Country Music Newsletter - March 5th, 2009

For anyone who happens to be down Mexico way. Message from Dick Damron

Hi Lonnie.... Tell everyone March 25 is my 25th annual 50th birthday party at the Purple Onion in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico....bring your own stimulus package.... .... any mention in your news is always greatly appreciated

Dick Damron

Dick Damron was born 22 March 1934, Bentley, Alberta, Canada. Damron's father was the head teacher of the school at Bentley a small village mid-way between Calgary and Edmonton. By his own admission during his childhood, Damron was frequently in trouble and on several occasions, he ran away from home. His father played fiddle and his mother taught piano and he learned guitar as a child being helped by an uncle and an elder brother. He grew up inspired by Wilf Carter's recordings and later recalled these memories in "The Wilf Carter Song". (In 1981, the veteran Carter recorded Damron's nostalgic "The Last Of The Rodeo Riders" on The Chinook Wind). He formed his first band at 15 comprising his brother Bob (guitar/accordion), girlfriend Martha Ohlson (piano), and he took vocals and played fiddle and guitar. They learned the hard way as he later recalled "For the next few years we played every little country hall for miles".

In 1954, he and Martha married and the following year, a daughter Barbara Jean was born. Realising the small pay from the band's appearances was no longer sufficient; he tried working on the oil rigs in Drayton Valley. Eventually he reverted back to his music and with a band played on CKRD Red Deer, which gained bookings in the area but meant a hard existence living in a small caravan during harsh winters. For a time his style of music began to change and when, in 1958, he made his first recordings, they were two rockabilly numbers "Gonna Have A Party" and "Rockin' Baby". By 1964, the band had changed from old time country dances to playing 50s rockabilly in the style of Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis with Martha cleverly adopting the piano style of Lewis. The band eventually folded and throughout the 60s, he played with various groups over many parts of Canada even for a time playing banjo in a bluegrass band. He continued to write songs. He made trips to Nashville in 1961 and 1963 where, in the Starday Studios, he recorded with session musicians such as Pete Drake and Hargus Robbins. In 1965 these recordings constituted his first album. He played the Calgary Stampede many times and with a band embarked on trips all over the country billed as Dick Damron's Cross Country Mystery Tour. The life style began to take its toll and things started to go wrong. His wife left him, his drummer shot himself, and his father was dying from lung cancer. Damron later recalled "I was eating Librium and Valium like it was popcorn. I combined that with all the Bacardi. I would laugh myself off stage, cry myself to sleep and wake up in the middle of the night and take a few more pills". He once tried (unsuccessfully) to commit suicide by overdosing and leaving the gas tap turned on.

In 1968, he gained the first of many awards with a BMI Songwriter Award for "The Cold Grey Winds Of Autumn" but the change in fortunes came in 1971, when George Hamilton IV's recording of Damron's "Countryfied' became a Top 40 international hit. In 1972, he toured with other Canadian artists including fiddler Roy Warhurst to West Germany where they were well received. In 1976, Damron made his first visit to Great Britain, where he toured, literally, from John O'Groats to Land's End with UK country band Colorado. The excellent Soldier Of Fortune was reissued by Gordon Davis" Westwood label to sell on the tour (the first of several albums reissued on that label). Further European tours followed including further visits to the UK in 1978, 1979 and 1983.

Although occasionally, he still had some problems with drugs and/or drink, he kept up a hectic schedule throughout the 80s and 90s. He toured extensively and continued to write and record. Damron's undoubted main assets lie in his fine songs. They often relate to incidents in his life such as the lonely time in London, which gave the inspiration for "If London Were A Lady" or to happenings such as "The Ballad Of T.J.'s". This refers to a musician being shot dead in a bar because he did not know the requested song. Over the years other singers have recorded many of his songs. Damron freely admits that God helped him through the dark days and he has written and recorded some fine gospel numbers none better than the wonderful "Jesus, It's Me Again' (SOCAN Song Of The Year 1984). (Damron recorded a new version, which was included on 1995"s The Anthology). He admits this number has helped him through many bad times and in his song "The Vanishing Point", he comments "What good is life if you can't hear the music, what good is mine if I can't sing my songs". In the 90s, he released two volumes of gospel songs. In 1996, Damron began making annual visits to Mexico where he said "I am coasting along waiting for the Great Spirit to move me into writing another chapter for my book". Although he has never achieved a Billboard country hit, he has picked up numerous CCMA (Canadian Country Music Association) awards. They include Male Vocalist Of The Year 1983, Songwriter Of The Year 1984, Entertainer Of The Year 1985, Instrumentalist Of The Year 1989 and induction to the Canadian Hall Of Fame in 1994.

Dick Damron is currently produced by Nashville record producer Lonnie Ratliff whose production style has fit well with Dick's style of music and many music critics say their partnership has come as close to capturing the the real Dick Damron as anything so far.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Lonnie's latest International Recording Project with Travis Logan

I thought I would take you through the steps of my latest project which was recording a CD for U.K. artist Travis Logan. Because of Travis's schedule we recorded the music tracks here in Nashville and he will be adding the final vocals and harmony in the United Kingdom I am also recordeing a CD this same way for Gina Michaells in Norway.

Travis had been a subscriber to my Country Music Newsletter for a couple of years now so he was familiar with many of the artist I had produced and was satisfied that I could bring the sound he was looking for to his new CD. I am sure he probably also contacted some of the artists I had produced previously to make sure everything was on the up and up with the money involved and what I was like to work with. I always recommend everyone do this or at least GOOGLE Lonnie Ratliff Music and try to find out a little about who you are trusting your money and your career with. You should do this no matter what producer you are using on your project.

Travis called me and we discussed what he was looking for and I answered what questions he had. He had a website I visited and after a quick listen I was satisfied we would be able to make a very competitive CD together.

Since Travis is a singer/songwriter there was no need to do a song search since he already had more than enough songs for his CD. When an artist needs song they will at this point send me $400 (deductable from final quote) and I will contact my songwriter and publisher friends as well as post it in my Newsletter and will find them the songs they need. I do a very thorough search until they are satisfied I have found 10 songs they like. This is the only time there is an extra charge above the quote I give them to produce the CD. They will have to pay the songwriters and publishers for a mechanical license to record their songs.

After we had agreed that I would produce the Travis Logan CD he transferred the money for the session from his bank account to mine. This is very important for artists to understand that the money for the recording session has to be paid in advance. This is not just me but no Independent producer is going to book a session and studio musicians until they have the money in hand for obvious reasons.

Now is the technical part of how we did it with the band in Nashville and the singer in England.

1. First Travis made us a simple Piano/Vocal (Guitar/Vocal works also) with a "click" track of each song he wanted to record. Then he E Mailed me 2 mp3 versions of these simple demos. One with everything Piano, Vocal and Click and another with only the Vocal. He also E Mailed me the lyric sheets as well as an E Mail of his ideas for each song. Remember these are just scratch vocals so no need to waste time getting them perfect. If they are in time that is good enough for now.

2. After I received the simple demos I met with my band leader and we wrote the "Nashville Charts" and the song arrangments where we decided what instruments would be playing the instrumentals in each song and what instruments would play the fills on each section of the songs.

3. We booked the band to play the rhythmn section (Drums, Bass Guitar, Rhythm Guitar and Keyboards) Once we had that day booked we booked all the overdub sessions for subsequent days.

4. We loaded into the computer the original vocal (demo) along with a "click" track. This is when we cut and paste the original demo to fit the new arrangments we have written. We may have put the lead in a different spot or made it longer or shorter as well as intros and outros. We also add an 8 count "click" at the beginning of each song so the "Live" drummer will know where to start his count from. Now unlike working with a drum machine where you would end up with a real stiff sound the band can just play along with the "pre-recorded vocal" and the music track can breathe with the song.

5. Overdubs are what bring the songs to life and the only problems we ever have is scheduling everyone, as these guys and gals that do session work stay pretty busy.

6. Once we have the overdubs we just do the final mix and then E Mail mp3's back to the artist. We send them back with the scratch vocal included in one version and just the music track in another version. The reason we include the scratch vocal on one mix is so the artist will know where we mixed the vocal track to the music track volume wise so they will be able to copy that level once they have finished with the final vocals.

7. Once the Artist has listened to the mp3's a few times they can contact me and if something is really bothering them we can go back and change the volume of a particular instrument if it is absolutely necessary. I am not able to bring back a musician to change some little part because the artist would like to hear something different. This is why I tell everyone I am working with to go listen to what I have done for other artists and make sure they like what I do before they hire me. This is the only way I can keep my prices as low as they are.

8. Once the artist approves the tracks I will mail them an actual CD that has audio tracks and .wav files instead of the lower quality mp3's and you can use that for your CD.

9. Now one of the best parts of recording this way (the bad part is you don't get to go to the Opry, hang out on Lower Broadway, eat pizza with the session band, hear war stories about all the stars, sing at Tootsies or go to the Bluebird) where were we at ? Oh yeah, the best parts are no expensive airline tickets, no missing paying gigs, no expensive hotels, no airport security and the # 1 thing. Remember on your last CD how you said if you could have just had one more pass at that vocal or if your voice had been in good shape the day you sang the final vocals ? Well this way you can live with your tracks and practice with them as long as you want and don't have to do your final vocals until everything is perfect or at least close.

10. Thanks to Travis for being a pleasure to work with and agreeing to let me write about his project so it might be helpful to other artists who may be considering recording with me.===============

On the trail of Hank Williams, Billy Joe Shaver, Tom T. Hall & Harlan Howard

As songwiters we all strive to write the best song we can. I have always found it interesting to know the story behind some of these songs and I have found that other songwriters are also interested in this. I will try to include some of the original sources for my own songs and hope you find it interesting or maybe it will help you to find song ideas of your own in some of these same or similar places.

This song is one I wrote with my buddy Dave Younger out in California.

"Click" link below to listen to Guitar/Vocal Demo

lo-fi URL: http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamm3u.m3u?id=7380560&q=lo

hi-fi URL: http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamm3u.m3u?id=7380560&q=hi

Grandpa's Silver Dollar

It's just an old silver dollar by Grandaddy carried

It's more than a hundred years old

With his last dying breath he said I could have it

Keep it and you'll never be broke

I knew he wasn't talking 'bout money

That dollar meant way much more than that

A link to the things he's leaving behind

A roadmap to mem'ries we had

(Chorus)

Grandpa never bought me a pony

But he taught me how to ride out hard times

And he never gave me . . a coloring book

But he showed me when and where to draw the line

Grandpa taught me how to roll with the punches

How to stand tall when I wanted to run

And he gave me this old silver dollar

A reminder of all I had learned

(Inst.)

He said you'll think you're alone but I'll be in the shadows

Forever I'll watch over you

When you lose your way and your down in the valley

I'll show you a pathway that's true

When you're standing high on the mountain

Just know I'll be standing there too

Through the highs and the lows wherever you go

This dollar will keep me with you

(Chorus)

Grandpa never bought me a pony

But he taught me how to ride out hard times

And he never gave me a coloring book

But he showed me when and where to draw the line

Grandpa taught me how to roll with the punches

How to stand tall when I wanted to run

And he gave me this old silver dollar

A reminder of all I had learned

(TAG)

It's just an old silver dollar by Grandaddy carried

It's more than a hundred years old

I got the original idea from my friend Jim Carter who always carries an old silver dollar in his pocket. His silver dollar is so worn out from carrying in his pocket it is just a big round silver disc and you can barely make out the date on it. He gave me a silver dollar for Christmas or my birthday one year and I still carry it. I remember one time someone saw me opening a paint can with it and they were shocked that I would use it for that. They said I was going to scratch it up and hurt the collectors value of it and I just told them it didn't matter because I never intended to sell it no matter what it was worth to someone else. This is probably where the line I knew he wasn't talking 'bout money -That dollar meant way much more than that came from. The line Keep it and you'll never be broke came from an old saying I have heard all my life which came from the great depression in the 30's. They even had good luck tokens that said that.

You figure out real early in the song that the little boy and the old man are close and the old man doesn't have a lot of worldly goods or treasures. He was probably living with the little boy's parents and was the father of either the little guys mom or dad which used to be a pretty common practice for dealing with what to do with older folks. They just moved in with their children when they got old.

In the last verse the old man is trying to help the little boy let go so he promises him that in spirit he will always be with him to share both his high and low points in the years yet to come.

If you have ever held a silver dollar the weight from it is enough to help you understand how it could possible be a bridge that is not constrained by time.

If you are interested in recording this song for your next project just E Mail

Dave Younger = daveyngr@yahoo.com

Lonnie Ratliff = NashvilleShowcase@comcast.net

Great store - Traditional Country - Steel Guitar CD's - Original Western Swing CD's

"click bannder below"

===========================================

"Click" BANNER below

Listen to Nashville Nightlife

Internet Radio Station while

you read the NEWSLETTER

I do not program this station

so I can't put your song on it.

===========================================

NOTE from Lonnie - I always feel a little guilty because I never have time to listen to mp3's new artists and songwriters send me, unsolicited I might add. I hate it but I just delete them because I finally figured out I could try to be a nice guy or I could try to work and pay my bills. My banker had a very stern suggestion that I needed to keep working and be a nice guy on my own time after all my bills were paid. Turns out that spare time does not exist so I just had to give up on listening to unsolicited mp3's, CD's and giving my opinions and suggestions. Now I just concentrate on my music business out of necessity but I figure I can give you some links that will answer your questions better than I could anyway.

Here's some books available this week on EBAY

........

====================================================

Featured Song

Artist: Stonewall Jackson

Title: Standing Invitation

Writers: (R. Hellard/B. Jones/C. Putnam)

Publisher: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI)

Cross Keys Publishing Co. Inc.(ASCAP)

From the Album: Stonewall Jackson & Super Friends - A Tribute

Record Label: ETRS Records

click Links below to play "Standing Invitation"

lo-fi URL: http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamm3u.m3u?id=7316692&q=lo

hi-fi URL: http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamm3u.m3u?id=7316692&q=hi

Purchase at: http://www.ETRecordShop.com

Phone to buy CD 1 - 800 - 229 - 4288

Stonewall Jackson Official Website: http://www.StonewallJacksonCountry.com

Stonewall Jackson on MYSPACE www.myspace.com/stonewalljacksoncountry

====================================================

Tips for Songwriter Demos

By

Lonnie Ratliff

I am sure that all of your life you have heard people say "Don't put all of your eggs in one basket" and most of the time this is good advice but when we come to songwriting, in my opinion, you need to throw away that advice and "Bet the farm" as they say, on a few songs you have written that you can afford to really demo well and that you have the most confidence in. If you think all of your songs are great and you can't decide which ones are the best then you need to admit to yourself that you are still learning. A few years from now you will look back and be able to tell which ones were good and which ones were just OK. Sometimes you have a great idea and just have not learned the craft well enough yet to sell the idea but most of the time it will turn out that it just wasn't that original an idea to begin with.

One of the best tools for learning is to invest your own money in a song you believe in and then not be able to find even one artist that will cut it. Once that happens a few times you will start to get a handle on what will work. Later on if you are lucky you will figure out why.

The reason I believe in a songwriter taking their best one or two songs and just doing them up to almost "Master" quality is because being on the production side I know what kind of demos are being pitched and what kind of songs the artists are choosing. Remember just because a singer can sing don't mean they can hear a "Hit" unless you show them with your demo. It is pretty common knowledge that one of the top selling artist in Nashville can't hear a song unless it is demoed exactly the way they record and the demo singer even sounds like them. This is an exception but not a real big streatch. In the last year I have only cut 2 songs where the artist was a male but the demo was sung by a female demo singer or vice versa. You also run across artists that cannot hear past the demo. An example being if the demo has electric guitars and piano they cannot imagine what it would sound like with twin fiddles and steel guitar instead. They just say, that song is too "pop". This is not to blame anyone but just to let you know what you are up against as a songwriter trying to get a "cut"

I believe you are better off by cutting one or two great demos a year that can compete with Warner Chappel, EMI, and the songwriters that are pitching "Masters" from Independent Artists that cut the song a few years back or even album cuts from Major Artists who lost their deal. Sometimes you can get by with a simple guitar or piano vocal but you better have a great demo singer on that demo who can sell the song. In Nashville I pay demo singers from $40 to $125 a song but I am confident that when an artist hears the song they will be able to get an idea of how their record will sound if they decide to record the song. There's a lot of big hits on the radio that don't sound near as good as the demo singer sounded. That is what you are after as a songwriter. Once you get a cut or two under your belt your reputation will help you get some songs recorded but until then you need to have everything as close to perfect as you can get it.

"Click" on link below so you can go check out these first 3 songs of mine and get an idea of what I personally pitch to artists and what the demo singers sound like.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=392838

These 3 songs are about average demos for what is being pitched around town so at least you can tell what else may be on the CD of original songs an artist is listening to when they are looking for songs to record. Just make sure your demo quality fits in and your demo singers are selling your song so your chances of getting a "cut" will go up. I know there are exceptions to everything I have said but it is better to make sure you are competitive at every stage of the game, lyrics, music, demo, singer etc! than just setting around waiting to beat the odds by being that one exception to the rules.

====================================================

Do these 7,089 people in the country music business know about you ?

How many times have you said to yourself "If the right people knew about me and what I am doing I bet I could get signed to a record deal or maybe get one of my songs recorded by someone"

Nashville is full of stories of how artists and songwriters have lost thousands of dollars trying to find a shortcut into the business. There ain't no easy answers but there are a lot cheaper ways to get your name out there. Here is a way you can at least let people in the business know you are trying.m Just write a simple update about yourself and what you are doing and I will include it in the next Newsletter I send out. Now that alone will probably not be the answer to all your dreams of stardom but I can guarantee it will do you more good than sitting on the couch watching Oprah and wishing. And it COSTS YOU NOTHING.

All you need to do is to put some thought into it and realize that 7,089 people in the music business are going to be reading it. If it looks boring no one will remember it and you are back to watching TV and wishing. If it stands out from the crowd a little bit a few people will probably "click" on your website URL and go check you out a little closer. You don't have to write like John Steinbeck or Mark Twain you just have to make your half a dozen sentences more interesting than the rest of the artists that submit an Update for the Newsletter. You can do this every issue and never spend a dime. Remember it is real easy to make your Update so lackluster no one will read it but that kind of defeats the purpose. Spend a few minutes working on it. You may not have thousands of dollars to spend on hiring a promotion firm but you have access to a lot of people in the music business who could help you out. It is up to you if you take advantage or not.

To submit your Artist Update send to E Mail below (Don't Hit Reply)

Include you website URL if you want me to include it

E Mail me your Update to

NashvilleShowCase@comcast.net

================================================

Here's the Artist Updates for this NEWSLETTER

Be sure to submit yours for the next one.

It is OK to send an Artist Update every week if you have anything newsworthy. Send in at anytime. Just put UPDATE in the Subject Line of your E Mail and send to

NashvilleShowcase@comcast.net

========================================

www.myspace.com/bigbthevocalist

Hi everybody!

I'm in the middle of putting together songs fore my second album, but I'm taking it slower this time then I did with my

Debut album "Best Mistake" witch I released in the winter 08.

You can get it by clicking The link to my web site. www.big-b.no and then you'll find it :- )

PS. I'm in need of some great songs, so if you are a country music songwriter and reads this

Please get in contact with my producer Mr, Lonnie Ratliff. NashvilleShowcase@comcast.net

All right country lover's, I'm off to a gig in a place called Vigeland in the vest of Norway where they have

A country music get together two times a year, to play my songs from the CD

And some other great cover tunes.

Best whishes from

The Norwegian country artist

Big-B

==========================================================

Wayne Longtin Sr

Wayne Longtin Sr. will be recording this week a song he wrote especially for a little girl going through Cancer treatment. The song, "100 %Healing" will be used in a nationwide program for sick kids sponsored by DWP Kids Camps in Minnesota. It is in the works for the demo to go to Kenny Chesney for possible interest.

Wayne website is www.waynelongtin.com

======================================================

Kimberly Murray

Hillbilly Hits Fan Club and Heart of Texas Records show has become so successful and popular that this year we are going to have TWO SEPERATE weekends of entertainment. There was just no way to accomodate all the fans wanting to attend in just one weekend. There is even a large group of fans coming from Ireland just to see performances by Heart of Texas recording artists like Darrell McCall, Leona Williams, Tony Booth, Justin Trevino, Amber Digby, Frankie Miller, Mona McCall, Curtis Potter, Ferlin Husky, Rance Norton and more including myself. I am so excited to be a part of such a wonderful group of recording artists many of whom I have looked up to for years! There will even be a live broadcast of the "ERNEST TUBB MIDNIGHT JAMBOREE" from Brady on the first weekend! For those who would like to take a trip to see an amazing show in Brady Texas I have included the info from our website. www.hillbillyhits.com Also you can contact me at www.kimberlyshonkytonk.com

=======================================================

Chelsea

http://www.myspace.com/cegroup

Hi Everyone,

For those of you that did not read my first update; My name is Chelsea and I'm from Central Texas. I love to sing and play my guitar. I have been singing now for six years and playing for five. I'm currently staying busy with many different venves. I encourage everyone to visit myspace and check out my music. If you are in the area come to a show. Leave me your opinions and comments about my music. It helps me to grow as an artist. Look forward to hearing from you.

God Bless,

Chelsea

Myspace.com/cegroup

cegsinger@embarqmail.com

=============================================

Johnny Bulford

Hey Lonnie,

I don't know if you heard but Johnny Bulford won the Colgate Country Showdown for the Nation. He is also finishing up his 3rd CD and I've attached a copy of his first single off the CD. Hope this is news worthy for you!!!! We are very excited.

Rhonda Bulford
www.johnbulford.com
www.myspace.com/johnbulford
www.myspace.com/alibulford

===============================================

Bill Littleton

Lonnie, it is no secret my music has done better on MySpace and SoundClick than it has on radio of any ilk, although there has been some radio activity along that encourages me to continue on with the next CD, regardless of what configuration it might take on. Today, Feb. 26, I got a letter via the USPS from Trudy Burke in Victoria, Australia, telling me she had played "To Be Afraid Of Love" on Saturday but did not seem to have a proper email address to let me know. Wow!! I'm touched, initially, that, with all the material ... yea, NEW material available on a regular basis, that anyone would even remember the last song on my simple little CD of some four years ago. I'm touched additionally that Trudy went to such effort to let me know of the play, having no way to know how needed that encouragement is. And I'm amazed that snail mail got to me in less than a week; I've had some stuff mailed from Canada that NEVER got here!!! Thanks for providing an outlet to keep our music community in touch. By the way, anyone typing my website or email addy should note the hillbilly spelling of "Willam" -- it's caused some problems, but solving problems is a valid reason to stay in touch, huh? Thanks, Bill/Uncle Willam

BillLittleton@unclewillamsplace.com

There's always a chair with your name on it at Uncle Willam's Place http://unclewillamsplace.com
And you're welcome to hang out at http://www.MySpace.com/BillLittleton

=================================================

Dixon DeVore

Now have 132 Music Videos up on YouTube. As a Songwriter, I find it pretty cool to see my lyrics come---ALIVE----"Visually."

http://www.youtube.com/DixonDevore

I also have 13 Albums out and listed with CDBaby.

http://cdbaby.com/all/devore

Dixon DeVore, Songwriter, Producer, Perfomer, Publsher, Indie Label Owner

Cricket Power Records Internatinal/CPRi

============================================

Brent Moyer

Hi Lonnie,

Great to see you guys the other day, thanks for the call.

Here's what I've been up to lately.

I've been writing some new songs, recording and getting ready for my next CD.

I've also been working with a new and upcoming artist, Julia Burton. We've been out doing some radio tours. I think she is at 48 this week in R & R with her single, What a Woman Wants. www.juliaburton.com

In July I will do a tour in Canada with John and Michele Law. www.thelaws.ca We met down in Florida last year and did some playing together. They write and sing some real fine country music.

I will be on tour in Europe in September this year...tour dates to come. I will post them on my web sites,

www.myspace.com/1globalcowboy & www.brentmoyer.com & www.brambus.com/brentmoyer

I also have a date at the Bluebird Cafe coming up on April 28, that's a Tuesday. I'll be with Hunter Moore, Hugh Moffatt and Rod McDonald, all artists that record for the Swiss label Brambus.

That's it for now, happy trails!

Brent

===================================================

James Colburn

www.myspace.com/mrjamescolburn

Lonnie,

I am currently opening a Nightclub in Houston. Colburn's will be open in June 2009. It will feature Live Music and bands from the area at first. We may expand to touring acts at a later date.

I may return to Nashville and record again very soon. I still have my band Good Texan. Look forward to hearing from country fans so please write me at mrdjjames@yahoo.com.

James

========================================

=============================================

=================================================

Great store - Traditional Country - Steel Guitar CD's - Original Western Swing CD's

"click bannder below"

===========================================

=========================================

Jesse Beck

http://www.jessebeck.ca/home.html

Hey everyone, and all the best from Nova Scotia, Canada. I've been picking around these parts for quite a lot of years, but recently teamed up with Lonnie to distribute the latest single from my "Back From Nowhere"album. I'm very pleased to be working with Lonnie, and look forward to great things.

Hope to be back in Nashville sometime in the spring. Currently my single "No More Tears On My Pillow"is on the European Top 100 charts. It peaked at # 7 but is hanging on there still at #42 after 8 weeks.

I'd be happy for you to check out the website and give a listen to my other songs on there, and love to hear from anyone in this crazy business.

Jesse

============================================

Dave Lambert

David Lambert is one of the little known, best kept secrets of the upstate of South Carolina. A relative newcomer of the singer/songwriter scene, David is still a long time veteran of the acoustic guitar and it's craft, possessing a unique playing style of his own. As a songwriter, “…David writes from the heart and gut of life, telling the story without a sugar coat, and, would rather re-write the song 15 times to get it right than just crank out quantity…” David got a few chances to play in a semi-formal music groups during his Army years as part of the chapel services and other off-the-cuff 'jam' sessions. Twenty years later, I guess you can say time changes all; he retired from the Army as Colonel, divorced, re-married and finally got back into music listening and playing country and a little Southern rock.

http://www.davelambertcountry.com

===========================================

Jack Blanchard and Misty Morgan

We're working on two cd albums. One is a collection of our love songs,
or maybe they're better described as "relationship" songs,
because these couples are not all exactly happy.

The other album will be the spooky type songs we're known for...
some funny spooky and others scary spooky.
The recording part is done. Right now they are in our mastering studio "The Music Hospital".

BTW we've been mastering recordings lately for Hal Willis, Mayf Nutter, Marvin Rainwater,
and Australian television.
Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan... Grammy Nominees... Billboard's Duet of the Year.

Home page: http://jackandmisty.com SoundClick: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_music.cfm?bandID=69863 CD catalog: http://elvinsystems.com/jm/catalog.htm

====================================================

www.tattoobillyband.com

Tattoo BillyTattoo Billy crossed country music over to a new genre recently, when there song ''cuting loose'' off

''American Shakespeare'' album, was put in horror movie Kiss of the Vampire, can be rented on net flix & block buster.
The band was used as extras & they sit at a table in the background during the scene featuring there song.
Tattoo billy also have Randy Hayes as one of there guitar players, Randy played with Kieth Whitley & started

with JD Crowe. He also had small stints with Lori Morgan & Tanya Tucker.
The Movie was directed by Joe Tornatore...Who was an actor & graced the screen with Robert Redford twice,

''The sting'' & the Champ. Joes first acting part was with Borris Karloff in venetian affair.
Ed Begley & Hurstel Begley where thrilled to be around actors like John Kove who played the bad trainor in

Karate kid & the diabolical sheriff in Rambo 2, Costa Manylor of the new saw movie & Mathias Hues of Die hard

& Daniel Goddard of Beast master series.
There was also the little actor from bordilo of blood & Willow in it. Begleys said it was ''dream like sitting around &

talking to these actors that they seen growing up in movies.
The band also cross the channel of genere when there video ''Black Hearted Lady'' was played on a Denmark Television

station a music critic titled the video ''Gothic country'' because of the Horror theme.
The band is working on there third album now & are ready to deliver to there large underground following.

Videos can be seen at www.tattoobillyband.com & there is a link to the myspace page aswell. Now I'll leave with Bela

famous words ''good evening''

band contact Hurstel Begley title all as tattoobilly kathyp1952@aol.com

=================================================

Gordon Ellis

Hey Lonnie, Everyone,

I hope the info I sent about my re-designed website gets in the next Update--I think it was one of the updates that got lost from the last one and didn't make it into print. Anyway, as an addendum, "Fill In The Blank", the song I wrote with Marty Rainone, has apparently already been cut by Holly Hardin, one of the contestants on a recent version of America's Got Talent". Don't know the name of the CD yet or when it will be released, but I will send another update when I do. Thanks for the opportunity to share.

Gordon Ellis
www.gordonellismusic.com

=================================================

Mike Anderson

Mike Anderson Country Drifter here. I thought I'd drop you a line or two and let you know what I'm up to here in the great state of Washington, other than my behind in water of course! I've got some summer gigs coming up that require good old Traditional Country Music, my favorite, and some 50's Rock and Roll as well. I've been working on waking up some old Credence Clearwater songs along with some great Eagle tunes. The wife has me working in my studio recording family favorites for a CD and let me say, it's a challenge going from Lucille, to The Dance, then onto Red Sails In The Sunset, Tennessee Waltz, followed by Country Roads and then I Did It My Way! Of course my wife wants me to include a song her Dad used to sing to her as a little girl, a song called called Marianne. It's a 50's tune by Terry Gilkyson and The Easy Riders; starts out All Day All Night Marianne down by the Seaside sifting sand; kind of an Island Tune. Talk about a versatile mix of music but Hey, that's what it's about, pleasing the Fan's, right? Till next time, keep on enjoying one of God's Greatest Gifts--music.

==============================================

Graeme Clark

Hi Folks, I am an independent singer-songwriter and also an author. I have traveled widely and have really enjoyed my life although I have not made a ripple on the greater country music scene. I did have a number nine hit song back in the 80's in Australia.

My music site on "myspace music" and my normal "web site" links are as below.

www.myspace.com/singincountry
www.graemeclarke.com

I hope you take the time and have a look and a listen.

Best wishes from down under
Graeme & Pat Clarke
Mobile : (61) 040 8604992
Facsimile : (61) 08 88233698
Email graemecl@gmail.com
Website www.graemeclarke.com

To sample my music click on www.myspace.com/singincountry

===================================================

Dave Younger will be headin' out into the California Coastal Hills in search of wild boars this month.Should he manage to spot one of acceptable size and gender, he plans to replenish his ham and sausage supply....
Bill Hail is getting ready for the Hennessey Hootenanny in his home town of Hennessey Oklahoma. The show is set for March 14th and features some really topnotch performers from that part of the country.
http://www.myspace.com/youngerhailsongwriters

========================================

Click Banner ABOVE --- The Circle CD ___ The Collection CD___Bid on Erin CD's EBAY

1. Cost for 5 songs is $3,750 (Three Thousand Seven Hundred & Fifty Dollars). This includes Studio, Musicians, Etc! and you end up with a mixed CD of your project. There are not a lot of hidden costs that will be tacked on. The only additional costs I can think of would be $150 if you want us to Master it for you before it goes to your pressing plant. (Call me and I can explain Mastering to you) The other thing that could cost you later is that you might have to pay songwriter royalties if you have recorded someone elses songs and are gonna include it on your CD to sell. (Example = If you want to record a George Strait song or a Taylor Swift song then you will have to pay a royalty to use that song) I can help point you in the right direction to obtain a license from the Harry Fox Agency.

2. For those artist who are new at this, Production is just about getting your songs recorded and ready to be made into CD's that you can sell. I don't press up the 500 or 1000 CD's for you but I can recommend Karen Bruno at Amazon Audio who can take care of everything for you. I believe it costs about $1500 for a 1000 CD's. A lot of the artists I produce will cut a couple of 5 song sessions with me and then put them together and press up a CD they can sell and get their money back.

3. First thing we need to do is figure out if we can work together and come up with something we can both be proud of. You can listen to the artists I have produced (Click Here) and get an idea of what I do. If you are a decent singer and I believe we can make a respectable recording then I will probably be glad to work with you.

4. Deposits & Payments: The first thing required is a $200 deposit and once that is paid we can start putting together your session. I will help you find the songs if needed and will arrange them for you using any ideas you may have. Once we find the songs and have picked a date you send me the balance of $3,550 at least 2 weeks before the session date and I book your session at a studio on Music Row. I normally use Dixiana Studio. We will cut the basic tracks and overdubs there and then cut the final vocals, harmonies and mix at Smokehouse studio.

5. The Band normally will consist of Bass, Drums, Rhythm Guitar, Piano, Steel Guitar, Fiddle, Dobro, Electric Guitar & Mandolin. If I believe a particular song calls for a specialty instrument I will use it and there is no additional charge. I do not try to cut corners by taking short cuts on the musicians we use.

6. Original songs. I have about 200 songs in my Music Publishing Company that you are welcome to use (Royalty Free) if you are using them on any project I produce.

7. Time it will take to record. Figure that it will take about 3 days in the studio. If you are on a tight schedule you're part will be over in two days. First day we cut the tracks with a scratch vocal and the second day you will sing your final vocals. I figure you will have up to 45 minutes to sing each song.

8. Practice Guitar tracks if needed. If you think you may have trouble singing any of the songs you pick and do not play an instrument I can record and send you an acoustic guitar track of the song so you can practice it before you come to Nashville.

9. Final thoughts. Keep in mind that you are hiring me to make you sound good and I take my job very seriously. I will do my best to see that you have a good time in the studio. I work with some of the best studio musicians in Nashville and they will do everything in their power to make the best recording of your music as possible. Feel free to E Mail any of the artists I have worked with (Click Here) before and ask them any questions you may have about working with me. Once you have paid your deposit I am on your team and you can call (615) 742 0666 and ask me any questions you have and I will try my best to give you an answer. Probably half of the artist I work with are recording their first CD and have a lot of questions so don't be embarrassed to ask about anything you don't understand.

I look forward to working with you and hope I can be a part of your musical future.