Western Swing and Honkytonk Country Music

James Hand "Shadow On the Ground"

2010-03-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

If you're tired of over-produced country music that sounds like it should be on the pop charts instead of the country charts, then you'll love Waco, Texas native James Hand's stellar new album "Shadow On The Ground." James Hand is an authentic country musician in the tradition of Hank Williams, and his album will remind you why you became a fan of country music in the first place.

James "Slim" Hand is a Texan through and through, and his heartachingly real depiction of country life will surprise and delight you. Hand's debut national release in 2006 at age 53 ("The Truth Will Set You Free" on Rounder Records) was a landmark in Texas music, and it gave hope to every Lone Star musician waiting for their moment to arrive. Before taking the national stage, James Hand began singing in honky tonks at age 12, but he had to find work as a truck driver, rodeo rider and horse trainer to earn additional money.

All the hard work paid off with "Shadow On The Ground." James Hand has never sounded better, and the album starts off strong with the traditional country track "Don't Want Me Too." This cut will make you want to break out in a great big country smile, and it's followed by the album's biggest surprise, the classic "Mona Lisa."

Co-produced by Asleep At The Wheel's Ray Benson and Texas music legend Lloyd Maines, the production on "Shadow On The Ground" is flawless. The best song on the album is "Midnight Run," which showcases James Hand's pure, authentic country voice. It's followed by the terrific "Leaving For Good" which should be a country chart hit.

James Hand doesn't just sing - he creates Americana musical art with passion and intensity. After listening just once to "Shadow On The Ground," you'll instantly know that this album will never leave your truck's CD player, and you won't be able to resist telling all your friends about it. In these days of iPhones, social media and fast food on every corner, James Hand's music will make you want to take the day off and enjoy a night with your wife under the stars. You can't offer any higher praise for an album than that. (Reprint from CountryChart.com) You can download the complete cd or individual tracks at www.buckatune.net

Heather Myles "In the Wind"

2010-03-20T15:20:00.000-07:00

Heather Myles indulges in the real meat and marrow of what country is all about. “In The Wind” is the latest signpost on the trail of her exceptional career, nodding towards the modern currents of country while maintaining a good grip on the reins of the past.

“In The Wind” is a fun, beautiful, sometimes haunting collection of songs that Heather has been inspired to write, and a few covers close to her heart. It is a warm, revealing look at her life so far and where she is headed next, demonstrating a maturity honed by years on the road, in the studio, and in the company of greatness. - Her duet with Willie, “Don’t Call Me”, is richly spiced by Skip Edwards’ south-of-the-bor der accordion, while gems like “Broke And Broken Hearted” plant her boots firmly in the dusty, smoke-filled honky-tonk tradition.

You can crack open a tall one and scoot boots along with “Smokin’” and the red-hot boogie of “My Baby’s Good To Me”. “Right Or Wrong” and the classic “Vaya Con Dios” conjure up the spirits of Patsy and Loretta, while “Pretty Poison” and the bittersweet, mandolin-driven “In the Wind” offer up a more contemporary take on country.

The title song, and the whole album, take a creative look at what is really the heart and soul of country music: the hope and perseverance that come along with hardship and heartache. This is True Country. The complete cd or individual tracks available for download at www.buckatune.net

When Did You Stop Loving Me
Broke And Broken Hearted
Shoulder To Cry On
Don't Call Me
Pretty Poison
Mama's A Star
Smokin', Drinkin', Dancin' Again
Vaya Con Dios
In The Wind
Walk On By
Right Or Wrong
My Baby's Good To Me
(Reprint: www.heathermyles.com)

New cd from Carolyn Martin: "Cookin' With Carolyn"

2010-03-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

Carolyn Martin from the wonderful Time Jumpers now follows up her hit CD, entitled Swing, with another gem. Again, she surrounds herself with many talented musicians who are heard throughout this CD on various cuts.

The steel guitarists heard are Hall of Fame member Doug Jernigan as well as Chris Scruggs and former Time Jumper Johnny Cox. Current Time Jumper band-mate Jeff Taylor plays accordion and piano. Also playing piano are Beegie Adair and John England Western Swinger member, Neil Stretcher. John himself is heard on lead guitar on Carolyn and her husband, Dave Martin's great swinging tune That's What I Call Cookin'. Dave is heard on bass and vocal on Jeff Taylor's Cookin' With Carolyn Theme. On the drums is heard Tommy Wells and Jerry Krahn plays guitar and plectrum banjo. Billy Contreras and Paul Kramer play fiddle, Kat Bowser does harmony vocal and Rory Hoffman plays both electric guitar and accordion. Western Music's legendary vocal group, Riders in the Sky, join Carolyn on Johnny Mercer's Dream. Nora Jane Struthers also joins her on another Johnny Mercer standard, the Elton Britt and Rosalie Allen hit duet The Yodel Blues.

Piano player Beegie Adair shows her writing talent on Someday Soon Sweetheart while Pianist Neil Stretcher wrote Nothing Better to Do. Carolyn also brings back Spring Cleaning from the 1930's song writing team that gave us Take Me Back to My Boots and Saddle. Other pop favorites reprised are If I Knew You Were Comin' I'd've Baked a Cake, Straighten Up and Fly Right and the Hoagy Carmichael/Ned Washington masterpiece Nearness of You. Fiddle Player Paul Kramer wrote It's All About You while Carolyn and Nora Jane penned Skillet Blues. Two more real gems are Rodgers and Hammerstein's People Will Say We're in Love from Broadway and Hollywood and the Western Swing Classic, Columbus Stockade Blues. The album closes with a 43 second reprise of Cookin' With Carolyn. This cd can or individual tracks can be downloaded at www.buckatune.net (reprint from http://www.swinginwest.com/reviews.htm)

Ron Williams releases great new cd!

2010-01-22T08:04:00.000-08:00

Ron Williams was born in Nashville Tennessee and was exposed to Country Music from a very early age. His parents Leona and Ron Williams Sr. were both in the music business when Ron was born ,and as he puts it “ I was so immersed in music, all around me really, that I knew I would “step in it” somewhere”, he says jokingly. Both parents toured all of Ron’s young life with artists from Ernest Tubb to Loretta Lynn. “ I’ve even seen pictures of me when I was a child, sleeping in a guitar case next to the stage” he states, and some say that is where he began his road to becoming one of the music industries premier traditional country music singers. When you listen to his music, you’ll understand why he is regarded as one of the best new country talents by both music critics and industry professionals. Years of hard work, being employed as a staff songwriter to singing hundreds of demos have started to pay off. Ron has performed on shows featuring other recording artists such as Gene Watson, Marty Stewart, Mel Tillis, Travis Tritt, Vern Gosdin, Mandy Barnett, Sammy Kershaw, Clinton Gregory, Lori Morgan, Mandy Barnett and many others. “It’s been my greatest honor to work with legends of the Grand Ole Opry” states Ron, such as Ferlin Husky, Charlie Louvin, Margo Smith, Jean Shepard, Stonewall Jackson, Barbara Fairchild, Billie Walker, Jan Howard, Jett Williams, Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius, Pretty Miss Norma Jean, Claude Gray, Jeannie Sealy, Wanda Jackson, Freddie Hart, Bill Anderson and more. “They are the heart and soul of country music and we should value them as such” he states.

Listen to clips and download complete songs at www.buckatune.net

The Survivors - Darrell McCall, Curtis Potter, & Tony Booth

2010-01-22T08:01:00.000-08:00

Heart of Texas Records is pleased to announce our latest release from three of Country Music’s Most Legendary Traditionalists!

Curtis, Tony and Darrell have been friends for decades, but “The Survivors” is the very first project when all three of these great artists join each other in the recording studio!

This project, recorded at the Heart of Texas Recording Studios in Brady, Texas, was produced by Justin Trevino. Musicians including Dicky Overbey, Reggie Rueffer, Jake Hooker, Randy Lindley, Jim Loessberg join together to create some incredible backing for these twelve songs.

The selection of material includes “Wasted Words” “Your Memory Is Killing Me” “Case Of Sorrow” “You Can’t Take It With You” “My Confession” “Forever Yours” “Down At Ginny’s” “There She Goes” “Whiskey Man” “Love Don’t Care” “It Is No Secret” and the last song written by Big Bill Lister “I’ll See You In My Dreams Tonight.”

“It just felt so good recording with Tony and Curtis,” Darrell McCall said. “We had so much fun and I think it really shows in this album. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as we did creating it.”

Curtis Potter, Tony Booth and Darrell McCall “The Survivors” is now available for download at www.buckatune.net

Traditional Sounds of Norville Dollar

2010-01-15T12:31:00.000-08:00

Norville Dollar was born in Hematite, Missouri and raised in and around the Festus area just south of St. Louis. Norville got his first guitar at the young age of 15 and was taught some chords by a friend and he learned the rest on his own. After forming his first band, he got the attention of the brass at KPLR Channell 11 in St. Louis, who signed him for a weely television show in the mid 1960's called The Norville Dollar Show. Norville had several big name Nashville stars on his show. He also gave first starts to two female artist, Barbara Fairchild and Helen Cornelius, also Dave "Lonzo" Hooten who played in a band and went on to become "Lonzo" of the "Lonzo and Oscar" Grand Ole Opry team for several years. Norville would also later get another run on KPLR Channel 11 in the 1970's. By that time,it was cable television therefore; it aired in many states and opened many doors for his music career including several appearances on the Grand Ole Opry.

If you love George Jones, you'll love Norville Dollar! Complete cd and individual mp3 tracks available at www.buckatune.net

Tracks include:
Bar Code
Don't Follow Me
Haggard and Jones
I Hope You Choke
It Took Both Of Us
My Dreams Just Came True
Nobody's Business
Not Far From the Tree
Rosie's On A Roll
She's Got It and Gone
Uncle Sam, Mister Jukebox

Jody Nix Live At Cain's Ballroom

2010-01-03T18:47:00.000-08:00

www.buckatune.net is pleased to announce the addition of Jody Nix's cd "Live At Cain's Ballroom". This is a must for any western swing music fan. Jody Nix & The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the finest professional music organizations anywhere. They travel across the country playing major rodeos, clubs, and conventions to large audiences. Jody received a special honor in 1989 when he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Society Black Tie & Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of the United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory.

Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest artist with Asleep At the Wheel on the "Tribute To Bob Wills" album. This album was a Country Music Association nominee for "Album of the Year" honors at the CMA Awards Show in 1994. In October of 1996, Jody was inducted into the Western Swing Hall of Fame in Sacramento, California.

Download this cd and other tracks from Jody Nix at www.buckatune.net

Kenny Seratt "The Best Of Kenny Seratt"

2009-12-29T16:32:00.000-08:00

Country music fans will love this pure country cd!

Available at www.buckatune.net Read more about Kenny from the liner notes:
At a recent recording session Justin Trevino told me about a benefit show where he had recently performed. He said all the top “Texas” acts were there, but that Kenny Seratt “absolutely stole the show!” Justin said the people in the crowd wanted to know either “Who is this guy?” or “Where has this guy been?” Well, to answer these questions: Kenny Seratt is one of the best pure country singers around. Kenny has had a number of national chart records, including “Love And Honor”, “Goodbye Comes Hard For Me” and “Bitter End” to name a few. Kenny also is an accomplished writer and wrote or co-wrote several songs on this CD. To quote Merle Haggard, who produced some of Kenny’s early records, “Kenny sang like Lefty and me way before I did.”

Kenny spends his time now either on his ranch in Montana or his home just outside of Dallas. When Kenny is in Texas he regularly performs and Emcee’s the Wylie Opry in Wylie, Texas. Listen to the 17 songs on this CD and you may well ask, “Who is this guy” or “Where has this guy been?” Hillside Records
Dave Franer

"P.S. A special thanks to A.J. at Ernest Tubb Record Shop in Ft. Worth for insisting I put out this CD. A.J., “Goodbye Comes Hard For Me” and “I Never Go Around Mirrors” are just for you.", Kenny Seratt

Liz Talley "Road To You"

2009-12-29T16:27:00.000-08:00

If you want to experience a night in a Texas dancehall with real country music with twin fiddles and a steel guitar, then you want to listen to Liz Talley. From coast to coast and across the world people seem to be intrigued with the music that comes out of the Lone Star State. For years people have been entertained with many great singers in all genres of music that hailed from the great state of Texas. Native Houstonian Liz Talley is no exception. When she sings, it’s pure Texas delight! This gal’s music is a breath of fresh air from the sounds of today’s radio. She takes you back to the days of the Texas Dancehall with twin fiddles and a steel guitar.

Liz Talley’s debut CD “Road to You” created quite a stir in the music scene. The 1st single “Texas in Your Swing” penned by Liz and country legend Leona Williams opened many doors for the petite Texan. “Radio just went crazy over it and before I knew it, the song was getting airplay everywhere, even landing on Willies Place/XM Radio. I think people were excited to hear something different” Talley says. The song was nominated for several awards and Liz won “Western Swing-Female Vocalist” at the Academy of Western Artists Awards. The song was also featured in a commercial for Gabbys Barbeque. Another highlight on the CD was a duet with Billy Yates “It’s Time to Cross That Bridge” which was nominated for several awards and is a favorite among the fans. Downloads available at www.buckatune.net

Amber Digby releases new cd & Opry appearance Dec 19, 2009

2009-12-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

Texas country artist Amber Digby will will be making her debut appearance on the Grand Ol' Opry on December 19th. By the readers of the Scandinavian magazine, “Kounty Korall”, she was recently voted “Female Artist of The Year”, along with her project, “Here Come The Teardrops”, being voted “International Album Of The Year”. Amber was also nominated for “Pure Country Female Vocalist” in 2006 by the Academy of Western Artists and won the award in 2008.

Although her success seems to have sprung out overnight, it is not so. Amber Digby has been surrounded by musical influences her whole life it should come as no surprise that she has completely mastered such a great traditional country sound. Digby came from a musical family as both her parents have been in country music for decades: her mother Dee was a harmony singer with Connie Smith, and her father Dennis Digby played bass for Loretta Lynn for almost twenty years. Her uncle is legendary entertainer Darrell McCall. Her step-father, Dicky Overbey, is considered a steel guitar legend and played with the likes of Faron Young, Connie Smith, Hank Williams, Jr., Ronnie Milsap, Johnny Bush, and currently plays with Amber. In this musical family, the young Amber literally grew up on stage.

Amber Digby's latest release "Another Way To Live" (Heart of Texas Records) is an excellant cd. Amber put herself in excellent hands with Justin Trevino, who knows more than a little something about traditional country music, at the production helm. Backing Amber in the studio is Dicky Overby (steel guitar), husband Randy Lindley (lead guitar), Reggie Rueffer (fiddles), Justin Trevino (tic tac guitar), Jake Hooker (upright bass),Tom Lewis(drums) and T. Jarrod Bonto (piano). They chose a strong and impressive combination of covers and originals for the album.

Amber Digby "Another Way To Live" is now available for download at www.buckatune.net
Tracks include:
There Must Be Another Way To Live
Just Someone I Used To Know
This Heart Of Mine (Can Never Say Goodbye)
The Sound Of A Heartache
One Step Beyond
Soul Survivor
After It Breaks
Lie To Him
I'm Not Your Kind Of Girl
Please Be My Love
Wrong Number
Silent Night (After The Fight)

Jody Nix "Music That I Love"

2009-12-11T11:55:00.000-08:00

Buckatune is pleased to announce the addition of another cd by the great Jody Nix. Nix comes by his mixture of traditional western swing and true country music quite naturally. The West Texas Cowboys was a band started by his father, Hoyle Nix, during the 1940s and 1950s when Nix and Bob Wills developed the legendary Texas swing. Today Jody’s high energy stage shows and easy dance music provide just the sound fans have come to expect. “Of course Bob was one of my biggest influences,” Nix said. “He became a huge legend in the music industry. I have always felt honored that I got to work and know him as well as I did.” (reprint Mason County News)

The most recent of addition of Jody Nix cds is "Music That I Love". Tracks include:

What A Way To Live
My Confession
The 24th Hour
Walk Me To The Door
Before I Could Change Her Mind
Jacques Pierre Bardeaux
Close Up The Honky Tonks
If He's Moving In I'm Moving Out
Tater Pie
Welcome To My World
Jessie Polka
Pick Me Up On Your Way Down

Be sure to listen to clips from other great Jody Nix cds while at www.buckatune.net

New country cd from Houston artist Liz Talley

2009-12-09T23:57:00.000-08:00

Liz Talley's newest cd "More Than Satisfied" is now available for download at www.buckatune.net If you want to experience a night in a Texas dancehall with real country music with twin fiddles and a steel guitar, then you want to download this cd. From coast to coast and across the world people seem to be intrigued with the music that comes out of the Lone Star State. For years people have been entertained with many great singers in all genres of music that hailed from the great state of Texas. Native Houstonian Liz Talley is no exception. When she sings, it’s pure Texas delight! This gal’s music is a breath of fresh air from the sounds of today’s radio.
Tracks include:

Bump Bounce Boogie
What We Don't Have
More Than Satisfied
I'm Crying Teardrops
One Man's Angel
You Can't Take the Texas Out of Me
A Song I Can Cry To
Reading Mamas Bible
Johnny Getting Out of Jail Barbeque
My Heart Ain't Helping
I'm Not That Good at Goodbye
The Way it Was

Listen to clips from Liz and the many other artists at Buckatune!

Jazzabillies Western Swing - Read the Reviews!

2009-12-04T11:48:00.000-08:00

What else would you call a jazzy western swing group from the Missouri Ozarks?

Western swing has enchanted listeners since its roots and the Jazzabillies continue the tradition featuring hot steel guitar licks, classic twin fiddles, jazz derived lead guitar, honkytonk keyboard, wailin' sax, and a complete big band horn sound including trumpets and trombone. The rhythm section includes a drivin' upright bass with a traditional western swing rhythm guitar and the drum styles of the swing era. It exudes energy, accented beats, excitement and fun! The group blends their love of western swing, honkytonkin' country, blues, dixieland, and jazz to create their own unique style. It’s this eclectic mix of instruments and music styles that the make the Jazzabillies unique and exciting! Listen to clips or download music at www.buckatune.net

The Jazzabilles is one of the most swingin’ bands you’ve heard. Starla Queen was the recipient of the 2007 Academy of Western Artists "Western Swing Song of the Year" for the song "Show Me". Queen was also nominated for 2007 Western Swing Female Vocalist and the "Show Me" cd was nominated for Western Swing Cd of the Year. The Jazzabillies have appeared on international country music charts.

Other band members include: Jimmy Queen (Former St Louis Band Leader, Drummer, and Entertainer of the Year). Dave Owens (Missouri Country Music Hall of Fame member), and Scotty Henderson (Kansas Steel Guitar Hall of Fame member) Ernie Reed & Brad Rigby also appear on the cd.

"SHOW ME" cd reviews:

"I heard you're demo and it really swings... thanks again" Leon Rausch, Texas Playboys

"We played the CD all the way home and it was great. My kind of stuff!" John Hughey - Steel Guitar Hall of Fame member

"I have been swinging with the Queens and I have listened to this Jazzabillies CD many times too....I enjoy it very much. It almost has a "Live" feel to it...Jimmy and Starla Oueen along with Dave Owens, Scotty Henderson, Ernie Reed, Lonnie Patterson, and others all work together to make this one a keeper." Lynn Owsley (Texas Troubadour)

"I enjoyed it from beginning to end, caught myself tapping my foot and enjoying every song. That is also a great song selection. Your drum sound and playing was exceptional. Also Starla has a great voice with excellent quality and pitch. You gize have created something in your CD of which you can always be proud to play for anyone." Maurice Anderson, Steel Guitar Hall of Fame

"You suppose Bob Wills ever met Louis Armstrong? If he did, the result might be the Jazzabillies. When I'm not yakking, I love to listen to the Jazzabillies! If they don't set your toes to tappin', you're clinically dead." Jim Bohannon - Jim Bohannon Show - America's Premier Late Night Radio Talk Program

"The new "Jazzabillies" CD is awesome. Great music and great playing by all involved." Bobby Caldwell

Country Music Association of Texas Hall of Famer Big Bill Lister passed away

2009-12-02T13:46:00.000-08:00

Country Music Association of Texas Hall of Famer Big Bill Lister passed away Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 10:35 pm in San Antonio, TX. He was 86. Funeral services are pending.

"During October, Big Bill entertained 310 people on a seven day cruise out of Galveston, Texas, for Country Cruisin' 2009," Heart of Texas Records President Tracy Pitcox said. "He received a standing ovation every night. He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU for thirty days with a severe lung infection. He was just too weak to overcome the illness."

Lister was born on January 5, 1923, in Kenedy, Texas. Lister grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers. He made his radio debut over KNEL in Brady, Texas, in 1938, playing a Sears Roebuck $3.98 guitar.

Lister made some transcriptions for XEG, in Mexico, before moving to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio. After World War II, Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him on guitar. With Tommy and Kenny Hill, Lister formed Bill Lister and the Texas Hillbillies. Lister was hosting two shows each day on the powerful 50,000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Optical.

At 6 foot 7 1/2 inches, Lister was tagged with "Radio's Tallest Singing Cowboy" during this time.

Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in San Antonio. His release of "This Time Sweetheart" and "Local Yokel" became regional hits in Texas.

Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951.

"I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for down through South Texas," Lister recalled. "And Tex suggested that if I really wanted to do anything, that I needed to either go to the West Coast or Nashville."

Ritter told Capitol A & R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a recording contract. With a contract in his hand, Lister went to the Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on the historic show. Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a front man. He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in February of 1951.

"Hank and I became real good friends," Lister said. We had an awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the same people growing up. When I originally went out there, I wasn't supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out. But before the first week was over, Hank asked me if I'd mind playing second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical rhythm."

Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13, 1961, at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville. Grady Martin, Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister on "Beer Drinkin' Blues" and "RC Cola And A Moon Pie."

During his time with Williams, Lister was a part of the Hadacol Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope, Milton Berle and Minnie Pearl. He was also featured on the Mother's Best Radio shows from Nashville.

While preparing for another recording session, Lister told Williams that he needed a good "beer drinking song." Williams said "Don't worry about it big un, I got you covered. I got one that's hotter'n a pistol". The following morning Williams dropped by Lister's house with an acetate of "There's A Tear In My Beer."

Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk to be forgotten for the next thirty five years. Lister later gave the acetate to Hank Williams Jr. and it become a million selling duet between father and son.

In 1952, Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded the Drifting Cowboys band. Lister remained in Nashville until July of 1952. He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas, hosted an Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Ruby's Carousel Club each Sunday night. He would then drive back to San Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend throughout 1953 and 1954.

"Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasn't doing too good anywhere, so I just kind of drifted out of the business," Lister recalled.

He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought after engraves man in the Texas industry. He continued to play opry shows, school houses and the occasional concert with some of his friends, but did not record again until the 1980's. His "Sho Nuff Country Stuff" album was released on the Salt Lick label based in Ft. Worth.

The rediscovery of "There's A Tear In My Beer" and its subsequent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr. brought a substantial amount of publicity for Lister. He appeared on radio stations throughout the country and even was given a gold record on Nashville Now with Ralph Emery.

In 1998, Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to raise money to build a country music museum in Brady, Texas. The song "Take Me Back" was part of a compilation album that helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum. Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous appearances at the museum throughout the years.

Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in 1999, with "Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through Story and Song." It was a live project that mixed Lister's memories of his years with Williams. It also featured him performing some of Williams' hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister.

Williams' daughter Jett performed for Lister's 86th birthday celebration in Llano, Texas, earlier this year.

In the book "Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk Jockey", Lister said he wanted "to be remembered as someone who stood tall for Traditional Country Music."

The services for Big Bill Lister are:

Saturday - December 5, 2009
10:00 am - Services at First Baptist Church - 631 South School Street, Boerne, Texas
To be be followed with reception and fellowship at Methodist Church - 205 East James Street, Boerne, Texas

Burial will be at Oak Rest Cemetery in Medina, TX
This cemetery is located about 30 miles from Boerne.
The funeral arrangements are being handled by:
Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Homes - Boerne, TX
http://www.ebensberger-fisher.com/
Condolence messages to the family can be made at this website.

Big Bill Lister's wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart of Texas
Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge, Brady, TX 76825

Billy Mata "Keepin The Tradition"

2009-11-30T18:28:00.000-08:00

For more than 30 years, Billy Mata
has been performing traditional music for
Honky Tonkers and a brand new generation
of Western Swing dancers.
His music is all energy, heart, spirit,
and the magic musical talent of his band,
The Texas Tradition - now celebrating
more than a quarter of a century together!
"Keeping With The Tradition" cd added to www.buckatune.net
Track include:
FROM TENNESSEE TO TEXAS (With Johnny Bush)
HEART TO HEART TALK
HEARTS (With Children)
I'M GOIN' BACK TO SAN ANTONIO
LIVING AND LEARNING (with Jodee Preston)
RING RING TELEPHONE RING
TALLY HO
THE "A" TRAIN
UNDO THE RIGHT
ALL I NEED IS TIME
CASE OF SORROW (with Methany Brothers)
DON'T YOU BELIEVE HER
FADED LOVE (With Frenchie Burke)

Musicians:
Billy Mata - Vocals
Richard Helsey - Fiddle/Harmony Vocals
Roger Edgington - Steel Guitar
David Spangler - Lead Guitar
Jim Kleckler - Bass Guitar
Rocco Fortunato - Drums/Harmony Vocals

Jeff Woolsey and the Dancehall Kings

2009-11-29T00:25:00.001-08:00

Jeff Woolsey was raised on traditional country music. He sang on stage for the first time when he was 4 years old. During the 70’s and 80’s, Jeff performed with his father’s band, where he developed his passion for the honkytonk sound. At the age of 19, Jeff formed his own band and carried on the sound of traditional country music. Over the next five years, Jeff polished his voice for the next step in his musical career.

In 1991, Jeff formed the Taste of Texas Band, which quickly made a name for themselves in Houston and throughout Texas. Jeff soon realized that in order to perform in the top dancehalls around, he would have to play the current country hits heard on the radio. He did just that, all the while injecting traditional country music every chance he could. Jeff and his band became widely known for the huge variety of country music that he brought to the stage every where he performed.
Jeff released his first single in 1991, which received airplay in Texas , as well as states along the East Coast. In 1994, Jeff received more recognition when he and his band were named BAND of the YEAR in the Houston area for Coors Lite Texas Music. In 1995, Jeff released his first album, “By My Side”. The CD featured all original songs and received considerable airplay on Texas radio stations. In 1996, Jeff released “Just Take My Heart”, a song he co-wrote with Jimmy Calhoun and Billy Spruill . The song was included on a compilation CD which was released by the Houston Music Council, and represented all of the top artists in the Houston area. Also during this time, Jeff had the opportunity to work with some of country’s biggest stars, including George Jones, Tim McGraw, Neal McCoy, Toby Keith, and many more.

After years of performing 140 dates a year, Jeff realized that he wanted to get back to his roots of playing traditional country music. Jeff has now started another chapter in his musical career. Jeff, while still bringing his powerful voice to the stage, is back where he belongs. If you enjoy dancing to every song, Jeff Woolsey and the Dancehall Kings will give you no choice but to stay on the dance floor as they play song after song from the likes of Ray Price, Buck Owens, Faron Young, Conway Twitty, plus many original songs that keep the shuffle alive. Jeff is now proud to announce the release of his new self-titled CD, " Jeff Woolsey & The Dancehall Kings"! This CD contains 12 great songs, including some from Buck Owens, Hank Jr., Mel Street , Johnny Paycheck and Bill Anderson. The CD also contains several original songs. " Jeff Woolsey & The Dancehall Kings" is now available at www.buckatune.net

It's a country christmas with great country music artists!

2009-11-28T20:25:00.000-08:00

Buckatune is pleased to announce the addition of some great Christmas music from Bobby Flores, Ferlin Husky, Mike Sigler, Liz Talley, and Jimmy & Starla Queen. Listen to clips and download your copies today at www.buckatune.net

Jody Nix "Choose The One You Want"

2009-11-17T13:49:00.000-08:00

Jody Nix & The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the finest professional music organizations anywhere. They travel across the country playing major rodeos, clubs, and conventions to large audiences. Jody received a special honor in 1989 when he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Society Black Tie & Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of the United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory.

Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest artist with Asleep At the Wheel on the "Tribute To Bob Wills" album. This album was a Country Music Association nominee for "Album of the Year" honors at the CMA Awards Show in 1994. In October of 1996, Jody was inducted into the Western Swing Hall of Fame in Sacramento, California.

Buckatune is pleased to announce that Jody's cd "Choose The One You Want" is now available for download at www.buckatune.net

Tracks from "Choose The One You Want" include:
Choose The One You Want
I Danced With Your Picture
All Night Long
My Adobe Hacienda
You're Making A Memory Out of Me
Old Fashioned Love
My Mary
Texas Fiddle Man
Looking Over My Shoulder
Rosetta

Traditionally Yours - Billy Mata

2009-11-17T00:45:00.000-08:00

Billy Mata & The Texas Tradition provides entertainment for true country music traditionalists as well as a new generation of Western Swing enthusiasts. The band is made up of some of Texas' strongest professional musicians with a combination of more than 165 years of musical experience. This includes strong lead vocal...s by Billy Mata and features true country fiddles, honky tonk steel guitar and true Western Swing style electric guitar that would make Eldon Shamblin proud. The guitar, bass and drums rhythm section are the 'real deal' - making it almost impossible to sit down when you could be dancing. The style of music played is from Bob Wills, Johnny Bush, Mel Tillis, Ray Price, as well as the popular sounds of Asleep at the Wheel, Jerry Jeff Walker, Robert Earl Keen, and many more! Mata has received numerous awards from the national Academy of Westen Artists.

The "Traditionally Yours" cd which was originally released in 2004 include the following tracks:
Goodbye Lisa Jane
Beer Drinking Music
Just To Celebrate
Texas Is To Big
How Much More Can She Stand
I'll Go To A Stranger
The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise
Spanish Two Step
That Rain Making Baby Of Mine
I Didn't Realize
Magic Moments
Again

Listen to clips and download mp3s, including the "Traditionally Yours" cd at www.buckatune.net

Johnny Rodriguez and Johnny Bush - "Texas Legends"

2009-11-16T22:30:00.001-08:00

Two Texas Country Music Legends-Johnny Rodriguez and Johnny Bush- team together for the very first time in this special duet album featuring Pure Texas Country Music! "Texas Legends" features some terrific selections from both Johnnys. The album (brought to you by Heart of Texas Records) is highlighted by some duets including "Troubles" "Old Worn Out Cowboys" "...Vamoose Vamonos" along with each artists doing some solo work as well. Bush turns to Bill Anderson's writing skills in "You Lied To Me" while Rodriguez tackles the beautiful balad "What Do I Do With Me Now." Download individual tracks or the entire cd at www.buckatune.net

Complete track listing:
You Lied To Me
Troubles
The Rio Grande Runs Red
Ole Wore Out Cowboys
If Cheaters Never Win
Vamoose Vamonos
What Do I Do With Me Now
There's Somebody Else On Your Mind
If I Haven't Said I Love You
Leaving Lyin Down
A Soft Place To Fall

2009-11-14T14:12:00.000-08:00

Moore, Martha Dean (McKinney)
Peacefully passed away in her home on Monday, November 9, 2009 in Sacramento, California. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Billie M. (Tiny) Moore, parents Dewey and Margaret McKinney,sister Helen V. Ridge and her loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet. She is survived by her children: daughters Debra M. Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of Sacramento, son Richard D. Moore, wife Patti and
their sons Jarod and Danny of Auburn, California. She also leaves her sister and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki)Wills, of North Highlands, California.

Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in Birmingham, Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12 years old. During their early career they were also known as “The Jim Dandy Sweethearts,” “The Song Twins,” “The Double Cola Twins” and “The Coeds.” They appeared with the Sons of the Pioneers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee with Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody, the Banjo King. After working in Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. Their first work with Bob Wills was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short film for Universal Studios. A long and successful career with Bob Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM, Columbia and The Tiffany Transcriptions. During this time Dean met her husband and musical collaborator Tiny Moore, who played the electric mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys. Dean and Tiny settled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on Auburn Boulevard. Western Swing Music was the attraction for dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tiny’s band that included Evelyn’s husband, Billy Jack Wills.

Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God, Dean and Tiny were among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Carmichael. Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise. Two LP’s of sacred music were produced: “Softly and Tenderly” and “Heaven’s Harmony.” Dean was an unwavering presence in her children’s lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations throughout their early school years. She enthusiastically supported every activity that interested her children. She was a wonderful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners for friends and family. They performed as a duo frequently joined by their daughter Kimberly and
were constantly in demand to appear at concerts and private gatherings.

After Tiny’s death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento Western Swing Society, serving as their President for many years. During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show case the unique style of music known as “Western Swing.”

Her children will remember her as an example of strength of character and wisdom, unfailing support and abiding love. She will be remembered by all for her talent, her grace, her kindness and her sweet humor. Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady.

Services will be held on Friday, November 20, 2009, at 2:00 pm at the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane, Sacramento, California, 95841.Read More

Big Bill Lister in ICU

2009-11-13T14:11:00.001-08:00

Country Music Association of Texas Hall of Famer Big Bill Lister is now situated at Life Care Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.

He is still in ICU and remains hooked up to the ventilator. He is awake and responsive though several times they have had to give him some anxiety meds to help calm him down and those usually end up putting him to sleep. It is still a very long road ahead for him.

He seems to be very responsive when he is read a card or letter that someone sends to him. Although, he can not communicate, the cards and letters seem to be making a difference for him. I know that he would love to hear from you and any one else that might remember and care about him. Country Music and his friends in that industry are so very important to him.

The address is:
Big Bill Lister
Life Care Hospital of San Antonio
8902 Floyd Curl
San Antonio , Texas 78240

Please pass this along to anyone that might want to send him a note.

Big Bill started his radio career over KNEL in Brady, Texas, in 1935. He went on to the Grand Ole Opry and opened shows all over the country for Hank Williams. He was the first to record "There's A Tear In My Beer" and has been a very important part of the Texas Country Music scene for seventy years.

Johnny Bush Sings Bob Wills

2009-11-10T22:43:00.000-08:00

Johnny Bush Sings Bob Wills is an airy, 10-song-in-26-minutes big-band salute to the King of Western Swing that was recorded at Willie Nelson's Perdenales studio in 1990 (at the precise time the IRS swooped in and padlocked the place until Nelson resolved that mess). Yet the sands of time have been kind to Sings Bob Wills. The two-trumpet, double fiddle, sax, trombone, and multi-guitar-layered attack provide the perfect panorama for for Bush's expressive singing and buoyant arrangements. Merle Haggard's "Don't Sing Me Songs About Texas" done with guest singer Hank Thompson, and the class "South of the Border" breath heartily with fiddles and horns allowing each other plenty of leeway. Willie Nelson's vocal contributions to "Time Changes Everything" offers a vibrato so similar to Bush that you wonder if they were seperated at birth. Bush even floats an entertaining instrumental rendition of "Jersey Bounce" just so he can feature his band. Now how cool is that? You can download individual tracks or the entire cd at www.buckatune.net
Track include:
And God Created Texas
Beneath A Neon Star
Bob Said It Aw and Called It Western Swing
Don't Sing Me No Songs About Texas
Jersey Bounce
New Road Under My Wheels
Raindrops Falling In A River
South Of The Border
Time Changes Everything
Warm Red Wine

Jody Nix "New Road Under My Wheels"

2009-11-05T19:18:00.000-08:00

Jody Nix "New Road Under My Wheels" is now available at www.buckatune.net You can download individual tracks or the entire cd.

Jody Nix, a well established artist in the great State of Texas. A true Traditional Country Music and Western Swing Artist, been in the business 45 years. Has played dances and shows all over Texas and parts of the Southwest. He leads one of the finest Dance bands in Texas, they fill the floor on every song. Jody "grew up" in music, started playing drums in his Father Hoyle Nix's Band at age 8 in 1960 playing 5 nights a week all over West Texas. Jody started playing the fiddle at age 11, started singing at age 16, recorded with Bob Wills at age 21 on the 1973 "Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys For The Last Time" as a guest artist and sang 3 songs. Jody started on his own in 1985 after the death of his Father, and has since played 100-125 dates per year for almost 20 years. Jody has 8 albums to his credit, and was also a guest artist on Asleep At The Wheel's 2 Tribute Albums to Bob Wills. His Influences are Bob Wills, Hoyle Nix, Johnny Bush, Ray Price, Marty Robbins, Charlie Walker, and of course George Strait. This CD is packed with something for everybody.
Tracks include:
New Road Under My Wheels
Maiden's Prayer
Hang Your Head In Shame
She Won't Let Me Forget Her
Bottle Baby Boogie
Carrying On The Show
That's What It's Like To Be Lonesome
Fiddle Tune Medley
Your Memory's Still Living Here
Corn Flower Waltz

Billy Mata Domino Effect

2009-11-04T21:08:00.000-08:00

Here's a cd that you will want in your collection! Billy Mata & Texas Tradition's "Domino Effect". You've heard cuts from the cd on various radio stations, including Willie's Place on Sirius XM.

This cd features some great tunes including:
Across The Alley From The Alamo
Macon Georgia Love
Roll’em Floyd
A Girl Like You
Wishful Thinking
Domino Effect
If This Was Texas
Private Party
Texas Homesick Blues
I Laugh When I Think How I Cried Over You
Cielito Lindo
Wishing Well
Gotta Keep ‘Em Movin’ Along

You can listen to clips, download individual tracks, or download the entire cd at www.buckatune.net

Jody Nix "The Fiddle Man"

2009-11-03T21:55:00.000-08:00

Jody Nix is back with another CD of 12 cuts that display without doubt his Western Swing pedigree. Here again is another really top class production from Jody.

Besides featuring Jody on vocals, fiddle and harmony vocals the album features the great Johnny Cox playing some of the most enjoyable steel guitar licks that you can only dream about. Jake Hooker is heard on bass and Robert Weeks is also featured on fiddle. The very polished Rich O'Brien is heard on electric and acoustic guitars and Dixie Hankins rounds out the band on drums and also on harmony vocals.

The album opens with The Hal Blair/Don Robertson composed Hank Locklin early 60s pop/country crossover hit Please Help Me I'm Falling and then goes on to Bobby Goldsboro's With Pen in Hand from a few years later. Also from the country music world is a great Texas dance hall style arrangement of Bill Anderson's I've Enjoyed as Much of this as I Can Stand and from the George Jones hit parade is Leon Payne's Things Have Gone to Pieces. From the great Bob Wills is Artie Glenn's Sooner or Later and Harlan Howard's The Image of Me. Jody also borrows from Bob Wills' great vocalist, Tommy Duncan's Intro years, There's Not a Cow in Texas and from the pen and library of Red Steagall, The Fiddle Man. Also included are the late Slim Willet's Tool Pusher from Snyder and Splinter Middleton's Walking Tall. There are also two of Jody's own fine compositions, the super Texas dance hall sounding Sorry, Sad and Lonesome and a country I Entertain Myself with Memories. (reprint from http://www.swinginwest.com)

The entire cd or individual tracks can be downloaded at www.buckatune.net

Light Crust Dough Boys Cd

2009-11-03T12:26:00.001-08:00

Light Crust Doughboys "Steel Away" cd now available at www.buckatune.net

The Light Crust Doughboys with James Blackwood and Tom Brumley (a country-gospel tribute to the steel guitar featuring Hall of Famer Tom Brumley of Rick Nelson and Buck Owens fame) James Blackwood of the world-famous Blackwood Brothers a...nd Masters V has been called by numerous publications "the gospel singer of the century"; Tom Brumley is world-famous for his innovative steel guitar work with Rick Nelson and Buck Owens and others; The brammy award winning Light Crust Doughboys are world-famous as the originators of the western swing style of music beginning in 1930.

Billy Mata receives AWA Western Swing-Album/CD of the year

2009-10-30T00:12:00.000-07:00

Billy Mata's newest cd "This Is Tommy Duncan" received the prestigious National Academy of Western Artists Western Swing CD of the Year. Mata is also a previous recipient of the AWA's Western Swing Male Vocalist. You will want to make sure to download your copy of this wonderful cd at www.buckatune.net

Billy Mata & The Texas Tradition provides entertainment for true country music traditionalists as well as a new generation of Western Swing enthusiasts. Billy has been performing 30 years for audiences. His followers and enthusiasts range from traditional Honky Tonk listeners to Western Swing dancers. No matter who the audience is, all enjoy the energy and spirit of the musical talent of the performance.

The band is made up of some of Texas' strongest professional musicians with a combination of more than 165 years of musical experience. This includes strong lead vocals by Billy Mata and features true country fiddles, honky tonk steel guitar and true Western Swing style electric guitar that would make Eldon Shamblin proud. The guitar, bass and drums rhythm section are the 'real deal' - making it almost impossible to sit down when you could be dancing. The style of music played is from Bob Wills, Johnny Bush, Mel Tillis, Ray Price, as well as the popular sounds of Asleep at the Wheel, Jerry Jeff Walker, Robert Earl Keen, and many more!

Billy has also made several guest appearances with the Texas Playboys at Western Swing Festivals in Nocona & Snyder, Texas and Hobbs & Ruidoso, New Mexico. Some other same stage performances include: Asleep At the Wheel, Darryl McCall, Earl Thomas Conley, Eddie Raven, Emilio, John Conley, Johnny Rodriquez, Randy Travis, Ray Price, Rick Trevino and many special guest appearances with Leon Rausch, Tommy Allsup & The Texas Playboys.

Christmas In Ol' San Antone

2009-10-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

Bobby Flores and Dicky Overby have created an outstanding Christmas cd, featuring some favorite christmas songs.Dicky and Bobby waited a long time to record this special Christmas album together. It was recorded entirely in one day at BGM Studio in San Antonio. It's several of the Christmas favorites done in traditional Country style, lots of fiddles & steel, and it's very unique. Excellent work also by Jake Hooker on upright bass, Jim Loessberg on drums and Randy Reinhard on piano.

Tracks include: Away In A Manger, O Come All Ye Faithful, O Holy Night, Silent Night, Joy To The World, Silver Bells, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, What Child Is This, In Excelsis Deo, and First Noel.

You will definately want to add this your Christmas cd collection. You can listen to tracks and download the cd at www.buckatune.net

New Spur Band mp3 tracks available at www.buckatune.net

2009-10-16T22:16:00.000-07:00

Bill Hudgens & The New Spur Band is a Group of very seasoned musicians that have many years of experience between them. All of the musicians have played with a lot of top groups in the state of Missouri. They have all done openers for some top national acts and played onstage for some major stars as well. They bring to the stage professionalism and some fine Americana Honky Tonk music sure to please dancers and listeners as well. One of their many original songs is featured here on this site. See why they are a major draw at the venues they play. Bill Hudgens is the lead singer as well as M.C. and rhythm guitarist. Earl Knapp Jr. is the Lead guitarist and does second vocals and harmony. Dewayne (Dewey) Nichols on Bass guitar and Spot & does harmonies. JR Davis is the groups heartbeat on the drums. (Reprint from http://www.myspace.com/thenewspurband)

Download mp3 music tracks at www.buckatune.net

Red Kilby "Keepin' It Real"

2009-10-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

Red Kilby's cd "Keepin' It Real" is now available at www.buckatune.net

Now he's done it, really done it! Red Kilby had this irrational idea he could go to Texas and get some of his musical heroes from the past together; steel players, guitar players, and others. Then to make matters worse he even imagined he could cut a real, genuine country album just like we used to record in the 1960's. Talk about Paranoia!

Evidently, the world is madder than I suspected. He did it. Red got Ralph Mooney, Jerry Brightman, Dicky Overbey and me, Lloyd Green, to play steel on various songs-some of which Mooney and I are infamous for- added the great Redd Volkaert and Junior Knight on Electric guitars and Dale Morris on fiddle. To sweeten the pie he put Jeff Williams on piano, Dick Dunn on drums and Reggie Brown on bass, then had Joe Bielinski produce all these guys, with Robert Snyder engineering and mixing the music. Red Kilby, the man with the dream who thought he could make this happen is, of course, the singer, with occasional harmony from Jake Hooker. Mooney sounds just like the "Moon" I used to love listening to in the late 1950's and 1960's, while Brightman takes one of the classic Weldon Myrick solos on "I'll Come Runnin" and recreates a masterpiece in his own brilliant style. Overbey is splendid, adding great color, emotion and playing to a number of these tunes. I played the solo on "Crystal Chandeliers" that I never got to play on the Charley Pride "Live At Panther Hall" album. This is the solo I meant to play. Really I did, Red.

This first song on the CD "That Bakersfield Sound" will please and surprise everyone, while later Brightman and I combine our efforts on the Billy "Crash" Craddock song, "I'm Gonna Knock On Your Door".

It'll take you a long time to absorb all of the good steel and other music on the CD, so get prepared for some of the finest shuffles and country recordings to come down the road recently.

"By the way, I guess I shouldn't have doubted that Red Kilby could pull this off. When he wanted one of the world class muscle cars, he became the proud owner of "Ginger", an award winning, mint condition 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. And yes he plays the 1969 8-track tape of "Live At Panther Hall" in this show piece." Lloyd Green-Steel guitar

(Reprint with permission from http://www.redkilby.com/real.htm

Recent Buckatune Additions

2009-10-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

Jake Hooker releases new cd "Lost Along The Way"

2009-10-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

Texas native Jake Hooker just released a great new cd called "Lost Along the Way". Jake is excellent and the musicians are superb. You won't want to miss this one!Download the cd or individual tracks at www.buckatune.net

Tracks include:
Lost Along The Way / Talkin' 'Bout You / Drowning My Troubles Till They Learn How To Swim / Night Coach Out Of Dallas / Don't Give Up On Me / It's Warm With Love In Here / Another Town / It Keeps Slipping My Mind / Nothing Left To Lose / You're From Texas / Mine Is A Lonely Life / Rodeo Man

Musicians include:
Acoustic Guitar: Jimmy Capps
Bass: Bob Moore
Bass Guitar: Jim Loessberg
Fiddle: Bobby Flores
Drums: Jim Loessberg
Guitar: Pete Wade
Piano: Pig Robbins
Steel: Paul Franklin
Harmony Vocals: Amber Digby & Tommy Hooker
Guest Vocalists: Leon Rausch & Jody Nix

Light Crust Doughboys on Buckatune

2009-10-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

Buckatune is pleased to announce the addition of the Light Crust Doughboys to www.buckatune.net The first cd has been added with more to come!

The Light Crust Doughboys are considered the longest-running country and western band in the world and one of the top historical bands of all time!

The history of the Grammy Award-winning Light Crust Doughboys covers more than seventy years of American music. In 1929, Texas fiddler Bob Wills formed the "Wills Fiddle Band". By 1931, Wills, along with Milton Brown on vocals and Herman Arnspiger on guitar, landed a morning radio show sponsored by the makers of Light Crust Flour. The general manager of the flour company and soon-to-be announcer of the band was W. Lee "Pappy" O' Daniel. Although Pappy went on to become Governor of Texas, United States Senator from Texas, and the only person to ever defeat Lyndon B. Johnson in any political race, when asked what he was most famous for, he replied, "The Light Crust Doughboys!"

The original Light Crust Doughboys are credited with the creation of the western swing style of music, which blends a wide range of musical repertoire including country, blues, jazz, pop, gospel and more. By the 1940s, The Light Crust Doughboys' Show was broadcast on more than 170 radio stations throughout the south and southwest. The famous opening words, "The Light Crust Doughboys are on the air!", are still used to this day to open all concerts by the The Light Crust Doughboys. The band today enjoys a faithful worldwide following that spans four generations of music lovers.

Since 1993 alone, The Light Crust Doughboys have been featured artists on dozens of different projects now available in CDs, videos, songbooks with CDs, and vinyl albums. Since 1997, The Light Crust Doughboys have received multiple Grammy Nominations for best albums in their fields, winning The Grammy in 2003 for the album on Art Greenhaw Records, WE CALLED HIM MR. GOSPEL MUSIC: THE JAMES BLACKWOOD TRIBUTE ALBUM.

Led by Grammy Award-Winning musician and producer Art Greenhaw on bass guitar and vocals, The Light Crust Doughboys in various combinations include such virtuoso instrumentalists and singers as Maurice "Reece" Anderson on steel guitar, Kevin Bailey on guitar, Jim Baker on violin, Dale Cook on drums, and oftentimes Doughboy legends Jerry Elliott on guitar and John Walden on violin. A Light Crust Doughboy brass and reed ensemble is even added for select events, concerts and balls. The Light Crust Doughboys have played prestigious festivals throughout the United States, have toured Austria, and make frequent television appearances. Current Light Crust Doughboys have over 150 years of combined experience playing in The Light Crust Doughboys band. The Light Crust Doughboys were named The State of Texas' Official Music Ambassadors by the 74th Texas Legislature, are Texas Commission on the Arts' official touring artists, and are inductees in the Texas Cowboy, Texas Western Swing, Rockabilly, Texas Music, and Cowtown Society of Western Music Halls of Fame. In every personal appearance by The Light Crust Doughboys, the band pays tribute to its legacy by honoring the musical contributions of Bob Wills, Milton Brown, and especially, Marvin "Smokey" Montgomery, a Light Crust Doughboy from 1935 until his passing in 2001.

The Light Crust Doughboys are considered the longest-running country and western band in the world and one of the top historical bands of all time. To quote THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS, "The Light Crust Doughboys are to western swing what Bill Monroe is to bluegrass. When the ultimate western swing and Texas music book is written, The Light Crust Doughboys will be in Chapter 1, Page 1."

(Reprint with permission from http://www.artgreenhaw.com)

Leon Chambers - gone to Heaven

2009-10-06T14:49:00.000-07:00

My heart aches today as I am saddened with the news of the passing of legendary western swing guitarist, Leon Chambers.

Leon was one of the greats! Here, he is pictured with western swing steel guitar legend Tom Morrell, whom we lost in 2007.

Red Stegall Cowboy Gathering

2009-10-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 2009 RED STEGALL COWBOY GATHERING, OCTOBER 23-25 Fort Worth, Tx Stockyards

Scheduled Entertainment for 2009

The Quebe Sisters Band, Don Edwards, Dan Roberts, Jean Prescott, and The Burson Family

Western Swing Festival with Red Steagall and the Boys in the Bunkhouse, Leon Rausch, and Bobby Flores.

ORDER YOUR ADVANCE TICKETS ONLINE NOW at www.cowtowncoliseum.com or call 888-COWTOWN

ADVANCE TICKET PRICES
Fri. 10-23 One-Day All Access Event Ticket $25.00
Sat. 10-24 Ticket without Sat. Night Rodeo $25.00
Sat. 10-24 Ticket with Sat. Night Rodeo $35.00
Child (3-12) Saturday Night Rodeo Ticket $10.00
Sun. 10-25 One-Day All Access Event Ticket $25.00
3-Day Pass without Saturday Night Rodeo $55.00
3-Day Pass with Saturday Night Rodeo $65.00
All Advance Tickets go off sale Thursday 10/22/09
(Reprint from www.redsteagallcowboygathering.com)

Kathleen Holeman - Don't You Wonder?

2009-10-01T06:37:00.000-07:00

"Wow!" That's what fans of Kathleen Holeman have been saying over the past several years in response to the exciting talents of the Kansas City diva. Now, with this dazzling debut album, the buzz about Holeman is destined to ripple far beyond the Heartland. As Don't You Wonder? amply demonstrates, Holeman is clearly ready for prime time. Tracks from this fantastic cd are available at www.buckatune.net

Kathleen is a musician who just happens to sing. Significantly, she plays both piano (check her out in "Exactly Like You") and trombone ("I Don't Want to Set the World On Fire"). It's her singing, though, that carries the day. Gifted with a marvelous "instrument" of great precision (her intonation is pinpoint perfect) and power (you'd better put away the crystal before she hits high C), Kathleen is a telling interpreter of what Alec Wilder aptly called the American Popular Song, the rich repertoire of Tin Pan Alley, Broadway and Hollywood classics that continue to resonate as integral parts of the soundtrack to American life.

Kathleen's powers as a storyteller are compelling. One poignant example is her sensitive reading of the seldom heard verse for Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies." An equally moving moment occurs in Kathleen's intimate limning of "Everytime We Say Goodbye," an exquisite duo with guitarist Rod Fleeman. In each (and, really, in all of the album's fourteen tracks), she invites us to share her innermost thoughts and emotions. Her clear diction is another asset. Did I mention that she swings? Well, in carrying on in the tradition of consummate artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Kathleen phrases with dash and class.

Since for many, Don't You Wonder? will be their introduction to the personable young singer, a bit of biography is in order. "My parents made sure that my four siblings and I had piano lessons and played instruments in the school band," recalls Kathleen. "My father loves to sing all kinds of songs from different eras. When I was a kid, he had me sit at the piano and play them so that I could accompany him. Little did I know that so many of those songs could be jazz tunes."

Along with piano lessons, Kathleen had vocal instruction for high school music contests. There were also trombone lessons. She received her B.S. in instrumental music education from Missouri Western State College, and then earned an M.A. in jazz from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Throughout her school years, Kathleen performed with a variety of jazz, country, gospel and salsa bands. She's worked with a "who's who" of Kansas City jazz elite including Pete Eye, Bram Wijnands, Rich Hill, Brian Hicks, Monte Musa, Kerry Strayer, and, of course, the excellent musicians featured here, pianist Paul Smith, guitarist Rod Fleeman, bassist Bob Branstetter and drummer Al Wiley. In her hometown of St. Joseph, Missouri, she's helped lift stages with the Ray Alburn Big Band since 1990.

Kathleen, who correctly calls herself "a jazz singer," has been inspired by jazz stalwarts Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Irene Kral, Annie Ross, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Mark Murphy, Joe Williams and Eddie Jefferson. Other singers who have touched her include Jo Stafford, Patsy Cline, Judy Garland, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor and the Ink Spots. "They are all masters of the singing craft," she points out.

"The message of the lyrics comes through no matter what. They truly make the listener believe that they are singing to you, individually, the listener." That also applies to Kathleen. This is a good time for the vocalist. "I am a lucky person. I get to work at something I love. I love the freedom of jazz, and try to use that freedom constructively. Above all, I aim for the song's message. Even when I'm looking for ways to create new rhythms and melodies, the lyrics are central. I want the listener to understand every word and believe that the message comes straight from the heart."

Connecting to the audience is critical for Kathleen. "I want to be creative and entertaining. I am driven by my own expectations and the smiles of an audience." Kathleen is also a first class improviser.

"I only scat when I feel it's appropriate. The style of the song influences my scatting note choices and the overall rhythmic feel." In all, it's a winning combination that makes Don't You Wonder? a musical and dramatic treat.

Kathleen credits husband Steve, her buddy Leslye, and colleagues Ray Alburn, Bob Branstetter and Paul Smith with pushing her to take the recording plunge. As for her supporting cast, she says simply that "they're the best, in terms of playing and attitude. They play from the heart and get along beautifully. Fortunately for me, Bob, Rod, Paul and Al are also great friends. I said 'I was lucky'."

The recording session proceeded smoothly. "The guys are all pros and quite used to recording. I had done studio work, but mostly jingles and voice-over work. So, on the first day, I was quite nervous. Thanks to the guys, I got over it quickly. Ron Ubel of Sound Trek also helped put me at ease. He's a gruff and lovable teddy bear. So we had lots of laughs and fun. Still, we were all perfectionists when it came to the sound we wanted, individually and collectively."

Don't You Wonder? is a sharply focused snapshot of where Kathleen is at this important stage of her young career. "I want the album to show that I can handle different styles of songs, from different time periods and genres, and make them my own. I have grown musically and want this to document where I am right now. Hopefully, the listener will be open-minded and appreciate the variety."

While the music more than speaks for itself, a few words are in order.

"That's All," the album's refreshingly breezy opener, is propelled by an insouciant samba pulse that launches Kathleen's lithe, Ella-esque trajectories. "The scat duet was an accident," she confides. "I had put down several tracks and was trying to pick one. Ron then said, "listen to this.' It was a combination of the two tracks. We all laughed and loved it. So it stayed. The song also means a lot to my husband Steve and me."

"Don't You Wonder?," Kathleen's impressively penned title track, is a haunting original whose perfectly matched melody and lyrics express the brooding "what if" of a romance torn asunder. "The song is the product of a long stormy relationship which ended several years ago," Kathleen recalls. With its aura of brooding romantic angst, "Don't You Wonder?" creates an atmosphere of norish intrigue. It's also a harbinger of the singer's promising songwriting talent.

"Blue Skies," after the lovely bitter-sweet opening verse, becomes a sophisticated swinger with Kathleen's sunny disposition lighting the way for dapper strolls by Bob and Paul.

"Every Time We Say Goodbye" is Kathleen's tribute to the late Irene Kral, one of jazzdom's most original vocalists. In this exquisite "chamber" setting, Rod's thoughtful guitar cradles Kathleen's lovely voice with tender loving care.

For a sample of Kathleen's ability to belt with Broadway bravado, "Get Happy" is not to be missed. Like Judy Garland's indelible version, Kathleen's declamation of Berlin's verse is a veritable "call to the sermon." In turn, the chorus is transformed into an insinuating waltz featuring Paul's dazzling pianistics.

Obviously taken with Michel Legrand's "beautiful message and chord progression," Kathleen's poignant take on "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" transcends to the heavens.

Using Grady Tate's version of Van Morrison's "Moondance" as her point of departure, Kathleen and the band set a groove in motion that makes one want to get up and dance. Yeah! Dreamy romantic hues abound in the warm treatment of Ellington's "Mood Indigo," which additionally showcases Bob's plummy bass.

"Masquerade" moves with a celebratory south-of-the-border gait, while "I Don't Want to Set the World On Fire" is, in Kathleen's word, "retro." Indeed, with Kathleen's doubled trombone chorus and Rod's four-to-the-bar comping, it sounds like something from one of Woody's Allen period films set in the 1920s. More important, "This is a tribute to Daddy, who loves to sing this, and to the Ink Spots."

The retro approach also informs "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," which is augmented with Kathleen's "protest" lyrics. Protest? Yes, indeed. Troubled by the greed threatening to ruin America's pastime, Kathleen pleas for the return of "old fashioned values."

"Exactly Like You," a rhythmic tour de force featuring Kathleen's piano and Rod's guitar, also spotlights Kathleen's nimble scat work. Jobim's "Gentle Rain" returns us to Kathleen's intimate theatre of the heart and a wonderful outing by Rod. The finale is the rousing "How Sweet It Is to Be Loved By You," which although popularized by James Taylor and Marvin Gaye, swings here with a party-time, honky-tonk gait.

Looking back on the date, Kathleen says, "I just want to help people enjoy themselves by giving them something different to listen to."

"Don't You Wonder? will also be a highly effective calling card for a singular new talent deserving wider recognition. No need to wonder now -- Kathleen Holeman has arrived!" Chuck Berg (Chuck Berg is professor and chair of Theatre and Film at the University of Kansas. His jazz commentaries have appeared in Jazz Times, Down Beat, Jazz Educators Journal, Coda, books such as the Oxford Companion to Jazz, and in liner notes for U.S., European and Japanese jazz labels. When not teaching or writing, Chuck plays tenor saxophone and flute with his group in the Lawrence/Kansas City area.)

(reprint with permission from www.kathleenholeman.com)

Ron Elliott - Steel Guitar Hall of Famer New Cd

2009-09-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

Ron Elliott's new cd "GOLDEN HITS & SCARLET RIBBONS" was unveiled at the International Steel Guitar convention in St Louis Mo over Labor Day weekend. Ron was also inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame at the convention in 2009. If you are a fan of steel guitar, you will definately want to add this cd to your collection as a momento of Ron's induction.

Tracks include:
WHITE SPORT COAT
GONE
HAVE I TOLD YOU LATELY
LOVE IS NO EXCUSE
NOBODY'S DARLIN
AFRAID
MR. MOON
LEGEND IN MY TIME
TOO SOON TO KNOW
SOFT RAIN
JEALOUS HEART
SCARLET RIBBONS

In July 1966, Ron become a member of Stonewall Jackson's Minute Men. While with Stonewall, he played on the Grand Ole Opry; played on Country Music television shows with 'Wall'; recorded on many of Stonewall's sessions; and toured the U. S. and Canada.

After leaving Stonewall, Ron joined Grand Ole Opry's Jack Greene's Band, which later became the Jack Greene/Jeannie Seely Show with The Jolly Giants. In his eight years with the Jolly Giants, Ron played the Grand Ole Opry (both audio and TV) spots; played for the Grammy Awards when it was held in Nashville; played for the United Nations Show in Washington, D. C.; did recording sessions with both Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely; played many Country Music televison shows with Jack and Jeannie; played the last Saturday night at the Ryman Auditorium and the first Saturday night in the new Grand Ole Opry House, which was attended by the President of the United States and Jack, Jeannie and the Jolly Giants were the only act to perform in front of the President and First Lady; and he also played on the Jack and Jeannie live album which was the first live album to be recorded from the new Opry House.

In the mid 1970's Ron left the road and went to work at the Sho-Bud Guitar factory where he helped design new models, both steel guitars and amps. While working at Sho-Bud, Ron was instrumental in the design of the new Sho-Bud Super Pro with the aluminum necks and changing the body dimension. He also designed the A6th pedal on the Sho-Bud single neck that changes the E9th tuning to A6th, and helped with the design of the new Sho-Bud Stage/Studio 500 amp. During his time with Sho-Bud, which became Sho-Bud/Baldwin/Gretsch, he held seminars for promotion and sales of the steel guitar in Tennessee and Arkansas; and taught steel guitar lessons. He also designed and wrote an instructional manual for the Sho-Bud Maverick that included audio.

When Ron was not touring or working steady with a band, he free lanced and toured with Ernest Tubb; Kitty Wells; Cal Smith; Justin Tubb; Johnny Bush; Ray Price; Melba Montgomery and others. Ron spent the next eight years playing and touring with another Grand Ole Opry artist - Charlie Louvin. While a member of Charlie's band, he again worked on the Grand Ole Opry, both radio and TV spots. Their tour dates took them all over the U. S. and Canada. Ron had to leave Charlie's band when the Opry management made a new ruling about the size of the artist's bands and Charlie had to cut some of his band members.

Ron is very proud of the awards that have been presented to him. He has received an award from: PSGA (Pedal Steel Guitar Association); Golden Bar Award-BJS Bars; R. O. P. E. (Reunion of Professional Entertainers) Musician Of The Year Award and the Legends Award from NTSGA (North Tennessee Steel Guitar Association). Ron was inducted into the steel guitar hall of fame in 2009.

Brazos Valley Boys "So Rare"

2009-09-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

The Brazos Valley Boys were created in 1946 by country music Hall of Fame legend, the late Hank Thompson, in his hometown of Waco, Texas. Since their inception the Brazos Valley Boys (BVB) have defied musical convention. They have been trend-setters and that practice continues today with their dynamic, innovative style. The BVB incorporate the American musical art forms of country, jazz, Dixieland, blues and big-band swing to produce their own brand of western swing music: an energetic, eclectic style that has broad appeal.

Along the way the BVB have become one of the most honored bands in musical history. Honors include BILLBOARD MAGAZINE’S "Touring Band of the Year"---14 YEARS IN A ROW! In 2004 the Brazos Valley Boys were the FIRST BAND to ever be inducted, as a unit, into the WESTERN SWING MUSIC HALL OF FAME!

Some of the finest musicians and biggest names in western swing music have graced the stage and recording studio as Brazos Valley Boys. They have come from diverse musical backgrounds including jazz, country and the big swing bands and have brought their unique talents to the BVB sound. Today’s BVB continue that tradition with their own trademark contemporary sound and extraordinary talent. You can download tracks from the Brazos Valley Boys at www.buckatune.net

"I've had the opportunity to hear the Brazos Valley Boys several times, and I've always come away impressed with a lot of things: the virtuosity of the members, their mastery of styles ranging from classic country to big-band pop, their uncluttered but creative arrangements, the infectious energy and fun they have together on stage. Western swing music may have been created more than 70 years ago, but there are still a few bands out there good enough to be doing exciting new things with it, while remaining true to its style and spirit. You can put the Brazos Valley Boys right at the top of that short but influential list."

John Wooley, entertainment writer, Tulsa World

"I’ve always been proud that Brazos Valley Boys is synonymous with quality western swing music. That legacy is perpetuated today and will be into the future by Morey and the Brazos Valley Boys."

Hank Thompson, (from 2006), Member Country Music Hall of Fame

Johnny Lyon "Winds of Change"

2009-09-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

Johnny Lyon and the Country Nu-Notes, are determined to continue the important, articulate and unique message that Country Western Music was founded upon. In the traditions of pioneers like Bob Wills, Hank Williams, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Lefty Frizzell and George Jones, these artists are striving to tell and re-tell purely American stories despite an ever-increasing, fad-driven, consumer culture. Johnny Lyon is still "REAL TEXAS COUNTRY". The consummate professional performer, Johnny has entertained thousands of Country Music fans with brilliant renditions of the True Country Classics.Johnny Lyon's cd "Winds of Change" is now available at www.buckatune.net

ECMA (European Country Music Assoc announces award nominees

2009-09-23T00:35:00.000-07:00

The European Country Music Association just announced the nominees for the 2009 awards.

Song of the Year
Frizzell & Friends. This Is The Time
Alan Jackson. Small Town Southern Man
Alan Jackson. Good Time
Hermann Lammers Meyer. Never Ending Song Of Love
Danni Leigh. Quarter Over You

Artist of the Year
Alan Jackson
Robert Mizzell
Hermann Lammers Meyer - Available at www.buckatune.net
Brad Paisley
Danni Leigh

Male Vocalist of the Year
Alan Jackson
Arly Karlsen
Robert Mizzell
Hermann Lammers Meyer - Male Vocalist of the Year
Brad Paisley

Female Vocalist of the Year
Pam Tillis
Danni Leigh
Liz Talley
Taylor Swift
Allison Janisse

Best Album Of The Year
Alan Jackson - Good Time
Frizzell & Friends
Mark Chesnutt - Rollin With The Flow
Darius Rocker - Learn to Live
George Strait - Troubadour

Indie Album of the Year
Arthur Kleiner - Ticket to Nashville
Darlene Olson - Stay Up and Fight
TJ Stuart - Rosin on the bow
Dolly Parton - Backwoods Barbie
Allison Janisse - Journey

European album Of The Year
Anni Filt - Tender Moments
George McAntony - Bridge to el Dorado
Hallur - Pickin' Time in Nashville
Hermann Lammers Meyer - 1961 – A Love Song
Rhythm' Train - Bad to the Bone

Vocal Collaboration of the Year
Frizzell & Friends
Peter & The Rowers with Joe Diffie
Annette Hawkins & Kim Copedo
Robert Mizzell & Philomena Begley
Troy Cook Jr. & Tracey K. Houston

Duo of the Year
Paul & Helen Mateki
Gary & Carol Bibb
The Bellamy Brothers
The Benn Sisters
Annette Hawkins & Kim Copedo

Band/Group of The Year
Peter & The Rovers
The Eagles
Michael Thomason Band
The Big Bull Band
Jeff Treece Band

European Artist of the Year
Arly Karlsen
Robert Mizzell
Hermann Lammers Meyer
Dave Sheriff
Peter & The Rowers

European Song Of The Year
Dave Sheriff. A Friend In Need
Robert Mizzell. You're Why God Made Me
Arly Karlsen. The Day I Found You
Hermann Lammers Meyer. What Goes On
Tommy Young. Everybody Loves A Cowboy

Compilation Service of the Year
Stardust
TSP
Hillcrest - Mp3s Available at www.buckatune.netGlory Train
Mark Trail Music
Nite*Sky

Record Label Of The Year
Comstock
WIR
Arista
BSW
AGR

Country Music Promoter/s
Ross Allen
Rhonnie Scheuerman
BlueSprings Music International
Globe Concerts AS Norway
James Allen

Christmas Recording
Judy Kanyo. Mistletoe, My Cowboy And Me
Pam Tillis & Mel Tillis. The Rockin' Christmas Medley
Paul & Helen Mateki. Christmas Dreamin'
Julie Taylor. I Wanna Sit On Santa's Lap
Patty Parker. La Noche Buena-It's Christmas Eve

Company Of The Year
Rhon & Bob Promotions (Artists Promotion)
Spins Tracking System (Chart Tabulation)
James Allen Promotions (Artists Promotion)
Music Row Publications (Publications, Charts, Infos)
Carolyn Taylor White (Graphic Designer)

Radio Award (To DJs or Stations)
Pete Smith (UK, Radio DJ because of his retirement of the waves)
Johnny DaPiedade (France, because of his internationally radio show Big Cactus Country)
CMR Nashville (One of Europe's leading internet stations and excellence thru its website)
BBC (Because of the excellence thru their country music radio shows)
Radio Country Club (France). Excellent work from its 24 h/7 d radio station.

Music Row Publications (Publications, Charts, Infos)
Countryfr.com (Website dedicated to promoting country music, in French)
Americana Music Association (For its developing of the Americana music market thru the last years)
Manolo Fernandez and Toma 1 (Spain), (because of his more of 30 years dedicated to country and americana music)
Up Country Magazine (UK), for being one of the leading country music & line dance magazines in the world.

Newcomer Artist of the Year
(to the entertainer that has developed its great work for the first time to the European market)
John Maines Jr.
Dick Barnes
Clelia Adams
Gary & Carol Bibb
Declan Nerney

Steel Guitarist Mike Sigler mp3s

2009-09-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

Steel guitarist Mike Sigler now has mp3s available at www.buckatune.net
More mp3s will be coming soon from Mike.

Mike has been playing the Steel Guitar Since the age of 10, (Mike Says) "my dad had traded for an old Clark single neck steel when i was young.. I fell in love with it and the sound it made."

Mike learned to play steel guitar with his family band and was playing for clubs and square dances by the age of 12. When Mikes family moved to Arizona he was about 13, and this is how he learnedto Play the C6th Swing Neck. By the time Mike was in his late teens, His family moved back to Ohio. At this time Mike was still working with some local artist as well as some national artist.

Mike has played with many artist as well as many other milestones he is proud of such as......The Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, International Steel Gutar Convention,Many Steel Guitar Shows Around The Country.Most Recent Artist include: Holly Dunn, Ray Pillow, Lynn Anderson, Michael Martin Murphy and many more!
More information at: www.freewebs.com/sigler10

Western Swing Society Hall of Fame Festival

2009-09-16T13:11:00.000-07:00

Western Swing Society Hall of Fame Festival
Thursday October 1, 2009 - Sunday October 4, 2009
Machinists Hall
2749 Sunrise Blvd
Rancho Cordova, California 95691
Western Swing Society Hall of Fame Festival to Induct new Hall of Fame Members.

The listeners and dancers will be entertained by several Western Swing bands from the Southwestern and Pacific Western states, and by morning and late night jam session sets where musicians from the different bands get together and produce spontaneous music.There will be 15 Western Swing Bands from all over the US playing for your enjoyment. You will have plenty of time to get pictures & autographs of all of the performers.

On Thursday evening the music will begin at 5:00 p.m. and continue until 1:30 a.m. the following morning. On Friday and Saturday the music starts at 9:00 a.m. and continues until 1:30 a.m the following morning. On Sunday morning the music will start at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until after midnight, except during the Hall of Fame induction ceremony which takes place between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. In the ceremony,new nominees, performers, and others who have made significant contribution to the preservation and promotion of Western Swing Music, will be inducted into the Western Swing Hall of Fame.

Ticket Info: Admission to the Festival: (Thursday night is free)
Friday will be $5, Saturday and Sunday are $10 each, or you can pay $20 in advance for all three days. Questions about the event, the lodging, etc. should be directed to (916) 974-1236. Website: http://www.westernswingsociety.org

Johnny Lyon Austin Sessions

2009-09-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

Johnny Lyon and the Country Nu-Notes, are determined to continue the important, articulate and unique message that Country Western Music was founded upon. In the traditions of pioneers like Bob Wills, Hank Williams, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Lefty Frizzell and George Jones, these artists are striving to tell and re-tell purely American stories despite an ever-increasing, fad-driven, consumer culture. Johnny Lyon is still "REAL TEXAS COUNTRY". Johnny's cd "The Austin Sessions" is now available as individual tracks at www.buckatune.net

Tracks on this cd include:
TWO EMPTY GLASSES
BIG BLUE DIAMONDS
CINDERELLA
STATUE OF A FOOL
SEND ME THE PILLOW
YOU ARE MY SPECIAL ANGEL
THIS SONG IS JUST FOR YOU
WHAT A WAY TO LIVE
GREEN SNAKES
YOU GAVE ME A MOUNTAIN

Buckatune news

2009-09-15T09:39:00.001-07:00

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Brazos Valley Boys

2009-09-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Brazos Valley Boys 60th anniversay cd is now available as mp3s at www.buckatune.net This is a must have for any western swing fan!

The Brazos Valley Boys were created in 1946 by country music Hall of Fame legend, the late Hank Thompson, in his hometown of Waco, Texas. Since their inception the Brazos Valley Boys (BVB) have defied musical convention. They have been trend-setters and that practice continues today with their dynamic, innovative style. The BVB incorporate the American musical art forms of country, jazz, Dixieland, blues and big-band swing to produce their own brand of western swing music: an energetic, eclectic style that has broad appeal.

Along the way the BVB have become one of the most honored bands in musical history. Honors include BILLBOARD MAGAZINE’S "Touring Band of the Year"---14 YEARS IN A ROW! In 2004 the Brazos Valley Boys were the FIRST BAND to ever be inducted, as a unit, into the WESTERN SWING MUSIC HALL OF FAME!

Some of the finest musicians and biggest names in western swing music have graced the stage and recording studio as Brazos Valley Boys. They have come from diverse musical backgrounds including jazz, country and the big swing bands and have brought their unique talents to the BVB sound. Today’s BVB continue that tradition with their own trademark contemporary sound and extraordinary talent. (reprint from www.brazosvalleyboys.com)

"I've had the opportunity to hear the Brazos Valley Boys several times, and I've always come away impressed with a lot of things: the virtuosity of the members, their mastery of styles ranging from classic country to big-band pop, their uncluttered but creative arrangements, the infectious energy and fun they have together on stage. Western swing music may have been created more than 70 years ago, but there are still a few bands out there good enough to be doing exciting new things with it, while remaining true to its style and spirit. You can put the Brazos Valley Boys right at the top of that short but influential list."

John Wooley, entertainment writer, Tulsa World

"I’ve always been proud that Brazos Valley Boys is synonymous with quality western swing music. That legacy is perpetuated today and will be into the future by Morey and the Brazos Valley Boys."

Hank Thompson, (from 2006), Member Country Music Hall of Fame

Ron Elliott inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame

2009-09-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

Ron Elliott was inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame September 2009. Some of Ron's music is available at www.buckatune.net and more of his music will soon be added. Here is biography of Ron(reprint from ron elliott's website):

Born in Salisbury, Maryland, Ron has been playing music in bands since he was thirteen years old. His first professional performance was in 1953 when he worked with Hawkshaw Hawkins on his Gibson Console Grand steel guitar. Later in 1955, while serving with U. S. Army in Germany, he had his '53 triple neck Fender shipped to him and he played with Special Services for the Armed Forces U.S.O. Tours. Upon returning home from the service he again played in local bands and worked as a D.J. on the local radio station WICO, where played and promoted records that had steel guitar on them.

In 1964, he and a local band from Salisbury traveled to Nashville, Tennessee and recorded a session at the Starday Studio. Later in 1964 he joined Mel Price's Sante Fe Rangers band and they played military bases throughout the U. S. In 1965 he joined Jimmy Case's Cherokees and also played military bases throughout the U. S. and in Iceland, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

In July 1966, he left the Cherokees and moved to Nashville, Tennessee to become a member of Stonewall Jackson's Minute Men. While with Stonewall, he played on the Grand Ole Opry; played on Country Music television shows with 'Wall'; recorded on many of Stonewall's sessions; and toured the U. S. and Canada.

After leaving Stonewall, Ron joined Grand Ole Opry's Jack Greene's Band, which later became the Jack Greene/Jeannie Seely Show with The Jolly Giants. In his eight years with the Jolly Giants, Ron played the Grand Ole Opry (both audio and TV) spots; played for the Grammy Awards when it was held in Nashville; played for the United Nations Show in Washington, D. C.; did recording sessions with both Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely; played many Country Music televison shows with Jack and Jeannie; played the last Saturday night at the Ryman Auditorium and the first Saturday night in the new Grand Ole Opry House, which was attended by the President of the United States and Jack, Jeannie and the Jolly Giants were the only act to perform in front of the President and First Lady; and he also played on the Jack and Jeannie live album which was the first live album to be recorded from the new Opry House.

In the mid 1970's Ron left the road and went to work at the Sho-Bud Guitar factory where he helped design new models, both steel guitars and amps. While working at Sho-Bud, Ron was instrumental in the design of the new Sho-Bud Super Pro with the aluminum necks and changing the body dimension. He also designed the A6th pedal on the Sho-Bud single neck that changes the E9th tuning to A6th, and helped with the design of the new Sho-Bud Stage/Studio 500 amp.

During his time with Sho-Bud, which became Sho-Bud/Baldwin/Gretsch, he held seminars for promotion and sales of the steel guitar in Tennessee and Arkansas; and taught steel guitar lessons. He also designed and wrote an instructional manual for the Sho-Bud Maverick that included audio.

When Ron was not touring or working steady with a band, he free lanced and toured with Ernest Tubb; Kitty Wells; Cal Smith; Justin Tubb; Johnny Bush; Ray Price; Melba Montgomery and others.

Ron spent the next eight years playing and touring with another Grand Ole Opry artist - Charlie Louvin. While a member of Charlie's band, he again worked on the Grand Ole Opry, both radio and TV spots. Their tour dates took them all over the U. S. and Canada. Ron had to leave Charlie's band when the Opry management made a new ruling about the size of the artist's bands and Charlie had to cut some of his band members.

For about the next seven years he had a day job that kept him from touring with a group or playing the steel guitar shows like he wanted to do. During these years he still found a way to play his guitar and entertain the folks by joining Johnny Carver's Nashville All Star Band. They played for a dance every Saturday night in Lebanon, Tennessee for almost thirteen years, until Johnny sold the venue. The band regrouped with a new name, The Music Masters and moved to the V.F.W. in Gallatin, Tennessee where they still play every Saturday night.

Currently, Ron is now able to play the steel guitar shows and is looking forward to playing as many shows as possible. If he is not out of town playing a steel show - you can catch him at the dance in Gallatin.

Ron is very proud of the awards that have been presented to him. He has received an award from: PSGA (Pedal Steel Guitar Association); Golden Bar Award-BJS Bars; R. O. P. E. (Reunion of Professional Entertainers) Musician Of The Year Award and the Legends Award from NTSGA (North Tennessee Steel Guitar Association).

Ron is proud to be able to say that his first trip to Nashville as a musician was to record a session at Starday Studio in 1964 and then in 1966 his first time go to to the Grand Ole Opry was to play on it as a member of Stonewall Jackson's band, The Minute Men.

Ron and wife, Leslie reside in Madison, Tennessee. They have three daughters, Edie, Cheryl, Nancy and one son, R. P.; six grandchildren; two great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter. Ron has passed his musical legacy on to his son, who plays lead guitar, works for Gibson Guitar and recently designed a new guitar for Gibson.

Ron is a 32° Scottish Rite Mason belonging to John B. Garrett Lodge #711; a Shriner belonging to Al Menah Temple; a member of American Legion Post #82; a member of North Tennessee Steel Guitar Association; Pedal Steel Guitar Association; and R.O.P.E. (Reunion of Professional Entertainers) which he helped start in 1983 and has membership card #2.

Ron is a very patriotic, sincere person and has the ability to reach out to the audience and hold their attention with his soulful, smooth playing along with his great wit and humor. He definitely is a people player who loves playing for them and they love him.

Country Artist Ray Harrision Releases new cd!

2009-09-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

Album: Scratchin' The Surface
Artist: Ray Harrison
Label: Country Discovery
MP3s available at www.buckatune.net

Ray Harrison's brand new CD is DYNOMITE! With a generous cast of legendary musicians and Rays silky, seasoned country voice, this is a sure-fire winner!Read more from Mike Gross of "Swingin' West" radio program:

A wonderful voice, awesome musicians and 12 great songs describe succinctly this brand new CD by this talented Arizona vocalist. Another highlight of this CD is Steel Guitar Hall of Fame legend John Hughey playing steel on 10 of the 12 cuts on one of his last sessions before his recent untimely passing. Another wonderful steel guitarist, Mike Headrick is heard on steel on Does he Love You Like I do and Ray Pennington's Somewhere Out in Texas from the great Ray Price. As a side note, John Hughey's widow, Jean said that John had an advance copy of this CD in his player constantly.

The album also features the fiddle of Joe Caverlee and the guitars of Al Bruno. Tim Atwood is the pianist, Mark Beckett is heard playing drums and Ben Brogden is the bassist.

The album opens with Harlan Howard's Another Bridge to Burn and then goes on to Cindy Walker's The Day You Left me, originally from Eddy Arnold. Ray takes off on Western Swing standards The Old Water Mill recorded by both Milton Brown and Jimmie Revard back in the 1930s and Tommy Duncan's Time Changes Everything originally sung by Tommy with Bob Wills. Another one from the great Ray Price is April's Fool. You Belong to Me was written by Western Swing legends Pee Wee King and Redd Stewart and scored quite well in the 1950s for pop music's Jo Stafford, Patti Page and Sue Thompson. Ray borrows I Never Go Around Mirrors from country music superstar Merle Haggard and Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins' Western Swing classic Heart of a Clown from the late Wade Ray. Also brought back is a fantastic version of recently deceased songwriter Lawton Williams' Farewell Party which originally was done by the great Johnny Bush with Jimmy Day on steel and later became a huge Gene Watson hit. The album closes with Stuart Hamblen's It is no Secret, a hit for both Stuart and Jo Stafford.

Lonnie Spiker Unapologetically Honky Tonk CD

2009-09-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

If you really want to know who Lonnie Spiker is, you need not go any further than the title of his latest album "Unapologetically Honky Tonk". Musicians on this cd include familiar names: Bobby Flores, Randy Reinhard, and others. Johnny Bush also performs on one track.

Though born in Pennsylvania he now maintains a home in Austin TX as well as Nashville TN. But one listen will tell you he is pure Texas Honky Tonk. In his early years he had the privilege of opening several shows for Marty Robbins along with 23 other major artists. He’s toured the country working for other acts as a bass and lead guitar player. Shortly after moving to Nashville he wrote several Canadian hits with co-writer Ron Demmans. He scored 3 Texas and European hits off of his 2002 album "My Future Ain’t What It Use To Be". And now in April of 2005 his "Unapologetically Honky Tonk" is destined for even higher ground with excitement already building from those who have heard advanced cuts of this album. It is sure to move Lonnie and his music to a much larger audience than ever.

A songwriter, performer and recording artist Lonnie has a list of other interests including scuba diving, flying, karate, reading philosophy and studying physics.

Make it a point to see Lonnie live in concert and download mp3 tracks from Unapologetically Honky Tonk at www.buckatune.net

Where to find artists played on Willies Place

2009-08-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

Great News! Most of the artists that you hear on Willie's Place (Sirius/Xm Radio) have mp3s available at www.buckatune.net

Artists include: Ferlin Husky, Leona Williams, Hank Thompson, Floyd Tillman, Jake Hooker, Jody Nix, Bobby Flores, Jazzabilles, Justin Trevino, Tony Booth, Amber Digby, Carolyn Martin, and many more!

Missouri Country Music Hall of Famer Dave Owens releases new cd

2009-08-29T01:08:00.000-07:00

Dave Owens, Missouri Country Music Hall of Famer, just released his new cd called "Timeless, Voices of the Dogwood". This 12 song cd features Dave along with Ferlin Husky and Leona Williams. You can listen to audio clips and download individual cuts at www.buckatune.net

MP3s - Western Swing & Honky Tonk

2009-08-28T00:10:00.001-07:00

Here's a sample of artists at www.buckatune.net

2009 Academy of Western Artist Music Nominees

2009-08-27T23:54:00.000-07:00

2009 Academy of Western Artists Music Nominees
Below are the final five nominees in Western Music, Western Swing Music and Pure Country Music। Sources for the final nominees came from many areas, each familiar with that music form. Every attempt was made to verify the dates of the material, but because of release dates and other information, it is difficult. The final winners will be announced September 22, 2009 at the Granville Theater in Garland, Texas at the 14th Annual Academy of Western Artists Will Rogers Awards. If you would like to attend the awards, tickets अरे $25 each. Group rates and special discounts for senior citizens and religious groups. This is a tremendous show, one you and your friends will really enjoy, contact working_cowboy@hotmail.com for more information and to order tickets

Male-
Bill Barwick, Daron Little, Gary Pratt, Dave Stamey, Ian Tyson
Female-
Eli Barsi, Stephanie Davis, Devon Dawson, Belinda Gail, Jean Prescott
Yodeler-
Judy Coder, Karen Gogolick, Carin Mari Lechner, Janet McBride, Gary McMahan
Duo/Group-
Buckarettes
Journey West
Rocking HW
Flying J Wranglers
Diamond W व्रंग्लेर्स

Western Music-Album
Eli Barsi-Tribute To Wilf Carter
Ray Doyle-The Emigrant Trail
Liz Masterson-Roads to Colorado
Journey West-Driftin' West
Keeter Stuart-Ghost Riders, Searchers & कोव्पोकेस

Western Music Song-
Bob Davidson-Western Sky
Rick Pickren-The Call
Dave Stamey-Cowboy Moon
Barry Ward-Whispers Of The West
Diamond W Wranglers-Trail दुस्त

Western Swing Final Five 2009
Male-
John England, Jake Hooker, Billy Mata, Jody Nix, Curtis Potter
Female-
Mary Allen, Kelli Grant, Carolyn Martin, Dottie Jack, Pamela (Pinto Pammy) Forman
Instrumentalist-
Bob Baker, Buddy Emmons, Buddy Hrabel, Dicky Overby, Reggie Rueffer
Duo/Group-
Brady Bowen and Swing Country
Desperadoes
John England and the Western Swingers
Jake Hooker and the Outsiders
Saddle कैट्स

Western Swing-Album
Brady Bowen-In My Spare Time #5
John England-Open That Gate
Dennis Ivey-Something Old, Nothing New
Billy Mata-This Is Tommy Duncan
River Road Boys-Don't Ever Take My Picture डाउन

Western Swing-Song
Mary Allen-Let's's Make Music In The Country
Chuck Cusimano-My Last Word To You
Tommy Hannum-Old Town
Billy Mata-Stay All Night
Gaylynn Robinson-Call Back My Heart Texas मून

Pure Country
Male-
Tony Booth, Darrell McCall, Frankie Miller, Rance Norton, Justin Trevino
Female-
Jade Cienega, Leighan Cortes, Amber Digby, Kimberly Murray, Heather Myles
Duo/Group-
Country Night Live
Derailers
Honeybrowne
Landon Dodd-DanceHall Drifters
Miles of टैक्सस

Pure Country Album
Mickey Clark-Winding Highways
Amber Digby-Passion, Pride & What Might Have Been
Bobby Flores-Eleven Roses
Rance Norton-True Country
Justin Trevino-Take One As Needed For पैन

Pure Country Song
Tony Booth-Is This All There Is To Honky Tonk?
Bobby Flores-Double Life
Tommy Hooker-Blue Smoke
Kimberly Murray/Jake Hooker-Living And Learning
Rance Norton/Johnny Bush-Pop Atop