Danielle Marie, 2015 CCMA Spotlight artist and Ray McAuley Horizon Award winner, and Jordan Pritchett, guitarist of Juno nominated, platinum-selling band, Faber Drive, met in a song-write in 2015 and fell for each other. For the next few years, they performed together as individual artists on stage, fighting the inevitable, until they finally gave in and merged to create the hot new duo, Cross Parallel.
They have already garnered attention in the industry and built an online presence, with 230K+ streams on Spotify and 29K+ views on YouTube in their first few years as a duo. They performed their 2nd single “Don’t” at the 2019 BCCMA Awards Show after a busy summer, including opening for CCMA Hall of Famer, Terri Clark. Later in the year, released a cover of the classic, “The Christmas Song”, with Jordan’s dad, Aaron Pritchett, and his brothers in AtlantisOne.
Cross Parallel is on the verge of stardom, garnering attention from the music industry and fans worldwide because of their unique sound and relatable lyrics. Their newest single, “We Can’t Lose”, which they wrote with Canadian gem, Aaron Goodvin, really showcases the duo’s rock side, with a flavour of modern pop-country. It is the second single from their upcoming EP, which they’re aiming to release in the new year.
''Cross Parallel is so captivating with their beautiful harmonies, their ability to tell a story through their artistry and the connection that they have to the lyrics they write is really special,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host of the International Music's Journey Podcast, and radio host on 91.3 FM. ''I dive into the lyrics of their new single, their move to Nashville and we talk about their debut album set to release by the end of the year/beginning of 2022. We can't wait. You don't want to miss the burning questions portion of the interview. Check it out by clicking on the link below.
The talented Vancouver-raised songstress Molly Annelle, released her new single “Dior” on November 12 via 604 Records.
At 18 years old, Molly Annelle relocated to Toronto and is armed with a mesmerizing voice that is well beyond her years and impossible to ignore. Thanks to a distinctive flair for bending language to fit the melody, the young musician is ready to take the world by storm — combining the essence of R&B jams, Bossa Nova bops, and Yé Yé girl pop that results in a tone all her own.
“This song was the product of one of the most fun writing sessions I've ever had. Parker Bossley, Louise Burns, and I were just goofing around, we always have such a great time when we're together. We wanted to write something that was lyrically and melodically sweet. This song dives into our wildest fantasies of being rich and lavish, backed by an instrumental heavily inspired by the glittery pop and R&B hits of the early 2000s,” said Molly of the track.
Molly’s journey is one that began at the tender age of five when the Vancouver-based songstress penned her very first song — the uncannily entitled Obscure Bird. Four years later, at just nine years old, she was named Young Composer of the Year, writing four-part harmonies for the Vancouver Chamber Choir. Encouraged by family and teachers alike, the young musician found her voice in the kind of honest lyricism and devoted storytelling which has continued to set her apart.
It was also the kind of drive and ambition that happened to catch the attention of604 Records’ Jonathan Simkin, resulting in Molly’s label debut, Winter Waves, a Christmas anthem that garnered almost 345,000 streams on Spotify alone.
''Molly Annelle has such a clear point of view in her artistry and she is such an amazing pop star,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host on 91.3 FM, and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ''Molly's voice has such character and so much heart. I love her voice and she brings such power to the lyrics she writes. It is rare to meet someone so young who can write songs with intention and she is such a great storyteller. What a bright future this singer-songwriter has in the music industry. '' To check out my interview with Molly, click on the link below.
(Winnipeg, MB) Emerging as one of the most prominent artists from the UK country music scene, Katy Hurt is ready to take on Canadian country. At the UK Country Music Spotlight Awards she took home the hardware for Female Artist of the Year and Best EP of the Year, along with that she has been nominated four times at the British Country Music Awards. Katy Hurt released Sounds Good in a Bar to all major streaming platforms on October 8th. This track was inspired by working and playing in country music bars, something Hurt knows a lot about.
In 2019, she played over 150 shows, including notable spots at the British Country Music Awards, Country 2 Country Festival at the O2 Arena, and playing at The Park Theatre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Katy was handpicked for the Pilton Party on Glastonbury’s famed Pyramid stage by Michael Eavis (Glastonbury co-founder) to provide direct support for Liam Gallagher (Oasis).
Katy spent time in Canada, which she considers her second home, writing and recording a host of songs including her latest single. The track was produced by Juno Award-winning producer Murray Pulver (Doc Walker, The Bros. Landreth) and features Canadian studio musicians. Manitoba Film and Music provided financial support for the recordings.
“Canada is like a second home to me, I’m so proud of the music I have made there. With my new management team based in Canada, it is a great time to releaseSounds Good in a Bar! I am so excited for everyone to hear this track,” explains Katy Hurt.
With nearly a million global streams, Hurt garnered the attention of Canadian-based music group, Johnson Talent Management (JTM) which led to the signing of a worldwide management deal with Jeremy Johnson.
“Katy is a standout artist in the UK and has made a name for herself, we look forward to growing her career here in Canada,” explains Jeremy Johnson, Hurt’s manager.
''Katy Hurt is truly a captivating vocalist,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host of the International Music's Journey Podcast, and radio host on 91.3 FMThe Music's Journey Show. ''Katy's intimacy and artistry are beautiful to hear. She embraces that singer-songwriter vibe that is full of emotion and heart. You don't want to miss this one.'' Check it out... To hear my interview, click on the link below
TORONTO, ON – JUNO award-winning R&B singer-songwriterSean Jones is back with a brand-new album titled Weekend Lover. The album features a set of songs that are reminiscent of 90’s R&B and will be released November 5 via all streaming platforms.
Produced by Murray Daigle (Keshia Chante, Serena Ryder, BRDGS), the album has something for everyone with its mix of fast and mid-tempo tracks and just the right amount of awesome slow jams added to the mix. Love Will, a bass-heavy mixture of classic house and 90’s R&B, written by Jones, Daigle, and Adrian X, was the first release from the album and speaks to the theme of love in a real and honest way.
“I am so excited about this record. This album is a coming home of sorts for me. While I have truly enjoyed creating and performing music in multiple genres over the years, 90's R&B has always been my first love. This record is just an extension of my heart. There is no filler. Every song is special and unique in its own way. And the tunes will undoubtedly take you back in time. Murray and I made sure to add in just enough modern-day elements to keep this fresh and in line with the sound of music today. I am super proud of this body of work. If you are a lover of 90's R&B I can most certainly guarantee that you will not be disappointed.”
Opening with the album's title track, listeners are immediately transported to a nostalgic scene of young lust and seduction. “Weekend Lover” is a throwback anthem that sets the album’s tone, bringing it back to Sean’s roller-skating days. “Drink” is an infectious earworm and this entrancing track flutters through the materialistic wonders of life, and lands on the remaining fact that staying grounded in what is really important - the human connection - is the key to living a meaningful life.
Weekend Loverhas been in the works for quite some time, a fact that is especially evident with “Hooked”, the song marking the halfway point of the album, featuring a rhythmic guitar progression that was written by Sean back in 2010. It took just over a decade for Sean to find the right melody and lyrics to accompany the track, preciseness that is indicative of the singer-songwriter’s dedication to his craft.
In 2015, Sean became the first artist to secure a solo summer residency at the historic Casa Loma in downtown Toronto. The Monday night revue titled Soul in The City gave Jones and his nine-piece band, The Righteous Echo, the chance to showcase his original songs as well as their take on popular old-school R&B and soul hits. The show would also give emerging artists a stage to share their talents.
The night's overwhelming success led to WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, handpicking Sean to create a musical experience for the passengers aboard their flights. For the project titled, The WestJet Boarding Sessions, Jones recorded new versions of classic Canadian hits such as These Eyes by The Guess Who, The Weight by The Band, and Angel by Sarah McLachlan and flew across Canada to interview some of these cherished musical icons.
“Growing up, my parents played all the classics, Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, The Supremes... the list goes on and on. I loved all of it then and to this day. However, the music of the late ‘80s and ‘90s is what sparked my interest in performing. There was something about the musical energy of that time. The R&B/Pop songs were infectious and well-written. I was truly missing that vibe and started writing songs in that vein. It’s taken a couple of years to finish, but I’m excited to start sharing it with everyone.”
Sean continues his long-time working relationship with manager Laura van Leest of Bellefair Artists and will spend the better part of 2022 promoting the new album, performing select shows across Canada, and continuing to grow his acting resume with Hero Artists.
Sean Jones is a JUNO award-winning R&B singer/songwriter determined to bring a fresh and contemporary vibe to the classic soul sound that has inspired him in the past. His 200+ live renditions of soulful ballads, funky R&B workouts, and original material have consistently left audiences breathless. Sean has enjoyed a distinguished career that has seen him perform on the shores of Monaco, in the islands of Hawaii, at London’s historic Trafalgar Square, at New York’s Carnegie Hall, and The Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Centre. Most recently, Sean has had the honour of opening for Ellen DeGeneres at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC, and Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON.
The 55th annual CMA Awards honored winners like Chris Stapleton, Old Dominion, Jimmie Allen, and Brothers Osborne during their Wednesday night ceremonies in Nashville.
Chris Stapleton cleaned up at the 2021 CMA Awards, but he wasn't the only big winner.
Mark Humphrey/AP/Shutterstock
On Wednesday, Oct. 10, the 55th Annual Country Music Association Awards ceremony took place at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville to celebrate a year filled with memorable hits from beloved performers. Superstar Luke Bryan, known to TV audiences as a judge on American Idol, hosted the event for the first time.
Stapleton was a multiple winner, taking home trophies in categories like Album of the Year for his LP Starting Over and for Single and Song of the Year for the title track.
Brothers Osborne were named Vocal Duo of the Year, their fourth time to win the category. Singer TJ Osborne accepted the prize with an emotional speech. “It is so incredible to be here. It’s been a crazy rollercoaster of a year for us, especially me emotionally,” he said, referring to his decision to publicly come out as gay earlier in the year. “To have you all support me, it really does feel like love wins tonight.”
Here’s the complete list of winners:
Entertainer of the Year Eric Church Luke Combs - WINNER Miranda Lambert Chris Stapleton Carrie Underwood
Single of the Year “Famous Friends,” Chris Young with Kane Brown “The Good Ones,” Gabby Barrett “Hell of a View,” Eric Church “One Night Standards,” Ashley McBryde “Starting Over,” Chris Stapleton — WINNER
Album of the Year 29, Carly Pearce Dangerous: The Double Album, Morgan Wallen Heart, Eric Church Skeletons, Brothers Osborne Starting Over, Chris Stapleton — WINNER
Song of the Year “Forever After All,” recorded by Luke Combs “The Good Ones,” recorded by Gabby Barrett “Hell of a View,” recorded by Eric Church “One Night Standards,” recorded by Ashley McBryde “Starting Over,” recorded by Chris Stapleton — WINNER
Female Vocalist of the Year Gabby Barrett Miranda Lambert Ashley McBryde Maren Morris Carly Pearce - WINNER
Male Vocalist of the Year Dierks Bentley Eric Church Luke Combs Thomas Rhett Chris Stapleton - WINNER
Vocal Group of the Year Lady A Little Big Town Midland Old Dominion — WINNER Zac Brown Band
Vocal Duo of the Year Brooks & Dunn Brothers Osborne – WINNER Dan + Shay Florida Georgia Line Maddie & Tae
Musical Event of the Year “Buy Dirt,” Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan “Chasing After You,” Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” Elle King and Miranda Lambert “Famous Friends,” Chris Young with Kane Brown “Half of My Hometown,” Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney) – WINNER
Musician of the Year Jenee Fleenor, fiddle – WINNER Paul Franklin, steel guitar Aaron Sterling, drums Ilya Toshinskiy, banjo Derek Wells, guitar
Music Video of the Year “Chasing After You,” Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris “Famous Friends,” Chris Young with Kane Brown “Gone,” Dierks Bentley “Half of My Hometown,” Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney) – WINNER “Younger Me,” Brothers Osborne
New Artist of the Year Jimmie Allen — WINNER Ingrid Andress Gabby Barrett Mickey Guyton Hardy
As to be expected, the 2021 CMA Awards ceremony included a stacked lineup of talented performers. Among those showcasing their pipes were Luke, Eric, Chris, Gabby, Blake Shelton, Jennifer Hudson, Jimmie Allen, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood.
Alberta’s country sensation Dan Davidsonhas created undeniable momentum in the last few years. With 6 CCMA nominations, 10 ACMA awards, a gold record, a number 1 selling Canadian song and record, top 20 charting numbers, and hundreds of performances – it's easy to forget that he is still independent.
Dan exploded onto the Canadian country scene in 2016 with the release of his second single “Found” (Co-written by Clayton Bellamy of The Road Hammers). Dan became arguably the indie story of 2016/2017 as his single “Found” rocketed up the charts and he became the #1 charting indie artist in Canada. It was also the #1 selling Canadian country song for several weeks in July and August 2016. On just his second release ever in country music – he has a GOLD single. The following singles helped further his momentum with more top 20 recognition and solidified his name as an artist on the rise – definitely someone to watch as he nears his first platinum record.
Dan is only 5 years into his country career but is far from “green” in the music industry. He spent over 10 years playing in the well-known Canadian indie rock band Tupelo Honey (who had several top 40 hits, top-selling iTunes records, and toured with bands like Bon Jovi).
Dan’s country sound came together as he started writing and working on music with Toronto producer Jeff Dalziel (Washboard Union, River Town Saints, Autumn Hill, Brett Kissel) and the two spent the better part of a year developing an EP that’s characteristic of Dan’s love of “good time” music. Those “good time” vibes are also a huge part of his personality.
One view of his music videos and you will understand that the fun, sincere energy Dan brings to country music is truly unique. The video for “Found” cost only $500 and yet somehow it was top 20 on CMT; the video for “Barn Burner” involved Dan dressing up as a mixture between John Wayne and Elton John, wandering the streets of Tokyo; and of course we can't forget “Say We Did”, which shows Dan converting his garage into a cardboard version Star Ship Enterprise.
Expanding his fan base internationally, Dan played shows in Beijing, China, and Tours, France. He then went on to play in Milan and Budapest to film a music video for his upcoming single “These Are My People”. The idea for the music video came about when Dan discovered on YouTube that people from all over the world are line dancing to his songs. He has now played over 200 shows across 7 countries (including a record-breaking 120 show tour with Brett Kissel on the most extensive tour in Canadian history).
While on tour with Brett Kissel in 2019, Dan’s EP “Juliet” was released, and debuted at #1 on the Canadian iTunes Country charts. The album was later nominated for Roots Album Of The Year at the 2019 CCMA, and was the album that won for “Producer of the Year”.
Truly embodying the indie spirit, you’ll never find Dan just waiting on his laurels. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he created and hosted Canada’s FIRST live digital music festival “Diesel Bird Fest”, which featured some of Canada’s top artists including Dallas Smith, Corb Lund, and many more. Diesel Bird successfully raised $54,000 for charity. He then went on to create and host Canada’s first hotel music festival (Diesel Bird Hotel Fest) which sold out in 1 day.
Recently Dan has been writing for/with Gord Bamford, Tim Hicks, W3apons, The Congregation, Chad Brownlee, The Standstills, and so many more. As a songwriter, he has had top 40 songs in 3 genres now and continues to keep the creative momentum rolling alongside his artist career.
Award-winning Canadian singers and songwriters that come together nationally for the Saying Goodbye concert held in honour of National Grief and Bereavement Day!
Hosted by Tara Shannon, talent performing includes Johnny Reid, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Gregory Charles, John McDermott, Fred Penner, Jenn Grant, Ray Legere, and many more...
Saying Goodbye is a national concert on November 14 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST with performers from across each province and territory, held in honour and awareness of National Grief and Bereavement Day on November 16, 2021. The national virtual live stream can be found at Sayinggoodbyeconcert.ca.Saying Goodbye is hosted by the National Arts Centre (NAC) and presented by the Canadian Hospice and Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) in partnership with all provincial palliative care associations across Canada.
Growing up in Merlin, Ontario, a small Canadian farming community near Chatham, Michelle Wright heard the rhythm & blues and Motown hits coming out of Detroit, just forty‐five minutes away. But especially, she heard the strains of country music since her parents were both country performers. "My earliest memories of music are singing in the car or spending the weekend with my father after my parents separated and watching him put on a rhinestone‐studded suit to perform in." As a young girl, she tagged along to countless shows. "We were never a family band, but I got a lot of inspiration and encouragement from my mother. That's where my love of country music really began."
In 1988, she teamed with Savannah Records President Brian Ferriman to release her first CD, Do Right By Me, in Canada and set off to tour North America. Do Right By Me was a major hit in her homeland, with seven chart singles and sales well over 40,000 copies, and it opened many doors in the United States. The American country music world was impressed, and the new Arista/Nashville label made Michelle one of its flagship artists.
The following year she signed with Arista/Nashville and in 1990, Michelle released her first U.S. album, Michelle Wright. American audiences responded immediately and enthusiastically to "that girl singer from up north with the snow in her videos," and her first single, "New Kind Of Love," became her first Top Thirty American hit.
In 1992, Arista released Now & Then, which included the song "Take It Like A Man," "Take It Like A Man," which was released in February of 1992, the first of seven singles from the project. In less than a year, Michelle became the first Canadian‐born artist in the modern era of country music to have a Top Ten hit in America, a Number One video on CMT‐USA (also for "Take It Like A Man") and to win a major U.S. music industry award (the Academy of Country Music Top New Female Vocalist award in 1992). The song also catapulted Michelle to superstardom in Canada, receiving a total of twelve music industry awards, including the 1993 Canadian Country Music Association's Fans' Choice Entertainer Of The Year award and double platinum honors for Now & Then the same year.
The Reasons Why followed in 1994. After co‐hosting the TNN/Music City News Awards the same year and hosting the CCMA Awards in 1995, her ease in front of the camera led to her guest appearance on the syndicated series "Due South." For Me It's You (1996) marked the first time one of Michelle's own songs, the stirring "What Love Looks Like," was made available to her American fans. At the 1997 CCMA Awards, she delivered a show‐stopping, gospel‐tinged rendition of the Curtis Mayfield hit, "People Get Ready," accompanied by a fifty‐voice choir. A personal career highlight for Michelle, she reflects, "I still get goose bumps whenever I hear that version."
"Your Love," Michelle's 1998 collaboration with pianist Jim Brickman, was named the CCMA Vocal/Instrumental Collaboration of the Year, and the video for "Your Love" topped the CMT Canada charts. The success of "Your Love" did not go unnoticed by Brickman's label, New York-based Windham Hill Records. The collaboration was included on Brickman's CD Destiny and released to U.S. Adult Contemporary radio in October 1999. The song became a Top 20 AC hit in early 2000.
At the dawn of the new millennium, Michelle marked her ten‐year association with Arista/ Nashville with the international release of her latest American album, Michelle Wright: The Greatest Hits Collection. The album contained eleven of the songs that shaped Michelle's career since she signed with the label. They appeared in near‐chronological order, rolling out the soundtrack of Michelle's life: "New Kind Of Love," "All You Really Wanna Do," "Take It Like a Man," "He Would Be Sixteen," "Guitar Talk," "Now & Then," "One Good Man," "Safe In The Arms Of Love," "Nobody's Girl," "What Love Looks Like," and "The Answer Is Yes." The album also contained five songs never before found on a Michelle Wright album: two new songs co‐written by Michelle, "When I Found You" and "I Surrender," plus "Your Love," her gospel version of "People Get Ready," and her "Walkin' After Midnight" duet with Patsy Cline.
Michelle Wright: The Greatest Hits Collection offered listeners a sonic overview of ten magical years punctuated by highlight after memorable highlight. Michelle is proud of the achievement her Greatest Hits Collection represents. "It felt great to be at that point in my career. Very early on, when I first hit the road with a bunch of guys crisscrossing North America in an old van, sleeping in the back on top of a couple of Peavey guitar amps, I could only dream about having enough hits to make a greatest hits package. And then there we were."
The twenty‐first century saw five more CDs from Michelle generating more sales and more hits: Shut Up and Kiss Me (Sony/BMG 2002); her first Christmas album, A Wright Christmas, released in Canada in 2005 and internationally on Savannah Music at Christmas time, 2008; her first full album of country material in ten years, Everything And More, released in Canada in July 2006, and internationally on Savannah Music in late 2008; the Savannah Music reissue of a remastered and repackaged edition of Do Right By Me across North America in August 2010 and internationally the following October; The Wright Songs: An Acoustic Evening with Michelle Wright, a 17‐song collection of many of her hits performed on acoustic instruments and recorded live in Alberta at select venues during 2009 and 2010, released in Canada in late 2011 and internationally in early 2012 on Savannah Music.
Strong (2013) highlighted Michelle's remarkable growth as a singer and songwriter ‐ inspired by the perseverance and strength that she has witnessed in friends, family, and strangers over the years. The album was produced by Jason Barry, Eric Silver, and Danick Dupelle and contained 11 songs, 10 of which she co‐wrote.
Michelle continued to divide her time between touring and songwriting, but in late 2016, Michelle knew that it was time to head back into the studio with a new team behind her. "My music is always an extension of me," says Wright, "And each new song is a chance to push a little harder, to dig a little deeper." In 2017, she enlisted producer, friend, and fellow Canadian Bob Funk to sort through the mountain of songs she had written, co-written, and received from other writers. The results are an intoxicating mix of contemporary country and the R&B roots that have been the foundation of her musical journey since the very beginning.
The partnership has produced the grooving "Attitude Is Everything" (Daryl Burgess/Joanna Cotton), the gospel-tinged ballad, "Lovin' This Day" (Daryl Burgess, Joanna Cotton/Angie Russell) released on Wright's new label, Navigator Records. They returned to the studio in 2019 to record Michelle's rendition of the Christmas Classic, "Silver Bells," released at the start of her almost three weeks long A Wright Christmas: 2019 Tour.
With the pandemic coming to a close, Michelle Wright is ready for her return to the road and is poised for the next phase of what has already been a stellar international musical career, one that has seen her grace concert stages around the world and earned her twenty‐five Top Ten radio hits, more than forty major awards (including her 2011 induction into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame). Michelle continues to show her fans that the feisty girl from rural Merlin, Ontario is here to stay. Or, as she says, "What a way to make a living! I plan on making and playing music for a long time to come."
Multiple Juno award-winner Colin James is one of the best blues rockers in the music industry and he is at the top of his game with his brand new album Open Road.
Colin James’s music career spans over 30 years and includes 19 studio albums, 7 Juno Awards, 27 Maple Blues Awards, and multi-platinum record sales. Inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2014, Colin James is a beloved guitarist, singer, songwriter, consistently selling out shows internationally.
From the rolling prairies of Saskatchewan to the Open Road of a storied career, multi-award-winning, chart-topping, and multi-platinum-selling guitarist Colin James released his 20th studio album on November 5th viaStony Plain Records. Open Road was mixed at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London. Colin supports the new album, which is being released on both CD and vinyl LP formats, with substantial touring in Canada and the US, including a spot on the Big Blues Bender multi-day music extravaganza in Las Vegas that took place in September.
That's abundantly clear on the album’s title track, a song co-written by James and Northey that sets the tone for the album for traveling the highways and byways that are part and parcel of a touring musician’s life. But while the track seems custom-crafted to reflect the road life of traveling musicians, it’s a song anyone can find their own lives and experiences reflected in; all summed up in the lyrics, “every life is an open road.” “It’s definitely got a sense of movement,” James says, “which, I think, is compounded by our lack of ability to travel over the last year and a half.”
For James, Open Road is the third in a trilogy of records, a natural follow up to the 2018 JUNO Award-winning Miles To Go, an album that garnered worldwide attention as it debuted on the Billboard Blues Chart, the iTunes Blues Chart, and added six new Maple Blues Awards to Colin’s running total of 27.
“Those two records, in a way they’re almost straight blues, and through them, we found a new audience, especially in America. They also had a fair number of covers; some of them reimagined versions of songs I’ve known since I was 12 or 13 years old. So, on Open Road I wanted to try and stay true to that kind of blues, but also to show some growth.”
Open Road mines the past and present for inspiration in equal measure. It’s also a record that finds James looking forward with determination. After 19 months and a change of Covid, everyone feels more than a bit down and done. But while James isn’t immune to that feeling, the variety of blues he presents on Open Road – rather than dwelling on struggle – is meant to lift people’s spirits, encourage them to shake off the shadows, and move forward in a way that’s fiercely hopeful.
Directed by Cole Northey, “Down On The Bottom” video opens with Colin James driving a Classic Black ’66 Mustang convertible down a dirt country road as the crack of drums and searing guitar roll in. With soaring vocals, James rocks this cover (Bob Dylan, Jim James) with a sweet, sanctified feel that preaches a loner’s gospel and an arrangement that keeps James’ vocal talent front and center. His guitar tones are crisp and beautiful, embellishing the spaces around his voice creating magic. James displays a master’s touch here and has created one of the finest roots music videos of 2021. The song was produced by Colin James and Dave Meszaros.
Following this summer’s first track release, “Down On The Bottom,” the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Famer has revealed the release’s latest single in the title track “Open Road” — available now.
In delivering 20-plus albums across 30-plus years, a look back over Colin James’ career reveals a timeline rich in highlights, kicking off when he subbed in for a no-show opening act at a Stevie Ray Vaughan concert in his hometown of Regina. He’s been following the path Vaughan set out for him that night when Stevie Ray told him, “I’m opening doors for you –walk through them.”
His 1988 self-titled debut, featuring two self-penned hits, “Voodoo Thing” and “Five Long Years,” was the fastest-selling album in Canadian history, winning him his first of now-seven JUNOs, and an opening spot on tour with Keith Richards.
In addition to his own studio offerings, Colin James has worked with some of the world's most revered artists across his multi-decade career — including Bonnie Raitt, Albert Collins, Pops Staples, Robert Cray, Albert King, Keith Richards, Lenny Kravitz, ZZ Top, Mavis Staples, Luther Allison, Roomful of Blues, Bobby King and Terry Evans, John Hammond Jr., The Chieftains, Carlos Santana, Little Feat, Johnny Hallyday, Jeff Healey, and Buddy Guy.
And beyond his own recording and touring to massive sold-out crowds, he is a prolific songwriter, with his music recorded by the likes of Maria Muldaur, Lucinda Williams, and Johnny Hallyday. He is also credited with launching the swing revival in Canada, thanks to his wildly popular Little Big Band.
Colin James Tour Dates November 8, 2021 – Qualicom Civic Centre – Qualicom Beach, BC November 9, 2021 – Tidemark Theatre – Campbell River, BC November 10, 2021 – Evergreen Theatre – Powell River, BC November 13, 2021 – Cleland Theatre – Penticton, BC November 14, 2021 – Performing Arts Centre – Vernon, BC November 15, 2021 – Key City Theatre – Cranbrook, BC November 17, 2021 – Festival Place – Sherwood Park, AB November 18, 2021 – Festival Place – Sherwood Park, AB November 20, 2021 – Vic Juba Theatre – Lloydminster, AB November 21, 2021 – Lougheed PAC – Cargill Theatre Camrose, AB November 23, 2021 – Blues At The Bow – Bow Island, AB November 24, 2021 – Blues At The Bow – Bow Island, AB
Award-winning Canadian singers and songwriters that come together nationally for the Saying Goodbye concertheld in honour of National Grief and Bereavement Day!
Hosted by Tara Shannon, talent performing includes Johnny Reid, Gregory Charles, John McDermott, Michelle Wright, Fred Penner, Jenn Grant, Ray Legere and many more...
Saying Goodbye is a national concert on November 14 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST with performers from across each province and territory, held in honour and awareness of National Grief and Bereavement Day on November 16, 2021. The national virtual live stream can be found at Sayinggoodbyeconcert.ca.Saying Goodbye is hosted by the National Arts Centre (NAC) and presented by the Canadian Hospice and Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) in partnership with all provincial palliative care associations across Canada.
Just four short years after making the 60-hour drive from Vancouver, BC Canada to Music City U.S.A, Carolyn Dawn Johnson scored her first chart-topping hit as a songwriter when Chely Wright took ‘Single White Female’ all the way to No 1. The success then led to publishing deals and cuts with several other artists like Patty Loveless, Mindy McCready, Kathy Mattea, Pam Tillis, SheDaisy, Lila McCann, Suzy Bogguss, Linda Davis, Jo Dee Messina & more.
The life and career of hit singer-songwriter Carolyn Dawn Johnson has been a steady climb to the top, as she remains a staple in the country music industry today. With a career that spans nearly 20 years, Carolyn is writing and producing with some of the world’s rising stars in music today. She is headlining shows on both sides of the border and performing with some of the biggest names in country music today.
Johnson is revered as one of the most successful female voices in country radio in Canada, an artist that accomplished the same respect from the music industry and her peers on both sides of the border early on in her career. She has that same respect for her music today as she did 20 years ago.
''Carolyn is a special soul and a woman of great depth. She is so talented and one of the most humble artists I know in this business. I still don't believe she understands what she has contributed to the opportunities and careers of all the top country female artists we listen to on the radio today. Carolyn has been busy writing and producing with several top artists and she has been busy writing new music for some projects coming up in 2022. To hear the amazing journey of music, her career and her life's special moments, listen to my chat with Carolyn Dawn JohnsonHERE.
Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #120 w/ Canadian Country Star Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Click HERE
Carolyn Dawn Johnson - Complicated
Carolyn Dawn Johnson - I Don't Want You To Go
Carolyn Dawn Johnson - Georgia
Carolyn Dawn Johnson - Simple Life
Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #120 w/ Canadian Country Star Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Click HERE
Following the success of their third #1 at country radio with “Over All Over Again,” PLATINUM-selling country stars James Barker Band (JBB) are back with “New Old Trucks” feat. 14x Grammy-nominated and multi-PLATINUM selling artist Dierks Bentley. An anthem for every small-town truck enthusiast, the new track embodies JBB’s passion and knowledge for trucks and the memories they know so many fans have with their own pick-ups.
“We were so surprised no one had written this song yet,” said JBB frontman James Barker on how the track came to be. “When we got in the room to write a few months ago two of us actually came separately with this exact idea so we knew we had something good. When writing songs you always want every lyric to be true but sometimes you have to stretch things a bit. That wasn’t the case with this - every lyric was something one of us had experienced; the first line is actually about my first truck.”
Written by James Barker, Jordan Minton (Keith Urban, Dan & Shay), Hunter Phelps (Florida Georgia Line), and Casey Brown (Russel Dickerson), “New Old Trucks” brought together four of the industry’s top songwriters who also happen to know a thing or two about trucks. Having all grown up in rural country areas across the U.S. and Canada the track came together naturally as they reminisced about their own memories of driving around with their dads on weekends and buying their own first trucks. Anchored in nostalgia from the smell of old leather interiors each remembers so fondly, the track paints a vivid story that so many will relate to whether it’s tied to a truck or not —of the tangible things in life that we hold closest because of the memories they have helped us create.
Today’s release marks a full-circle moment for JBB as they come together with Dierks Bentley, an artist that they have looked up to since starting the band in 2015. The four-piece has covered a number of songs by Bentley throughout their sets over the years and had the chance to play with the multi-ACM and CMA nominated artist in 2016 during a show at Boots and Bourbon in Toronto. After just one listen of “New Old Trucks,” Bentley knew he wanted to be a part of the track. While it may sound like the song was written for a JBB and Bentley collaboration from the start, the perfect harmonies were really just the stars aligning. “We’ve looked up to Dierks since we started out and always respected everything he brought to country music. We can’t thank him enough for going so far out of his way to champion us and make us feel like we mattered even when we were still just a band scrapping for tips every night,” said Barker.
"I’ve tried to write a few songs over the years that reflect how I feel about my ‘94 Chevy truck, and why I’ve never gotten a new one,” said Bentley. "After hearing this song, however, I knew I’d never try to write one again...this song says it all. I’m honoured that the James Barker Band invited me to be a part of it. It hits home with me big time."
Earlier this spring, JBB announced a landmark U.S. record deal with Sony Music Nashville and Villa 40 and released their first track with the new label, “Over All Over Again.” In just a few months the track took its spot on the top of the charts earning them their third #1 on Canadian radio. The 2019/2020 CMA nominees for International Artist of the Year kept busy this summer with shows across Canada and the U.S. while continuing their unprecedented live stream series on their Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok social media channels. The Live Stream series culminated with their 150th show on September 27. With over 205 Million Global Streams under their belt, James Barker Bandhas fans and industry alike on both sides of the border taking notice.
Music's Journey Podcast 
Music's Journey Podcast 
Music's Journey Podcast
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Music's Journey Podcast
Music's Journey Podcast 
Music's Journey Podcast 
Open Road, Via Stony Plain Records Available Now
