Artist Updates

New In Blurt!
CLICK HERE to check out James McMurtry's new blog in Blurt: HAGLER VS. SUGAR RAY, BIDEN VS. PALIN

James McMurtry to kick off first European tour in January
James McMurtry and The Heartless Bastards will kick off their first-ever European tour in January. The band will tour Germany, Austria, The Netherlands and the UK before returning home in February. Watch for additional tour dates, venues and more details soon!
1-15 thru 1-26 Germany & Switzerland, TBA
1-27 Amsterdam NL, Paradiso
1-28 Den Haag NL, Paard van Troje
1-29 Den Bosch NL, W2
1-30 Diksmuide Belgium, Club 4AD
1-31 TBA UK
2-1 Glasgow Scotland, Oran Mor
2-2 Belfast NIRL, Errigle Inn
2-3 Dublin IRL, Whelan's
2-4 Leeds England, Brudenell Social Club
2-5 Newcastle England, The Cluny
2-6 Nottingham England, The Maze
2-7 London England, Luminaire

Autumn IN STORES NOW
Autumn's new record, VELVET SKY, is in stores October 1. CLICK HERE to order your copy today!

Listen Up to Kara Grainger!
She debuted at Austin City Limits Music Festival on the BMI Stage last year, has toured Australia with Little Feat, Amos Lee, Eric Johnson, is featured in all participating Starbucks outlets as part of the iTunes downloads and the new video screens, and is a current finalist in the 2007 International Songwriting Competition. With inspiration from greats like Ry Cooder, Mavis Staples and John Lee Hooker, Kara’s warm and accessible style is perfectly captured on her debut full-length record, GRAND AND GREEN RIVER. On the album, Kara sings of love, loss and heartache across a rich palette of swamp-blues, contemporary folk and fresh soul-pop grooves. It’s a captivating blend of sounds – big on swagger, sugar and spice – and comes packed with passionate storytelling and provocative guitar work from a simply stunning entertainer. One listen to GRAND AND GREEN RIVER is evidence that Kara Grainger is a major new talent with something to say. The album evokes the spirit of early Bonnie Raitt and the New Orleans styled R&B of Little Feat. But importantly, it delivers in spades Kara’s own fresh blend of blues, soul, contemporary folk and pop. Go on; get hooked on Kara Grainger today. CLICK HERE to purchase today.

New McMurtry Blog in BLURT
CLICK HERE to check out James McMurtry's latest blog.

Danielle Talamini CTRL.ALT.COUNTRY Review
"She looks fantastic and has an incredibly beautiful voice that vaguely reminds you of Patty Griffin. But above all, she writes exquisite songs. That is Danielle Talamini in a nutshell: an exceptionally promising new singer song writer from New York who traveled all the way to Texas to record her debut album "The Road Rises". And Texas is where she belongs much more if you listen to her maiden production. Talamini's forte seem to be fine "rootsy" songs which can belong to alternative country, Americana or roots rock. On her debut record she presents ten such songs produced by Dwight A. Baker. Most of these are ballads that show her gigantic new talent. Almost immediately you think about Patty Griffin, Maria McKee, Joy Lynn White: all of them strong women with the same passion, the same warm glow, the same big heart... And this is meant to be a real compliment. This Talamini is definitely here for the long run. Someone who has maiden release material like the "deluxe" roots rocker "Pack My Bags" or the soulful memory engraving "Save Me" should not fear the future. And we did not even mention the truly killer song "Mercury Running" yet, that burns a hole into your heart like a simmering cigarette on a carpet!" CTRL.ALT.COUNTRY review

New DVD by Steve Poltz
CLICK HERE to purchase Steve Poltz's new DVD, "Tales From The Tavern", featuring 12 songs, stories, interviews and bonus material.

Catch McMurtry LIVE during ACL Week
James McMurtry has 4 shows in Austin this week :
Wednesday, September 24 - Continental Club
Thursday, September 25 - Continental Club
Friday, September 26 - Threadgills
Saturday, September 27 - The Parrish
Hope to see you there!

Radio Raves about Danielle Talamini
"This girl is a STAR! Wow! Her voice, her delivery, the melodies, and WHAT A SONGWRITER! Listening to this album is an absolute pleasure. Danielle is gonna give Tift Merritt some company, and that's a great thing!!! Torchy Blaine, WDVR
CLICK HERE to purchase your copy of The Road Rises.

What Folks are Saying about Hal Ketchum
Check out the recent reviews of Hal Ketchum's latest release, Father Time:
"Entry to the album takes a couple close listens. But once you're in, it's as if Ketchum and his mates are picking away on your living room sofa." -- COUNTRY STANDARD TIME

"His upcoming album, Father Time (Curb), is solid stuff--featuring plenty of twang without glossing over the ol' grit. It's the grit, after all, that sticks." -- TIME OUT CHICAGO

"Ketchum's always been a consistent album artist, but freed to record as a musician (rather than a studio artist) he's delivered a CD whose lack of production artifice inspires a level of artistry and soulfulness well beyond his hits." --HYPERBOLIUM

Rachel Harrington Buzz
Q, the UK's largest music magazine gives Harrington's latest release, City of Refuge, FOUR STARS: "Gothic tracks on an inspiring original album...Q recommends!"

Rachel was recently featured in a 5 page article in this month's CMP (largest country music mag in UK):"the singer-songwriter who is captivating the hearts of Britain and Europe ... an ancient resonance combined wit a modern feel"

FOUR STARS in the Irish Times! "Rachel Harrington's The Bootlegger's Daughter was one of the more impressive albums of 2007 and certainly among the best debuts; City of Refuge moves the Oregon-bred singer-songwriter to a new level."

The Dedringes Break into TOP 30 AMA
The Dedringers debut record is soaring up the Americana Chart, coming in at #29 this week. The Dedringers are out on tour this month. CLICK HERE to catch a show near you!

WAY TO GO STEVE!
Steve Poltz just finished some shows with his old friend Jewel and they were a great success.
(CLICK HERE to check out the rave reviews from Seattle). Poltz also performed recently at the San Diego Music Awards, helping to raise over $40,000 for San Diego County Schools!

Randy Weeks New Record!
Randy Weeks has been in the studio this past month recording his upcoming release, scheduled to be released January 2009. Stay tuned for more info!

Rancho Deluxe Hit the Road
Check out Rancho Deluxe LIVE in California:
10/4 Pine Street Saloon Paso Robles, California
10/10 The Cinema Bar Los Angeles, California
10/11 Cinema Bar Culver City, California
10/18 Linne Calodo Harvest Festival Paso Robles, California
10/19 Videoranch.com EVERYWHERE (online)
10/24 Peris Fairfax Fairfax, California
10/25 Smiley’s Saloon Bolinas, California

RADIO STATIONS CLICK HERE

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