Thursday, February 26, 2015

THE PARTY LIST - February 26th - March 4th

Note: Please remember to check with the venue as to whether or not there is a cover charge or ticket required for the shows you plan to attend. Also, some venues have an age restriction. I have provided links to the venues when possible, making it easy for you to check it out.

Not all events take place in Texas. With that in mind I will begin listing them not only by day but by TEXAS and ON THE ROAD. With that in mind…

Let’s Get This Party STARTED!

TEXAS

Thursday – 26
W.C. Jameson – The Badu – Llano – 7 p.m.
            /w Mike Blakely
john Arthur martinez – Blue Corn Harvest – Cedar Park – 7 p.m.
            Free /w Dinner purchase
Randy Brown Band – Houston BBQ Cook off – Houston –
            Trailriders Tent
Michael Peterson – Dosey Doe’s Big Barn – The Woodlands –
            BrianPounds (TheVoice) Opens!
Cody Johnson Band – Denim & Diamonds – Wichita Falls –
ShAnnie – Luckenbach – 5 p.m.
            Picker’s Circle
JB & The Moonshine Band – Wild West – Cedar Park -


Friday – 27
Moonlight Social – Zilker Clubhouse – Austin – 7 p.m.
Cameran Nelson – Schwerter Ranch – Schwerter
Jason Helms Band – eSpiritu Fine Wine & Spirits – Frisco – 8 p.m.
Mike Blakely – Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering – Alpine
Breelan Angel – Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo BBQ Contest – Houston – 3 p.m.
Owen Temple – Dosey Doe’s Café -  Conroe – 8:30 p.m.
Zane Williams – Midnight Rodeo – Amarillo – 8 p.m.
Sam Riggs – Cheatham Street Warehouse – San Marcos
Randy Brown Band – Houston BBQ Cook off – Houston –
            Trailriders Tent
Thomas Michael Riley – Hondo’s On Main – Fredricksburg – 8 p.m.
Hayden Whittington – Luckenbach – 1 p.m.
            Picker’s Circle
Sol Patch – Luckenbach – 7 p.m.


Saturday – 28
Cameran Nelson – The Hideout – Houston
Kenny Harrell – The Oasis – Brownwood – 9 p.m.
Saints Eleven – The Kenney Store – Kenney – 9 p.m.
Mike Blakely – Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering – Alpine
Billy Joe Shaver – Dosey Doe’s Café- Conroe – 8:30 p.m.
Randy Brown Band – Houston BBQ Cook off – Houston –
            Trailriders Tent
Chad McBride & the Drifters – Gas Monkey Garage – Dallas – 8 p.m.
Drugstore Cowboys – Hondo’s On Main – Fredricksburg – 8 p.m.
Doug Moreland Trio – Luckenbach – 7 p.m.



Sunday – March 1
Moonlight Social – SA Stock and Rodeo Show – San Antonio – 3 p.m.
Walt Wilkins & Friends – Luckenbach – 1 p.m.
            Songwriter Sunday’s
Tessy Lou & the Shotgun Stars – Poodie’s – Spicewood – 4 p.m.
George Ensle – Threadgills – Austin -  11 a.m.
            /w The Groove Angels
Candy Coburn – Poodies – Spicewood – 7:30 p.m.
            Song swap with Jon Napier

Monday – 2
Sol Patch – Luckenbach – 5 p.m.
            Picker Circle


Tuesday – 3
Mike Blakely – Burger Burger – Fredricksburg – 7-9 p.m.
john Arthur martinez – Texas Tea- Licious – Burnet – 6 p.m.
Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ – Coppell – 7 p.m.
Bo Porter – Luckenbach – 5 p.m.
            Afternoon Picker Circle


Wednesday – 4
Mike Blakely – On the Rocks – Cottonwood Shores – 7-9 p.m.
            /w john Arthur martinez
Breelan Angel – Gordon Street Tavern – Alvin – 7 p.m.
Kent Finlay – Cheatham Street Warehouse – San Marcos
            Songwriters Circle
Dylan Scott – Gas Monkey Garage – Dallas – 9 p.m.
            /wJustin Pickard
Bo Porter – Hondo’s On Main – Fredricksburg – 7:30 p.m.
            Songwriter’s Showcase
Kathy Bauer – Luckenbach – 5 p.m.
            Afternoon Picker Circle
Walt Wilkins – Saxon Pub – Austin – 9 p.m.



ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 26
Kasey Musgrave – Brown Theater- Louisville KY
Buddy Case – KXIO Coffee House – Clarksville AR – 6 p.m.
Granger Smith – In the Venue – Salt Lake City UT
Rhonda Vincent – Walton Arts Center – Fayetteville AR


Friday – 27
Alan Jackson – Nokia theater LA Live! – Los Angeles CA
Kasey Musgrave – Tennessee Theater – Knoxville TN
Candy Coburn – John Q Hammons Arena – Springfield MO –
            MSU Women’s Basketball Play for Kay Pink Zone event
Candy Coburn – Parlor 88 South – Springfield MO
Granger Smith – The Grizzly Rose – Denver CO
Rhonda Vincent – Mill Town Music Hall – Bremen GA
            /w Gene Watson
Oak Ridge Boys – Grand Ole Opry – Nashville TN -


Saturday – 28
T.G. Sheppard – Prairie Nights Casino – Fort Yates ND
Alan Jackson – Ak-Chin Pavillion – Pheonix AZ
Kasey Musgrave – The National – Richmond VA
Ragged Union – Bluegrass at the Audi- Broomfield CO – 7p.m.
Lonestar – Golden Nugget – Biloxi MS
The Bellamy Brothers – Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center – Dothan AL – 6 p.m.
Granger Smith – Jim Maskus Auditorium – Liberal KS
Rhonda Vincent – Davis Event Center – Fulton MS


Sunday – March 1
NO SHOWS FOUND



Monday – 2
Billy Dean – Dutton Theater – Mesa AZ – 7 p.m.
Oak Ridge Boys – Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall – Fort Myers FL


Tuesday – 3
Oak Ridge Boys – Sunrise Theatre – Fort Pierce FL


Wednesday – 4

Cody Johnson Band – George’s Majestic – Fayetteville AR - 

Thursday, February 19, 2015

THE PARTY LIST - February 19 - 25

Note: Please remember to check with the venue as to whether or not there is a cover charge or ticket required for the shows you plan to attend. Also, some venues have an age restriction. I have provided links to the venues when possible, making it easy for you to check it out.

Not all events take place in Texas. With that in mind I will begin listing them not only by day but by TEXAS and ON THE ROAD. With that in mind…

Let’s Get This Party STARTED!


TEXAS

Thursday – 19
W.C. JamesonThe Badu – Lano – 7 p.m.
            w/ Mike Blakely & Guest: Sean Devine
Aubrey Lynn England Love &War in Texas – Plano – 8 p.m.
            /w Adrian Johnston & Brittany Dawn
Josh FullerDosey Doe’s Café – Conroe – 8:30 p.m.
john Arthur martinez - Central Market Westgate - Austin - 9:30 p.m.
            FREE with beverage or dinner



Friday – 20
Aubrey Lynn EnglandOld TexasBrewing Company – Burleson – 8 p.m.
Kenny HarrellHorny Toad Pub& Grub – Snyder – 9 p.m.
Zach Coffey Love & War inTexas – Grapevine – 8 p.m.
            Acoustic
Zane WilliamsWild West – Waco –
Jason EadyCheatham Street – San Marcos
            /w Courtney Patton
john Arthur martinez - The Badu - Llano - 8 p.m.



Saturday – 21
W.C. JamesonNorth Shore BookFestival -  LagoVista –
            Book Signing & Music Performance
Mike BlakelyNorth Shore BookFestival -  Lago Vista –
            Book Signing & Music Performance
Kenny HarrellBash RipRocks – Lubbock – 11 p.m.
Breelan AngelTexas NationalOutfitters – Houston – 3 p.m.
            Appearance
Breelan AngelChuters – Pasadena – 9:30 p.m.
Dave ThomasHard Eight BBQ – Coppell – 7 p.m.
Zane WilliamsFirehouse Saloon – Houston – 9:30 p.m.
Randy Brown Band  - Stockyards Saloon – Ft. Worth – 9 p.m.- 1 a.m.
john Arthur martinez - Julia's Concina - Cottonwood Shores - 9 p.m.
               FREE with Enchiladas purchase


Sunday – 22
3rd Annual Ben Dorcy Day – Floore’s – Helotes – 8:30 p.m.
            WadeBowen, Ray Wylie Hubbard,
William ClarkGreen, Doug Moreland & More Surprise Guests!
Tessy Lou & the Shotgun StarsPoodie’s – Spicewood – 4 p.m.
Casey HubbleAuslander – Fredricksburg – 5 p.m.


Monday – 23
W.C. JamesonPoodie’s – Spicewood
            /w Guest: Tessy Lou Williams
Zach CoffeyBull Nettle – Stephenville – 9 p.m.


Tuesday – 24
Mike Blakely Burger Burger – Fredricksburg – 7-9 p.m.
john Arthur martinezTexas Tea-Licious – Burnet – 6 p.m.
Dave ThomasTavern On MainStreet – Richardson – 9 p.m.
Walt & Tina WilkinsDoseyDoe’s Big Barn – The Woodlands – 8 p.m.


Wednesday – 25
            Songwriters Circle
john Arthur martinez - On the Rocks - Cottonwood Shores - 7 p.m.
         FREE with dinner purchase


ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 19
Kasey MusgravesOrpheum Theater – Madison WI
Buddy CaseKXIO Coffee House – Clarksville AR – 6 p.m.
Randy Rogers Band George’sMajestic – Fayetteville AR
Collin RayeBlack Oak Casino – Willow – Tuolumne CA
Granger SmithPalomino – Spokane WA


Friday – 20
Kasey MusgraveState Theater – Minneapolis MN
Ragged Union MidwinterBluegrass Festival – Broomfield CO – 6 p.m.
LonestarThe Paramount Theatre – Rutland VT
Granger SmithThe Wilma Theater – Missoula MT
Gary AllanPeppermill ConcertHall – West Wenover NV


Saturday – 21
Alan JacksonLaughlin EventsCenter – Laughlin NV
Kasey MusgravePabst Theater – Milwaukee WI
LonestarThe RidgefieldPlayhouse – Ridgefield CT
The Bellamy BrothersNewberryOpry House – Newberry SC -8 p.m.
Mickey GilleyLakeside HotelCasino – Osceola IA


Sunday – 22
Granger SmithPub Station – Billings MT


Monday – 23
Billy DeanDutton Theater – Mesa AZ – 7 p.m.

Tuesday – 24
Billy DeanDutton Theater – Mesa ZA – 7 p.m.

Wednesday – 25
Billy DeanDutton Theater – Mesa AZ – 7 p.m.



Thursday, February 12, 2015

THE PARTY LIST - Feb. 11 - 18th

Note: Please remember to check with the venue as to whether or not there is a cover charge or ticket required for the shows you plan to attend. I have provided links to the venues when possible, making it easy for you to check it out.

Not all events take place in Texas. With that in mind I will begin listing them not only by day but by TEXAS and ON THE ROAD. With that in mind…

Let’s Get This Party

TEXAS

Thursday – 12
W.C. Jameson – The Badu – Llano – 7 p.m.
            /w Mike Blakely & Guest: Jon Napier
Moonlight Social – The Chicago House – Austin – 6:30 p.m.
Cameran Nelson – Banita Creek Hall – Nacogdoches
Candy Coburn – Water Trough - @Lonestar Court Hotel – Austin – 6-9 p.m.
john Arthur martinez – FOX 7’s Good Day Austin – 9:45 a.m.
            Y’all Watch!
john Arthur martinez – Blue Corn Harvest – Cedar Park – 6:30 p.m.
            Free /w Dinner purchase
Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ – Coppell – 7 p.m.
George Ensle – Hondo’s On Main – Fredricksburg – 7 p.m.
Aaron Watson - Banita Creek Hall - Nacagdoches - 


Friday – 13
Moonlight Social – World of Beer – Katy – 9 p.m.
Bubba Westley – J’s on Main Street – Needville – 8 p.m.
Cameran Nelson – Whiskey Girl Saloon – Ft. Worth
Mike Blakely – The Bugle Boy – LaGrange – 8 p.m.
Breelan Angel – Firehouse Saloon – Houston – 9 p.m.
            /w Sunny Sweeney
Ray Wylie Hubbard – Dosey Doe’s Café – Conroe – 8:30 .p.m.
John Arthur martinez – Hondo’s On Main – Fredricksburg – 8 p.m.
            Free /w Dinner purchase
Asleep at the Wheel – Dosey Doe’s Big Barn – The Woodlands – 8:30 p.m.
Casey Hubble – Templin Saloon – Gonzales – 5 p.m.
Aaron Watson - Cowboy's Dancehall - San Antonio



Saturday – 14
Moonlight Social – The Corner Pub – Conroe – 8:30 p.m.
Bubba Westley – Yoakum Gin – Yoakum – 8 p.m.
Cameran Nelson – Stumblin Goat Saloon – Canadian
Saints Eleven – Rockett Café & Club – Waxahachie – 10 p.m.
Terri Hendrix /w Lloyd Maines – Dosey Doe’s Café – Conroe – 8:30 p.m.
john Arthur martinez – Torre di Pietra – Fredricksburg – 7 p.m.
            Dinner & Music Package
John Conlee – Dosey Doe’s Big Barn – The Woodlands – 8:30 p.m.
Zane Williams – Love and War – Grapevine – 9:30 p.m.
Scott Taylor Band – Rockport/ Fulton Relay for Life Valentine’s Dance – Rockport 7 p.m.
Aaron Watson - ACE Arena - Andrews



Sunday – 15
Mike Blakely – Lonestar College – Conroe
            Montgomery Co. Book Festival
john Arthur matinez – El Sol y La Luna – Austin - Noon –
            Free /w Brunch
George Ensle – Cross & Spurs Cowboy Church – Lake Buchanan – 10 a.m.
Tessy Lou & the Shotgun Stars – Poodie’s – Spicewood – 4 p.m.
Casey Hubble – Auslander – Fredricksburg – 5 p.m.

  

Monday – 16
George Ensle – Poodie’s – Spicewood – 6:30 p.m.
Aaron Watson - Hastings - College Station - Midnight
             Signing Appearance
             
             

Tuesday – 17
john Arthur martinez – Texas Tea- Licious – Burnet – 6 p.m.
Aaron Watson -Hastings - Signing Appearance:
             11 a.m. - Waco
               5 p.m. - Abileen
               



Wednesday – 18
john Arthur martinez – On The Rocks – Cottonwood Shores – 7 p.m.
            Free /w Dinner purchase
Casey Hubble – Gourdough’s – Austin – 5 p.m.
Aaron Watson - Hastings - Signing Appearances:
           Noon - San Angelo
             5 p.m.- Midland



ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 12
Kacey Musgraves – The NorVa- Norfolk VA –
Buddy Case - KXIO Coffee House – Clarksville AR – 6 p.m.


Friday – 13
T.G. Sheppard – Palace Theater – Crossville TN
Kasey Musgraves – Carolina Theater – Durham NC
Ragged Union – Black Rose Acoustic Society – Colorado Springs CO -7:00 p.m.
Collin Raye – Sevier Valley Center Theater – Richfield UT
Gary Allan – Riverwind Casino – Norman OK
Rhonda Vincent – Joe Val Bluegrass Festival – Framingham MA
Robert Earl Keen – The Flying Monkey – Plymouth NH
Neal McCoy – Menominee Nations Casino – Keshena WI
Mickey Gilley – Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino - Opelousas LA


 Saturday –14
Billy Dean – Roosevelt Jr. High – Roosevelt, Utah 5 p.m.
            w/ Charlie Jenkins
Kasey Musgraves – Rams Head Live – Baltimore MD
Turnpike Troubadours – George’s Majestic – Fayetteville AR
Collin Raye – Sunset Club Madrid – Henderson NV
The Bellamy Brothers – Sugar Creek Casino – Event Center – Hinton OK – 8 p.m.
Granger Smith – Cargo in Commrow – Reno NV
Gary Allan – Global Event Center @ Winstar World Casino & Resort – Thackerville OK
Robert Earl Keen – Infinity Hall Hartford – Hartford CT
Neal McCoy  - The Dusty Armadillo – Rootsown OH
Mickey Gilley – Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel – Vinton LA


 Sunday – 15
Robert Earl Keen – Rams Head Onstage – Annapolis MD
Aaron Watson - Sam's Place - Nashville TN
             Music for the Spirit at The Ryman 


Monday – 16
Billy Dean – Dutton Theater – Mesa AZ – 8 p.m.


Tuesday – 17
Granger Smith – Dantes – Portland OR
Rhonda Vincent – Station Inn – Nashville TN – 8 p.m.
Robert Earl Keen – The Birchmere – Alexandria VA


Wednesday – 18
Granger Smith – Tractor Tavern – Seattle WA
Rhonda Vincent – Nashville Palace – Nashville TN – 7 p.m.
            Whitey Shafer Benefit

Robert Earl Keen – Bijou Theater – Knoxville TN

Thursday, February 5, 2015

THE PARTY LIST - February 5 - 11

No Links this week. My husband is home and we have some medical things to take care of. Hope to be back in full with the links next week. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Note: Please remember to check with the venue as to whether or not there is a cover charge or ticket required for the shows you plan to attend. Also, some venues have an age restriction. I have provided links to the venues when possible, making it easy for you to check it out.

Not all events take place in Texas. With that in mind I will begin listing them not only by day but by TEXAS and ON THE ROAD. With that in mind…

Let’s Get This Party STARTED!


TEXAS

Thursday – 5
W.C. Jameson – The Badu – Llano – 7 p.m.
            /w Mike Blakely & Guest: Drew Kennedy
Cameran Nelson – Waylon’s & Ray’s Place – Brownwood
Zach Coffey – The Rustic – Dallas – 8:15 p.m.
Candy Coburn – Water Trough - @Lonestar Court Hotel – Austin – 6-9 p.m.
john Arthur martinez – Cooder Brown’s – San Antonio -8 p.m.


Friday – 6
Moonlight Social – The Water Trough – Lonestar Court – Austin – 9 p.m.
Bubba Westley – Shady’s Porch Pub – Angleton – 8 p.m.
Cameran Nelson – Hurricane Harry’s – College Station –
            /w Wade Bowen
Heath Childs – Fuzzy’s Corner – Buchanan Dam – 9 p.m.
Rod Ballou – Espiritu Fine Wine & Spirits – Frisco – 8 p.m.


Saturday – 7
Randy Brown – Nacona Mardi Gras – Nacona VFW – Ft.Worth 9 p.m. -1a.m.
Byrd & Street – New World Deli – Austin – 7-9 p.m.
            /w fiddle extraordinaire Tina Turner
Moonlight Social – Polecats – Seguin – 9 p.m.
Bubba Westley – Dobbin Saloon & Grill – Montgomery – 8 p.m.
Shane Barnhill – Thirsty Armadillo- Ft. Worth – 1:30 p.m.
Zach Coffey – Armadillo Palace – Houston – 9 p.m.


Sunday –  8
Randy Brown – Longhorn Saloon – Ft. Worth – 1-11 p.m.
            7th Annual Colton McBride Benefit
Moonlight Social – Fralo’s Art of Pizza – San Antonio – 7 p.m.

john Arthur martinez – Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum – Austin
            Children’s Shining Star Gala


Monday – 9
W.C. Jameson – Poodie’s  - Spicewood
            /w Bob Cheevers


Tuesday – 10
john Arthur martinez – Texas Tea- Licious – Burnet – 6 p.m.


Wednesday – 11
Aubrey Lynn England – Masone’s Saloon – Houston – 8 p.m.
Bubba Westley – Yoakum Gin – Yoakum – 8 p.m.
john Arthur martinez – On the Rocks – Cottonwood Shores – 7 p.m.
            Free w/ Dinner purchase
           


ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 5
Matthew Huff – Hawgs – Hot Springs AR – 7 p.m.
Buddy Case – KXIO Coffee House – Clarksville AR – 6 p.m.

Friday – 6
Matthew Huff – Buckshot – Hot Springs AR – 7 p.m.
Kelly McGuire – Ramone’s – Belize 2-5 p.m.
            Concert On the Beach
Lorrie Morgan – Amerian Music Theater – Lancaster PA
            /w Pam Tillis
            Grits & Glamour Tour
Collin Raye – Stephens Performing Arts Center – Pocatello ID


Saturday – 7
Billy Dean- Park Ave. Café & Coffee House – Madison GA – 7 p.m.
Kelly McGuire – Cruise to the Reef – Belize – 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Collin Raye – Columbia Theater – Longview WA
Breelan Angel – Whites Park – Anahuac – 7 p.m.
            Chambers County Go Texan Dance


Sunday – 8
Kelly McGuire – Island Time Bar & Grill – Belize 2-5 p.m.
            Dinner Concert & Ramone’s afterwards.
            See Kelly’s website for details

Monday – 9
Billy Dean – Dutton Theater – Mesa AZ – 7 p.m.

Tuesday – 10
Billy Dean – Florida St. Fairgrounds – Tampa FL – 2 p.m.
Collin Raye – Ritz Carlton – Overland Park KS

Wednesday – 11

Buddy Case – South on Main – Little Rock AR – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

CONCERT REVIEW - Mark Chapman Band



I'm using a stock photo for this as I do not have any good shots from the night I saw the Mark Chapman Band. However, when you go to their website, there are some great photos others have done. But even better, get on their MCB Crazies newsletter list and know when they will be in your area and check them out LIVE!

Seriously, you NEED to hear these guys in person. As cool as their cds are, they put on one heck of a show. And while I'm not big on all the 'showmanship' in a concert (I'm more an acoustics kind of gal), their show is great! And their fans are a testament to the fact.

I saw Mark Chapman Band for the first time at the Seymour Missouri Apple Festival last September. You would think for the middle of September the weather would be picture perfect for fall. Not that night. Not even close. It was beyond cold. People sat in lawn chairs huddled in blankets -OVER their coats. Hats, scarves were a necessity and you could see your breath. But as cold as the weather was, the street was packed to watch these guys perform... for almost FOUR hours! You heard me. They did not start until 7 p.m. if I remember correctly so you can imagine if people started the evening out bundled up how much colder the temperatures got as the evening progressed. But that did not deter anyone from enjoying the amazing performance by The Mark Chapman Band.

Here's just a sample of what you can expect at a show:



Their tour dates are lining up for the 2015 season. So go check them out.. just pack for that odd snowfall in April ;-)

Country Blessings!


Tuesday, February 3, 2015

TURNTABLE TUESDAY- Mark Chapman - The Nashville Sessions



One of the coolest parts of my job as an entertainment writer is the opportunity to get my hands on a wide varity of music from both new and established artists. For the most part, I have an idea of what to expect, as most of my reviews are from well-established artists. I've listened to them for years and know their musical style. I know when I put a CD in the player or download a tune, exactly what I am going to hear. I have yet to be disappointed. But when someone new crosses my desk, there is always that question in the back of my mind, "what if I don't like this artist's stuff?" I am always honest with my reviews, but there is a fine line between being honest while not dashing a dream. I breathe a sigh of relief when the artist takes that decision out of my hands

Although I have had previews of music by The Mark Chapman Band in the past, hearing several cuts in a row can be a different experience. The Nashville Sessions lives up to everything I have heard from and about Mark Chapman. The man knows his way around a lyric.

Burn 'Em Down opens up the five-track EP with a tune overflowing with visual artistry, showcasing Mark's ability to translate what he sees in his brain to something his fans can as well. Of all the songs on this EP, this one screams to be made into a professionally produced video.

Fireflies is the grooviest song on here. Whether you are sitting on a log around a camp fire in the Ozarks or on a beach somewhere, Fireflies is that summer evening dance tune everyone will sing along to.

Love Finds You is the longest track (4:20). While that seems long for a tune these days, this is that song to pull your sweet someone out onto the dance floor and just be. I think the length of the tune is a large part of what Mark wanted to convey in this tune, thus showing his mastery of the ability to make each song an experience.

The visuals continued with Rosary On the Rearview. I could envision a young couple cruising the back roads ejoying each other and the day full of promise.

While Waves is that feeling we all experience with various aspects of our life, Mark brings the imagary to a new level. As I listened, I was reminded of Cheyanne by Garth Brooks - whom Mark has admired for a long time. While the stories in the two songs differ, there is still that sense of the power waves in any form carry.

If you like folks like Granger Smith and Garth Brooks, you will love Mark Champan - The Nashville Sessions.

The only thing that confused me about this EP is the track listing order on the sleeve did not match the order on the player. While a minor item, that was just something from a marketing stand point that jumped out. I am also not sure if this was just something that occured on the promotional copies or the actual release.

I am tipping my hat

 1/2

You can download this EP HERE

Be sure to follow the Mark Chapman Band on all of their social media sights and to sign up for their newsletter for your free download of Fireflies

FB

TWITTER

YouTube 

SonicBids (great info on this site!)

Monday, February 2, 2015

OUT OF THE CHUTE - Mark Chapman Band - Keepin' It Real


Photo By:
Kevin Hubbard
Nashville TN


I have spent most of the past three years focusing on Texas Music and Traditional Country Music. Recently, my contacts have brought me into Bluegrass.  Bluegrass is part of the heritage of the Ozarks where I live. So, until recently I have not been focused on the music available in my home state of Missouri... Until I heard these guys!  

They are NOT bluegrass .. but they are a group with a lot of the same basic values. They are hard working men with day jobs and families. They are Weekend Warriors.

Mark Chapman Band is collectively a talented group of guys from southwest Missouri. Aside from group founder, Mark, there is also his brother Jeff (lead guitar/ vocals), Randall Wildman (bass /harmony), Jake Stringer (drums) and Vince Herbert (mandolin/ guitar/ banjo). They may be from small towns but they have their eye on the Big Dream. To do what they love full time. 

I had the opportunity to sit down with , Mark Chapman, last September and I have to tell you... he is the most down to earth, coolest guy you will ever have coffee with. He is passionate about all facets of the business of making music and entertaining people. He is a songwriter, an awesome vocalist, guitar player and consumate performer. As if those talents were not enough, he also has a strong interest in working the audio and production. All of these tell me one important fact about Mark... whatever he does, he wants to know all the angles so that he can produce the best product for his fans. He is all about doing things to the best of his ability 

Although the band has been around for some time... since 2008, they caught their biggest break to date when they competed in Battle For the Saddle in Nashville in 2013. The win gave the group a wide variety of opportunities. Aside from honing their performance skills on a higher level of professionalism, they were able to network with some of the biggest names in the business side of the industry. 

Winning Battle For the Saddle gave the guys a boost up the ladder. Since their win, they have had the opportunity to open for some major acts such as Eli Youg Band, Jo Dee Messina and Josh Turner to name a view. While opening for these folks was awesome, they did not pass up the opportunity to learn a little along the way. 

Mark describes the experience, "To me, the thing I take away... we did a show with Jo Dee Messina this past year and she is one of the coolest people I've ever had the chance to meet. She's just super cool and she'd just sit down and talk to you like anyone. To me, that's what you dream that all these people are like. Even when they get big, or more noticeable but the simple truth is a lot of them are not like that. So what I take away from the shows that we do with other people is that I really take stock in the ones who stayed who they were and that stayed down to earth." 

One of the first things I noticed about Mark's music is that his songs are a mix of his influences and a style all his own that he has developed over time. One of his biggest influences growing up was The Eagles. 

"If I had one choice and could pick one sound I wanted to be like, it would be The Eagles."

Country music today seems to be all across the board and it was not until last summer that I realized why. So I asked Mark to classify his music. 

"My music... I've always flown under the country music flag. It's definitely country but it's probably some southern rock, some infused country, some blues elements. It's probably 'progressive country'."

Whatever kind of music you want to call it, at the core of what the Mark Chapman Band does on and off the stage and in the songs they write is all about keeping it real. 'keeping it authentic and not contrived. Trying to take something in your life that means something and trying to make sure you keep it honest and real... to make it so it's about something everybody can all relate to."

One of those songs is Firefly. If you go to the WEBSITE and sign up for their newsletter, you can get a free download of the song. Pretty cool. 

Tomorrow I will be reviewing their CD -  The Nashville Sessions for Turntable Tuesday 
Then Wednesday, I will be doing a Concert Review of their Seymour MO show from September.
So come on back and ride the MCB Crazy Train with me!

Aside from their website, you can also find Mark Chapman Band on:


To add their music to your listening devices: