James King Hospitalized
Bluegrass artist James King has been admitted to the hospital with blood clots in his lungs and leg. Read more…
Jesse McReynolds’ Tribute to Jerry Garcia
Jesse McReynolds & Friends: A Tribute to Jerry Garcia & Robert Hunter ~ Songs of the Grateful Dead
Radio Stations Propose Paying To Play Music
Radio Stations Propose Paying to Play Music
By JOSEPH PLAMBECK
Published: August 23, 2010 *
For more than 70 years, over-the-air radio stations have played music without paying the performers who recorded the songs.
That could be changing.
This month, the National Association of Broadcasters released what it described as a framework of a deal in which stations would pay a total of about $100 million a year in performance fees.
“It’s a crack in the dam,” said David Kaut, a regulatory analyst for the research firm Stifel Nicolaus.
The association’s outline suggests that the largest stations pay a performance fee of 1 percent of net revenue, and smaller stations a lower rate or none at all. While labels and musicians have long sought performance fees, broadcasters have argued that the stations provide important promotion for artists, and that a fee might put small stations out of business.
Even if a final compromise is reached, it would still need Congressional approval.
Monday, the broadcasting group will hold an online discussion to answer questions from its members.
“I think some people inside the industry think we should fight and fight and fight,” said Peter Smyth, a board member of the radio group and chief executive of Greater Media, which owns 23 stations. “But at the end of the day, we have to make good deals that help us move forward.”
Mitch Bainwol, chief executive of the Recording Industry Association of America<http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/r/recording_industry_association_of_america/index.html?inline=nyt-org>, a trade group that represents record labels, said that the plan released by the broadcasters “signals a new day where two very significant sectors that should be partners ride off together in a productive way.”
Last year, after the both the House and Senate judiciary committees approved bills that would require performance fees for broadcast radio, lawmakers asked the two sides to work out a deal themselves. The groups have regularly discussed the issue since February.
Laws passed in the 1990s require fees to be paid for online radio. Last year, SoundExchange, the organization that collects performance fees, brought in more than $180 million. The money is generally split between the copyright holder, often a record label, and the artist. Under the new plan, fees for online radio would be reduced.
The record industry would welcome any additional income, as revenue from recorded music has been cut almost in half over the last 10 years.
“It took me a really long time to come to the conclusion that I would pay performance royalties,” said Mr. Smyth. “Eight months ago, I’d say it’s nuts.”
Mr. Smyth said his feelings changed when he realized the risk involved in trying to oppose the bill. Stations fear that Congress could eventually require higher fees than they are proposing.
Although the two sides appear closer than ever before to a deal, serious hurdles remain.
The framework released by the broadcasters calls for a federal mandate that every cellphone sold in the United States include a chip to allow FM radio reception — a “critically important” part of the plan, said Dennis Wharton, the group’s spokesman. Having radio available in all cellphones could help broadcasters compete with online streaming services like Pandora, which are popular on mobile devices. Mr. Wharton said the chip would help provide a public service, as information during a local emergency could be heard on a phone.
The record companies are in favor of the chip requirement, but the cellphone industry has expressed serious concerns, saying that it could make phones bulkier and shorten battery life. “We are completely, inalterably opposed to this,” said Gary Shapiro, chief executive of the Consumer Electronics Association, which represents some wireless companies.
Mr. Bainwol said that in the last year many potential deal-breakers had arisen, but that the two sides had so far found ways to work around them. The chip question, he said, just happens to be the “issue du jour.”
The music labels would like to put something in front of lawmakers shortly after Labor Day<http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/l/labor_day/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier>, in hopes that something could be passed before the end of the current Congress. Whatever the timing, Marty Machowsky, a spokesman for the MusicFirst Coalition, which represents labels and musicians, said that the outline distributed by the broadcasters’ association was an important development.
“There’s really a sense,” he said, “that this has the potential to be a significant breakthrough.”
A version of this article appeared in print on August 23, 2010, on page B2 of the New York edition.
Rural Rhythm New Releases
Rural Rhythm Records is very proud to announce two new album releases: Steve Gulley and Tim Stafford, “DOGWOOD WINTER” and The Bartley Brother’s “HIT THE ROAD.”
“DOGWOOD WINTER” by Steve Gulley and Tim Stafford is surely one of the most anticipated new album releases of 2010. This is the first collaborative album by this award-winning songwriting team. Fans will enjoy hearing Steve and Tim in some different musical settings which they would not normally hear with their respective bands, GRASSTOWNE and BLUE HIGHWAY.
The album is a singer-songwriter album in every sense of the word. Steve and Tim hand picked 14 of their best new original songs they felt would be a good cross-section of their fine work together including the first single, the barn burner, “Just Along for the Ride.” Since most of their songs are bluegrass, they asked some of their dear friends to help on the album. It just so happens their friends are some of the finest musicians in the bluegrass music today – Adam Steffey, Ron Stewart and Justin Moses.
“DOGWOOD WINTER” is available at Walmart, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, f.y.e. entertainment, Ernest Tubbs, CountySales, Music Shed and other fine outlets.
“HIT THE ROAD,” by Kentucky bluegrass music veterans The Bartley Brothers, is also another exciting bluegrass release featuring Rick and Shayne Bartley, Jayd Raines, and Josh Hymer. The first single release is the title track that truly showcases The Bartley Brothers traditional sound featuring their beautifully blended brother harmonies. Combine that with Rick and Shayne’s top notch songwriting talents and you have a truly winning formula on their debut album.
These powerful elements are the reason why so much attention is being drawn to this emerging new group of respected veteran bluegrass musicians – The Bartley Brothers.
“HIT THE ROAD” is available at Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble, Ernest Tubbs, County Sales, Music Shed and other fine outlets.
Joe Bonsall and Kristen Scott Benson
Recently at the Kentucky State Fair Oak Ridge Boys’ Joe Bonsall was invited to pick a little banjo on stage with The Grascals.
“We jammed and woodshedded in a trailer for about an hour and decided that “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” would be the song I would pick with them,” explains Joe “Ban-Joey” Bonsall. “Kristen is a real hero of mine. I was so humbled that she took the time to show me a couple of licks and shared some ideas with me and even added her signature to my banjo head.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Demonbreun
Jett’s Creek – CD Release Party
JETT’S CREEK is proud to announce details of their CD release party for their new album, “GUILTY” that Power Source Magazine describes as “tight instrumentally and the vocal harmonies are superb.” The event will take place August 28, 2010 at 7:00 pm at Springboro Eagles located at 125 E. Central Avenue, Springboro, Ohio. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door (also includes a meal and drink.) Also appearing during the evening will be bluegrass band, Special Delivery.
“GUILTY” was released in May and was produced by band member Angie Young who contributed two original songs to the project: “Please” and “One Small Problem.” She provides her beautiful lead vocals on many songs including the band’s first single release – an impressive cover of Miranda Lambert’s “Gun Powder and Lead.” Angie’s brother and fellow band member, Adam McIntosh also provided his original tune, “He Loves Me” on the album. Special Guests on the CD include: Terry Baucom, Evan McGregor, Rob Baker and Garrett Bryant.
For more information on Jett’s Creek including band members Angie Young, Jon McIntosh, Adam McIntosh, Jeff Byrd, Wayne Haddix, and Brad Jessmer, please visit
www.jetts-creek.com
IBMA Music Awards – Nominees
THE NOMINEES for the 2010 INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS MUSIC AWARDS
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
- Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
- Dailey & Vincent
- The Grascals
- The Del McCoury Band
- Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
- Blue Highway
- Dailey & Vincent
- The Gibson Brothers
- Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
- Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
- Blue Highway
- Sam Bush Band
- Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
- The Infamous Stringdusters
- Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- Jamie Dailey
- Russell Moore
- Tim O’Brien
- Junior Sisk
- Dan Tyminski
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- Dale Ann Bradley
- Sonya Isaacs
- Alison Krauss
- Patty Loveless
- Claire Lynch
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Recording Title, Artist(s), Producer(s), Label
- Circles Around Me, Sam Bush (artist & producer), Sugar Hill
- Dailey & Vincent Sing the Statler Brothers, Dailey & Vincent (artists), Jamie Dailey & Darrin Vincent (producers), Cracker Barrel/Rounder
- Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out (artists & producers), Rural Rhythm
- Ring the Bell, The Gibson Brothers (artists and producers), Compass
- The Famous Lefty Flynn’s, The Grascals (artists & producers), Rounder
SONG Of THE YEAR
Song Title, Artist(s), Songwriter(s)
- “Elizabeth,” Dailey & Vincent (artists), Lester James Fortune (songwriter)
- “Hard Rock Mountain Prison (‘Till I Die);” Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out (artists); Ray Edwards, Larry Cox & Terry Foust (songwriters)
- “My Florida Sunshine,” Claire Lynch (artist), Bill Monroe (songwriter)
- “Ring the Bell,” The Gibson Brothers (artists), Chet O’Keefe (songwriter)
- “The Ballad of Stringbean and Estelle;” Sam Bush (artist); Guy Clark, Verlon Thompson & Sam Bush (songwriters)
RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR
Song Title, Featured Artists, Producer(s), Label
- “Bleeding for a Little Peace of Mind,” Blue Highway featuring Darrell Scott (artists), Blue Highway (producers), Rounder
- “Give This Message to Your Heart,” Larry Stephenson featuring Dailey & Vincent (artists), Ben Surratt & Larry Stephenson (producers), Whysper Dream
- “I’m Blue, I’m Lonesome;” The Grascals with Hank Williams, Jr.; The Grascals (producers); Rounder
- “Talk to Me Lonesome Heart,” Larry Stephenson featuring Connie Smith & Marty Stuart (artists), Ben Surratt & Larry Stephenson (producers), Whysper Dream
- “That’s What Makes You Strong,” Claire Lynch with Jesse Winchester (artists), Claire Lynch (producer), Rounder
GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Song Title, Artist(s), Songwriter(s), Producer, Label
- “Don’t You Wanna Go to Heaven,” Dailey & Vincent (artists), David Marshall (songwriter), Jamie Dailey & Darrin Vincent (producers), Rounder Records
- “I Just Want to Thank You Lord,” Larry Sparks (artist, producer), Judy Marshall (songwriter), Rural Rhythm
- “Light on My Feet, Ready to Fly;” Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (artists); Corey Hensley (songwriter); Doyle Lawson (producer); Horizon
- “Ring the Bell,” The Gibson Brothers (artists), Chet O’Keefe (songwriter), The Gibson Brothers (producers), Compass
- “The Eastern Gate;” Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out (artists, producers); Isaiah G. Martin (songwriter); Rural Rhythm
INSTRUMENTAL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Tune Title, Artist(s), Songwriter, Producer(s), Label
- “Blue Mountain,” Sam Bush (artist, songwriter, producer), Sugar Hill
- “Blue Rock Slide;” The Grascals (artists, producers); Danny Roberts, Kristin Scott Benson & Jeremy Abshire (songwriters); Rounder
- “Cherokee Shuffle,” Josh Williams (artist, producer), Tommy Jackson (songwriter), Pinecastle
- “Durang’s Hornpipe,” Adam Steffey (artist), Public Domain (songwriter), Barry Bales & Gary Paczosa (producers), Sugar Hill
- “Mourning Dove,” Steep Canyon Rangers (artists), Nicholas Sanders (songwriter), Ronnie Bowman (producer), Rebel
EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Balsam Range
- Sierra Hull & Highway 111
- Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass
- Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice
- Josh Williams Band
INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMERS OF THE YEAR
BANJO
- Terry Baucom
- Kristin Scott Benson
- J.D. Crowe
- Sammy Shelor
- Ron Stewart
BASS
- Barry Bales
- Mike Bub
- Missy Raines
- Darrin Vincent
- Marshall Wilborn
FIDDLE
- Jason Carter
- Michael Cleveland
- Stuart Duncan
- Andy Leftwich
- Ron Stewart
DOBRO
- Mike Auldridge
- Jerry Douglas
- Andy Hall
- Rob Ickes
- Randy Kohrs
GUITAR
- Cody Kilby
- Tony Rice
- Kenny Smith
- Bryan Sutton
- Josh Williams
MANDOLIN
- Jesse Brock
- Sam Bush
- Sierra Hull
- Ronnie McCoury
- Adam Steffey
BLUEGRASS EVENT OF THE YEAR
- Pass It On: The 30th Anniversary Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival; St. Cloud, Minnesota
- The 14th Annual Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival; East Hartford, Connecticut
- The Red, White & Bluegrass Festival; Morganton, North Carolina
BLUEGRASS BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR:
- Kyle Cantrell; Sirius XM Satellite Radio; Nashville, Tenn.
- Katy Daley; WAMU’s BluegrassCountry.org; Washington, D.C.
- Chris Jones; Sirius XM Satellite Radio; Nashville, Tenn.
PRINT MEDIA PERSON OF THE YEAR
- Eddie Dean & Dr. Ralph Stanley, authors of Man of Constant Sorrow: My Life and Times (Gotham)
- Derek Halsey, freelance writer for The Herald Dispatch, Gritz magazine and Bluegrass Unlimited
- Larry Nager, freelance writer for Bluegrass Unlimited
LINER NOTES FOR RECORDED PROJECT
- Fred Bartenstein (writer), Singing from the Heart, Dailey & Vincent (artists), Rounder (label)
- Benji Flaming (writer), solo banjo, Benji Flaming (artist), solobanjo.com (label)
- Dr. Ted Olson (writer); Appalachia Music from Home; Ralph Stanley, Jean Ritchie, Dock Boggs, Darrell Scott, Robin & Linda Williams, Blue Highway & More (artists); Lonesome Records (label)
BEST GRAPHIC DESIGN FOR RECORDED PROJECT
- Julie Craig, Cracker Barrel (designer); Dailey & Vincent; Dailey & Vincent Sing the Statler Brothers; Cracker Barrel/Rounder (label)
- Benji Flaming (designer, artist), solo banjo, solobanjo.com (label)
- Bill Womack, Hellos Inc. (designer); Appalachia Music from Home; Ralph Stanley, Jean Ritchie, Dock Boggs, Darrell Scott, Robin & Linda Williams, Blue Highway & More (artists); Lonesome Records (label)
–End of Nominee List—
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES: John Hartford, Louise Scruggs
DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS: Sherry Boyd, Benjamin F. “Tex” Logan, Lynn Morris, Richard Weize, Pete Wernick
Melvin Goins and Conley Goins
Pam Warren reports that Melvin Goins brother Conley Goins passed away from a heart attack August 17th. This comes ten days after Melvin Goins entered the hospital due to a heart valve leakage and had a pacemaker inserted.
Please keep the Goins family in your prayers.
Volume Five – New Release
Mountain Fever Records is proud to announce the release of Down In A Cell, the debut CD from Volume Five.
Volume Five consists of Glen Harrell (fiddle & vocals); Patton Wages (banjo, & vocals); Chris Williamson (bass & vocals); Jesse Daniel (mandolin & vocals); and Adam Duke (guitar & vocals). Each member of Volume Five has held tenure with national touring bands such as Marty Raybon and Full Circle, The Bradley Walker Band, The Anita Fisher Band, Randy Kohrs and The Lites, The Larry Stephenson Band, and David Davis and The Warrior River Boys, prior to their collective start in early 2008. Volume Five’s strong vocals, dead-on harmonies, and precision picking make them one of the most exciting new “traditional” bands to hit the bluegrass scene in a long while.
Down In A Cell includes 11 tracks with four originals written by members of Volume Five (“Down In A Cell” by Adam Duke, “Busy City”, “These Lies”, and “Ride Ruby Ride” by Jesse Daniel) along with songs penned by popular writers such as Whitey Shafer (“Baptism of Jesse Taylor”) and Dottie Rambo (“Sailing On”). The CD also features a great bluegrass re-make of “Home”, originally a hit for country music star Joe Diffie. Possibly the most unique aspect of Down In A Cell is the lead vocals shared between Glen Harrell and Adam Duke, both soulful singers but each with a distinctive style all their own.
Volume Five will make their IBMA World of Bluegrass debut this year, interviewing with WAMU’s BluegrassCountry on Wednesday, September 30th at 3:30pm CST and performing during the Mountain Fever Records after-hours showcase later that evening.
For more information on Volume Five, please visit www.VolumeFiveBG.com or www.MountainFever.com.
