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Dailey and Vincent Patriots and Poets

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Patriots And PoetsDailey & Vincent have announced the release of their upcoming eighth album, Patriots & Poets on March 31.

Dailey and Vincent’s new star-studded project features collaborations with bluegrass music’s top musicians including Steve Martin, Doyle Lawson, Bela Fleck, and David Rawlings. The soon-to-be inducted Grand Ole Opry members will release the collection via Dreamlined Entertainment Group and BFD (distributed via RED).

The project features 16 all-new tracks that were all written or co-written by Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent, with a collection of energizing upbeat songs, along with slow sing-along anthems. Standout tracks on the project include the feel-good track “California” which features a very special verse by comedic and bluegrass enthusiast Steve Martin. Other highlights on the project include thought-provoking songs like, “Beautiful Scars” and “American We Love You,” all highlighting harmonies by 6-time “Male Vocalist of the Year” winner Jamie Dailey and 5-time Grammy winner Darrin Vincent. Another feel-good moment on Patriots & Poets includes the track “Bill and Ole Elijah.”

Patriots & Poets will serve as the follow-up to the duo’s previous release, Alive!, which spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart. The DVD also debuted at No. 2 across all genres. Also, the hit RFD-TV program, “The Dailey & Vincent Show” is back with season one and season two of the popular variety series, now airing on Friday nights at 7:30pm ET, throughout all of 2017. USA readers click here to find RFD-TV listings.

So far, 2017 has proven to be a career-defining year for the award-winning duo, who will be formally inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in March. This will see the duo become the newest members of the prestigious show that made country music famous. The IBMA award-winners were recently honoured by the International Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Museum with the brand new exhibit, “A Decade of Dailey & Vincent: An American Music Journey,” which features artefacts and memorabilia from their decorated career as a duo and beyond. Dailey & Vincent will take the stage on February 13 in Nashville, Tennessee for a special free show at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for museum members at The CMA Theatre. Fans can also catch the hit makers appearing at venues and festivals nationwide, including their annual music festival Dailey & Vincent LandFest in the Mountains, presented by Springer Mountain Farms.

Patriots & Poets Track Listing:

1. Gimme All The Love You Got
2. Beautiful Scars
3. Baton Rouge
4. Until We’re Gone (feat. TaRanda Green)
5. Bill and Ole Elijah
6. Unsung Heroes		 7. Spring Hill
8. God’s Love (feat. Doyle Lawson)
9. California (feat. Steve Martin)
10. Here Comes The Flood (feat. David Rawlings)
11. That Feel Good Music		 12. He’s Been So Good To Me
13. No Place Love Won’t Go (feat. Bela Fleck)
14. That’s What We’re Put Here To Do
15. America We Love You
16. 255 North

Dailey and VincentAbout Dailey & Vincent:
Five-time Grammy award winners individually, three-time Grammy award nominees collectively, four-time Dove Award winners, and winners of 35 IBMA Awards altogether (including 3-time IBMA Entertainer of the Year Award winners and 3-Time Vocal Group of the Year Award winners), Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent, backed by one of the best bands on tour today, are some of the most reputable and elite entertainers in American music; bluegrass, traditional country and gospel music.

The concoction of the fantastically instinctive vocal blends of Dailey’s tenor and Vincent’s reedy harmonies, has gained them well-deserved praise for their own distinctive style and worldwide recognition as American Music gold. Dailey & Vincent has garnered world-wide attention with their first national, top-rated television series, “The Dailey & Vincent Show,” on RFD TV and over 500 airings of their PBS special “Dailey & Vincent Alive – In Concert.” Their most recent CD, Dailey & Vincent Alive, debuted at No.1 on the Billboard Bluegrass charts and remained at the top position for over 15 weeks. For more information, visit DaileyandVincent.com.

Big Country Bluegrass – Let Them Know I’m From Virginia

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Rebel Records has announced today’s release of “Burn the Barn,” the first single from Big Country Bluegrass’ upcoming 30th Anniversary recording Let Them Know I’m From Virginia (REB-1862). The hard-driving, “barn burning” number, written by Tracy O’Connell, is a fitting kick-off to an album that celebrates three decades of high energy picking and singing.

Big Country Bluegrass has been making music for 30 years, and Let Them Know I’m From Virginia is a celebration of the band’s commitment to, and love of, traditional bluegrass music. Big Country Bluegrass performed its first show in January 1987 and since that time has made many notable contributions to the bluegrass community. This recording, the band’s fourth, does the same.

Big Country Bluegrass is known for their hard-driving music and its fine selection of material. Tommy Sells, the band’s founder and leader, has had a long standing and fruitful relationship with Tom T. and the late Dixie Hall. A combination that has produced such hits as “The Boys in Hats and Ties,” “I’m Putting on My Leaving Shoes” and “Bluefield West Virginia Blues,” songs that have all reached #1 on Bluegrass Unlimited’s National Airplay Chart. This album features two more Tom T. & Dixie Hall originals, “The Old Crooked Trail” and “If I Ever Get Home,” as well as songs by fine writers like the late James King, Glenn Alford, Marvin Morrow and Eric Marshall, among others.

Lovers of mountain music will find Let Them Know I’m From Virginia a treat.

If you enjoy bluegrass performed with all the right ingredients of taste, timing, and tone, and delivered in a heartfelt and spirited mountain style, then this recording is a must for your collection. The musical journey of Big Country Bluegrass continues – Dale Morris.

“Burn the Barn” is available through:

  • iTunes
  •  Amazon
  • Google Play
  • or receive an instant free download of the single by preordering the album on these sites.

Infamous Stringdusters – Laws of Gravity

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Bluegrass virtuosos The Infamous Stringdusters have aLaws Of Gravityannounced details of their upcoming new album and an extensive supporting tour. The new album Laws of Gravity marks a return to form for the Grammy-nominated acoustic five-piece, whose widely acclaimed 2016 album Ladies & Gentlemen featured all female singers (like Joss Stone, Lee Ann Womack, Nicki Bluhm, etc).Laws of Gravity is all new original Dusters music–perhaps the most “Infamous” record they’ve done in their decade together.

The Infamous Stringdusters features Andy Hall on Dobro, Andy Falco on guitar, Chris Pandolfi on banjo, Jeremy Garrett on fiddle, and Travis Book on upright bass. This latest album was recorded in Nashville and was co-produced it with Billy Hume (Ludacris, Ying Yang Twins).

This is an important record for us, coming off theLadies & Gentlemen project. That album exposed us to a lot of new fans and we toured so hard this year, it really feels like a great time in the history of the band. Infamous StringdustersWe thinkLaws of Gravity is a quintessential Stringdusters record, and that all facets of the group are represented on the album in a cohesive way. You write what you know. We’re on the road all the time and there’s always gravity that’s keeping you grounded, and pulling you home. The themes on this album stem from things that happen out on the road, and the freedom we have to make music. There’s nothing freer than being on stage and making music. We’re telling these stories of musical nomads, all the stuff we like to do – Andy Falco.

Laws of Gravity is The Infamous Stringdusters at their finest, with honest songs and a fresh yet familiar bluegrass/Americana/progressive feel.

We had a lot of good energy stored up as we were getting into production, as well as a few more years of experience with the studio. We had much more of a vision for how we wanted this album to come together than we did with past projects. We know that capturing the live, collective sound always opens a door for the listeners, as opposed to building and crafting something that you can only make in the studio. We are a band. We play live together, and more than any one song or achievement, this is what we do. Now we have an album that captures that – Chris Pandolfi.

FInd out more on:

Laws of Gravity will be released January 13th, 2017 on Compass Records.

Track List:

Freedom
Gravity
A Hard Life Makes A Good Song
Vertigo		 Maxwell
Black Elk
This Ol’ Building
Soul Searching
1901: A Canyon Odyssey		 Sirens
Back Home
Let Me Know
I Run To You

Tour Dates:

1/12 Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre
1/13 Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
1/14 Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
1/15 Abingdon, VA – Historic Barter Theatre
1/18 Pawling, NY – Daryl’s House
1/19 Plymouth, NH – Flying Monkey
1/20 Portland, ME – Port City Music Hall
1/21 Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
1/22 Hartford, CT – Infinity Hall
1/24 Columbus, OH – Park Street Saloon
1/25 Rocky Mount, VA – Harvester Performance Center
1/26 Charlotte, NC – Visulite Theatre
1/27 Washington, DC – 9:30 Club		 1/28 Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe Live
2/3-2/5 Tucson, AZ – Gem & Jam Festival
2/16 Sacramento, CA – Harlow’s
2/17 San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
2/18 Los Angeles, CA – The Troubadour
2/19 Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern
2/20 Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl
2/22-2/23 Telluride, CO – Sheridan Opera House
2/24 Aspen, CO Belly Up
2/25-2/26 Steamboat Springs, CO Winter WonderGrass
3/15 Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
3/16 Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue		  3/17 Chicago, IL – Park West
3/18 St. Joseph, MN – College of St. Benedict
3/19 Omaha, NE – Waiting Room
3/21 Jackson Hole, WY – Pink Garter
3/22 Laramie, WY – University of Wyoming
3/23 Park City, UT – Park City Live
3/25 Missoula, MT – The Wilma
3/26 Whitefish, MT – The Great Northern
4/2 Arcata, CA – Humbrew’s
4/4 Bend, OR – Domino Room
4/5 Eugene, OR – HiFi Music Hall
4/6-4/7 Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
4/8 Seattle, WA – Neumos

The Bankesters – Nightbird

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BankestersNightbird is the sixth full length recording from bluegrass darlings, The Bankesters, a family band anchored by the immediately powerful sound of sisters harmonising and elevated by their clever song choices, a humble and approachable style, and subtle musicianship.

Sisters Alysha (mandolin, fiddle), Emily (fiddle, banjo), and Melissa (bass) are supported by some of the men in their lives: their father, Phil on guitar, and Kyle, husband to Melissa, on banjo and additional guitar.

In addition to a spirited and sultry cover of “Seven Nation Army”, Nightbird also includes a cover of Collective Soul’s monster 90s radio hit, “Shine” as well as two tracks written by eldest sister Melissa and songwriter Rick Lang, who also wrote the title track. Nightbird is the follow up to their Independent Music Award winning album, Love Has Wheels, which contained their cover of “The Cups Song” featuring Sierra Hull that became a surprise hit on bluegrass radio.

Nightbird will be released January 27th, 2017 on Compass Records.

Click here to preview the album.

Noam Pikelny – Universal Favorites

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Noam Pikelny Universal FavoritesNoam Pikelny has announced that his new album Universal Favorite, will be available in March 2017.

I’m less thrilled to announce that 42 minutes of music is all I have to show for an entire year of my life – Noam Pikelny.

The music on Universal Favorite is performed all Noam without any band or accompaniment. The album is a collection of new  originals coupled with some songs that other people have written but never properly performed or recorded before Universal Favorite.

Universal Favorite features Noam on banjo, vocals, acoustic and electric guitar and  – as described by Noam – other oddball instruments.

My fellow Punch Brother, Gabe Witcher, produced the record and assured me, soon after we agreed on his fee, that my singing is now safe for public consumption, thanks to my hard work and the nearly complete demonetisation of the recorded music industry – Noam Pikelny.

Pre-order details will be announced after the holidays. In the meantime, if you’d like a sneak peek, you can hear it on the YouTube clip below.

I’m proud to say that Universal Favorite will be my debut release on Rounder Records, an institution that has had an impact on my life on par with the Chicago Cubs, my parents, and British Knights sneakers. I’d wager that I wouldn’t be making a living playing music if it weren’t for the music propagated by Rounder over the last 36 years. So I think it’s proper that they now share some of the risk – Noam Pikelny.

Blue Mafia – Hanging Tree

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hangingtreePinecastle Records has released Hanging Tree, the latest project from Blue Mafia, the spirited group that has been called “unabashedly bluegrass.”

Hanging Tree is the band’s second release on the North Carolina record label. Pray For Rain was released to wide acclaim in 2015. Blue Mafia’s independently released debut album, My Cold Heart, was released in 2013 and quickly shone a light on the Indiana band, leading to their signing to Pinecastle.

Blue Mafia was founded in 2011, the brainchild of husband and wife team, Dara Wray (mandolin, vocals and songwriting) and Tony Wray (guitar and vocals). The skilled ensemble is rounded out by Mike Gregory on bass, Kent Todd on fiddle and vocals, with the recent addition of Curtis Bumgarner on banjo.

A preview single, “Like A Mining Man,” has already been released to bluegrass radio.

bluemafiaBlue Mafia is characterised by Tony’s dynamic guitar playing; three strong vocalists in Dara, Tony and Kent; plus skilful harmonies with consistently tight picking. Dara has proven to be an exciting new songwriting voice in the genre and she contributes three originals to this new album: “The Man You Know,” “You Belong To Me,” and “Life.” Ironically, Dara is reluctant to label herself as a “songwriter,” yet she has demonstrated a brilliant gift for crafting illustrative lyrics and melodies with a familiar feel.

Additional songs were culled from various sources, like “With Body And Soul,” which Dara’s father and uncles used to perform. Blue Mafia gives it their touch in homage to those elders. The group chooses songs that truly move them personally, like “Who You Are,” which was written by Kevin Hayes, a fan and friend of the band. The title cut caught the attention of Tony and Dara as they watched the popular movie, ‘The Hunger Games,’ for which the tune was originally composed.

Hanging Tree is available to radio through the AirPlay Direct digital download service. Fans may pre-order immediately and preview the tracks through the website here.

Track List:

Like A Mining Man
Hanging Tree
Sweet Mary Of The Mountains
The Man You Know		 With Body And Soul
Baby You’re Gone
Midnight Rain
Loneliness And Desperation		  Say Won’t You Be Mine
You Belong With Me
Life
Who You Are

Rhonda Vincent: All The Rage – Volume One

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Rhonda VincentRhonda Vincent, whom The Wall Street Journal has dubbed “The New Queen of Bluegrass,” is giving fans the opportunity to experience the most exciting show in the history of bluegrass music from the convenience of their living rooms, as captured in their new DVD/CD “All The Rage – Volume One.”

“All The Rage – Volume One.” features 14 songs, filmed live at Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee during a 60-minute concert setting, and will be available on both CD and DVD via Upper Management Music from today. For a limited time, anyone who pre-orders the project on rhondavincent.com will receive autographed copies.

I felt it was the right time to capture these amazing musicians at the height of their career. People always ask for a CD/DVD that perfectly represents what they hear us play on stage. All The Rage’ is completely what you see and what you get. The actual tones of the instruments, and exact timber of each voice. Authenticity is our top priority, and this project captures the incredible talent and skill, along with the passion and excitement of our live performances – Rhonda Vincent.

The full concert footage features Vincent on mandolin, along with world-class musician Rage members Hunter Berry (fiddle), Brent Burke (resophonic guitar), Mickey Harris (bass), Aaron McDaris (banjo), and Josh Williams (guitar). Each musician is at the top of their game, bringing their unique individuality, while also being featured in solo performances. Collectively their skills are simply unmatched, with several original songs, which further make this a one-of-a-kind presentation.

The band’s full set list includes a combination of fan favourites and classic hymns. There are several standout tracks on the project, with songs delivering the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. “Muleskinner Blues” features one of the biggest vocal performances of Vincent’s illustrious career, hitting some of her highest and longest notes to date. Another key highlight is the toe-tapping sing-along, “Kentucky Borderline,” penned by Vincent, alongside radio personality Terry Herd. Also featured on the project is a special live version of “I’ve Forgotten You,” a song co-written by Grammy award-winning songwriter Hillary Lindsey, who has penned tracks for superstars like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town and more.

The CD and DVD will be exclusively distributed by Universal and will be available at general market stores, and wherever music is sold, including online retailers like iTunes, Amazon and RhondaVincent.com. Another way is by purchasing a copy at an upcoming show in your area (see remaining 2016 tour dates below).

All The Rage – Volume One Track List:

1. Muleskinner Blues
2. Is The Grass Any Bluer (On The Other Side)
3. Girl From West Virginia
4. Midnight Angel
5. Wow Baby		 6. If We Would Just Pray
7. Freeborn Man
8. All About The Banjo
9. Missouri Moon
10. I’ve Forgotten You		 11. You Don’t Love God (If You Don’t 12. Love Your Neighbor)
13. Kentucky Borderline
14. The Old Rugged Cross
15. Run Mississippi

Rhonda Vincent & The Rage On Tour:

  • Nov. 11 – Wilmington, OH – Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival
  • Nov. 12 – Hopewell, VA – The Beacon Theatre
  • Nov. 16 – Nashville, TN – LIVE Streaming Release Party – Details coming soon at www.auroranashville.com
  • Nov. 17 – Fishersville, VA – Augusta Expo Center
  • Nov. 18 – Hanover, PA – Eichelberger PAC
  • Nov. 19 – Federalsburg, MD – A. Curtis Andrew Auction Facility
  • Dec. 16 – Augusta, GA – The Imperial Theater
  • Dec. 17 – Raleigh, NC – A Bluegrass Kinda Christmas
  • Dec. 31 – Jekyll Island, GA – New Year’s Bluegrass Festival

Social Sites:

About Rhonda Vincent:

Rhonda Vincent, dubbed “The New Queen of Bluegrass” by The Wall Street Journal, began her musical journey at the age of three, performing alongside her family members on what was called The Sally Mountain Show. She sang bluegrass as a teenager, then recorded a couple of mainstream country albums in the 1990’s, when makeup artists cared more about her looks than her sound. She was asked if she could “get the bluegrass out of her voice.” Confused and heartbroken, she put together her first bluegrass band, and found the most natural approach to her music was in the bluegrass realm.

In addition to being the most award winning band in Bluegrass music history, alongside her band The Rage, totaling over 100 awards, Vincent has also performed and recorded with the best of the best, including Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Daryle Singletary, Richard Marx, Hank Williams, Jr. and more. In addition to being a 15-time “Entertainer of the Year,” Vincent has established herself as one of the most visible, best-selling artists in the genre, whose cross-over appeal stretches well into the mainstream media.

Mac Wiseman – I Sang The Song

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macwiesmanMountain Fever Records has released a star-studded concept-album celebrating the life and spirit of Country Music Hall of Fame member Mac Wiseman. I Sang the Song (Life of the Voice with a Heart) will be released January 20, 2017. The first single, “Going Back to Bristol,” featuring the International Bluegrass Music Association’s 2015 Male Vocalist of the Year Shawn Camp, is available today.

What began as a casual weekly visit among friends quickly morphed into an unprecedented album project. Over nine weeks, Country and Bluegrass Hall of Famer Mac Wiseman met with Peter Cooper and Thomm Jutz, sharing intimate details of his 91 years, and of his journey from Virginia boy to American roots music icon. That journey is the subject I Sang the Song, the joyful and poignant album that springs from Mac’s storytelling sessions.

In liner notes, Cooper writes, “The stories would have been remarkable coming from anyone. But coming from Mac Wiseman, an acknowledged master of American roots music who earned the nickname ‘The Voice with a Heart,’ the stories began to sound like songs. Thomm Jutz and I sat in small chairs that faced the easy chair, situated beneath a photograph of Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren, Mac’s childhood place of worship. We wrote down the stories, and found them rich with melody and rhyme.”

Shawn Camp
Shawn Camp

The result is ten carefully crafted songs, sung by an adoring assembly of extraordinary artists, capped by Mac Wiseman’s duet with Alison Krauss on his classic “’Tis Sweet to be Remembered.”

Singer-songwriter Shawn Camp provides the first single from I Sang the Song. “Going Back To Bristol” recounts Wiseman’s affection for a place he’s always held close to his heart. “It’s the birthplace of the music that’s the wellspring of my soul. …the last time I was back there, someone told me ‘Welcome home,’” Camp sings, impeccably, in a voice at once youthful and renewed, rooted and reverent.

I’ve been a fan of Mac Wiseman’s all of my life. He has always had a natural ability to tell a story in a song, and make you believe it. I know these stories are Mac’s real-life, true stories. I hope our voices are half as believable as his always has been to us – Shawn Camp.

Listen to “Going Back To Bristol“.

“Going Back To Bristol” is now available to radio via AirPlay Direct or a direct digital download by emailing a request to radio@mountainfever.com. Consumers may buy the single and pre-order the album via iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play. For more information on Mac Wiseman – I Sang The Song (Life of the Voice with a Heart), please visit www.mountainfever.com.

About Mac Wiseman:

Famed for a clear, mellow tenor voice that conveys empathy, kindness, and understanding, Mac Wiseman has been recording great American music for seventy years. He is part of bluegrass music’s first generation, having played in Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys band and in Flatt & Scruggs’ Foggy Mountain Boys, and having sung lead on Monroe classics including “Can’t You Hear Me Callin’” and “Travelin’ This Lonesome Road.” In 1951, he launched a marvelous solo career with “’Tis Sweet to be Remembered.” He helmed Dot Records’ country division, he helped form the Country Music Association, and he became, in Kris Kristofferson’s words, “One of the heroes” of American roots music. I Sang the Song is the first album fully composed of Mac Wiseman’s own words and melodies. Mac Wiseman is a member of the Country Music and Bluegrass Music Halls of Fame.

Eliza Doyle – It Ain’t What it Seems

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Eliza Mary DoyleWhen Eliza Doyle’s car broke down in Nashville in 2015, she found herself happily stuck in Music City USA. The venerable banjo player and singer/songwriter from Saskatchewan had stopped in to see a festival and ended up enjoying an extended stay, playing in bars and meeting all manner of talented musicians. Having been on sabbatical to follow her muse anyway, it seemed like fate urging her to keep on the well-worn path to musical fulfilment.

Eliza Doyle has had a fifteen-year career in groups, as a solo artist, and as a professional session musician, playing banjo, singing, with not only the banjo, but with guitar, Dobro and mandolin. She has released nine full-length albums, won numerous awards, and toured North America and Europe. Doyle has been a regional finalist in CBC’s Searchlight Canada competition and past winner of Bell Media’s contest, The Next Big Thing.

On her new album It Ain’t What It Seems Doyle’s strong, but wonderfully frayed voice belts out captivating tunes and harmonies. She has the versatility to go from beautiful and melodious songs, to a full on boot stompin’ party scene. With her charismatic high energy performance, combined with outstanding claw hammer banjo, everything about Eliza Doyle’s music rings of an authenticity that takes you straight to the beating heart of folk and bluegrass music.

Eliza Doyle plays banjo, guitar, Dobro, and sings on the album, which has given her lease
to explore the musical expression of some of the lyrical ideas on the album. Themes like personal
struggle, the unknowns of travelling, and lost love. It Ain’t What It Seems looks through the eyes
of someone taking on the world by themselves, celebrating the freedom and empowerment that
comes with that bold task.

Doyle’s innovative and unique songwriting and performances have impressed audiences around the world. She is a versatile player, and her charismatic performance, combined with outstanding clawhammer banjo and sophisticated songs will captivate you and leave you wanting more – All Folked Up.net.

Artists featured on the album include: Eliza Doyle (banjo, Dobro, guitar), Lucas Geotz (pedal steel, drums), Dustin Olmsted (lead guitar), Liza Holder (guitar), Paula McGuigan (upright bass).

Eliza Doyle – It Ain’t What It Seems

1. Nothin’ To Lose
2. Say It
3. Sunrise
4. Old Blue Jeans		 5. Say Darlin’ Say
6. Vancouver
7. High and Lonesome
8. Holdin’ On		  9. Could’ve Had It All
10. Wish I Felt This Good Without The Whisky
11. Moonlight

Canadian Tour Dates:

October
11th- Swift Current, SK, The Lyric Theatre – 8 PM $15
12th- Nokomis, SK. Nokomis Centennial Hall – 7:30 PM $15
13th- Fort Qu’Appelle, SK, Fort Qu’Appelle Valley Centre for the Arts – 7:30 PM $15
14th- Regina, SK. The Artesian with Bob Sumner – 8 PM $15 Sasktel Max Live Video Shoot
15th- Regina, SK. Royal Saskatchewan Museum – 1 PM Break Out West Showcase
18th- Lloydminister. AB. The Root Emporium, (host Open Stage) – 8 PM, Donation
20th- Edmonton, AB. Sewing Machine Factory – 7 PM $10
21st- Williams Lake, BC. Arts Centre, Arts on The Fly with C.R Avery – 9 PM $10
22nd- Prince George, BC The Legion, with C.R Avery – 8 PM $10
23rd- Vancouver, BC. Cafe Deux Soleil with guests Jayne Trimble – 8 PM $5
25th- Vancouver, BC. The Heatley with guests Jayne Trimble and Bob Sumner – 8:30 PM no cover
26th- Duncan, BC. Duncan Showroom – 8 PM $12 @ advance $15 @ the door
27th- Victoria, BC. Wheelies – 8 PM Donations
28th- Victoria, BC, Private House Concert
30th- Parksville, BC, The Realm – 6 PM $20

November
2nd- Nelson, BC, Bigby Place – 1:30 PM Donation 509 Front Street
3rd- Kaslo, BC, The Bluebelle Bistro – 7 PM Donation
4th- Nelson, BC, The Royal – 9 PM $10
5th- Calgary, AB, The Speak Easy Garage (Private Event)
18th- Winnipeg, MB, The Times Change(d) with The Osmond-Davis Band – 10 PM $10

December
10th- The Root Emporium, Lloydminister, AB. 9 PM
13th- The Ironwood, Calgary, AB. 8 PM
16th- The Bassment, Saskatoon, SK. 8 PM
17th- The Church Series, Brock, SK. 9 PM

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – Circlin’ Back

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NGDB - Circlin' BackFor five decades, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has remained one of the most iconic names in American roots music. With one foot planted in the traditions of country-folk and the other pointing toward something new and unexpected, the group continues to tour and release music, influencing multiple generations of audiences and artists along the way. Nearly a dozen of those artists join the group on this year’s Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends – Circlin’ Back: Celebrating 50 Years concert album, released Sept. 30 on NGDB’s own label, distributed by Warner Nashville. As of yesterday’s SoundScan report, Circlin’ Back hit #11 both on the Country Albums chart and Americana Folk chart, while topping the Bluegrass chart at #1 in the first week of sales. Continuing the 50th anniversary celebration, the band played early and late sets at the Grand Ole Opry’s Birthday Bash on Saturday, Oct. 8 in Nashville, TN.

Circlin’ Back was recorded live at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends captures a group of longtime road warriors who’ve yet to lose their grit, joined onstage by John Prine, Sam Bush, Vince Gill, Jerry Jeff Walker, Alison Krauss, Rodney Crowell, Byron House, and Jerry Douglas. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer (and early Dirt Band member) Jackson Browne joined in, along with longtime member Jimmy Ibbotson, while a sold-out crowd sings along in the background. From country classics to deep cuts, the track-list finds bandmates Jeff Hanna (guitars/vocals), Jimmie Fadden (drums/harmonica/vocals), Bob Carpenter (keyboards/accordion/vocals) and John McEuen (banjo/fiddle/guitar/mandolin) swapping harmonies, trading solos, and shining new light on a catalog of vital, vibrant music.

Nitty Gritty Dirt BandLong before Americana music had a name, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band helped lead the charge, mixing elements of country, bluegrass, folk, mountain music, and rock & roll into a sound that celebrated the full range of American music. The guys were traditionalists and trendsetters, performing songs that nodded to the past while still pushing toward the future. Released in 1972 – just six years after the group formed in Southern California – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Will the Circle Be Unbroken still stands as one of the most beloved albums in the country catalog, pairing the young band with legends like Roy Acuff, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, and Mother Maybelle Carter.

Many decades have passed since that milestone album’s release, with the members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band now enjoying their own legendary status. They continue to blur lines between genres, however, and the upcoming Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends accomplishes something very similar to the classic Will the Circle Be Unbroken pairing the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with the hit-makers, rule-breakers, and iconic figures of today’s roots music community. This time, Hanna, Fadden, Carpenter, and McEuen are the elder statesmen, passing down their influence and inspiration to a younger class without giving up the torch just yet. There’s more music to be made, after all. More shows to play. Another half-century to chase down. The circle rolls on.

Fans are able to purchase the cd or cd/dvd combo viawww.nittygritty.com, Amazon (cd or cd/dvd), and iTunes (cd or dvd).

For more information on NGDB, please visit www.nittygritty.com.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends – Circlin’ Back: Celebrating 50 Years CD track listing:

1. You Ain’t Going Nowhere
2. Grandpa Was a Carpenter featuring Jonh Prine
3. Paradise featuring John Prine
4. My Walking Shoes
5. Tenessee Stud festuring Vince Gill
6. “Nine Pound Hammer featuring Sam Bush and Vince Gill		 7. Buy Me For The Rain
8. These Days featurung Jackson Browne
9. Truthful Parson Brown featuring Jackson Brown, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush and Byron House
10. Keep On The Sunny Side featuring Alison Krauss
11. Catfish John featuring Alison Krauss
12. An American Dream featuring Rodney Crowell and Alison Krauss		  13. Long Hard Road featuring Rodney Crowell
14. Mr. Bojangles featuring Jerry Jeff Walker
15. “Fishing in The Dark featuring Jimmy Ibbotson
16. Bayou Jubilee / Sally Was a Goodun
17. Jambalaya
18. Will The Circle Be Unbroken

On Tour:
Oct. 21 Dosey Doe – The Woodlands, Texas
Oct. 22 The Majestic Theatre – Dallas, Texas
Nov. 10 Grand Theatre – Frankfort, Ky.
Nov. 11 Midland Theatre – Newark, Ohio
Nov. 12 Temple Theatre – Saginaw, Mich.
Nov. 13 MotorCity Casino Hotel – Detroit, Mich.