Country Music Alive

Alive Again

2009-06-30T17:08:00.002-04:00

Hi there,

Yes... it certainly has been awhile since I have posted. There many reasons that I'm sure in the coming days and weeks I will discuss. The biggest though has been my schedule. It has really been hectic these past few months, and still is in a lot of ways. However, I am feeling a routine coming, finally.

A second reason, probably a result of the hectic schedule and all, the passion to write wasn't there. Pretty simple. Last week though, I noticed that I really do miss it and have made my inner pledge to get back into something I really enjoy... writing this blog and running my website that go hand and hand with one another. In fact the creative juices in my mind started to flow again last night. The gerbil is back on the wheel, if you will.. ha!

With that said, I am first and foremost interested in a total overhaul of the website first and foremost. I have thought about it and did some research into my stats, which everyday still amazes me how many people visit and from where they come from. I've decided that the website itself needs help.. a lot. So, in the coming days and weeks, that will have what I hope to be a new fresh look. Less features, but more impact on the features you all want to see and use.

There so many websites out there these days on country music that the material, is well, basically the same. You can go to those sites for the details and such. I want to be your starting block. That goes back to the core feel of Country Music Alive, to promote country music in a positive way and bring more fans into a music that I dearly love. What will be on the new website? What will it look like? Your guess is good as mine... I am thinking through writing right now. I have ideas, I have a few visions.. but no visual plan yet.

I do know the blog isn't going anywhere, nor is the Twitter feed, nor the website, and I am to the point now I can't wait to get started and stop typing here... so I will stop.

I will keep you updated on its progress and can't wait to see the finished product.

Follow Country Music Alive on Facebook

2009-05-10T18:09:00.002-04:00

Country Music Alive now features a Facebook Group! Come join it and keep up with updates going on from the Blog and website. It may feature special contests and other information on the group.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=78642062196

Note: The group will not provide you blog post updates, to get those delivered to you daily click on "subscribe in a reader" under the subscribe now! section to your right. Thanks!

Country Music New Release Update

2009-05-10T17:33:00.002-04:00

Country Music Alive's New Album Release Calendar has been released. It is probably the most comprehensive list of new releases available that are official and available as of this posting.

To visit the list, follow this link:
http://www.countrymusicalive.com/albums/releases.php

Amazon's 50 for $5

2009-05-10T15:32:00.003-04:00

50 Albums for $5

These days, any kind of deal certainly comes in handy. For the music lover, Amazon.com makes available 50 albums available for download for $5. Pretty cool. It seems to change each month.

3 of the 50 are indeed country albums, and each of them are worth buying at this price hands down.

Dolly Parton "Backwoods Barbie"
Jamey Johnson "That Lonseome Song"
Kenny Rogers "The Gambler"

Wow, what a list to be able to get at this price... it is really amazing, because ech and everyone is worth so very much than that in quality. These are just any albums.

Check them out!

Taylor Hicks Tries Country Crossover? - The Boot

2009-05-03T15:28:00.001-04:00

Taylor Hicks Tries Country Crossover? - The Boot

Alright. This news is exactly what I find wrong with country music these days.

Taylor Hicks couldn't make it in pop scene after his American Idol success, and currently is playing a role in a theater play of "Grease" out on the West Coast. His first album sold double platinum, which is great. But, honestly, we haven't heard much about him in a good while. He does have a new album out and a single from it has made it to #22 on the AC/Pop chart. His 15 minutes of fame should be be out of snooze button pushes. But, not so fast.

Taylor Hicks is now ready for country radio. Yes, you read that right, and you probably know good and well where I am going with this. I have a problem with this. Big time. Yes, I think he is talented, and enjoyed watching that season of American Idol because of him. That was the last season I actually paid attention to, in fact. Thinking back on his performances and his influences, I don't really think he mentioned country music that much. Influences on his music include Ray Charles, Michael McDonald, and Steve Winwood for example. Um, not really country to me. Yes, great artists, no doubt, but not country. He is from Alabama, but that doesn't mean a thing either.

So, why in the world did he think a country single was the way to go? I have no idea. His website even calls it a re-mix version going to country radio. Now, that's an oxymoron if I've ever heard it. "remix" and "country" doesn't ever make me want to listen to it. 99.9% of the time, its not going to be traditional or even pop country, nor any good to listen to for that matter.

Here is yet another example of someone that made a decision to head to country music if you can't make it in pop. Just maybe one day those decision makers will understand the true difficulty and the natural passion that the skill to be a country music artist takes. Country music is not a dumping ground, its a style of music that takes a certain level of love, skill in delivery of a story in song of real-life. Not a style that just anyone can produce well just as a genre to come into to try to make a buck. Plus, if you have made it in the top 25 on the Adult Contemporary/Pop chart, why would you want to try another genre? I think that's pretty good myself.

Under the article on "The Boot" I see comments about this being a country song to them, well, I've listened to it, and I certainly don't hear it.

I just hope that country radio wakes up and decides not to add the song to the play list, and take notice, for once, that someone that isn't country, doesn't belong on country radio. However, I have a feeling we will be hearing it in no time.

The Oak Ridge Boys on QVC

2009-04-28T14:50:00.002-04:00

Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and Duane Allen, better known as The Oak Ridge Boys make up one of the finest American vocal groups ever. No, you don't hear about them as much as we should, but they are still touring and better yet, still producing country music.

In fact tomorrow night, The Oak Ridge Boys are scheduled to make their QVC debut Wednesday, April 29 at 7:30 PM (ET) during a special QVC Presents The Oak Ridge Boys Qsessions Live show. The group will perform a selection of songs from their from their newest release ‘The Boys Are Back’ from Spring Hill Music Group.

The album is set to go on sale May 19, 2009 everywhere. QVC will be offering a package that includes an additional 5-track bonus and will be available April 29 for order.

Win A Copy of "Naked Willie"

2009-04-27T20:01:00.003-04:00

Win A Copy of "Naked Willie"

How To Enter:
Send an email to contest@countrymusicalive.com no later than 12:00pm EST on May 1, 2009. The email subject should be "naked willie" and include your name and city/state. Only one entry per-person. No exceptions and multiple entries will void all entries.

How To Win:
A winner will be picked at random after 12:00pm EST May 1,2009 and will be notified by email to provide full mailing address. You will have 2 days to respond before another entry will be selected.

"Naked Willie" is available in stores and online now from RCA Nashville/Legacy Records.

Willie Nelson "Naked"

2009-04-27T19:53:00.003-04:00

Willie Nelson has released countless albums, almost literally. He is a master of the pen, the vocal delivery of a country song, and music in general. Anything he touches his distinct vocals to turn into history immediately and adored by the country music community. His newest release, “Naked Willie,” is no exception to this thought. This album is something special, indeed. You see, when Nelson began his career in 1964 with RCA, he didn’t have total control over how his music was recorded. He had to rely on the decisions of his upper management. So what was produced was great music, however, not exactly how Nelson would have wanted it… it was called “The Nashville Sound” back then. It was pioneered by the legendary Chet Atkins, among others at RCA that had a slick sound to it… with background vocals and lots of string musicians. Now, its 2009… Nelson is an icon of music in general and let’s face it; he can record what he wants, when he wants, and exactly how he wants.

On “Naked Willie,” Nelson takes a collection of seventeen songs from 1966-1970 and were re-mixed to the way Nelson would have wanted to record them… well, naked. No overpowering strings or backup singers…just Nelson, the lyrics, and the music shining through.

Below this posting, you will find 2 Amazon MP3 players. One is just a few original recordings of the songs that appear on “Naked Willie.” The second player is of this new album. Just listen to the amazing difference… both good, “Naked Willie” just more special, no doubt.

This album is a relaxing, enjoyable listen right from the start. The very first track, “Bring Me Sunshine,” had me snapping along as Nelson’s voice clearly fills the air. Each track reminds you sharply how distinctive Nelson’s vocals are. Take a listen to “I’m A Memory” in your own Nelson collection or a clip on Amazon, I-tunes, etc. and then play this version. The new re-mastered version has a whole new feel to it. This album is really an education on music. It teaches us how even slight changes to a song, keeping the same vocal talent and lyrics can change the feel of the song totally. Toning down the instrumentation and letting a vocal shine just is so enjoyable, especially vocal of Nelson.

Among the great music that is served “naked” on this album, the booklet in itself is worth picking up the CD, as long as you can get over the mild shock of a Willie Nelson in a bathtub. Let’s just thank God for bubble baths. However, the writing in the booklet is a wonderful read about Nelson’s career and how this album came along. It is worth reading, most definitely.

From the die-hard fan of Nelson to the just general music lover, you will enjoy every moment of Willie... “naked.”

Enter To Win The Bocephus Bailout Package

2009-04-15T22:10:00.002-04:00

Every now and then, I find a contest to enter that actually seems like something worth taking the time to enter. Boy, have I found it this time.

First and foremost, take a listen to te single from Hank Williams Jr. "Red White & Pink-Slip Blues." Amazing song, wow. I'm sure I'll be writing more about this one soon.... just maybe another classic Hank Jr. song in the making right before your eyes (well, ears.)

Once you are blown away by the song, take a minute and enter the contest...

The Bocephus Bailout Package includes:

$1,000 Spending money
Plus an additional $1,500 toward airfare & hotel
Winner plus one guest:
- Premium seats to the concert
- Meet & greet with Hank Jr backstage
One Limited Edition Collector’s Tin featuring three
classic CDs
- Family Tradition
- Whiskey Bent & Hell Bound
- The Pressure Is On
One Limited Edition Monday Night Football Guitar
One autographed copy of the brand new single, “RED WHITE & PINK-SLIP BLUES"

One entry per signup via the Bocephus Bailout website between the sweepstakes dates as indicated above. No purchase necessary to enter. To enter via mail, send in a 3x5 postcard complete with name, address, phone number, and email to:

Curb Records, Inc.
ATTN: BOCEPHUS BAILOUT
48 Music Square E.
Nashville, TN 37203

Visit Visit: http://www.bocephusbailout.com/ for complete rules and much more information...

Dan Seals 1948-2009

2009-04-10T19:24:00.003-04:00

As I was looking through my emails and such from the past weeks, as I got toward the end I found a news piece that stopped me. Dan Seals died on March 25, 2009 at the age of 61 years old from lymphoma.

Shortly after high school years, I found his album "In A Quiet Room" that to this day is still one of my favorite albums. I can remember singing all the songs on that CD over and over. The album is an acoustic styled album from Seals. It includes a lot of his hits such as "Bop," "Big Wheels in the Moonlight," "Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold)" and "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight" (which was a pop hit for him as a member of a pop duo.

I will miss him for sure, but never will forget his music, that is for sure. I'm sure some of you have not heard his name before, but I imagine at some point you have heard his music, especially "Bop" that he won a CMA for in 1986, as well as his other number one hits. If you still don't remember him, I certainly suggest you seek his music out and enjoy what you hear.

Feel free to leave your thoughts on Dan Seals on the blog and take a moment to listen to his great talents in memory of this wonderful artist. Below, you will find an Amazon player to listen to clips.

Dan Seals, dead at age 61.

I'm Back

2009-04-07T18:47:00.002-04:00

Wow, its been one month to the day since the last posting. I am very much relaxed and have returned from a honeymoon I'll never forget. Full of enjoyment and relaxation. The past months have been extremely busy for myself. Its almost incomprehensible. From the purchase of a new home, a new position at my work, a wedding, and a honeymoon, I am now ready to get back into a normal schedule.

One of the biggest things I've missed in the past months is writing this blog and my website upkeep. Something had to give in all the physical and mental work that had to be done. I can't wait to get back into it, no doubt.

So, since February, what have I missed? What interesting stories have you read about country music, what new and upcoming artist has caught your ear? How did you enjoy the ACM Awards? Yes, for the first time in my memory, I missed that particular show.

On my drive back from Charleston, SC yesterday, I had XM Highway 16 on, as I usually do. However, this time, it was a little different. No, the station hadn't changed nor really the music had changed, with exception of a few new songs... what had though was I had been away from country music for a week or so, on a cruise ship. It was calming, enjoyable, and really just a great feeling to hear country music again.

Well, that's all for now, I must start to sift through the hundreds of emails that await my attention about this great music we love.

You will be hearing more from me very soon, that is for sure.

I will be back, promise

2009-03-07T22:27:00.003-05:00

I am logging on to my computer for the first time in over a week. I hope to able to post at least something this upcoming week. I promise, I am not gone, just very busy from moving to a new house, a new position at my job, and then will be getting married on March 21st.

If you are so happened interested in the wedding plans etc, you can visit kirkandcatherine.com

Thanks for your understanding, and believe me, I can't wait to post again soon

Taking Some Time Off

2009-01-23T17:23:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to drop a line to let you all know that I will be away from the blog and website for a bit. I am in the process of buying a new home, getting married, and also a changing responsibilities all my full time job.

I hope to post from time to time, at least something here and there, but a lot of things take a higher priority right now.

I will be in touch and hopefully soon will return to daily postings, or at least a normal schedule of postings.

I thank you for your support and keep checking and keep your subscriptions to the blog, I will be posting on ocassion, however, just not on the schedule I would hope to maintain.

--Kirk Fitzgerald

Album Review: "Call Me Crazy" Lee Ann Womack

2009-01-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

Lee Ann Womack Soundcheck exclusive
Uploaded by soundcheck2008

Amazon.com Widgets

Lee Ann Womack’s newest album is her first since 2005. 3 years is a long time between albums, however, Call Me Crazy was worth the wait. Believe me. This isn’t just another country album. No way.

You see, this album here is something special. It proves to me and so many others many things. First, country music as we know it is not dead. Second, you can create a true traditional country album and still maintain a contemporary sound. Third, Tony Brown is a master of producing a real-deal country album, and not just for George Strait.

The debut single and first track of the album, “Last Call” is a perfect introduction to what can be found on this album, a solid country song. When you listen to this album, you will quickly find a common theme to the album… vocal delivery of perfection, lyrical strength that can’t be matched, and traditional country music sounds. “Last Call” just starts what is in store from Womack. “Either Way” and “Solitary Thinking” both demonstrates this point further.

In the middle of the album, where most albums may drift off a bit, Womack remains strong and maybe even stronger than the first third of the album. For example, “The Bees” written by Natalie Hemby and Daniel Tashian is a song with a great tempo and crisp, clear vocal delivery from Womack with some really some simple, yet incredible lyrics…A song about looking for the sweeter side of life and noticing it in family after returning from work. This lyric must be read and heard, no doubt. At just over five minutes long, it will never see the airwaves, but then again, this song may be too good for radio anyway. A revival best song on the album comes very next. “I Think I Know” written by Tom Shapiro, Mark Nesler, and Tony Martin is a song that will grab the attention of any true country music fan with names such as Keith Whitley, Hank Williams, and Johnny Cash being sung about. A song about what truly led to the death of these artists… well, I’ll leave it up to you to check out this song to find out.

“Everything But Quits” is a duet with George Strait that is quite nice and just plain ol’ country fun. A song about a relationship that isn’t going too well, yet stays strong, Womack and Strait match up perfectly in vocal delivery and style. You can’t really ask for a nicer duet. After the duet, you are treated to Womack singing one of Strait’s classic hits, “The King of Broken Hearts.” Again, a great vocal delivery, and the tempo of the song remains untouched. Since you just heard Strait sing, you can still hear is voice in your head as Womack shares her vocals with you.

The album ends with a catchy tune “The Story of My Life” that will keep you singing the chorus for a many hours after you stop listening, and for once, you won’t be irritated by having it stuck in your head, rather happy and relaxed.

I can’t see how you couldn’t love this album. This album is one of the best albums country music fans have heard in a good long time. It’s refreshing, enjoyable, and most definitely true country music. Call me crazy, but I will never be able to get enough of listening to this album.

Country Music Alive Chart: 1/11/2009

2009-01-11T19:40:00.003-05:00

January 11, 2009
TW	Song	Artist	Amazon CD	Amazon Digital	I-Tunes	Tickets	+/-
1	Already Gone	Sugarland					+3
2	Start A Band	Brad Paisley and Keith Urban					NEW
3	Don't	Billy Currington					NEW
4	Love Story	Taylor Swift					-1
5	Sweet Thing	Keith Urban					NEW

News From The Week: January 10, 2009

2009-01-10T21:23:00.002-05:00

Apple I-Tunes News

Apple will begin making songs available in its iTunes store at 69 cents, 99 cents and $1.29 in April, with most albums remaining $9.99. Apple is also extending to all four major labels and thousands of indpendents its DRM-free iTunes Plus format with higher-quality 256 kbps AAC encoding. Customers can upgrade their existing library to the new codec for 30 cents a track or 30% of the album price. In a significant breakthrough beyond Wi-Fi capability, consumers with iPhones now will be able to preview and buy music via the 3G network at no extra charge.

Cledus T. Judd New Single

Cledus T. Judd has re-signed with Koch Records and will release a new single this month, "Waitin' On Obama" after being away from the music for three-years. The song is a parody of Brad Paisley's hit single, "Waitin' On A Woman."

Keith Urban Announces Tour Stops, No Dates.. Yet.

Keith Urban has announced all the cities his 2009 tour will stop in. He will also have a new CD out March 31, 2009.

One supporting act, either Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bently, Glen Campbell or The Zac Brown Band will appear at each show.

Tour stops include:

Uncasville, CT Philadelphia, PA

State College, PA Rochester, NY

St. Paul, MN Little Rock, AR

Chicago, IL Tulsa, OK

Green Bay, WI Kansas City, MO

Charleston, WV Pittsburgh, PA

Roanoke, VA Columbus, OH

Indianapolis, IN Louisville, KY

Huntsville, AL Hershey, PA

Cincinnati, OH Washington DC

Detroit, MI Cleveland, OH

Fort Wayne, IN Charlottesville, VA

St. Louis, MO Buffalo, NY

Memphis, TN Knoxville, TN

Atlanta, GA Nashville, TN

Greenville, SC Salt Lake City, UT

Charlotte, NC Portland, OR

Raleigh, NC Seattle, WA

Des Moines, IA Spokane, WA

Moline, IL Boston, MA

Milwaukee, WI Vancouver, Canada

Omaha, NE Calgary, Canada

Wichita, KS Edmonton, Canada

Dallas, TX Saskatoon, Canada

Denver, CO Winnipeg, Canada

Glendale, AZ London, Canada

Las Vegas, NV Toronto, Canada

Los Angeles, CA Albany, NY

Ontario, CA New York, NY

There we have a short look at the news from the week! Check back next Saturday for more updates!

Jon Hager Dies

2009-01-10T20:59:00.002-05:00

Another member of the Hee Haw cast has died. The surving member of the Hager Brother's duo Jon Hager died Friday at the age of 67. He had apparently been in poor health since his brother Jim's death in May.

The Hager Brothers were apart of the very first episode of Hee Haw. They continued on the show through 1988.

Not very many of the cast members of Hee Haw are still living. Its important not to forget these important icons of country music. From my best approximation, nearly half of the cast has died.

Now, if you have for some unknown reason new been introduced to Hee Haw, now is the time. 2 sites for you to visit:

http://www.heehaw.com

http://www.rissystreasures.com/heehaw/

New Country Music Releases For January 13, 2009

2009-01-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

New Releases for January 13, 2009:

Laughter is the Best Medicine
Ray Stevens
Clyde Records

Eli Young Band
Eli Young Band
Universal-South Records

Live At The Jolly Fox
Eli Young Band
Universal South Records

Links above will take you to Amazon where you can pre-order right now so that you can save the trip to the store. You can also use the links to download the singles/album right Amazon DRM-free.

Check back every Friday for the listing of new albums that will be released on Tuesday!

My Pick Songs: January 8, 2009

2009-01-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

This new feature will take some time to get going an such, but here are three songs I'm really loving this past week. They may be brand new hit singles or the most classic country song you can find, but this is what I've been listening to this week. You may have heard them before or it may be something you've never heard... but always they will be worth checking out.

Amazon.com Widgets

"The Bees"-- Lee Ann Womack
Country music doesn't get better than this. A Great song from Lee Ann Womack's newest album.

"God Love Her"--Toby Keith
Such a Toby Keith styled song. A great listen and just screams Toby.

"Voices"--Chris Young
Great vocal and just a damn good song to crank up just a little bit.

Feel free to post your comments on what you are listening to this week....

Fans To Design Rascal Flatts "Unstoppable" Album Cover

2009-01-07T14:30:00.003-05:00

Rascal Flatt's fans have a chance to design the cover for their upcoming album. Starting at 9:00AM EST tomorrow (Jan. 8) fans can download some materials and submit your cover art for the April 7, 2009 releasing album "Unstoppable."

You must be 18 to enter and you have until January 22, 2009 to enter on The People's Choice Awards website. 3 finalist will be chosen and then the fans will vote on the winning cover.

You can read the full rules here

To enter and more information visit http://www.pcavote.com/ where the information should be posted very soon. There is a sneak peak link here

The People's Choice Awards air tonight Wednesday January 7 at 9pm EST on CBS.

CMA Closeup: Sing it Safe: Tips from Vocal Coaches

2009-01-07T01:00:00.000-05:00

Sing it Safe: Tips from Vocal Coaches
By Ted Drozdowski
© 2009 CMA Close Up® News Service / Country Music Association®, Inc.

When Country Music singers bust a "pipe," they don't call the plumber - they contact a vocal coach.

"Emergency repairs are often what bring singers to me," explained Renee Grant-Williams, long established as one of Nashville's top vocal instructors. "But the goal is to keep accidents, like a raspy throat or a damaged vocal cord, from happening."

To deal with problems that need immediate attention as well as those that have yet to happen, these experts have to function as part pragmatist and part Zen master. Through their own study and performance, they've learned secrets of the mind and body that allow artists not just to maximize all their range and power but also to phrase onstage and in the studio.

"Singers need to know when to be refined and when to be reckless - and how to be both at the same time," said Brett Manning, a Nashville vocal coach and judge on CMT's popular vocal competition show, "Can You Duet."

Manning, whose clients have included Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and Hayley Williams of the Nashville-based pop group Paramore, believes that a balanced approach is crucial.

"Purely showing off your voice is a downward spiral," he asserted. "The more you show off, the more you end up feeling like you have to show off, so you end up panicking and singing harder and louder until there's so much pressure in your throat you feel like you're going to blow up."

Like the Dixie Chicks, Miley Cyrus and his own singing idol Tim McGraw, Bo Bice has consulted with Grant-Williams to avoid the pitfalls of heavy touring.

"A lot of people think that because you have the ability to get up and sing, you don't have to work at it," said Bice. "But it's like being a professional athlete. You have to learn how to build up your immune system and your vocal muscles. So you turn to a vocal coach. I'm a very competent singer, but when you meet someone like Renee, who's so accomplished and knowledgeable, they challenge you to be better."

Specifically, Bice credited Grant-Williams for introducing him to the basics of breathing and standing. "If you watch Tim McGraw sing," he pointed out, "he's a perfect example of the way Renee teaches breathing. He stands with his legs locked in almost a wishbone formation, with a wide base, his knees a little bent. That helps keep your chest open so you can get the most out of your diaphragm, using all of your muscles, which is crucial to breathing properly. And he always sounds powerful and fantastic."

Grant-Williams and Manning both stress that power and volume are very different qualities, the first being a desirable aspect of control and the second being a reason why they're often called for "emergency repairs."

"Singing too loud and too hard is an epidemic," Grant-Williams insisted. "Out of 1,000 singers, I find a handful that aren't over-singing. That not only damages the voice, it ruins songs. Most people who come to me for their first lesson try to blow me away with how hard they can sing. I ask them, 'Why are you yelling at me?' A song has to be a conversation."

These are lessons that vocal instructors everywhere can embrace - but the notion in Country Music of serving the lyric even more than the voice sets Nashville's top coaches apart from those who prepare singers for opera or musical theater.

"In classical singing, you're taught to serve up your vowels as if they're on a silver platter, to let your voice transport them as beautifully as you can," Grant-Williams explained. "But that's not the way people speak. A problem with many trained and untrained singers is that they don't enunciate consonants. Consonants provide the meaning of words. The great artists, the finest storytellers, really sing their consonants. Listen to Garth Brooks: He does it by communicating through well-shaped consonants, not by blaring his voice."

Manning observed that formal vocal training can lead Country singers toward another bad habit. "Most people who've studied voice a lot have been taught to use vibrato too much," he said. "I hear wobbly vibratos and their singing makes me think 'Broadway,' which isn't right for Country. In Country, what's so charming is that performers are almost talking - talking on pitch."

"Country singing should never be overbearing," agreed Grant-Williams. "And it should be rhythmic. People tend to speak in rhythms. Singers have to be very conscious of that."

Manning uses the distinctive start-and-stop patter and modulations of actor Christopher Walken's speech to expand on this idea. "If singers analyze somebody whose style of talking is that distinctive, it helps them find the patterns of their own speech," he said. "It helps you key into what you should listen for in yourself."

Silence and its manipulation is another aspect of good vocal rhythm, according to Grant-Williams. "Think of Tammy Wynette singing 'Stand By Your Man,'" she suggested. "There are little stops throughout that phrase. The best singers also understand syncopation. Brief interruptions in a vocal melody create big moments."

There's more to be learned as well by pulling back from this focus and drawing more general lessons, which is why Manning advises his students to assemble a list of their 20 to 30 primary vocal influences. But, he cautioned, "I tell them not to emulate any single one but to let something of all of these stars breathe through. That depth of influence creates deeper and more complex artists and suggests different paths students can take to find their own voices.

"In listening to other artists, whether they're singers like Keith Urban or actors like William Shatner, what you're really looking for is a way into discovering your own style," Manning said. "Finding out who you are and trying to put that into your voice is harder than it may sound."

To that end, Nashville's vocal coaches to the stars may focus less on theory than their counterparts in other major music cities. "When people come to me, I focus on application first," said Manning. "Theory and technique are important, but what's crucial is discovering what it takes to make a singer's vocal performances work."

And what makes a performance convincing? "I've developed a system of questions I ask myself before I sing a song," said Grant-Williams. "First, who is singing? Is it me at this stage of my life or do I have to relate to the song by thinking of a situation that happened to me when I was a teenager or happened to a friend?

"Second, what does the singer - the narrator - hope to accomplish? The answer is never 'to get a record deal.' It's to affect some sort of change in a relationship. Once you have your mindset, then remember to always perform as if you're singing intimately into the ear of one person and you want them to believe you.

"It all comes down to one thing," Grant-Williams summarized. "When you're ready to open your mouth, tell all the little voices in your head to shut up and just tell a story."

On the Web:

www.myvocalcoach.com

www.singingsuccess.com

Photo Credits:

1. Brett Manning with Paramore lead singer Hayley Williams. photo: Jesse Nemetz

2. Renee Grant-Williams and Tim McGraw. photo: Elaine Collins

3. Renee Grant-Williams with Miley Cyrus. photo: Vernell Hackett

4. Brett Manning and Country artist Taylor Pey. photo: Jesse Nemetz

Country Music Alive Schedule

2009-01-06T18:47:00.001-05:00

You may just noticed the new weekly chart has been posted. I thought I would give you a run-down of the schedule I am going to attempt to follow each week. Of course, it may change from week-to-week, and depending on my schedule, it may be off a bit, or something may be omitted on occasion... however, this is what I am going to try out:

Sunday- Country Music Alive Chart

This chart combines 10 different country music song charts, some from the Internet, GAC, CMT, Billboard, I-Tunes, and a few radio airplay charts. Then they are weighted based on my personal decision on how important they are. The songs are scored and the top 5 are published on the blog. Very soon, they will be featured on the website as well.

Monday- Feedback & Questions and Answers

I will search through some of the searches done to find this blog and be sure the terms that were searched are answered directly, if not already posted. Also, any questions I get from you, the readers, will be answered in this feature as well. So, if you end up on this blog one day, and then don't find your exact topic, check back on Mondays.

Tuesday- Album Review

It could be a brand new release or a CD from many years ago, a new review each Tuesday!

Wednesday- CMA Close-Up Article

This is an article released by The Country Music Association weekly. Always an interesting read and is the only thing written by someone other than myself.

Thursday- Current Country Music Alive Picks

This should be a fairly short list of favorite songs I am currently listening to in the past week. Probably 3-5 songs of interest.

Friday- Release Dates

List of upcoming releases that will come out Tuesday of the upcoming week.

Saturday- News of the Week

Summary of news items from the past week, some small tidbits as well as the more known stories.

Country Music Alive Chart: 1/4/2009

2009-01-05T17:41:00.003-05:00

January 4, 2009
TW	LW	Song	Artist	Amazon CD	Amazon Digital	I-Tunes	Tickets
1	--	Chicken Fried	Zac Brown Band
2	--	Love Remembers	Craig Morgan
3	--	Love Story	Taylor Swift
4	--	Already Gone	Sugarland
5	--	God Love Her	Toby Keith

2008 Music Sales Down...Big Time.

2008-12-31T23:22:00.002-05:00

The final numbers are in for 2008 music sales by The Nielsen Company.

2008 music sales were down 8.5% in total. Actual CD sales were down 20%. Digital sales were up 32%. Digital sales were over 1 billion for the first time.

2008 country music sales overall were down 14%, the second biggest loss by any genre. Classical music saw the most decline. Sales of digital downloads were up 27% in 2008 country music sales numbers.

Many more numbers I'm sure will be coming out in the next days and most certainly this will be talked about by many with very many opinions and thoughts.

Country Music Alive's Predictions: Year In Review 2008

2008-12-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

Thinking about what to expect the upcoming year, I really don't know what to expect. I am not even sure if I can predict anything this year, but, I will give it a try.

I will predict that we will hear something else from Garth Brooks this year, again. Not sure what it will be, but something will be newsworthy. Whether another CD project, video project, or concert tour... we will hear something from him.

Should I predict, for another year, that George Strait will retire his career? Sure... one more album from his I believe in 2009 and a farewell tour announcement...

I also predict that we will see a new album from Shania Twain this year.

Country music sales will be flat in the upcoming year I predict. Digital sales will skyrocket, more than even we have seen thus far. This upcoming year will be all about turning away from physical CD sales and going to downloading music.

Satellite radio will become an even more major attribute to the music industry and country music fans will be leading the way of understanding the power of satellite radio.

Also, I have a feeling of some type of major announcement or change at the Grand Ole Opry. Not sure what it will be or anything, but I think it will be a big year for them, negative or positive.

Just predictions... and now we wait a year to see what happens....