{ Publicizing Entertainers & Entertaining Our Readers }
IndieWorld Top 40 Chart
Charlie Ammerman
Joanna Mosca
PG 3 www.countryentertainmentusa.com
CONTENTS
5 Tower of Power
Gears Up
7 CD Reviews
Brenda L. Madden
9 Charlie Ammerman
Reopens CBR Records
11 Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby
REUNITE FOR CLUCK OL' HEN
12 IndieWorld
Top 40 Chart
14 Joanna Mosca Is Dreaming On
15 Video Reviews Steven B. Riley
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Managing Editor:
Roy Skropits
Editor:
Cindy Gordon
Writers:
Brenda L. Madden
CD Reviews:
Brenda L. Madden
Video Reviews:
Steven B. Riley
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One of music’s most iconic soul/funk bands, Tower of Power, is set to
record a brand new album in 2013 in celebration of the band’s 45th
Anniversary. Over the 45 year career, TOP’s unique sound has been
heard in all corners of the world and continues with the recently an-
nounced “Up In Smoke” tour starring TOP, WAR, and Cheech &
Chong. At the present time, TOP is touring throughout Europe on
their annual summer trek. You can even catch them on the Fox and
Friends All American Concert Series on August 16th on the Fox News
Channel. Check out more on the series here, Foxandfriends.com/
concert.
“In my 45 years as bandleader for Tower of Power we have been
blessed to tour with many gifted entertainers,” says founding member
Emilio Castillo. “As we move into our 45th year together I’m very excited to see where our music takes us this time
around.”
As in any band, members of TOP have changed throughout the years. 2014 will be another transition year as lead
singer Larry Braggs will move-on at the end of 2013. “For most bands gaining or losing a lead singer can either
make or break the band in the eyes of the fans but in our group there has been so many great ones that the fans are
generally excited about who will be next. We have a unique signature sound that combines a “one of a kind” rhythm
section with a world class horn section playing very eclectic original soul music. The job of the lead singer is to stir
the soup as the band is cooking; while bringing his own distinctive flavor to the mixture. He’s the “Master of Cere-
monies” on stage and a key ingredient to the excitement that’s generated nightly,” adds Castillo.
For information on Tower of Power’s search for a new singer, visit www.towerofpower.com/new_singer.html
About Tower of Power:
Tower of Power’s musical odyssey began in 1968 when tenor saxophonist/vocalist Emilio Castillo met baritone sax
player Stephen “Doc” Kupka in July of that year. Originally named The Motown’s, the guys paid homage to the
R&B sound that influenced them while adding their own personal twist. In 1970, the now renamed Tower of Power
landed its first record deal with Bill Graham’s San Francisco Records. Their next album, Bump City, was recorded
on Warner Brothers and produced a string of hits giving the band its first national exposure. At least 60 talented mu-
sicians have toured or recorded with the band in its 45 years and they have been featured with artists as diverse as
Aerosmith, Elton John, Little Feat, Phish, Santana, Heart, and many others, forever infusing the radio airwaves with
Tower’s musical DNA. Each year Tower of Power tours the United States, Japan and Europe, playing sold out
shows all over the world. Recent releases include “Great American Soulbook”, a collection of classic soul tunes, and
the 40th Anniversary Concert DVD. Tower has never been busier or more in demand.
www.TowerOfPower.com
Tower of Power Gears Up for New Album in Celebration of 45th Anniversary
TOP Set for Fox & Friends All-American Concert Series August 16th
Mail CD's or DVD's for Reviews To:
Country Entertainment USA
P.O. Box 100985
Nashville, TN. 37224
Nu-Blu • Ten • www.nu-blu.com
Ten by Nu-Blu is simply a delicious feast of bluegrass music. From the opening toe-
tapper, “That Road,” to each song following, there is a dynamic and deep rooted sound
that pays homage to tradition but yet has a spark that is edgy and new. Their harmonies
and musicianship compliment the vocals nicely. “The Seed” is a stand out song - heart-
warming and thoughtful. All in all, this is a first-class bluegrass CD.
by Brenda L. Madden
7 Star
Rating System
Clay Alston • Nashville Bound • www.clayalston.com
Clay Alston continues to walk that traditional line with the release of Nashville Bound.
From originals like “Another Round” to covers like “The Only Daddy That’ll Walk The
Line,” Clay delivers each song with a traditional flair surrounded by the sweet country
sounds of fiddle and steel guitar. Having written five of the ten songs, Clay’s songwriting
skills are also displayed on this authentic country project.
Bobby Atkins • 100% Country
Bobby Atkins’ album 100% Country is just that - pure country! He has taken fourteen
vintage country songs and made them his own - beginning with “New Patches” and end-
ing with “Family Bible” plus an abundance of tradition in between with songs like “There
Goes My Everything,” “Ring Of Fire” and “Hello Darlin’.” Bobby’s vocals are distinctly
traditional and are sure to please a classic country music connoisseur.
Billy Jones Bluez • I’m A Bluesman • myspace.com/billyjonesbluez
Billy Jones Bluez’s album I’m A Bluesman proves just that - Billy knows the blues. From
“The Iceman” to “You And Me” there’s plenty of traditional blues mixed with a funky
fresh style of his own. The music compliments his strong vocal delivery especially on
songs like “Love Nobody Else” and “I’m Yo’ Freak.” There’s true emotion evident in
this project - a must for any bluesman.
PG 7 www.countryentertainmentusa.com
David Wayne • A Tribute To Marty Robbins
Marty Robbins is a country music legend and it’s only natural that tributes would evolve.
In A Tribute To Marty Robbins, David Wayne compliments this extraordinary artist per-
forming such memorable songs like “My Woman, My Woman, My Wife” and “A White
Sport Coat (And A Pink Carnation)” and while it’s always hard to compete with the origi-
nal, David does a fine rendition of Marty’s material.
PG 9 www.countryentertainmentusa.com
Charlie Ammerman, throughout his musical journey, has
maintained a high level of respect for the pure traditional sound
of country music. Early in his career, he managed Wynn Stew-
art, who released the now iconic song, “It’s Such A Pretty
World Today,” as well as Bobby Helms (Fraulein” and “My
Special Angel”), Johnny Paycheck (“Take This Job And Shove
It”) and Leon Everette (“Hurricane”). Being the man behind
Pretty World Records, he has been responsible for releases by
such notable artists ranging from Wynn Stewart, Jack Greene,
Leon Everette, Leona Williams, John Long and Freddie Hart to newcomers, Nathan
Osmond and Robyn Young. While his accomplishments in the music industry are nu-
merous, he has chosen to not rest on past laurels, but to continue to produce and pre-
serve traditional country music.
Now with Pretty World Records running at full speed and topping the indie charts on a regular basis, Charlie began
to detect a need beyond what his jammed-packed label could handle. Seeing a lot of young and talented but inexpe-
rienced traditional country music artists on the horizon, he decided to seize
the opportunity to nurture that familiar traditional country music sound in the
next generation of artists by reactivating his record label, CBR Records.
Originally formed in 1976, the company was distributed by Columbia Re-
cords and released music on artists like Jerry Wallace and Curley Penrod.
Over the years, while Charlie worked on other projects, CBR Records be-
came dormant, but now as Charlie comments, “It’s time to bring it back.”
Primarily a development label, Charlie plans on eventually signing approxi-
mately six acts. When asked if he would be producing any of these acts, he
notes, “When you do it all your life, you don’t have any choice.” While
most record label execs cringe at the thought of having to listen to unsolic-
ited material, Charlie has a different attitude believing that everyone should
have an opportunity to be heard.
Pretty World Records will handle the distribution for CBR Records and while both labels have separate rosters and
goals - one thing is certain, Charlie vows, “We’ll keep it traditional country…that’s for sure!.”
When Charlie reactivated Pretty World Records a few years ago, he found there were still a lot of country stations
out there willing to play traditional country. Targeting that market has worked well and now with the addition of
CBR Records and a new generation of artists, traditional country should maintain a stronghold in the hearts of coun-
try music fans worldwide for a long time to come - thanks to people like Charlie Ammerman who truly care about
the music!
www.PrettyWorldRecords.com
by Brenda L. Madden
Charlie Ammerman Reopens CBR Records
Photo by Jerry Overcast
PG 10 www.countryentertainmentusa.com
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PG 11 www.countryentertainmentusa.com
RICKY SKAGGS, one of Bluegrass and Country music’s most recog-
nized ambassadors and BRUCE HORNSBY, one of Pop's most tal-
ented pianists and singer-songwriters are reuniting for the first time
since originally collaborating six years ago. On August 20, 2013 the
two music legends will again come together, this time for a live album,
titled CLUCK OL' HEN (Skaggs Family Records).
Bluegrass treasures and lively expanded hits wait to be discovered on
this fresh collection of songs from the masterful duo of Skaggs and
Hornsby. These live songs were originally recorded when the two mu-
sic icons hit the tour circuit in support of their first collaborative al-
bum, Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby. Hornsby’s spirited piano
brings a new dimension to these songs, with electrifying solos and im-
provisation thrown in the mix of Skaggs, Hornsby and Skaggs’ band,
Kentucky Thunder.
“We recorded quite a few of the live performances from our tour and came up with a
really great CD," says Skaggs. "It’s a great merging of two different styles. Listening to
this live CD just reminded me of how much fun we had touring together. Every show was
a gift."
Hornsby notes, "I've been fortunate to be a part of scores of collaborations through the
years. Along with my time with the Grateful Dead, and the various Spike Lee projects, I
consider the long-time association with Ricky to be the deepest and most satisfying col-
laboration of them all. Hopefully this record captures the sound of a bunch of guys having
a great time playing music together. That's what it sounds like to me."
Without any restrictions, the music is as fascinating and masterful as the two stars who create it. The pair blends
songs drawn from deep roots in mountain music, adding piano and Hornsby's inimitable songwriting to Skaggs’ in-
strumental core of mandolin, guitar, bass, fiddle and banjo into a musical feast. Of course, classic Bluegrass is fully
represented with three Bill Monroe tunes, including the fast and furious “Bluegrass Breakdown.” Punctuating this
release is a vibrantly expansive version of Hornsby's early hit “The Way It Is” and a performance of “White
Wheeled Limousine,” and to sum up the free-spirited nature of their collaborations, Skaggs and Hornsby joyfully
present the vintage fiddle tune “Cluck Ol’ Hen.” Skaggs and Hornsby kick up a storm with their mix of high-
lonesome harmonies, full throttle Bluegrass pickin' and improvisational piano.
About Ricky Skaggs: www.skaggsfamilyrecords.com
With 12 #1 hit singles, 14 GRAMMY Awards, eleven IBMA Awards, eight ACM Awards and eight CMA Awards
(including Entertainer of the Year), Ricky Skaggs is truly a pioneer of Bluegrass and Country music.
About Bruce Hornsby: www.brucehornsby.com
GRAMMY Award-winning Bruce Hornsby's work displays a creative iconoclasm that's been a constant in the art-
ist's two-and-a-half decade recording career. His commercial stock soared early on, when "The Way It Is" the title
track of Bruce Hornsby and the Range's 1986 debut album became the most-played song on American radio in
1987, winning ASCAP's "Song of the Year" award. While high-profile work with the likes of Don Henley and
Huey Lewis made him an in-demand collaborator. He's performed more than 100 concerts with the Grateful Dead
as guest keyboardist.
Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby REUNITE FOR CLUCK OL' HEN
1 POLE CAT HOLLER Leverton Brothers - MP3/Airplay Access
2 COME SATURDAY NIGHT Andy Joe Stewart - MP3/Colt Records
3 NOT PRETTY ENOUGH Josey Milner - MTS
4 OLE VIOLIN Julie Richardson - MSR Records
5 IN STYLE AGAIN Jim Ed Brown - Century II Records
6 IF YOU WANT SOME Joel Crouse - Show Dog / Universal
7 DANCE BABY DANCE Chris Cagle - Bigger Picture
8 INSIDE A BOTTLE AND OUT OF MY MIND John Long - Pretty World Records
9 AIN’T THAT A LOVIN’ SHAME Allen Karl & Donna Cunningham - Century II
10 FILL IN THE BLANK Greg Bates - Republic Records
11 TEXAS LOOKS LIKE TENNESSEE Jerry Johnson - Airplay Access/MP3
12 JACK DANIELS MET JOHN 3-16 Leon Everette- Pretty World Rec./ Radio Submit
13 THAT’S HOW I ROLL Taylor Made - LGR/MP3
14 END OF THE BAR Rocky Scott - Pretty World/Radio Submit/MP3
15 FULL CIRCLE The Piedmont Brothers Band-James Allen Pro.
16 URBAN COWBOYS, OUTLAWS & CAVALEERS James Marvell (The Cavaleer)MP3/BonTex Rec.
17 MAMA’S WALL OF FAME Nikki Nelson - Trip Jct. Records/MP3
18 TRIP AROUND THE SUN Michelle Murray - MP3 / Airplay Access
19 THE WAY YOU DO THE THINGS YOU DO Cheryl K. Warner - CKW Records
20 ANOTHER ROUND Clay Alston - KMA/CeUSA Media
PG 12 www.countryentertainmentusa.com
www.IndieWorldCountry.com
Monthly Top 40 Chart
PG 13 www.countryentertainmentusa.com
21 CRYING SKY Dag King - Door Knob Records
22 WALK A LITTLE FASTER Miss Jeanie - Megalith Records
23 NOT YOUR FAULT Doc Holladay - Man Cave Records
24 BETTER I DON’T Chris Janson - Bigger Picture
25 WASTED Danielle Bradbury - Republic Records
26 SIMPLE DAYS Sean Osborne - CKW Records
27 DON’T LEAVE ME STANDING HERE Billy White, Jr. - Ayemaydah Records/MP3
28 SILVER WINGS Raymond L. Boudreaux - Pretty World Records
29 FALLING FREE Richard Burr - Kicking Dust Records
30 TAKE A STAND Steven Graves - One Essence Music
31 IF IT WEREN’T FOR COUNTRY MUSIC J. D. Micals - Pretty World Records/MP3
32 PATENT LEATHER SHOES Paul & Betty Cole - Midland Records/BKD Prom.
33 I HAVE GONE HOME Lonnie Blizzard - Pretty World Records
34 STRONG ONE Phillip Claypool - CDX Vol. 10, MP3, MPE
35 BEAUTIFUL LIFE Sherry Lynn w/Crystal Gayle - Hillcrest Records
36 GRANDDADDY’S GUN Aaron Lewis - Blaster Records
37 YOU FOUND THE KEY Jerry D - Nashville Impact
38 YOU TAKE MY BREATH AWAY Mike Schikora - Front Range Records
39 HIGH OCTANE CRAZY Christine Van Hoy - Big 7 Records
40 I KNOW THAT RAIN Mark David Manders - Blind Nelly Records
IndieWorld
P.O. Box 130
Brush Creek, TN 38547
(615) 683-8308
As Reported By The IndieWorld Panel Network
™ © 1999
PG 14 www.countryentertainmentusa.com
Connecticut native and current New York resident, Joanna Mosca, is not today’s typical
country music star. Having first gained a love for country music from her father, who was
also a singer, Joanna put any aspirations of a professional singing career on the backburner -
raising a family and working as a nurse. After her father passed away, she felt how truly
fleeting life was and her dreams came rushing back to the forefront - now after taking that
leap of faith to follow her musical heart, she finds it leading her places that even she never
imagined.
Her recent EP, Let It All Begin, shows just how far she has come
on that musical journey. The CD opens with “Dream On Savannah,” a song that has
touched the lives of many teenagers and helped bring awareness to bullying. Although
Joanna didn’t write the song, she fell in love with it and the positive message it conveys
which is much like the material she writes herself. Her songwriting began about eight
years ago and has developed to the point where she is spending a lot of time in Nash-
ville writing and networking with some of Nashville’s elite. Through that time spent in
Nashville, the door opened for award-winning artist, Bryan White to produce her latest
project.
Having her EP produced by Bryan White, is just one of the highlights in this rising
star’s career. Bryan also wrote the current single, “I Guess That Says It All,” which as
Joanna describes it is “so emotional and gut-wrenching.” Joanna comments, “When I
sing about something I’ve probably lived it or I know someone very close to me that has. My music’s very personal
whether I’ve written it or not,” so it’s no surprise she would choose such an emotional song. Another highlight was
working in the studio with Richie McDonald on the duet, “Where Does Good Love Go.”
There is so much that awaits Joanna on the country music horizon with more songs, recordings and concerts in the
works. Joanna Mosca’s dreams are coming true because she has the talent and courage to dream on!
www.JoannaMosca.com
by Brenda L. Madden
Joanna Mosca Is Dreaming On
PG 15 www.countryentertainmentusa.com
Video Reviews by Steven B. Riley
Get your production video reviewed, e-mail your video link to: [email protected]
5 Star Rating System
Thomas White ♦ I Need A Honky Tonk
http://youtu.be/tSvkU9V8kcw
This one was a pretty well produced piece. It's another one of those good time
honky tonkin' videos that are just plain fun to watch.
Mike Archer ♦ Slow It On Down With Me
http://youtu.be/K6l6otYfSjM
Mike is just a laid back fun-lovin' guy so this song as well as the video fits him per-
fectly and it shows in this video. Definitely worth watching when you need a lift.
Tobi Gordon ♦ Grandma's Love Recipe
http://youtu.be/hofQ85nmeeQ
I thought that this was well constructed video worth watching. The idea behind the
story I liked very much but the song was just okay so I'd give it 4 Stars.
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September issue deadline is Monday, August 26th
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