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KHAZ Country Music News: Brad Paisley Releasing Special Edition of “Wheelhouse” Exclusively at Cracker Barrel

khaz brad paisley 20130308Brad Paisley will release a special edition of his new album, Wheelhouse, exclusively at Cracker Barrel on April 9.  That’s the same day the project hits stores everywhere, but the Cracker Barrel version includes three exclusive bonus tracks.  Cracker Barrel is also sponsoring Brad’s summer tour.

Brad’s new album features the #1 hit “Southern Comfort Zone,” the current single, “Beat This Summer” and collaborations with everyone from rapper LL Cool J and pop star Mat Kearney to Charlie Daniels and Dierks Bentley.  That diverse lineup is an indication of the kind of freedom Brad gave himself creatively on this album.

“The real test for me as a musician, songwriter, artist, whatever, is to see what happens when you take off the restrictor plate,” Brad says of making Wheelhouse.  “You take off the muzzle a little bit and see what you write.  See what you write when you don’t think there’s boundaries.”

Brad wrote and recorded this album in a farm house on his property near Nashville, which freed him up from having to deal with booking time in a traditional recording studio.  That was a blessing and a curse at different times during the recording process.

He says, “It’s a good way to do it, but you have to kind of keep yourself on track because there’s nothing like clocking in somewhere to make you busy.”

The fact that Brad produced this record on his own kept him focused on staying creative too.

“There was so much that was riding on it that the pressure of making sure it was what I wanted it to be kept me busy, you know,” Brad says, adding, “I can always find inspiration to create a song if there’s enough going on in my life.”

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

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KHAZ Country Music News: Dustin Lynch Making Late Night TV Debut Monday on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

khaz dustin lynch 20130322Dustin Lynch is set to make his late night TV debut Monday performing on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! Look for Dustin to sing his latest single, “She Cranks My Tractor,” as well as his #1 debut hit, “Cowboys and Angels.”

Dustin is now on the road with Justin Moore‘s Outlaws Like Me tour, and he’ll join Keith Urban‘s tour this summer. Go to DustinLynchMusic.com for a complete list of tour dates.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

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KHAZ Country Music News: Alan Jackson Brings a “Good Time” to Stars Go Blue Benefit Concert in Nashville

khaz alan jackson 20130322Alan Jackson headlined the Stars Go Blue benefit concert for the Colon Cancer Alliance Wednesday night at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, and Alan has a very personal connection to that cause.  His wife Denise survived a battle with colon cancer several years ago, and she is the person who convinced Alan to perform the show.

Alan was happy to oblige saying, “That’s the easiest thing I can do is walk out there and sing, and it’s nice to have your music do something other than just go out and entertain people normally, and be able to use your music to help a cause like this.”

Though many of the audience members had been through cancer battles of their own, Alan made it clear he was there to have a good time.  The set list was dotted with Alan’s mighty catalog of hits including “Livin’ on Love,” “Gone Country,” “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow,” “Good Time” and many more.

The only somber moment of the night came when Alan performed “When I Saw You Leaving,” an emotionally charged song Alan wrote about Denise’s cancer battle.   It was the first time he’d performed that song since recording it for his 2012 album, Thirty Miles West.

Country newcomer Craig Campbell opened the show, and he sought out a spot on the bill because of his personal experience with colon cancer.  Craig’s father died of the disease at age 36, and that has prompted Craig to get screened regularly.

He says, “I’ve been having colonscopies.  I’ve had two.  I’ve had one at the age of 26 and one at five years.  But yeah, it’s a personal thing.”

Craig has opened shows for Alan before, but he’d never met the country legend before Wednesday night.  Craig and Alan have the same producer, Keith Stegall, so they had plenty to talk about when Alan invited Craig onto his bus before the show.

Says Craig, ” When I walked on his bus, we was talking a minute, and then he’s like, ‘Keith played me your album.  I love it.’ And then he started naming off songs off my record.  I just thought that was the coolest thing.”

For more information on the fight against colon cancer, go to CCAlliance.org.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

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KHAZ Country Music News: Lee Brice Ready to Make Some Memories on the Brad Paisley Tour This Summer

khaz lee brice 20121130Lee Brice‘s star is on the rise thanks to his #1 hits and his recent stint on Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley‘s Locked and Reloaded tour. He’ll play to many more fans on the road with Brad Paisley and Chris Young from May to October.

Lee tells TheBoot.com, “Being out with Brad is gonna be an experience that I’ll have with me all the rest of my life. I’m really excited about that.”

Lee heads to Nebraska for a show this Saturday night. He’s taking some time off in April to tie the knot with his longtime girlfriend Sara Reeveley.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

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KHAZ Country Music News: Tim McGraw Takes London by Storm; Scores #1 Country Album on iTunes’ UK Chart

khaz tim mcgraw 20130321Tim McGraw has been at the top of the country music world for the better part of two decades now, so it’s hard to believe he’d never taken his music to London until last weekend.  Tim made multiple media appearances on top of playing the C2C: Country to Country Festival at London’s 02 Arena.  All the promotion paid off when Tim’s latest album, Two Lanes of Freedom, bowed at #1 on the iTunes Country Album chart in the U.K. this week.

Tim also took the stage with his pal Ne-Yo at the R&B star’s London show to sing their song “She Is.”  Ne-Yo will be one of the special guests on ACM Presents: Tim McGraw’s Superstar Summer Night. That show tapes in Las Vegas April 8 and will air on CBS at a later date.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

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KHAZ Country Music News: Thompson Square’s Opening Gig on the Luke Bryan Tour “Just Feels Good”

khaz thompson square 20130312Thompson Square‘s career is in a sweet spot right now, which is why they named their upcoming sophomore album Just Feels Good.  The same can be said for the married duo’s experiences on Luke Bryan‘s Dirt Road Diaries tour too. They’re on that trek all year long with tour mates Florida Georgia Line, and the chemistry between the performers that the fans see on stage isn’t just an act.  It turns out they’ve all become fast friends in the last few months

Thompson Square’s Keifer Thompson tells ABC News Radio, “It’s not like, ‘You’re the opener.  I’ll see you on stage, and we’ll act like we’re best buddies.  And then get the heck off my stage.  Don’t come in.  Don’t even think about coming and drinking my alcohol.’  That sort of thing, it’s not like that at all.”

Keifer’s wife and duo partner Shawna Thompson adds that they’ve been hanging out and partying with the Florida Georgia Line guys quite a bit.  She’s also grateful to Luke, who allows them the tools they need to put on the best show possible for the fans.

Says Shawna, “Luke has just been so sweet and let us use all of the stage, all of his lights. ‘Whatever you need, use it.’  Just good people.  Just good people to be out there with.” 

Thompson Square has been performing new music on this tour, including their latest single, “If I Didn’t Have You.”  Their sophomore album, Just Feels Good, is out this Tuesday.

 

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

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KHAZ Country Music News: George Strait and Garth Brooks to Honor the Late Dick Clark at the ACM Awards

DICK CLARKGeorge Strait and Garth Brooks are teaming up for a joint performance at the ACM Awards in honor of the late Dick Clark, who began producing the ACMs in 1979. He passed away last year.  Also, the ACM Artist of the Decade Award will be renamed the ACM Dick Clark Artist of the Decade Award in his honor. George was given that award for the 2000s, and Garth took it for the ’90s.

Garth commends the Academy for renaming the trophy in honor of Dick Clark, saying, “There may be others who have contributed as much to the music industry, but there is definitely no one that has contributed more than Dick Clark.  He was music’s best friend, and a dear friend to me.”

George adds that Dick Clark made country accessible to a wider audience. He says, “Garth and I were so grateful when we each received the ACM Artist of the Decade Award, so it’s only fitting that we’ll be honoring him with this tribute performance at the ACMs.”

The 48th Annual ACM Awards will broadcast live on CBS from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 7 at 8 p.m. Eastern.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

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KHAZ Country Music News: Kenny Chesney Unveils 2013 Line of Limited Edition Sunglasses

Kenny Chesney (BNA)Kenny Chesney has unveiled five new limited edition sunglasses as part of his ongoing partnership with Costa sunglasses. Some of the new styles include the metal aviators known as “KC” as well as the new retro Prop design. Each of the styles will be available in a variety of frame colors including the orange-to-red Tequila Sunrise and the brown-to-green Créme de Menthe.

Kenny had a big hand in designing these sunglasses, and proceeds from the sunglasses sales benefit the Coastal Conservation Association.

Says Kenny, “For something to have my name on it, I take a lot of pride making sure the end product lives up to my high expectations in terms of quality and performance.”

He adds, “These Costa sunglasses have my personality showing through — they work hard, but they definitely know how to have a good time, too.”

To purchase a pair of Kenny’s sunglasses, go to CostaDelmar.com.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

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KHAZ Country Music News: Road to Ram Jam Hits the Home Stretch as Easton Corbin’s Truck Hits eBay

khaz easton corbin 20130320The Road to the Ram Jam all-star country music series continues, with Easton Corbin‘s 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn now up for auction.  Easton drove the truck for the past year, and the money raised through its auction at eBay.com/RoadtoRamJam will benefit the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund. That organization honors Americans in the Armed Forces who have sacrificed life or limb in the line of duty by awarding college scholarships to their children.

Easton says, “I definitely encourage my fans to bid on the auction.  They get a great truck out of the deal and also provide college scholarships to some well-deserving young people.”

Easton’s Ram is the fifth and final truck to go up for auction as part of the Road to the Ram Jam.  Zac Brown‘s truck recently went for $39,300 with proceeds going to his Camp Southern Ground.  Brantley Gilbert‘s Ram truck raised more than $34,000 for the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.  Billy Currington‘s truck raised about the same amount for Team Rubicon, while Kellie Pickler‘s truck brought in more than $36,000 for the USO Warrior and Family Care program in January.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

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KHAZ Country Music News: Reba to Be Honored with Country Music Hall of Fame Exhibit Opening August 9

khaz reba mcentire 20120323Reba will be the subject of a new biographical exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville opening August 9.  “Reba: All the Women I Am” will celebrate Reba’s multi-platinum career, highlighting her achievements in music, TV, Broadway and several other formats.  An ongoing series of programs will accompany the exhibit from the time it opens until it closes on June 8, 2014.

Reba was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011.  She currently stars in the sitcom Malibu Country, airing Friday nights on ABC.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

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KHAZ Country Music News: Willie Nelson to Receive Honorary Doctorate of Music Degree from Berklee College of Music

khaz willie nelson 20120411Just call him Dr. Willie.  Willie Nelson has been selected as a recipient of an honorary doctorate of music degree at the Berklee College of Music’s commencement ceremony on May 11.  Annie Lennox and Carole King will also receive honorary doctorates, and Lennox will give the commencement address.

Loretta Lynn and Alison Krauss are among the musicians who have received this honor in the past.  The recipients are recognized for their achievements and influence in music.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

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KHAZ Country Music News: Alabama Playing Free Show for Fans April 4 at the Bowery in Myrtle Beach

khaz alabama 20130320Alabama will launch their Back to the Bowery tour April 4 with a free show at the Bowery in Myrtle Beach, SC. That club is the spot where the band played their first show back in 1973, and current fan club members will have the opportunity to win tickets to the show through a lottery . The remaining tickets will be available after that on a first come, first serve basis. Check out TheAlabamaBand.com for more details.

The Back to the Bowery tour officially kicks off April 5 with the first of two sold-out shows at the Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

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KHAZ Country Music News: Kacey Musgraves Avoids the Obvious on “Same Trailer Different Park,” Now on Sale

khaz kacey musgraves 20130320Newcomer Kacey Musgraves has already made a splash with her top 10 debut single, “Merry Go Round,” and now her debut project, Same Trailer Different Park, is available in stores and online.  Kacey lifted the title of the album from a lyric in “Merry Go Round”: “Same hurt in every heart/same trailer, different park.”

It’s one of her favorite lines on the album, and she explains, “It kind of just means we’re all kind of in this together.  We’re all hurt the same way.  We all feel the same way, although we’re all different.  That’s why I love it.”

Kacey could have just made her debut album self-titled or called it Merry Go Round, but something so obvious just didn’t suit her or the music on the album.

“I kind of love it when album titles make people think,” Kacey says.

Kacey is performing songs from Same Trailer Different Park during her set on Kenny Chesney‘s No Shoes Nation tour through August.  They’ve got a show in Albany, NY Thursday night.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

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