TURNTABLE TUESDAY - The Hits Re-Imagined

 

THE HITS RE-IMAGINED is jam packed of some of the best dramatic ballads ever recorded over the past fifty years or more. While not all of them were initially recorded by Bill Anderson, he has made each song his own, as if they were meant for him to record. 

Bill's classic soft-spoken voice only adds to the soulful tone required of these ballads and the 'whisper' we associate with this talented artist.  This is his 73rd album over seven consecutive decades! That's an accomplishment in itself and a testemant to his passion for the country music he has loved his whole life. 

Bill said he wanted to 'go to both ends of the spectrum' for this album, re-recording some of his classic and most requested tunes as well as ones by other artists such as George Strait (Give It Away) and Whiskey Lullabye (Brad Paisley/ Allison Kraus) to name a couple. 

The album was co-produced by Thomm Jutz and includes both vocals as well as instrumentals of a few of the tunes - another example of hitting both ends of the spectrum.  Jutz, a German-born singer/ songwriter fell in love with country music at the age of 11 and has spent the rest of his life as an American citizen working with some of the greatest names in Nashville. I encourage you to click his link and learn more about him. 

Here's the video from Bill Anderson's YouTube channel:

I'm tipping my hat:

You'll find Bill on the following Social Media stream as well as where to purchase this new album:

WEBSITE     FACEBOOK     TWITTER     YOUTUBE     AMAZON

THE PARTY LIST - February 7 - 13

This week is a little slim for a couple of reasons. Storms had my internet running horribly slow. I wasn’t able to load several artist’s webpages.

The other reason is a lot of the classic as well as up and coming artist are headed to the CRS in Nashville. Things should be back to normal next week.

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 – 7

Aaron Watson – San Antonio Rodeo – AT&T Center – San Antonio

Mike Blakely – Civic Center – Fort Stockton

       Fort Stockton Historical Banquet

Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ  - The Colony

Matt & The Herdsmen – Big Texas Dance Hall & Saloon – Spring

Friday – 8

Ray Wylie Hubbard – Rockett Café – Waxahachie

Terri Hendrix – Stateside at the Paramount – Austin

Bellamy Brothers – Floore’s – Helotes

            w/ Austin Gillian

Dave Thomas – Culpepper’s Steak House – Rockwall

Brothers Osborne – Billy Bob’s – Ft. Worth

Zane Williams – Big Texas Dancehall & Saloon – Spring

            SOLO Acoustic

Whiskey Myers – Banita Creek Hall – Nacogdoches

            w/ Bones Owens

Tanya Tucker – Stampede Houston - Houston

Saturday – 9

Aaron Watson – Humble Civic Center Arena – Humble

Ray Wylie Hubbard – Medical City Grand Theater – Lewisville

Sam Riggs – Floore’s – Helotes

            /w Night Traveler

Mike Blakely – Texas Heritage Vineyard – Fredricksburg

Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ – Coppell

Whiskey Myers – Twisted J Live – Stephenville

            /w Bones Owens

Walt Wilkins – Dosey Doe – Spring

Tanya Tucker – Old Coupland Inn and Dancehall – Coupland

Shiny Ribs – Gruene Hall – New Braunfels

Shenandoah – Dixie National Rodeo – Jackson MS

Randy Brown Band – Little Red’s Longhorn Saloon – Ft. Worth

Pauline Reese – Oak Ranch – Burnet

            /w john Arthur martinez

Matt & the Herdsmen – Orange & Gray Baseball Scrimmage – Edinburg

Martina McBride – AT&T Center – San Antonio

Sunday – 10

NO SHOWS FOUND

Monday – 11

WC Jameson – Poodie’s – Spicewood

            /w Jimmy Davis

Tuesday – 12

The Troubadillo’s – Poodies – Spicewood

            Taco Night!

Randy Brown Band – Railhead BBQ – Willow Park

            w/ Thom Shepherd

Mike Blakely – Western Edge Cellars – Fredricksburg

Wednesday – 13

Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ - Rockwall

ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 7

Josh Ward – 1933 – Bakersfield

Travis Tritt – Seminole Casino Hotel – Immokalee FL

Friday – 8

Aaron Watson – Choctaw Event Center – Choctaw OK

Bill Anderson – Grand Ole Opry – Nashville TN

Josh Ward – Harlow’s – Sacramento

William Clark Green – The Hat – Manhattan KS

            w/ The Lawless

Travis Tritt – Sharon L. Morse PAC – The Villages FL

Ronnie McDowell – Red Boiling Springs – TN

            Karaoke Night with his fans

Rhonda Vincent – Chapman Cultural Center – Spartanburg SC

Saturday – 9

Ordinary Elephant – The Rock House – Reeds Springs MO

Bill Anderson – Grand Ole Opry – Nashville TN

Josh Ward – The Siren – Morrow Bay

Texas Tenors – Port Everglades – Ft. Lauderdale FL

Ronnie McDowell – Donoho Entertainment Center – Red Boiling Springs TN

Rhonda Vincent – Garner Performing Arts Center – Garner NC

Sunday – 10

NO SHOWS FOUND

Monday – 11

NO SHOW FOUND

Tuesday – 12

Oak Ridge Boys – Fox Tucson Theatre – Tucson AZ

Wednesday – 13

Oak Ridge Boys – Higley Center for the PAC – Gilbert AZ

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Anderson

How does someone who's previously released seventy-one albums over the course of his career come up with something new? That's easy if you are as talented as Whisperin' Bill Anderson. Keep in mind that he began as a songwriter long before we were treated to his voice.

ANDERSON includes three tracks written by him as well as eight others he co-wrote with talents like Paul Overstreet, Jamey Johnson. Jamey also duets on Everyone Wants To Be 21.

At the age of 82, Bill Anderson's voice is as strong as ever though his tone has more of an Americana note that I think has always been lurking beneath the surface just waiting for a chance to shine.

People are all about upcycling things these days but I'm not sure if they think about relationships as is approached in Old Things New. Dixie Everywhere I Go is a trip down memory lane, keeping the things we love most about our roots held close. Others that follow this include Something To Believe In, That's What Made Me Love You, The Only Bible and Thankful. Tracks that step back a bit but still fit the overall flavor are Dead to You, Watchin' It Rain and Practice Leaving Town. Waffle House Christmas brings a lighter taste to the table. They've taken over a Waffle House in Nashville to film the video for this one. I'll bring you the clip as soon as it's released.

Among his many talents, Bill Anderson has an innate ability of selecting songs that create a theme.  This album is chock full of memories each of us can relate to, with a  contemporary thread tying everything together.

In the following YouTube video, Bill shares how Everyone Wants to Be 21 came about:

I'm tipping my hat:

      

You can purchase your copy in the STORE on his website. 

Catch up with Bill Anderson on the following Social Media locations. Make sure to sign up for his newsletter via his website.

WEBSITE  TWITTER  FACEBOOK  YOUTUBE

BILL ANDERSON in Concert!

Bill Anderson during 'Poor Folk'

I don't get to a lot of concerts but since I was twelve years old, this man has been on my 'must see' list. I've had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Anderson a couple of times over the phone, reviewed his book as well as CDs. When I saw he would be within an easy driving distance, meaning I could go there and back - a small feat for where I live, I ordered my ticket then contacted his management team. I wanted the opportunity to thank him personally for the time he has given me in the past, get the book autographed... and something I seldom do, get my picture taken. 

You see, I understand they have their job and I have mine so when I do interviews I don't mix business with pleasure and I'm not a fan of having my picture taken. I thank Mr. Anderson's road manager, Lee Willard from Straight 8 Entertainment, for working with me that evening as well as taking this photograph:

Bill Anderson is exactly as you envision him. Warm, friendly, sincere and full of heart and passion for life, his artistry and his fans. The fans at his shows range from ten years to 90+. 

Performing Peel Me A Nanner

From the first notes of Wild Weekend to the final strains of Still, with the exception of an admitted loss of words during one song, Bill Anderson kept his audience engaged and entertained. I was in the second row next to a woman who''d had a friend drive her down to Steelville Missouri from Iowa just to see him. 

Meramec Theatre  is an amazing venue owned and operated by the Steelville Arts Council tucked in the beautiful Ozarks. Everyone involved is interested in bringing quality entertainment out of the bigger cities and to the people. If you look at their schedule you'll see contemporary artists, Gospel, Bluegrass as well as classic Country artists. In the past they've welcomed artists such as Jimmy Fortune, the Bellamy Brothers, John Conlee and Sandi Patty. They are still finalizing the 2019 schedule, including the Oakridge Boys. 

One thing you won't find at any other venue is an in-house artist, a painter specializing in landscapes and fine art, creates and incredible rendering of the performance while the entertainer holds the audience in the palm of their hand. His name Is Marty Coulter. In the space of about two hours, Marty captures what he sees on stage. Prior to the performance, attendees have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win the painting of the evening.

Tony & Debbie Sabatino of Burboun Missouri

with Bill Anderson and artist, Marty Coulter

Bill Anderson autographing the painting for the Sabatinos.

Bill stayed until every last person had the pleasure of shaking his hand, getting a photo and autograph. 

Bill Anderson recently released his 72nd album and celebrated his 81st. birthday! I'll be reviewing his new album tomorrow as well as showcasing his Christmas album next month.

Bill Anderson is usually on The Party List so keep an eye on those posts when they return in 2019. You will want to catch one of his shows!

~CountryBlessings!

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - An Unprecedented Life in Country Music

From the moment I held this book in my hands I couldn't wait to begin reading. I've enjoyed Bill Anderson's musical talents since the mid 1960s - both his voice and others who recorded his songs.

WHISPERIN' BILL ANDERSON - An Unprecedented Life in Country Music chronicles almmost eighty years of his amazing journey. Eighty years!  His unique perspective of the pleasures and pitfalls on the road... both literally and figuratively... to becoming the beloved man still touring and performing today. After reading the book, I'm pretty sure if something has been dreamed up and executed in country music, Bill Anderson has at least whispered a part somewhere along the line.

The fact that Bill Anderson loves to write is not lost on those who've been a fan of his music and previous three books.  One of the many stories Whisperin' Bill shares that brought a smile -and a memory - was one some may find astonishing. The legendary Bill Anderson wrote a Country Disco song. Talk about crossing genre's! 

Here's the video from his YouTube page:

And you shouldn't wait any longer either to pick up your copy of  WHISPERIN' BILL ANDERSON - An Unprecedented Life In Country Music and come a long for the ride as he takes you from Commerce Georgia to Nashville, from a small town venue in your town to the stage of Carnegie Hall, from the radio to your favorite soap opera.  

I am giving his read:

You can catch up with Bill Anderson (if he stands still long enough) through the following social media channels:

WEBSITE       FB      TWITTER      YOUTUBE     AMAZON Author Page

OUT OF THE CHUTE - Bill Anderson

Several months ago I had the pleasant opportunity to talk with the legendary Whisperin' Bill Anderson. I always enjoy talking with Bill. Aside from being an amazing songwriter, his life has been quite the journey from his early days as a DJ in Commerce, Georgia to being one of (if not THE) most awarded songwriter in Nashville. He went from being Peanut Butter Bill to Whisperin' Bill

Sadly, following our interview  I had dental surgery. Silly me to think I'd be back to work in a few days. Rather, I was out of commission for the better part of three weeks. Things around the office got shifted/ piled and my notes from our conversation have vanished. Precisely why I prefer in-person interviews that I can record rather than phone interviews where I have to depend on notes and hoping I get quotes correct. Someday, the notes will surface and all of our conversation will still be just as relevant.

One item that stuck with me was the emotion in his voice when I asked him about 'Jaybird'. Jaybird is the nickname he gave his son, Jamie. When Bill's wife was in a bad car accident, Bill had to be both mom and dad. During Opry performances, he would always say 'goodnight Jaybird', so that his son would go to sleep. When Jamie was away at college and feeling homesick, he would go sit in his car and tune in to the Opry just to hear his dad say 'goodnight Jaybird'. And if you thought the story ends there, you're wrong. Later, as a pilot for Delta, Jamie would turn on the radio in the cockpit as they flew over Cincinati to hear his dad say 'goodnight Jaybird'.

Talk about leaving a legacy for your children. I'd bet everything on the fact that with all Whisperin' Bill will leave his family, that memory will be the most important to Jamie.

In the mean time, I thought I'd share one of my favorite songs. With the hundreds of hits that Bill Anderson has had over the past seven decades (both ones he has had a hand at writing and ones he has recorded), one of my favorite songs ever written by Bill Anderson (co-written with the late Harley Allen), was recorded by Joe Nichols called, I'll Wait For You.  Here's a video clip:

Wednesday I'll be sharing my review of Bill Anderson's most recent book (he's had four published), Whisperin' Bill Anderson - An Unprecedented Life In Country Music (co-written with Peter Cooper)  I hope you'll come back to check out this fabulous book. 

In the mean time, you can catch up with Whisperin' Bill Anderson at the following social media sights:

WEBSITE      FB       TWITTER      YOUTUBE

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Songwriter - Bill Anderson

Like most of you, I've listened to Bill Anderson for years. In my opinion, there is not another voice in Country Music that comes close to the sincerity of each note Whisperin' Bill sings nor the stories he tells. But first, and foremost, Bill is a songwriter. He has this to say on the inside back of his CD cover:

I came to Nashville to be a songwriter. Not a singer, not a star on the Grand Ole Opry, game show host, soap opera performer, commercial spokesperson, nor any of the various other things that I somehow managed to become. I simply wanted to be a songwriter. And now, fifty-plus years and hundreds of songs later, songwriting is still the primary love of my life.

To me, Country Music is about telling a story. Somewhere along the line, the poetry of the art of songwriting has gone by the wayside. That is, except for the people like Bill Anderson who remember what real country is suppose to sound like. 

His latest CD, Songwriter, is a perfect example. The title song, Track 8, touches only the tip of not only what a song should be about but who the songwriter is as well. I've been blessed to know some amazing talented songwriters in my life. Bill is the best of the best. 

It Ain't My Job to Tote Your Monkey, kicks off the twelve-track CD in true Bill Anderson fashion..  a fun twist on life in general. The merriment continues later into the selections with That's When the Fight Broke Out. Brad Paisley joins Bill on If You Can't Make Money.

Heartfelt songs are part of Bill Anderson's repertoire and this CD is no exception. My favorite, and something my husband and I say to each other all the time...If Anything Ever Happened To You. ( a much more romantic variation on the 'Dig Two' theme by The Band Perry). PaPaw's Sunday Boots is steeped in tradition as something as commonplace as a pair of boots and Thanks To You could be for a partner as well as his fans. Some Kind of War reminds us things are not always as they seem.

Bill worked with amazing musicians such as Eddie Bayers (drums), David Hungate (Bass and from the band Toto),  Dan Dugmore, Eddie Lange (both on Steel), Glenn Duncan (fiddle) and Rex Paul Schnelle (guitars, mandolin, banjo, piano, keyboards, background vocals as well as co-producer with Bill Anderson)

As Bill says, he's a songwriter because he's the only one who knows the words and he sings about what a Good Time Gettin' Here has been. 

If you would like to read a past interview with Bill Anderson, you can go HERE.

I also recommend his LIFE CD. You'll find my review of that one HERE. 

LIFE is also the 'Sweetheart Deal' on Bill's website this month. 

I'm tipping my hat: 

Bill Anderson loves to hear from his fans. You will find him on: WEBSITE   FB   TWITTER   MYSPACE 

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Bill Anderson - "Life"

I have been a fan of Bill Anderson and his music abilities for most of my life. For his new album, LIFE, Bill teamed up with great songwriters to bring us another unforgettable collection of classics, serving up a variety of slices from life. In true Bill Anderson style, some songs on this CD are fun while others will bring a tear to your eye. 

   The first track, Bubba Garcia's, shows the fun side of Bill Anderson. He co-wrote the song with Buddy Cannon and Jamey Johnson. Willie Nelson brings a bit of Tex-Mex flavor to the track. John Anderson lends his voice to Rhinestone Grindstone, giving us an insight to real life on the road for a performer who's been doing this awhile.

   The romantic side of Bill Anderson we know and love comes through on She Could Ruin My Life, A Song Like This (with Vince Gill), In Another Life, Blackberry Winter and When You Love Me. Dailey & Vincent bring their harmonies to Dreams Are Easy to Come By, adding a bluegrass flavor to an album overflowing with amazing talent in the songwriters and special guests Bill chose to work with. And no album by Bill Anderson reflecting life would be complete without his 'Whisperin' signature. Bill teamed up with Joey + Rory for a fun play on communication in a relationship.

  As is true of life, Old Army Hat brings us full circle. On an album where we've laughed, loved and reminisced I doubt there will be a dry eye for anyone listening to this tribute to the soldiers who've sacrificed so much down through the generations. When Bill Anderson performed this song on Larry's Country Diner, I knew I had to have this album... and I'll bet you will too. I've included the YouTube video. 

If you want to know more about the story behind the songs, check out Bill Anderson's YouTube channel or view on his website. 

LIFE is available for download on iTunes and Amazon.com as well as through Bill Anderson's website. 

 + 1/2

Country Blessings

OUT OF THE CHUTE - Bill Anderson

Today's Out of the Chute is a bit different. Rather than the basic eight questions, I've put something together based on a recent phone interview. When you're finished here, I hope you'll hop over to Bill Anderson's website Bill Anderson - where you'll find lots of great information as well as goodies in his store... including a FREE download. The song, Gone Away, was recorded with the Oak Ridge Boys in January 2012.


        In my earliest recollection of listening to country music, one of the names that stand out in my memory is Bill Anderson. As a songwriter, a radio and television personality and as a human being, Whisperin’ Bill Anderson is the complete package. Fans may think that from the moment Ray Price took City Lights (link takes you to a YouTube of Mr. Price performing the song) to the airwaves Bill’s life was changed forever. But the change really began long before then… a change Bill Anderson himself was not aware of.

He first saw the Grand Ole Opry at the age of fourteen. At the time he felt being a part of something so grand was the ultimate dream for someone who loved country music. While it was a far-fetched idea for a teenager from Georgia, little did he know his dream would become his reality. Mr. Anderson says he is “grateful and blessed for the opportunities and wouldn’t change his life for anything.” 
 
One of his greatest thrills came in 1961 when he was asked to join The Opry family. I asked him if when he got the call, he was caught off guard and had a moment of wondering if they had called the wrong person. ‘If they had, I wasn’t going to tell them,” he replied with a laugh. Joining the Opry then wasn’t the big coronation it is today. Back then, they asked you to join then made it official during the Opry broadcast. A simple ‘we’ll be seeing a lot more of you from now on’ summed up the festivities.

However, his heart-felt accomplishment has been his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. For someone with his heart and soul in country music, that is the top of the ladder.

With over sixty years in the business, and having worked with every conceivable person in the industry, there’s one person Bill Anderson said he would like to have had the opportunity to work with. He told me when it came to singing and song writing, Hank Williams, Sr. was the best there was.

While talking with him, I began to see things a bit differently than I have for some time. When I think Bill Anderson, I think Country Music but oddly enough, in the 1960’s he was considered a ‘cross-over’ artist- more contemporary, not country. For years I’ve been digging my heels into what classifies as country music in my opinion. He enlightened me to the fact that everything changes. “The only thing constant is it is constantly changing.” 

Does that mean that what I listen to today isn’t country? Or that Nashville is sacrificing its roots for dollar signs? No. It means that categorically, music has to evolve to tap into its present audience. But I still have to wonder how many of today’s ‘country’ listeners are aware of the foundation on which their contemporary country is built?

While the powers-that-be in Nashville continue to bring us what is current, Bill Anderson and Larry Black work diligently to preserve the roots with programs like Country Family Reunion and Larry’s Country Diner. Both shows, broadcast on RFD-TV, provide a mix of songs and stories from some of the great artists who paved the way for today’s performers. The format for both shows reach an audience radio doesn’t, while letting viewers know the men and women of yesterday’s country are still alive and kicking.

I am thankful to have had the opportunity to speak with the legendary Bill Anderson and for his pearls of wisdom that can only come from someone who has seen so many changes in this business. For as much as the industry has been shouting that THIS is country music... I heard it better in a whisper.
With that said, I’ll leave you with the words from a George Jones classic…
Who’s gonna give their heart and soul to get to me and you… Oh I wonder. Who’s gonna fill their shoes. 

For the rest of the song, check out this YouTube video

OUT OF THE CHUTE - Derailed

Yep... it's one of those kind of days. I won't go into details. If you want those - check out my creative blog... http://kellyscreativedreams.blogspot.com

We were suppose to have a guest today, J.D. Faver. J.D was going to talk about her Texas cookbook but the cover is going through some alterations and she wants to show you the shiny revamped product so we are rescheduling her... hopefully for later this month. You know, just in time to get you thinking ahead to back yard BBQs.

I did have a chat with Matt Harlan this morning. Sending congratulations his way. He and his partner of several years, Rachel, tied the knot on their front porch during the Spring Equinox. What a great New Beginning for the two of them. Matt has agreed to a Q & A in the near future so look for him to come Out of the Chute sometime in May.

Next week I have a very special Out of the Chute guest. The Legendary Whisperin' Bill Anderson answered my questions. We had a nice visit on the phone last week. I'm looking forward to meeting him in person at the Starlight Theater in Branson on April 27th. He'll be there for a taping of Larry's Country Diner, broadcast on RFD-TV.

Tomorrow is Turntable Tuesday. I'll be reviewing Kasey Musgrave's album. So stop in and check it out.

Country Blessings!
Kelly