or Carol 01403
252961.
Western Renegades, Luton. Tel: Lucy
01582 585039 or 07790 571364.
Teme Valley Western Dancers,
Whitbourne. Tel: Jeff & Thelma 01886
821772.
Rocky Tops, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
Tel: Les or Viv 01423 567572.
Jubilee Strollers, Cannock,
Staffordshire. Tel: Ken & Dorothy
01889 808255.
Dixie Belles, Clymping, West Sussex.
Tel: 01243 585298.
Country Kickers, Manston. Tel: 07788
113528 or 01843 585537.
Silver Wings, Warrington. Tel Dave &
Lesley Mather 0151 487 9313.
Lonestar WPDC, Leicester Tel: Chris or
Trev 0116 269 5523.
CLASSES GUIDE
Please be sure to keep our
readers up to date with your
classes. If you don’t keep in
touch you may well find your
classes removed from this list.
47
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:21 Page 48
Live music - Cla
To advertise your social, live gig, cd night or line dance instruction classes
email [email protected] or telephone 01909 561003
or send your instructions to Up Country, PO Box 4257, Sheffield S25 9DA.
Copy date: 10th of month preceding cover date.
Kip Moore
SHEFFIELD/SOUTH YORKSHIRE
Frecheville Community Centre S12 4XT
GOIN’ STOMPIN’ WESTERN DANCERS
Qualified Instruction & Social Dancing
Fri: 8-1030pm Easy Intermediates & Intermediates.
Mostly Country music played.
EASTER LINE DANCE PARTY
Friday, 25th March, 2016
Raffle, Quiz, Bar
Tel: 0114 2471880
www.goin-stompin.co.uk
April
22nd - Whelan’s, Dublin
23rd - Oran Mor, Glasgow
25th - 02 Institute, Birmingham
26th - Academy 3, Manchester
27th - Koko, London
LIVERPOOL
KENT
The Lazy C CMC
Snodland Community Centre,
Paddlesworth Road, Snodland ME6 5DP
SUNDAY
6th March - STEVE SCOTT
(50s-80s & rock ‘n’ roll)
13th March - JEFF GALLANT BAND
27th March - SPEED LIMIT
Tel: Dilys 01634 240783 or
Frank 01634 844065 / 07838 650610
LANCASHIRE
Texas Moon CMC
Thornton Cleveleys British Legion, Rough Lea Road,
Cleveleys (opp Bus station)
Saturday, 12th March, 2016
Every Thursday Night Social Dancing with
Tuition 8pm-11.15pm
Woolton Cons Club, Grange Lane,
Gateacre L25 2PY
HAYDEN
Tel: Club 0151 4282856
WESTCOUNTRY LINE DISCO
25th February - JOHN PERMENTER
£2 dancers, £1 non-dancers, all adults welcome
Contact Chris:
01253 595790 / 07796 615747
ESSEX
MERSEYSIDE
Mossbank Community Club, Queensway,
Mossbank, St Helens WA11 7BY
Crazy Leg Stompers
Wednesday, 9th March, 2016
DEREK DARBY
Tel: 07960 343624
Western Nights CMC
Marks Tey Village Hall, Old London Road,
Marks Tey, Colchester CO6 1EJ
Friday, 25th March, 2016
KEVIN BARRY
No Bar BYOD
Tel: Wendy 07940 546532
NORTH YORKSHIRE
Huntington WMC, North Moor Road,
Huntington, York YO32 9QS
CHARITY NIGHT
Saturday, 12th March, 2016
THE HALEYS
Country, 50s & 60s music
8pm start, Tickets £5, Parking, Raffle
Tel: 01904 768370
01904 769101
48
or
March 2016 UC
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:21 Page 49
lasses - Socials
If you would like to be an agent or distributor for Up Country magazine give
us a call on 01909 561003.
All dates should be checked with the venue or promoter before
setting out to ensure it is as advertised.
STRIKING MATCHES
WILTSHIRE
TRIPLE C Western Dance Club
Spencer Sports & Social Club, Beanacre Road,
Melksham SN12 8AG
Dixie Chicks
Saturday, 19th March, 2016
TANYA TAYLOR
Line & Partner Dancing: Doors open 7.30pm
Tel: Sandra 01225 763533
Visit our website: www.triplec-wdc.co.uk
April
29th - Arena, Birmingham
30th - Arena, Manchester
March
14th - Fleece, Bristol
LIVERPOOL
15th - Deaf Institute, Manchester
Cardinal Heenan High School, Honey’s
Green Lane, West Derby L12 9HZ
16th - Institute, Birmingham
Saturday 19th March, 2016
18th - La Belle Angele, Edinburgh
LASS VEGAS
20th - Bush Hall, London
7.30pm-12.00, Price £6
May
1st - 02, London
3rd - SSE Hydro, Glasgow
Tel: 0151 2817497
AYRSHIRE
RAF Club, 10 Ardayre Road,
Prestwick KA9 1QL
Southern Star CWC
Wednesday, 24th February, 2016
DAVE INGLIS
Tel: 01292 571350
FELIXSTOWE, SUFFOLK
Memorial Hall, Trimley-St Martin
KEEPING THE COUNTRY IN LINEDANCING
CAJUN MOON LDC
7.30pm-10.30pm
Due to increase in membership
this venue will now be members only
Tel: 01473 603254
or 07866 201083
UC March 2016
MERSEYSIDE
Ravenshead Social Club, Carriage Drive,
off Stafford Road, St Helens WA10 3UJ
Friday, 4th March, 2016
DONNA WYLDE
Tel: 07960 343624
49
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:22 Page 50
Live music - Cla
To advertise your social, live gig, cd night or line dance instruction classes
email [email protected] or telephone 01909 561003
or send your instructions to Up Country, PO Box 4257, Sheffield S25 9DA.
Copy date: 10th of month preceding cover date.
Frankie Ballard
ESSEX
WEST YORKSHIRE
Marks Tey Village Hall, Old London Road,
Marks Tey, Colchester CO6 1EJ
Western Nights CMC
Leeds Irish Centre, York Road LS9 9NT
Friday, 26th February, 2016
BONNIE DIAMOND & COE
NICKY JAMES
JACOB CARTER
TEXAS GUN
Country Music Carvery Special
Sunday, 27th March, 2016
No Bar BYOD
Doors open 7.30pm
All styles of dance welcome
Price for the day is £14.95 inc carvery
Tel: 07715 881579
Tel: 0113 2480 887
KENT
Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School,
Maidstone Road, Rochester ME1 3EL
Saturday, 5th March
WESTERN BOOTS
Saturday, 19th March
RANCHER
March
14th - Institute 3, Birmingham
15th - King Tuts, Glasgow
16th - Deaf, Institute, Manchester
17th - Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, London
Tel: 01634 669830 / 07966 489909
CHESTERFIELD / DERBYSHIRE
Posse Western Dancers
Oxcroft Miners Welfare
55 Clowne Road, Stanfree S44 6AG
Friday, 11th March, 2016
ANNE FOGERTY
Tel: Terry 07967 502221
LONDON
Harrow & Wealdstone Social Club,
33 Railway Approach,
Harrow HA3 5BX
Thursday, 25th February, 2016
KAY D TRIO
Tel: 07986 050742
50
CAMBRIDGE
The Fleet, Fleet Way, Fletton,
Peterborough
Sunday, 13th March, 2016
KAY D
+ Saddletramp Disco
Tel: John 01733 561677
07597 104414
or
MORAYSHIRE
Keith RBL, 63a Balloch Road, Keith AB55 5EN
Sunday, 28th February, 2016
THE INDIANS
(Afternoon Show)
Tel: 07899 766667
02870 342452
or
March 2016 UC
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lasses - Socials
If you would like to be an agent or distributor for Up Country magazine give
us a call on 01909 561003.
All dates should be checked with the venue or promoter before
setting out to ensure it is as advertised.
DERBY
THE BROS. LANDRETH
Thursday 3rd March
The Garage, London
L&B Linedancing - All classes £4
Jubilee Club, 155 Chaddesden Lane DE21 6LJ
Monday: 7pm-10pm, Beg 7pm-8pm
St. Mary’s Church Hall, Barrett Street, Alvaston
Thursday: 8pm-10pm
Enfield Church Hall, Enfield Road, Mackworth
Friday: Beginner Class 10am-12 noon
Coffee break at 11am
Tel: Lynn or Neil 01332 370824 or
07816 312057
Nathan Carter
www.landblinedancing.co.uk
BRIERFIELD/BURNLEY/NELSON & COLNE
Brierfield WMC, Walter Street, Brierfield
Cactus Line Dance Club
Burnley, Nelson, Colne & Brierfield
Monday: Easy Hour 7-8pm, Tuition & social 8-10.30pm
Wednesday: Improvers/Easy Hour
7-8pm, Tuition & social 8-10pm
Friday: Easy hour/Recap session 7-8pm,
Tuition & social 8pm-10.30pm
Tel: Pam 01282 691313
LANCASHIRE
Thornton Cleveleys British Legion, Rough Lea Road,
Cleveleys (opp Bus station)
WESTCOUNTRY LINE DISCO
Every Thursday Night Social Dancing with
Tuition 8pm-11.15pm
31st March - DARREN JONES
£2 dancers, £1 non-dancers, all adults welcome
Contact Chris:
01253 595790 / 07796 615747
March
9th - Marine Hall, Fleetwood
10th - The Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
11th - The Princes Theatre, Hunstanton
12th - Shepherd’s Bush Empire
13th - Town Hall, Birmingham
16th - Arena, St Albans
17th - Theatre Royal, Wakefield
18th - Pyramid & Parr Hall, Warrington
20th - Floral Pavilion Theatre, Wirral
21st - Prince Of Wales Theatre, Cannock
22nd - Ferneham Hall, Fareham
MERSEYSIDE
Whiston Social Club, Church Row,
Paradise Lane, Whiston L35 3RZ
KENNY JOHNSON’S - All Star Benefit Show
Sunday, 24th April, 2016
LOUISIANA BAND / DAVE BRYAN
MEL PAUL & MARY LACEY / WAYNE T
DONNA WYLDE / VALRICO DUO
THE THORNHILLS + more to be added
Tickets £5 - Show starts 6pm
Tel: 0151 4264204 / 07889 135366
ERIC BIBB
4th May - Phoenix, Exeter
7th & 8th May - The Stables,
Milton Keynes
11th May - The Hawth, Crawley
13th & 14th - Cadogan Hall, London
UC March 2016
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Live music - Cla
To advertise your social, live gig, cd night or line dance instruction classes
email [email protected] or telephone 01909 561003
or send your instructions to Up Country, PO Box 4257, Sheffield S25 9DA.
Copy date: 10th of month preceding cover date.
Dierks Bentley
WEST YORKSHIRE
Carleton Grange, Carleton Road,
Pontefract WF8 3RJ
Kings Of The Dance
Friday, 26th February, 2016
DAVE INGLIS
Bar, Large Dance Floor, Parking
Tel: Alan 07885 536216
April
21st - Olympia Theatre, Dublin
22nd - Eventim Apollo, London
23rd - Apollo, Manchester
24th - Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow
LAURA
CANTRELL
May
2nd - Memorial Hall,
Sheffield
3rd - The Stables,
Milton Keynes
5th - Arts Centre,
Pocklington
LONDON
Barfly, 49 Chalk Farm Road
Camden NW1 8AN
Tuesday, 15th March, 2016
THOUSAND HORSES
Tel: 08448 472424
7th - Caedon Hall,
Gateshead
8th - ABC, Glasgow
10th - Brudenell SC,
Leeds
12th - Union Chapel,
London
13th - Colston Hall,
Bristol
CAMBRIDGE
The Brook, Soham
Saturday, 20th March, 2016
THE INDIANS
Tel: 01353 721748
www.the-indians.com
LANCASHIRE
Brierfield WMC, Walter Street, Brierfield
Cactus Line Dance Club
19th Birthday Party - Bar
Creswell Social Centre
Elmton Road, Creswell, Worksop S80 4BH
POSSE WESTERN DANCERS
Friday, 15th April, 2016
Friday, 22nd April, 2016
DEREK DARBY
CHRIS RADDINGS
Tel: Pam 01282 691313
52
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Tel: 07967 502221
March 2016 UC
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lasses - Socials
If you would like to be an agent or distributor for Up Country magazine give
us a call on 01909 561003.
All dates should be checked with the venue or promoter before
setting out to ensure it is as advertised.
Hot Club Of Cowtown
HERTFORDSHIRE
The Imperial, Eleanor Cross Road,
Waltham Cross
Sunday, 13th March, 2016
RICHARD PALMER
Tel: 01992 718718
March
30th - The Apex, Bury St Edmunds
31st - The Stables, Milton Keynes
NORFOLK
Hemsby Village Hall, Waters Lane,
Hemsby NR29 4LE
Saturday, 26th March, 2016
RAYMOND FROGGATT & BAND
Tickets £16, Doors open 6.15pm
Tel: 01493 781007
07719 709828
or
***FREE PANEL***
Advertise your
Socials, Classes or
Live artists here
Ring: 01909 561003
CARMARTHEN
Whitland S&S Club, Station Road,
Whitland
April
1st - Victoria Hall, Saltaire
2nd - Centenary Centre, Peel, Isle of Man
3rd - Town Hall, Selby
5th - Gala Theatre, Durham
6th - St Andrew’s in the Square, Glasgow
7th - Town Hall, Biddulph
8th - The Bullingdon, Oxford
9th - The Jazz Cafe, London
10th - Glee Club, Nottingham
12th - Floral Pavilion Theatre, Brighton
13th - The Met, Bury
14th - Turner Sims Concert Hall, Southampton
15th - The Anvil, Basingstoke
16th - The Pavilion, Hailsham
17th - Stag Community Arts Centre, Sevenoaks
Bluestone CMC
Saturday, 27th February, 2016
STONECOLD COUNTRY
Tel: Angie 07769 661021
SUFFOLK
Delphi Club, Newton Road, Sudbury
Friday, 11th March - THRILLBILLIES
Friday, 18th March - STREAMLINE
Tel: 01206 823439
or
07867 522409
UC March 2016
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Life across the Atlantic
Stagecoach Festival, Califo
Located just 25 miles east of Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley, California is the
Stagecoach Country Music Festival which attracts thousands of people each year.
This year it is being held between April 29th and May 1st 2016.
If you thought the C2C was busy then you can see by the pictures below what you
are missing if you don’t go to the Stagecoach Festival. Looking at these crowds I
know it isn’t for me although in my younger days it may well have been different.
The line-up this year includes Carrie Underwood, A Thousand Horses, Dustin Lynch,
Eric Paslay, Emmylou Harris, Jana Kramer, Joe Nichols, John Fogerty, Lee Ann
Womack, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Marty Stuart, Mo Pitney, Rodney Crowell,
Sam Hunt and many more.
I mention those names because we in the UK have now had, or will have, the
opportunity to see them in London in March, albeit in not as warm a place as
California. It seems the UK has now hit the big time as far as Country stars are
concerned which is due to the foresight of AEG Europe, CMA and SJM Concerts.
The pictures tell the story of the festival so I would like to tell you more
about what else the Coachella Valley has to offer the tourist as we
diversify a little this month. During our holiday to California last summer
we happened upon Colt’s Lodge, an oasis in the desert and indeed in
Palm Springs. Although we only stopped for one night in June we just had
to return and in so doing spent seven nights during the Christmas break in
this idyllic location in the Coachella Valley, the home of the huge
Stagecoach Country Music Festival.
Wouldn’t you just like to be amongst this lot? Maybe not, so why not travel
a few miles to the west and stay at the boutique lodge called Colt’s Lodge
and discover what else there is to do in the area, including Palm Springs,
once the former home of the legendary Bob Hope whose house is visible
as you travel through Palm Springs, Cathedral City and Palm Desert on
your way to one of the largest shopping centres around or to the
upmarket boutique/designer shops in El Paseo.
In the other direction is Cabazon with a huge retail outlet and one of the
busiest casinos I have ever seen, even beating the casino in Phoenix at the
Wild Horse Pass. Before you ask, I am not a seasoned gambler although I
do like the odd flutter and while free to enter, the casinos in the USA offer
a variety of eateries serving from burgers to Chinese cuisine.
Over the next few pages we will give you an insight into
what else is on offer including the Palm Springs
International Film Festival.
al with centre, part of the RV park.
The Stagecoach Country Music Festiv
54
Deep Well
Colt’s Lodge is located in the historical
and it
Ranch area of Palm Springs, California
the glamorous
of
nt
nisce
remi
is
that
g
settin
a
s
offer
came here
era when stars and western celebrities
e for Palm
to stay and play - creating the nam
Springs of ‘Hollywood East’.
existed
This unique boutique lodge/hotel has
names.
rent
diffe
two
r
unde
0s
since the early 195
signed by
Recently totally refurbished and rede
Nelson, this
internationally known designer, Jon
a fresh face.
and
e
nam
new
a
has
property now
are elegant
s
room
ned
The 11 individually desig
ern amenities
and comfortable, offering all the mod
e for
Lodg
s
Colt'
to
ing
com
are
who
ts
for gues
ial
spec
The
.
relax
to
just
or
events, business,
idual design,
charm of the guest rooms is the indiv
colours, furnishings and the art.
three themes
The garden areas are comprised of
ent you enter
mom
the
from
with lush landscaping
sculpture, a
the hotel you will find, with a stone
ng for a
paradise designed for the person looki
trees
palm
The
.
ories
mem
place to create
water features
compliment the succulent plants and
wedding rock
in the first garden, accented by the
sculpture designed by Roger Hopkins.
rock sculpture
The second garden has a dramatic
featuring a
entrance that opens to the pool area
for
spa
and
pool
ed
heat
tiled
elain
porc
desert
sunbathing or relaxing under the starry
rating the
skies. The third garden has a wall sepa
and
Activities Garden for private parties
This area
barbecues enjoyed by all the guests.
s a Bocce
offer
that
area
pit
fire
a
has seating and
accented
Ball Court (bowls) under the fruit trees
with lovely plants.
cted by the
The privacy of the property is prote
entire garden
lovely serenity wall surrounding the
area and hotel.
free wi-fi, USB
The amenities in each room include
wave and
micro
rs,
erato
refrig
ns,
charging statio
area is
flat screen tv. Use of the barbecue
March 2016 UC
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:22 Page 55
fornia
with Janie Hughes and Rob Davis
available for all guests. The guest
lounge is generally open 7am to
10pm where visitors are invited to
enjoy a continental breakfast,
reading material, convenient use of
wi-fi, or socialising with their friends
and family or other guests. This area
is adjacent to a full-service kitchen
that is used for preparation for special
holiday dining and parties by hotel
staff or outside catering for special
events. This truly is a friendly hotel.
It is located central to the Palm
Springs International Airport about
1.7 miles away and 1.5 miles from
the public downtown parking for
strolling along the main street and
enjoying dining from gourmet to fun
food, taking in the nearby museums,
star gazing at the Stars laid on the
sidewalk that capture the Hollywoo
d
history of the new and the older
celebrities of the silver screen and
television along with important
notables in the community and
shopping in souvenir shops and
boutique shops along the strip. Publi
c
transportation offers free rides from
the hotel to downtown and the
SunLine Bus System has routes that
take you down the valley to explore
the other desert cities.
Colt’s Lodge is a favourite of the
European visitor because it is a
boutique hotel that offers a ‘home
away from home’ with staff and
owners who are on the property
each day to welcome guests and
attend to any special need or
emergency that may arise.
The welcome mat is always outside
and you can view your individual
room online and choose via
www.ColtsLodgePS.com.
Advise staff of your special occasion
or purpose for your visit.
UC March 2016
Christmas day morning 2015 and I
was
sunbathing on the far left sunbed.
55
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Life across the Atlantic
Palm Springs,
California
Okay, so you have been to Universal
Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm,
Disneyland and Venice Beach
amongst other hotspots after landing
and staying in Los Angeles. You may
have travelled to San Diego and
visited Mexico and Sea World so
now is the time to take it easy and
to
head off into the desert and sample
the small town life that makes up so
much of the USA with the most dow
n
to earth people you could find.
Palm Springs is one of those 35mph
towns that Toby Keith sings about.
So, as we diversify a little, why not
go along to the Palm Springs
International Film Festival which is
fast approaching its 30th year. You
really can get close up and personal,
especially if you are staying at Colt’
s
56
Lodge which is a premier hotel
sponsor of the festival. Co-owner,
Frank Young, founder of Theatre
Under The Stars in Houston, Texas
and well known director of stage
productions tells Up Country ‘we love
hosting these people who work in
showbusiness and film - that’s just
who we are’. Jon Nelson, owner
and designer of Colt’s Lodge, adds
to that comment ‘and we appreciate
those people who work so hard and
live their passion to entertain us - yes,
that is our background and we are
incorporating that life in our new
world of hospitality’.
The festival, which continues over
11 days, kicked off the recent film
festival with the opening night film,
The Fencer, a setting in Estonia - one
of several foreign films that screened
this year at the Palm Springs
International Film Festival (PSIFF) and
go on to compete in the Golden
Globe Awards and the Academy
Awards for the coveted Oscar
award.
This year the PSIFF had 413
screenings of 174 films from 60
countries. Glamour and glitter were
all present on the Red Carpet Gala
when the second day of the film
festival introduced its line-up of
nominees, award recipients and
presenters which included Cate
Blanchett, Johnny Depp, Matt
Damon, Brie Fassbender, Rooney
Mara and the ensemble cast of The
Big Short.
The evening of gorgeous celebrities
March 2016 UC
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:22 Page 57
Continuing on what is on offer in California, you may wish to get away from the
hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and after taking a trip to San Diego and across
the border to Tijuana in Mexico - the most visited city in the world - go to Palm
Springs and if you are a film buff then why not go when the Palm Springs Film
Festival is in full swing. You may even stay with some of the stars of the screen at
Colt’s Lodge.
on Mars playing the lead role in
Vikander for her role in The Danish
the
on
aries
lumin
and
stage
Ridley Scott’s film, The Martian. This
from the
Girl, a love story based on
ng
sci-fi film is filled with problem solvi
floor who support the PSIFF was
g
youn
a
unconditional love of
s.
enge
chall
ing
neer
engi
and
enjoyed in the beautifully decorated
s
woman faced with her husband’
Amongst many awards there was an
room at the Palm Springs Convention
gender change taking place
trans
er
dinn
d
serve
g
bein
exciting focus on our ‘sister’ Country
Center while
100 years ago when there was no
ight with films,
limel
the
in
UK
the
with wine and cocktails. It was
her
for
reference or consultation
including The Lady In The Van with
hosted by Mar y Hart, who is well
during this emotional journey.
ent
tainm
Enter
of
st
co-ho
as
the grand dame of stage and theatre
known
The Desert Palm Award for Best
- Maggie Smith. 45 Years, about a
Tonight for 30 years.
Depp
y
Johnn
to
Actor was presented
marriage and the lies we can live
Awards of the evening were:
his
for the film, Black Mass, for
rd.
Awa
nary
Visio
Bono
y
Sonn
with and those we cannot. Radiator,
The
ayal of James Whitey Bolger, a
portr
ber
mem
cast
by
nted
This was prese
s. Eye In The Sky, Sunset Song and
gangster from Boston, Massachusett
others.
of the film, Spotlight - Michael
he
as
urite
JD was a red carpet favo
er
The PSIFF is growing with the numb
Keaton, to the Director Tom
ng
signi
fans,
his
for
time
took
it
subm
t
who
abou
is
cers
rodu
story
This
tor/p
.
direc
arthy
of
McC
autographs and giving photo
w and screening
journalists who are dedicated to the
fan won the prize their films for revie
One
ies.
rtunit
oppo
the
sing
represented this
tries
coun
60
with
truth and finding and expo
n
whe
er
from the red carpet inter view
year.
facts surrounding the cover up of
she was questioned about JD’s
While we have only touched the
child abuse by Catholic priests.
previous career - he was part of a
ce
rman
Perfo
surface of the Palm Springs Film
The Breakthrough
rock ’n’ roll band.
Festival, take a look at the Oscars on
Award was awarded to Brie Larson
The Desert Palm Award for Best
The
.
Room
in
role
ng
starri
her
February 28th to see if any of the
for
Actress was presented to Cate
films mentioned get an award.
storyline takes place in a garden
Her
l.
Caro
in
role
Blanchett for her
up
As you can see Palm Springs lives
shed where a young girl was
era
50’s
the
character is a woman in
place
ial
spec
that
of
n
tatio
repu
its
to
abducted and held prisoner. She
in
from a wealthy background who is
which must be visited while in the
gives birth to a son and portrays her
the middle of a divorce from her
ent.
inem
conf
south west of the USA.
life in this horrific
two
een
betw
husband. The love
n’t
Also, don’t forget, even if you have
The International Start Award for
ct
subje
a
women at that time was not
must
ael
you
Mich
hts,
to
heig
ured
for
hono
head
a
was
r
got
Acto
ss
- that studios were anxious to discu
travel up to the top of the mountain
Fassbender for his role in Steve Jobs
15 years and two
took
it
film
in
ical
techn
on the Tramway to wine and dine
the life of the Apple
.
story
this
k
incredible women to brea
and soak up the glorious views.
genius. When asked during his
The talented Rooney Mara co-starred
he
how
et
carp
red
the
on
view
Country music and line dancing is
inter
with Cate Blanchett as they unveiled
available at various locations in the
dealt with the intellectual material
a
is
chett
Blan
this love story. Cate
k
Coachella Valley so be sure to chec
and content his reply was, ‘I liked the
r
Osca
ted
t. two-time winner of the cove
not
,
clubs
for
et
intern
the
out
dialogue and character based scrip
award and will see the Academy
forgetting the concerts with many
I just followed the script and learned
Awards red carpet again on
who
slett,
major stars.
the words’. Kate Win
in
ayal
portr
February 28th with the
For more information on the Palm
played the character as Steve Jobs’
l.
Caro
the
nted
prese
n,
perso
ions
relat
ic
Springs Film Festival go to
publ
The Chairman’s Award honoree,
www.camelottheatres.com.
award to Michael Fassbender.
naut
astro
ded
stran
a
a Matt Damon is
The Rising Star Award went to Alici
UC March 2016
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Check out the Up Country Radio S
Zack & Bekah
Zack and Bekah both live in Nashville and
attend Belmont University, which has put out
some Nashville royalty such as Brad Paisley
and Martina McBride. They have teamed
up and recorded their debut EP and new
single, Run.
Once Bekah turns 18 later this year they
will both hit the road professionally.
Zack is a renowned guitar player and
already plays over 120 solo dates, now
with Bekah they play every weekend.
This regular feature gives
you updates of what is
happening to some of
our popular Brit artists
along with those who do
not normally play the
clubs, also European
and US acts that are
featured on the various
programmes enabling
the performers and artists
to get the publicity that
may help them on their
way to stardom.
For more information on Zack & Bekah go
to www.zackandbekah.com.
Pauly Zarb
With a great diversity of instrumentation
Pauly is a top class entertainer.
His debut Country single, Forgiven Past is
released this month.
Pauly Zarb has had a musical life since the
age of four. He has had a professional
career in music for over 20 years.
Originally from Australia, he has performed
in many venues, festivals, theatres, concerts
and schools and has toured extensively in
Australia, America and now Europe, from
the Tamworth Country music festivals in
Australia to the Kentucky Bourbon Festivals
in the USA, to the Queens Jubilee in the UK.
Pauly is an international musician.
In his solo show you will see a multi-
instrumentalist playing piano and combining
keyboards, guitar, kick drum, hi-hat, flute,
pan pipes, tin whistles, accordion,
harmonica, didgeridoo - often all in the
same song, creating a one man band
experience.
After a 10 year stint based in Kentucky and
touring the USA, Pauly is now based in
Wokingham, UK, continuing to perform in
venues, festival, events and cruise ships not
only in the UK but also in Europe, taking his
music to an enthusiastic Scandinavian
audience.
He is continuing to record and his latest
song, Healing The Feeling has been
reviewed by many top class musicians.
They all love Pauly’s feel and style of music
which is spirited and uplifting and he is a
dynamic performer with a lot of enthusiasm
to life with his ongoing journey as a
musician.
UC Country Show
The UC Country Show which is aired on the last Wednesday in the month with repeats is
compiled by Jeanne Jordan and produced by BJ Thomas and features many of the artists
and subjects covered in the current edition of Up Country magazine.
Cross Country Show
In addition to the Up Country radio show, Cross Country has its show on the third
Wednesday in every month. The shows bring the pages of their respective magazines to
life through the music and interviews mentioned in the publications.
Both shows are aired online at CMRNashville.com.
Lee Williams.
58
Highlights direct from the CMRNashville.com studios
to keep you in touch with the world of Country music
as it happens via the world of radio.
March 2016 UC
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:22 Page 59
o Show on CMRNashville
Hot off the Airwaves
Schedule change
CMR Nashville has changed its schedule at the weekends to allow easier
programming. Monday to Thursday has always been eight hours from 12 noon
then repeated twice to allow for different time zones around the world to tune in.
We have now started a 12-hour turnaround Friday to Saturday, which again
always starts at noon until midnight.
Check the new schedule on the right or if you need to be sure then go to our
website for the new schedules at the top of www.cmrnashville.com.
Lee Williams in the States
Lee Williams has gone to Kentucky and Alabama with Travelling Time to open up
new musical attractions for their UK tours to visit, along with arranging future
shows and developing recording opportunities in the world famous Muscle
Shoals studios and venues. These studios have such a legacy and history from the
world of music from early Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, David Bowie, Cher and
hundreds of others.
With Country music developing this will be the ideal destination as an alternative
to Nashville for artists that want an edge.
Radio Promotions
Lee Williams is running various radio promotions here in the UK and Europe
including the mainstream shows on all BBC and ILR stations and is now finalising
a new promotion that will take in 200-300 stations in the USA that are happy to
play international artists. For further details contact Lee on 07956 888587 or
email [email protected].
Showbiz TV
ShowBiz TV is a free to air British entertainment channel delivering broadspectrum content nationwide, ranging from feature film favourites to cult and
classic television series.
Ofcom-licensed in May 2015 and re-launched in late 2015 with headquarters in
Buckinghamshire, UK, the channel airs on Sky channel 266 and on Manchester
Freeview LCN 80.
As a 24/7 commercial channel, ShowBiz TV will be competing under the Sky
genre of Entertainment with BBC4, Sky Arts and Vintage TV with a target
demographic of 35 plus.
CMandT Radio Show
CM&T, the all American video show, features the latest hits plus more on Sky 266
- the ShowBiz channel. Take a look at the commercials at https://www.youtube.
com/watch?v=xgVp4OEVRfk. Also find Lucy Angel at https://www.youtube
.com/watch?v=G-U3jBlp0q8 for the reality show featuring Lucy Angel and
family. We also feature the International Top Six videos as voted by the public.
Raintown have held the #1 slot now for three months. ShowBiz can also be seen
on Freeview in the Greater Manchester area on Channel 80. Certain apps on
phones, tablets and Smart tvs also broadcast ShowBiz TV live 24/7, including
the archived shows at www.cmandt.tv.
CMR Nashville App
Remember CMR Nashville has its own app, which can be downloaded free for
both Android and IOS devices. Crystal clear reception in the car on 3G and 4G
and of course wifi where available.
Recording
For artists looking to record in Nashville or the UK, CMR Nashville and Django
Promotions have studios, producers, musicians and singers ready to record.
Contact us at djangopromotions@gmail or Tel 07956 888587 for further
details. The same applies to artists who have new recordings, both singles and
albums.that need the important promotion. Call now and get started.
UC March 2016
Monday
12 noon
2pm
3pm
4pm
5pm
6pm
8pm
Midnight
Willie Morgan - Red, Hot & Country
CMR Germany - Hermann Lammers Meyer
The Album Zone - Kevin Williams
CMand T Radio Show with Lee Williams
Brian Doty - Texas Music Show
The Comfort Zone - Gail Comfort
Show schedule above repeats
Shows schedule above repeats
Tuesday
12 noon
2pm
3pm
4pm
6pm
8pm
Midnight
John Dean Country Show
David Bradley - A Brit in Nashville
The Album Zone - Kevin Williams
Stuart Cameron - Hotdisc Top 40
Music City Roots live from Nashville
Show schedule above repeats
Shows schedule above repeats
Wednesday - SPECIALS
12 noon CMR Nashville USA Countdown - Willie Morgan
2pm
*CC & UC Country Show - Third and last week in month
3pm
Album Zone - Kevin Williams
4pm
The Irish Connection - Sean Green
6pm
CD Tex Radio Show - Cowboy Bobby Lopez
8pm
Show schedule above repeats
Midnight Shows schedule above repeats
Thursday
12 noon
1pm
3pm
4pm
5pm
6pm
7pm
8pm
Midnight
Café Nashville - Jody Van-Allen
Classic Country with Tim Rogers
Album Zone - Kevin Williams
Australian Showcase - Connie Kis Andersen
Ben Sorenson - Real Country from Australia
Now That's Americana - Karen Miller
WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour - Michael Johnathan
Show schedule above repeats
Shows schedule above repeats
Friday
12 noon
2pm
3pm
4pm
6pm
8pm
8pm
Midnight
Lee Williams Show
Cactus Country from France - Johnny Da Piedade
All Girl Power Show - Adrena Austin
Lonesome Highway - Ronnie Norton
Trucker Radio with Stan Campbell
Country Oldies Show with Steve Warren
Show schedule above repeats
Shows schedule above repeats
Saturday
12 noon
2pm
4pm
6pm
8pm
10pm
Midnight
Lee Williams Show
Gail Comfort - Comfort Zone
Irish Connection - Sean Green
CMR Nashville Countdown - Willie Morgan
Lonesome Highway - Ronnie Norton
Trucker Radio Show - Stan Campbell
Shows schedule above repeats
Sunday
12 noon
2pm
3pm
4pm
6pm
7pm
8pm
10pm
Midnight
The Hotdisc Top 40 Show with Stuart Cameron
Brian Doty - Texas Music Show
CM&T Radio Show with Lee Williams
Classic Country with Tim Rogers
Karen Miller - Now That’s Americana
Australian Showcase - Connie Kis Andersen
Texas Country Music Countdown
Sounds Country with Richard Alen
Shows schedule above repeats
*Cross Country (3rd Wednesday) Up Country (Last Wednesday)
59
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:22 Page 60
Stuart Cameron
talks Country
Leslie Cours Mather
Jackie Storrar
Pauly Zarb
Leslie’s last record, Hell Hath No Fury has been all over
the airwaves and the raunchy and powerful video for it
has managed to set tongues wagging all over the
world. Building on the success of that record, which
made the Hotdisc Top Five, here she comes again with
another gutsy performance on That Was The Whiskey,
with a video promised to follow soon.
Jackie has been a top singer recognised in her native
Scotland as well as across Britain for a long time, as
well as being a very popular dj.
She is determined to come out fighting her personal
battle with cancer and has been on tv and radio to talk
about her dream of making one final album which she
is working on now.
Her brilliant cover of Motorhead’s Ace of Spades has
been re-released in the meantime and is on this
month’s Hotdisc.
A new name to Hotdisc but this Australian has had a
professional career in music for over 20 years.
Originally from Australia, Pauly is now based in the UK
and continuing to record. His latest single is Forgiven
Past which is spirited and uplifting, reflecting Pauly’s
live shows where he is a dynamic performer.
Doug Adkins
With the new single, Little Thing Called Love, Doug
Adkins presents his eighth studio cd titled Lonesome,
which continues his traditional style. He has performed
from the largest festivals in Europe to the smallest
clubs, averaging over 60 shows per year since 2000.
With radio hits including Whiskey Salesman, Window
Shoppin', Waltz Across Montana and Bismarck, Doug
Adkins remains one of the top festival attractions on
the European circuit today! Real stories, real music,
real Country!
Top l to r: Stephanie Checks Teague, Leslie Cours Mather,
Middle l to r:Pauly Zarb, Doug Adkins,
Bottom l to r: Jackie Storrar, Laurie Shaw.
Laurie Shaw
Laurie, who grew up in Texas, has already released
several singles on Hotdisc and she now brings to the
table a track called How Do I Unlove You, which her
record label, Banner, have high hopes for. European
airplay for the lovely Laurie hasn’t been an issue for
her, with djs across several continents backing her
music and they’ll be waiting for this new single to land
with eager anticipation. She loves a story song and this
one ticks all the boxes.
Stephanie Cheeks Teague
The youngster from England already has two Hotdisc
Top 40 hits under her belt and now comes the third, I
Could Die Tonight, which like the others was recorded
in Nashville. This showcases her voice well and proves
she can handle sensitive slower material with ease.
She’s been performing as a duo with her grandfather
but with her collection of new material she is on the
brink of breaking out on her own and with airplay
support already this could be the breakthrough single
she’s been waiting for.
SNEAK PEEK
60
Artists likely to appear on the next Hotdisc include George Inglis, Sonny Walters Band, Mexican Joe
Walker, Larry Woods, Billy Yates, Dave Gibson, Judy Klass and many others.
March 2016 UC
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:22 Page 61
For a full list of the all Hotdisc charts go to: www.hotdisc.co.uk/charts
Stuart Cameron.
It's great to be able to still bring the European Country music industry some brand new names as well as some old
favourites.
TWO INCREDIBLE SPECIAL OFFERS FROM HOTDISC / UP
COUNTRY
Hotdisc has teamed up with the world’s Number 1 Country music
magazine, Up Country, to bring you TWO exclusive offers.
Offer 1: Buy the very latest 17th edition of Best of British & Irish
Country 2015 for just £9.99 and by ordering through Up Country
you will receive NINE full length Country cds at no extra cost featuring some of Country music’s top names, that’s 10 albums for
less than a tenner and postage is included too! It features the
best British tracks from last year with acts including Frank
Jennings, George Inglis, Dave Sheriff, Rob Allen, The Diablos,
Tony Clarke, Janey Kirk, Charlotte Black, Christina Kulukundis,
Susan McCann and Pete Kennedy.
Offer 2: The last five editions of Best of British & Irish Country
(2011-2015) for the incredible price of just £19.99, that’s £30 off the retail price of buying them individually. Over
100 tracks on five cds spanning the last five years.
Make your cheque payable to: Silver Heart TV and send to Hotdisc ‘UC’ Offer, 21 Redpath Crescent, Galashiels
TD1 2QG, Scotland.
Position
By the time you read this we will be broadcasting four times a week on Sky TV on the newly launched 24 hour
Country music channel, KIC on Channel 261 and this gives us a great opportunity to spread the word about the
excellent current music being released through Hotdisc at this time. The show is also available now in HD online at
our website, powered by Vimeo and the programme has doubled in length to one hour, featuring every record inside
the Top 20 plus new releases and flashbacks, playing some of the most successful songs from the Hotdisc Chart over
the past nine years. We’re now available on facebook too, so feel free to log in and like our page. This is where you
will get to see the latest tv show first, as well as getting the latest news on Hotdisc.
The current edition is another exciting mix. As well as the Premier cuts, we have terrific new music from two of
Country music’s true legends, Gene Watson and John Conlee. Gene’s new single from his upcoming album is called
Enough Of You and it is glorious. The man’s voice is still perfection and the fully orchestrated song including a terrific
53 second intro is just wonderful. Then there’s John Conlee, a master of his art. His new single is Bread And Water
and it is right on the money. Why these guys have not got major label contracts still is a mystery. Surely they have so
many fans built up over the years to ensure record companies would turn a profit! They do sound as good as ever
though.
Tia McGraff is one of Canada’s finest exports and she is touring in March here in the UK. Her stunning new single,
Crazy Beautiful has an accompanying video and it is destined to be a huge song. DK Davis is back again still looking
for his first Hotdisc chart-topper. He’s made number two before but never got to the summit, perhaps his latest will
succeed? You’re In The Country is another fine track.
British and Irish acts are represented with some quality new material. The Diablos and Kathy Krinion both have new
singles and for Kathy it’s her debut on Hotdisc. Rock ‘n’ Roll Banjo is superb in every way while The Diablos continue
to take singles from their new album. Many will argue they are one of the best bands in Britain right now, constantly
producing critically acclaimed original material yet largely being ignored by awards polls for some bizarre reason.
They are the real deal and djs in Europe absolutely adore them. Completing the line-up are Dustin Bragg, Dick
Barnes, Donovan Lee, Avrio and Johnny Heap.
Full details as always at www.hotdisc.co.uk
Previous
Hotdisc chat ...
01 03
02 02
03 01
04 05
Gayle
05 04
06 06
07 07
08 09
09 13
10 11
11 08
12 10
13 15
14 14
15 17
16 16
17 22
18 19
19 23
20 12
21 18
22 20
23 24
24 27
25 21
26 29
27 25
28 26
29 31
30 28
31 33
32 30
33 34
34 32
35 38
36 36
37 35
38 37
39 39
40 40
Wasn't Through Loving You Yet, Alabama
Three Tequila, Floor, Billy Yates
Getaway Truck, Aaron Watson
Ready For The Times To Get Better, Lorraine Jordan & Crystal
Mountain Songbird, Stella Parton
Leaving Indiana, Josh Goodlett
Run, Denny Strickland
Alibi, Dave & Whitney
Long Ride Home, David Starr
Where I'm Coming From, Shane Owens
You Show Me Yours, Richard Lynch
What Happened To The Dinosaurs, Dave Gibson
What I'd Say, April
Love Is On A Roll, Mexican Joe Walker
Here I Am In Nashville, Frank Jennings
Don't Forget To Thank The Lord, John Anderson
I'm Always Waiting For Her, BLagards & Cowboys
Love And Sabotage, David Starr
Not Tonight Josephine, Keith Shaw
Little White Dress, Southern Halo
Nashville Radio, Hunter Sealy
My Wandering Heart, The Diablos
Before We Met The World, Debbie Cochran
My Pain Ain't News, Judy Klass
Sober And Sorry, Kayla Adams
A Cold Heart Never Melts, Rebecca Hosking
Night Time Don't Come Easy, Tony Clarke
Burnin' The Night Down, Makenna & Brock
Dang Girl, Beau Fuller
Hell Hath No Fury, Leslie Cours Mather
Were It Not For My Child, Curtis Webb Project
I'm Gonna Right A Great Country Wrong, Vince Hatfield
The Happiest Guy In The Whole USA, Donny Richmond
Need Somebody Bad, Smith & Wesley
Everything Changes, Rob Allen
First Of May, Janey Kirk & Carla
My Picture Of You, Joey Sontz
What A Heart Must Do, Tia McGraff
Broken In, Kevin Fisher
One More Kiss, Domino
For more information on Stuart Cameron’s Hotdisc visit: www.hotdisc.co.uk. You can contact Stuart direct at: [email protected].
UC March 2016
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UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:22 Page 62
Cd
C Reviews
The latest cds that are hitting the chart here and in the US.
Vince Gill - Down To My Last Bad Habit
Humphead
Down To My Last Bad
Habit is the long awaited
album from the multitalented Vince Gill.
It was way back in 2011
when we were last treated
to the amazing guitar skills
and vocals from one of
Country music’s stalwart
performers.
With 20 Grammy awards
to his credit, he also
earned entry into the
Nashville Songwriters Hall
of Fame in 2005 and the
Country Music Hall of
Fame in 2007.
To his credit he has
produced albums for
Ashley Monroe, Amy
Grant and LeAnn Rimes
and has made guest
appearances on over 500
albums. His talent has no
bounds.
Let’s get started then with
the first track, Reasons For
The Tears I Cry, which is a
punchy up tempo number
that highlights his fabulous
vocals and is for me the
best track on the album.
We then slow down for
the title track, the dreamy
ballad, Down To My Last
Bad Habit with some
excellent guitar playing
featured.
Me And My Girl is a
twangy bluesy song and
then we move on to the
gritty, rocky Like My
Daddy Did, followed by
the ballad, Make You Feel
Real Good.
I Can’t Do This is next then
My Favourite Movie
written by Vince and
Ashley Monroe carries on
with a tale about real love
and then the slow number,
One More Mistake I
Made featuring Chris Bott
carries on the mood
Track listing
1. Reasons For The Tears I Cry
2. Down To My Last Bad Habit
3. Me And My Girl
4. Like My Daddy Did
5. Make You Feel Real Good
6. I Can’t Do This
7. My Favourite Movie
8. One More Mistake I Made
9. Take Me Down
10. I’ll Be Waiting For You
11. When It’s Love
12. Sad One Comin’ On
before we are brought
back to earth with the
punchy Take Me Down
with Little Big Town adding
their finesse to the track.
Last month’s Up Country
cover featured artist, Cam
joins Vince on I’ll Be
Waiting For You with
When It’s Love taking us
along to the final track
entitled Sad One Comin’
On (A Song For George
Jones).
For me Vince Gill can do
no wrong and this album
just emulates a man who is
truly one of Country
music’s most gifted artists
with everything he touches
being pure magic and he
is a thoroughly nice person
too!
Brett Eldredge - Illinois
Warner Music Nashville
Ahead of his forthcoming
tour of the UK Brett
Eldredge is set to release
his sophomore album,
Illinois which is a high
powered selection of styles
and sounds.
The album begins with the
dynamic Fire, a song
which highlights Brett’s
soaring vocals with a
funky number next, You
Can’t Stop Me, featuring
artist of the moment
Thomas Rhett.
Lose My Mind is
representative of a lot of
songs on this album with
the vein of love and lost
being the focal point with
Wanna Be That Song
showcasing his melodic
62
vocal skills.
Time Well Spent and If
You Were My Girl are
heard before the title track,
Illinois comes along, a
song which Brett and his
co-writers actually wrote in
Illinois. They were driving
around the rural areas of
his hometown when they
penned what’s essentially
an autobiography.
Just A Taste is a song with
a rhythm and blues groove
that further highlights the
diversity of his music.
Drunk On Your Love brings
us back into the mood
before we close with three
songs which couldn’t be
more different with Lost It
All, Shadow and Going
Track listing
1. Fire
2. You Can’t Stop Me
3. Lose My Mind
4. Wanna Be That Song
5. Time Well Spent
6. If You Were My Girl
7. Illinois
8. Just A Taste
9. Drunk On Your Love
10. Lost It All
11. Shadow
12. Going Away For A While
Away For A While which
represent Brett’s Frank
Sinatra influences and is
for me one of the
highlights of the album.
With this album he has
certainly upped his
crooner game, becoming
a more convincing
storyteller and I reckon he
will truly be a force to be
reckoned with in the future.
March 2016 UC
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:22 Page 63
Eric Church - Mr Misunderstood
Capitol
Eric Church is a multitalented, unique Country
music superstar best known
in the UK for the song,
Springsteen.
In the US he has cultivated
a devoted fanbase without
sacrificing musical integrity
and self-expression.
In recent years he has
become a frequent visitor
to the UK and he returns
once again, this month to
headline on his biggest
appearance to date,
at the prestigious C2C
festival in London. He is
something of an outsider in
Nashville, being a man
who doesn’t follow trends
and I think this is why he
has encouraged a huge
fanbase.
In the USA he chose an
unusual way to release the
title track Mr Misunderstood
by performing the song
first at the CMA Awards
last November with no
previous press
announcements! He
immediately made an
album of the same name
which was a huge
success, entering the
Billboard Top 200 two
days later at number three.
Before I delve into the
tracks I have to say that
with the number of cds
which land on my desk to
review, the album cover
on this one would not
have enticed me to buy or
indeed listen but I did, so
here we go.
The album’s title track and
lead single kicks this
album off which is an
appropriate opener, it
essentially lays out what
this album is all about and
that’s Eric Church and his
love of music. He sings
about how he grew up as
Mr Misunderstood, the
child who didn’t fit in with
his friends who didn’t
agree with his choice of
music.
He was the one who
listened to his dad’s vinyl
to the songs of Elvis
Costello, Ray Wylie
Track listing
1. Mr Misunderstood
2. Mistress Named Music
3. Chattanooga Lucy
4. Mixed Drinks About Feelings
5. Knives Of New Orleans
6. Round Here Buzz
7. Kill A Word
8. Holdin’ My Own
9. Record Year
10. Three Year Old
Hubbard and Jeff Tweedy.
It is an acoustic driven
track influenced by
southern and heartland
rock.
Mistress Named Music is
a gospel inspired song
with Chattanooga Lucy
being a foot-tapping fun
song which is followed by
the dreamy ballad, Mixed
Drinks About Feelings,
which brings us back to
reality with this heartbreak
song - lovely stuff.
There are many great
standouts on the album
with Knives Of New
Orleans being one of them
and Round Here Buzz
being another.
So we are down to the
last three with Holdin’ My
Own, which is an ode to
his family, with Record
Year and Three Year Old
finishing this eclectic mix of
songs from Eric which is
once again inspired by his
family, particularly his three
year old son Boone. He
sings about all of the
lessons he has learned
from him and how it puts
into context how simple life
is through the eyes of a
child.
Brothers Osborne - Pawn Shop
Humphead
Maryland brothers, John
and T.J Osborne
performed in a cover band
known as Deuce And A
Quarter before moving to
Nashville in the mid
2000s. They signed a
publishing deal with
Warner Chappell before
signing a deal with EMI.
In 2013 they released
their debut single, Let’s Go
There but the song didn’t
give them the breakthrough
they were hoping for and
so in 2014 the duo
released Rum which
reached the top 30 on the
US Country Airplay Chart.
A year later, in 2015,
Brothers Osborne released
Stay A Little Longer and it
was that song that gave
them their break.
Off the success of that
song the duo has now
released their debut
album, Pawn Shop.
UC March 2016
The new kids on the block,
as it were, are probably
not so well known in the
UK at the moment but are
set to be featured in one of
our forthcoming issues of
the magazine.
Eric Church said of his tour
mates, ‘my favourite thing
about Brothers Osborne is
that they don’t sound like
anyone else. They are
singularly distinctive’. So
let’s see what the fuss is all
about.
Dirt Rich begins our
musical journey which
highlights the voice of T.J,
the voice which, for me, is
far more mature for his
years and has a hint of
Big & Rich in the mix.
All 11 of the tracks were
co-written by the brothers.
I really enjoyed 21
Summer which again
draws you in with the
fabulous vocals and the
Track listing
1. Dirt Rich
2. 21 Summer
3. Stay A Little Longer
4. Pawn Shop
5. Rum
6. Loving Me Back
7. American Crazy
8. Greener Pastures
9. Down Home
10. Heart Shaped Locket
11. It Ain’t My Fault
bittersweet nostalgia.
Stay A Little Longer is a
catchy number with the title
track, Pawn Shop moving
us on to the laid back Rum
and the soothing Loving
Me Back.
American Crazy is where I
consider the album loses
its way and heads off into
another stratosphere and
Greener Pastures, Down
Home, Heart Shaped
Locket and It Ain’t My Fault
conclude the album.
I have to be honest I don’t
know if I would go out
and buy this album
because it is the more
rockier side of Country
although musically, it’s a
jewel in the crown. Good
luck to what are clearly
two very gifted and
talented brothers who I am
sure we will be hearing a
lot more about in the
future.
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UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:22 Page 64
The O2, SJM Concerts in association with the Country Music Association are proud to present:
The Pop-up artists and also The Shires return a
After a huge year The Shires
return, this time as
Ambassadors and will
introduce acts appearing on
the Yamaha Music Stage,
host up and coming UK
artists on the Pop-up stages
and make several
appearances across the
weekend.
The Shires who recently
played at Nashville’s Grand
Ole Opry have a debut album
that has just gone gold and
spent a summer with hits
such as Nashville Grey Skies
and State Lines on national
radio playlists. They are
currently the UK’s most
successful domestic Country
band.
The ever popular Brooklyn
Bowl will host some of the
UK’s rising stars and The
Saloon will feature a line-up
of traditional Country
performers.
With over 40 performances a
day across the site and
artists from all over the UK,
Europe and the US, C2C
once more provides an
incredible opportunity for
artists to showcase their
talents and offers a great
opportunity for fans of
Country music to discover and
support new artists.
C2C organisers commented,
‘Every year we’re looking for
new talent we can introduce
to fans via the C2C Pop-up
stages - the calibre of artists
applying to play is now very
high. We had over 400
applications from all over the
world so we’re looking
forward to seeing how these
new artists are received this
year’.
64
Pop-up acts
The Shires, UK
Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes
have taken the support from
industry tastemakers they received early on
in their career and built it into radio plays,
Alice Wallace has become a
shining light on the Los
Angeles Americana music
scene, sharing her songs of
travel, adventure, life, love and loss in her
authentic voice ‘as beautiful as the land she
travels’, say the folks at California Country
Records.
Ashley Campbell is the daughter
of legendary Country singer,
Glen Campbell, a songwriter,
performer and musician in her own right;
she spent time on the road with her father
during his last tour. She is currently in the
studio working on new music.
record sales and legions of fans and have
helped changed the perception of Country
music across the UK in the process.
Alan West & Steve Black
They say
that some
things are meant to be!
Nothing could be truer
about the coming
together of Alan West
and Steve Black. With over 50 years of
professional performing between them, they
discovered that their unique combination
puts a refreshing slant on Country music.
Luke & Mel are a multi-award
winning singer/songwriter
duo and have been hailed as
one of the hottest bands to hit
UK Country music in recent years. Formed
in 2012, having met through performing in
the UK's top touring theatre show, Country
Legends, the pair combines haunting
harmonies and fine musicianship creating a
sound that is both unique and authentic.
Honey Ryder are a trio from
London and Stoke. Having
firmly established themselves
within the inner circle of Nashville’s elite,
this UK band return to spearhead the British
Country crossover invasion.
Ashton Lane was formed after
Esther met her now husband
Tim O’Connor at one of her
solo gigs down a cobbled street in
Glasgow (Ashton Lane). Their creative
partnership, as well as their connection
over what they value in life was
immediately obvious and the street where
they met seemed like the perfect name for
their band.
Benjamin Folke Thomas, Sweden
Ben’s explosive take on altCountry and Country-rock is
complimented by his highly accomplished
finger-style guitar and soulful, resonant
vocal style.
Callaghan
Originally from Lincolnshire,
Callaghan moved to the US
in summer 2010 to record and tour with
Shawn Mullins. Since then she’s been busily
carving out a career for herself and winning
fans across the USA. Back home in the UK
the BBC’s Bob Harris has been a strong
supporter, regularly playing her music on
both his Radio 2 shows.
Case Hardin are a four-piece
Americana band from
London. Operating musically
across all points within the genre, they are
the vehicle for songwriter, Pete Gow.
CC Smugglers are eager to hit
the road with their brand new
record. Frontman and
songwriter Richie Prynne reflects,
‘showmanship and really good music
invariably speaks way beyond any genre.
We play good, original music with
inspiration plucked from the rhythms and
instrumentation that inspired most of today’s
modern music’.
Red Pine Timber Company
Bursting with talent this eight
piece Americana band from
Perth are currently on the road gathering
fans and promoting their debut album,
Different Lonesome whilst recording new
material for their highly anticipated second
album.
March 2016 UC
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:22 Page 65
n as C2C Ambassadors
Chisum Cattle Co, Spain
A Truckin’ Country band with
a strong and personal style
that resembles the great
sound from the 70s. On stage they play
songs from their brand new album, 90
Miles and versions of Buck Owens, Waylon
Jennings, Merle Haggard, Sleepy LaBeef
and Dwight Yoakam songs.
Carolynne Poole
Often compared to Shania
Twain, Carolynne describes
her style of music as Country-pop-rock. In
Emma Stevens is a British
singer/songwriter who fuses
catchy pop melodies with folk
instrumentation, playing the
majority of the instruments on her albums
herself. She first picked up the guitar at the
age of two and has since learnt cello,
piano, banjo, ukulele and mandolin.
Erin Kinsey, US
It is very rare in today's music
industry to come across a
young artist with the passion and love for
music displayed by Country singer/
songwriter Erin Kinsey. The 14 year old
performer from the Dallas, Texas area has
not only had multiple appearances
performing at one of Nashville's most
historically significant venues, The Bluebird
Café, she has also received training from
some of the biggest names in the modern
music industry.
Foreign Affairs
Started by brothers, Adam
and Lawrence in 2012, the
band’s first summer saw them booked for
the Glastonbury Festival by owner Michael
Eavis, as well as performances at iconic
Bristol venues and airplay via BBC. The
band have now settled on a trio line-up,
with the addition of Ben Sweeney.
2012 Carolynne was the first Country artist
to be seen on the X factor UK. ‘She is
supremely talented and just oozes Country’,
says Gary Barlow.
Cooper & Davies
Drawn together by a desire to
play rootsy Americana, they
developed their own style and sound which
draws on the traditions of Country, blues,
bluegrass, et al.
Crash n Recovery, Sweden
Since the start in 2012 their
music has reached an
audience all around the world through
radio, tv and the internet. They have shared
stages with LeAnn Rimes, Buffy SainteMarie, Doug Seegers, The Kilkenny’s, Ten
Years After and many more at major
festivals in Scandinavia and Europe.
Darline are Country-pop duo
Abby Inez and Cara Beth
Beard. Aged 20 and 18 the
girls have only been playing together for
eight months. Both have played solo for a
few years but came together after Ben Earle
from The Shires introduced them. They hit it
off immediately, sharing a strong love of
everything Country and a slightly obsessive
love of Taylor Swift!
The Rising are a pop/rock,
Country rock band from
Belfast, Northern Ireland. The
band has just released their debut album,
Coming Home on Renegade Maverick
Records.
UC March 2016
Ray Peters & The Smokey Turtle
Band
Ray Peters started his singing
career in the 1990s, performing in venues
on the Costa Del Sol. In 2000 he returned
Frankie Davies
A big favourite amongst UK
based Country and folk
singers, Frankie was born in
Jersey but as much as she loves her island
home, that stage was just too small for this
girl and she’s since travelled the length and
breadth of the UK, Los Angeles, San
Francisco and Nashville to let the world
know about her particular brand of original
folk and Country music.
Great Western Tears are a
Country band hailing from
Oxford, England who
subscribe wholeheartedly to the
Ameripolitan ethos of authentic roots
music.
High Valley, Canada
Brad and Curtis Rempel are
making what the music
industry in Nashville has called singular
seminal and a perfect mix of radio, revision
and respect. Although they like to call it
‘popgrass!’.
Holloway Road are Jack Cooper
and Robert Gulston, both
originating from sunny
Southend-On-Sea. These aren't your
ordinary Essex boys. Instead of tanning or
getting their vajazzles done, they're
creating free ‘big in your face’ Country-pop
music. Being in their mid-20s they have had
their fair share of experience writing and
playing around the world.
ILONA, Bulgaria
Originally from Bulgaria but
based in the UK for the past
10 years, ILONA has had a life that makes
her unlike many others. With a rich blend of
influences to draw on, combined with her
passion for music and the ability to speak
four languages fluently, she is truly a unique
and original performer.
to the UK and with Country music being his
first love, set about finding musicians.
During 2015, while continuing strongly as
a trio, Ray worked on putting together a
five-piece band and so The Smokey Turtle
Band was born. They are Ray Peters on
vocals and rhythm guitar, Dave Hayward
on pedal steel, Dean Barnes on guitar,
Hannah Cope on bass and Pete Hedley on
drums.
Jeannine Barry has been
likened to Country music
greats such as Carrie
Underwood, Martina McBride, LeAnn
Rimes and Emmylou Harris. Her true respect
for heritage artists with a forward thinking
desire to keep the style relevant and current
ensures that her kind of Country music is
what y'all been waiting for.
Rackhouse Pilfer
Rackhouse Pilfer are a fiery
and exciting band who have
been getting rave reviews with their roots
blend of Irish Americana. The rise of
Rackhouse Pilfer is unstoppable.
Megan O’Neill
They formed in 2012 by the fireside of
Originally from County
McGarrigles bar in Sligo, performing an
Kildare, Ireland, Megan is
one of the most exciting new entrants to the acoustic set of bluegrass and folk hits from
world of Country-pop music. Megan's music their favourite Americana artists. It wasn’t
long before they had to be plugged in to
is a fresh mix of modern Country and pop
be heard due to their growing popularity
with a fusion of distinctly Irish elements
and swelling crowds.
making for a very unique sound.
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The Pop-up artists continued ...
Rainey Qualley
Knoxville Highway are a
Rainey Qualley is a rising star
sensational foot-tapping, free
in Nashville who recently
wheelin', Americana/Country
enjoyed success with the single, Me And
band from The Midlands. From classic
Johnny Cash. She made her debut on the
Country songs, foot-stomping bluegrass, to
hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry in
August and has since been invited back for
numerous other performances, including the
kick-off celebration of the Opry’s 90th
birthday.
the infectious rhythms of Tex-Mex, Knoxville
Highway set the standard high in
performance and entertainment.
Red Sky July are husband and
wife duo Ally McErlaine
(guitarist in Texas) and Shelly
Poole (one half of Alisha’s Attic) along with
former model Charity Hair (The Alice Band).
Red Sky July’s sound is a hazy blend of altCountry and Americana. Red Sky July
release their new album, The Truth And The
Lie in March 2016.
Sam Coe & The Long Shadows
Four guys and a girl from East
Paul Carella
Anglia, blazing a trail for
Paul is an award winning
modern Country music. Think Brandy Clark
Scottish singer/songwriter.
meets Eric Church, that's what they sound
Self-taught, Paul learned his trade as a
like.
musician playing in the pubs and clubs of
Glasgow before moving to London in 2009
Sarah Darling was called 'a
to further his music career. Paul is currently
sophisticated songwriter with
touring across Europe.
a crisp, powerful voice by
the New York Times and is a very busy
Phil Vassar, US
Phil Vassar is a Country music woman with frequent national tv
hitmaker who has released six appearances, the launch of her new line of
boots with partner Durango, the success of
her French macaroon company, Sweet
Darling Patisserie and a robust touring
schedule.
Sonia Leigh makes music which
has been described as a
melting pot of indie, pop and
Country rock. ‘Her talent is undeniable’, said
Music News Nashville. Sonia Leigh is an
artist that sets herself apart from the pack.
After appearing at C2C, she will embark
on her first co-headlining European tour with
UK artist, Sasha McVeigh in early April.
Outlander
Outlander is a pop/Countryrock band hailing from the
North East of England and are one of the
bands leading the new wave of Country
music in England. Formed in 2015 the
albums and is a piano pounding
powerhouse on stage. His reign of
signature songs include 10 number one
singles and 26 Top 40 hits, including
Carlene, Just Another Day In Paradise, SixPack Summer, That's When I Love You and
many more.
66
band has become one of the most
anticipated and talked about acts and won
Horizon Act of the Year at the BCMAs in
2015.
Texas Martha & The House Of
Twang
Marty Fields (USA/Fr) is an
award winning singer/songwriter from
Austin, Texas with deep musical roots
extending to Appalachia. Now based in
both Texas and Bordeaux, France, her
band has been storming stages across
Europe with their Americana cocktail of
Country, Country-rock, Texas boogie and
honky tonk.
The Southern Companion
Recently described as ‘a midAtlantic sonic whirlpool where
the UK and US currents meet’ and as ‘the
UK’s answer to Zac Brown’, the band have
reached number three in the CM&T
International Artists chart with their song,
Drive and are keen to gain momentum to
promote the independently released album,
1000 Days Of Rain.
Wire & Wool
Dundee’s newest bluegrass
group have already carved
out a well deserved place in the scene,
creating a bit of anarchy while pushing the
boundaries of the bluegrass genre with
blistering favourites, plus their own cross
genre material.
Dexeter are a modern UK
Country band who have
developed a loyal fanbase
from their set on the Pop-up stages at
Country to Country 2014. The four-piece
band have gone from strength to strength
playing regularly in London and UK Country
festivals including Yeehaw, Fort San Antone
Fest and Midwinterfest.
Southern Junction are a new
modern Country music group
formed in the south of
England. Keep an eye out for the trio's first
EP release coming soon!
It is good to see some of the
acts who play the club circuit
showcasing themselves at this
year’s C2C festival and Up
Country wishes them well in
their endeavours to show the
general public what they are
missing if they don’t go to the
clubs.
March 2016 UC
UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:22 Page 67
This holiday includes DJ, Line Dance Instruction and Artists.
Plus Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal
Music & Linedancing Weekends
November 18th - 20th 2016 ave
RIPON HOTEL
Park Street, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4
07759 149001
£160
per person.
Single supplement £25
If you h
ow
n
t
s
re
per night per person
e
tried th
try
Call 07759 149001
e best!
th
for details of
2BU
We care nd discounts, groups or
r fun a
about you lity!
general enquiries.
hospita
e: [email protected] - w: www.alineholidays.co.uk
KAY D RICHARD PALMER THRILLBILLIES
Set in 8 glorious acres of landscaped grounds and gardens, the Ripon Spa
Hotel has been privately owned by the
same family for a century. The hotel is
situated only a short drive away from the
beautiful Yorkshire Dales and just five
minutes stroll from Ripon’s ancient
market square. Whether you are a
dancer or listener come along and enjoy.
BOOKING FORM (RIPON SPA HOTEL)
Make cheque payable to ALine Holidays and send £50 deposit per person to ALine Holidays, 28 Hadleigh Rise, Pontefract, West Yorkshire WF8 4SJ. Tel: 07759 149001.
Full details of everyone in your party should be shown on a separate sheet.
Name
(Title
Mr/Mrs/Miss/
Ms
etc):
............................ First
name:
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Surname:
...............................................................................................................
Address: ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................................... Postcode: ......................................................................
Email: ......................................................................................................................................................... Tel: .................................... /.............................................................
Mobile: ................................................................... Twin:
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Single (Supplement applies - please check price and availability)
Deposit: £......................
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UC March 2016_Layout 1 11/02/2016 08:22 Page 68