The A-Side Record: Vol. 3
This column features my notes on music I’m listening to, project updates, and happenings in country music.
My syndicated radio program continues to grow! KickAss country is my latest affiliate - you can find ways to listen here.
On my latest episode I spotlighted Annie Bosko’s “Neon Baby” as my Pick of the Week. It’s contemporary-cool with neotraditional vibes. I can’t wait to check out the rest of her newly released self-titled EP – Hannah Dasher, Lainey Wilson, Jefferey Steele, and a bunch of other super talented songwriters have cuts on it.
Chris Stapleton’s “White Horse” continues to be one of my favorite songs on country radio. It’s so close to topping the charts and I don’t care how many times it gets played daily because I can’t get enough of it.
Kenny Chesney is working on a new album. His last album “Here and Now” was one of my favorites when it was released four years ago. “You Don’t Get To,” “Something To Fix,” and “Heartbreakers” are ones to check out!
Speaking about his upcoming album, Kenny says “I’m ready. Because of the amount of time we’ve had to work… and not just work, but really just hang out, write, experiment and play with different kinds of music… I got to go places, do some things we wouldn’t normally try because we have such a clear vision of what we’re trying to do.”
News is expected this spring about the release of the album.
Mark Miller of Sawyer Brown is set to release his memoir “The Boys and Me” on February 6, detailing the band’s hall-of-fame worthy career. I’ve been re-watching the TNN Music City Awards from the ‘90s, where Sawyer Brown would sweep the Vocal Band of the Year category year after year. Each time they would step on that stage to perform, it was magic. The connection of the band to their fans is unmatched in country music. I can’t wait to read Mark’s book!
The People’s Choice Awards are happening on February 18. Voting is open now. Lainey Wilson is a nominee in the all-genre Female Artist category. Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, and Morgan Wallen have multiple nominations. Love seeing my queen Shania in the Country Female category.
Big country news rolled in with the new year as three major artists announced their retirements from touring. Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys is departing the group’s farewell tour due to health issues but says he’s fine with his decision. A pair of 90s hitmakers are also saying farewell to hitting the road. Both John Michael Montgomery and Doug Stone will embark on farewell tours in 2024.
Tammy Wynette will be honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to country music. Other honorees include The Clark Sisters, Laurie Anderson, NWA, Gladys Knight, and Donna Summer. Would be cool if there was a performance honoring the First Lady of Country Music on the Grammy telecast coming up on 2/4.
On the horizon: I’m excited to listen to Hannah Ellis’ debut album which came out last Friday, I’ll be working on a guide to visiting the Grand Ole Opry – you’ll see that on the website soon, and you’ll hear new music from Tigerlily, Anne Wilson, and more on the next episode of Across The Country With Amanda.