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Jeff Bates
That’s What Christmas Is
Jeff Bates
That’s What Christmas Is
When Jeff Bates was considering recording and releasing a Christmas song for the holiday season, he initially thought about doing a traditional tune that everyone would know.
Then he thought, “Golly, why can’t we just write one?” and that’s exactly what Jeff did. With the help of his buddies Kirk Roth and Robert Arthur, he penned “That’s What Christmas Is,” a tune that may very well become a classic in its own right.
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Coley McCabe
Hell and Half of Kansas
Coley McCabe
Hell and Half of Kansas
Popular singer/songwriter Coley came to Nashville straight out of the hills of West Virginia. She has co-penned songs recorded by artists such as Loretta Lynn, SHeDAISY and Kristy Lee Cook. You may remember her RCA Records single “Grow Young With You” a few years back—and now she’s working on a new album. “After RCA,” explains Coley, “I co-starred in a feature film, Alabama Love Story, then I went through a rough personal period that kinda deflated me for a while. I’ve learned a lot, grown a lot and I’m so ready to get my music out there in a big way.”
About “Hell and Half of Kansas”
Written by Coley. For more on Coley, log on to myspace.com/coleymccabemusic.
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Julia Burton
What a Woman Wants
Julia Burton
What a Woman Wants
Positive , inspiring songs about the “power of a woman” and things a “woman wants,” might get a boost from this talented West Virginia native. From playing at The World Famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge in Nashville to opening for Wynonna Judd and Jo Dee Messina, Julia never misses a chance to perform and interact with a crowd. Offstage, she dedicates much of her time to The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, an organization she became involved with and dedicated to through her time serving as Miss West Virginia in 2004. Julia’s debut album is slated for release in spring 2009.
About “What a Woman Wants”
Written by Debra Bradshaw, Tamika Tyler and Willie Mack. For more on Julia, check out juliaburton.com and myspace.com/juliabburton.
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Cerrito
Adio Mi Vida, Adios
Cerrito
Adio Mi Vida, Adios
This truly dynamic, internationally-known live performer adds a dash of old-fashioned romance to traditional country music, as he combines the sounds reminiscent of Freddy Fender’s Tex Mex music with the down-home styles of the likes of Merle Haggard and George Jones—while shifting lyrics effortlessly between Spanish and English. “Blending English and Spanish in my music is instinctive for me,” declares Cerrito. Already a star in Mexico, Honduras, Europe, the United Kingdom and Japan with hits on the charts worldwide, he has recorded duets with CMA Female Vocalist Janie Fricke and Jett Williams.
About “Adio Mi Vida, Adios”
Written by Cerrito and Philip Russell. For more on Cerrito, check out myspace.com/Cerrito99.
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Clear Blue 22
Happy
Clear Blue 22
Happy
This megatalented trio began when former United States Air Force meteorologist Jasmine West posted a “Vocalist Seeks Band” ad. Paul Reyes (rhythm guitar and vocals) and Don Simpson (bass and vocals) had been working together for seven years, but were on the lookout for a dynamic vocalist. Paul and Don came across West’s ad, and when they met it was clear they all shared a passion and musical chemistry. Their Wild in the West CD, produced by Ted Hewitt (Rodney Atkins), illustrates why Clear Blue 22 quickly became one of Nevada’s favorite country-rock bands. Their current single, “Happy,” has fans and critics smiling.
About “Happy”
For more on the trio, go to clearblue22.com and myspace.com/clearblue22.
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Previously Available Downloads
Even though Country Weekly’s free downloads are only offered for a two week period, you can still check out the photos and bios of these artists who have offered downloads in recent weeks.
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Joe Michael
Don’t You Want Some of That
Joe Michael
Don’t You Want Some of That
Growing up in Indiana, Kentucky and Texas, Joe got a taste for the road from an early age. Musical influences were as varied as his travels, from John Mellencamp to Alison Krauss to The Beatles. His debut CD, Don’t You Want Some of That, set for release in October of 2008, sports songs of love, pain and squalling tires. If you know of Joe, he was probably inspired by one of the massive racing events from this past summer’s NASCAR tour. One of the songs on this CD was written especially for his NASCAR fans, "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines." Catch Joe in summer 2009 on his next NASCAR tour.
About “Don’t You Want Some of That”
Written by Joe. For more on Joe, logon to myspace.com/joemichaelmusic.
We’re sorry, this track is no longer available as a free download.
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Cody McCarver
Through God’s Eyes
Cody McCarver
Through God’s Eyes
Real! That describes Cody. Call him a “good ol’ boy” and he smiles with pride. Brought up in Dunlap, Tenn., he began playing piano in church at age 9. He taught himself to play multiple instruments, and by age 17 had moved from hymns to honky-tonks. Cody never broke stride in pursuing his dream to be a singer and paid his dues playing bass with Lynn Anderson before joining Confederate Railroad. As a solo performer, Cody’s had chart hits with “Red Flag” and “Through God’s Eyes” and a hit video for "Red Flag.” Check out Cody’s self-titled CD.
About “Through God’s Eyes”
Written by Cody and Davey Smith. For more on Cody, go to codymccarver.com and myspace.com/codymccarver.
We’re sorry, this track is no longer available as a free download.
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Bluefield
Drive Away
Bluefield
Drive Away
This popular duo is comprised of Rick Ferrell and Jennifer Hicks, both individually talented as singers, songwriters and musicians. “Drive Away,” which they wrote together, is their current single. Rick also wrote the smash hits “Something Like That” for Tim McGraw and “Where Would You Be” for Martina McBride. Jennifer was a finalist on NBC’s nationwide hit talent program Nashville Star. She is also is a native Nashvillian who grew up around the legends of country music—her father was a steel guitar player for many of the Music City’s most famous artists.
About “Drive Away”
written by Rich nd Jennifer. For more on this duo, check out myspace.com/bluefieldband.
We’re sorry, this track is no longer available as a free download.
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Shawn Hammonds
Everything
Shawn Hammonds
Everything
Shawn co-wrote his debut single, “Everything,” with hit songwriters Don Goodman and Rich Alves. Shawn’s passion for country music was instilled at an early age through his musician father, who played drums for Grand Ole Opry greats Connie Smith and Jeannie Seely. His musical idol was the late Grand Ole Opry star Johnny Paycheck, for whom he served as a bodyguard. Shawn’s other influences include George Jones, Merle Haggard and Alan Jackson. Shawn was raised in the Ohio River town of Newport. He is a world-class black belt practitioner and professor of the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
About “Everything”
Written by Shawn, Don Goodman and Rich Alves. For more on Shawn, check out myspace.com/shawnhammonds101.
We’re sorry, this track is no longer available as a free download.
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Angie Long
Place to Fall
Angie Long
Place to Fall
After enlisting in the Air Force as an intelligence analyst for the Stealth Bomber, Angie discovered musical opportunities with Tops in Blue and the Air Force Band. She’s opened for Darius Rucker, Trick Pony, Blues Traveler, Darryl Worley and Jamie O'Neal—and even President George W. Bush—entertaining troops worldwide from Iraq to Singapore. Following her enlistment, Angie moved to Nashville. She recently performed at the taping of the TV special Holiday Notes From Home: A Christmas Tribute for the Troops, featuring Wynonna, which will air on GAC and the American Forces Network during the holiday season. Her independent debut album, Sweet Magnolia, will be released in January.
About “Place to Fall”
Written by Angie and Bobby Johnson. For more on Angie, go to myspace.com/angielongmusic.
We’re sorry, this track is no longer available as a free download.
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LoCash Cowboys
You Got Me
LoCash Cowboys
You Got Me
Chris Lucas and Preston Brust surrendered their individual identities to become the multifaceted LoCash Cowboys. Even as an unsigned act, they were nominated to the CMA’s Top 10 ballot for Vocal Duo of the Year in 2006 and 2008. The boys play over 200 concerts a year and have performed live on MTV, CMT, VH1, TLC, and TNA Wrestling pay-per-view, and at the CMA Music Fest, the CMA Awards afterparty, the 2006 Miss America pageant, and the halftime show for the exhibition game of the 2008 U.S. men’s Olypmic basketball team. Their media success is unheard of without a single on the charts. They are sponsored by Maxim magazine, Budweiser and Red Man.
photo by Mark DeLong
About “You Got Me”
Written by Preston Brust, Chris Lucas, and Erik Halbig. Find out more about the boys at www.locashcowboys.com and myspace.com/thelocashcowboys.
We’re sorry, this track is no longer available as a free download.
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Amanda Henkel
A Million and One
Amanda Henkel
A Million and One
Amanda’s self-titled, five-song EP is a showcase of vibrant and compelling songs, including the upcoming single, “A Million and One.” An international supermodel and spokesperson for Hawaiian Tropic, Amanda grew up in Slidell, La., and dreamed of a country music career. As a youngster, she sang on the Louisiana fair circuit, formed a country band with her sister Pamela, and made it onto the popular Louisiana Music Cavalcade. “Modeling was my ticket to many amazing opportunities,” she declares, “but I never stopped thinking about my musical dream. This is what I’ve been waiting to do my whole life.”
About “A Million and One”
Written by Rodney Clawson, Andrew Dorff and Sharon Vaughn. For more on Amanda, got to amandahenkel.net or myspace.com/amandahenkel.
We’re sorry, this track is no longer available as a free download.
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Thompson Ward
Stank
Thompson Ward
Stank
This popular duo stomped into Nashville to put some funk into country music. Thompson Ward’s debut album, Porch Funk, is an inspired mix of country, rock, soul and southland roots. Bryan Ward, who headed south from Maryland years ago, and Steve Thompson, born and raised in Mississippi, never had to look far for inspiration. “We have always felt proud and fortunate to have started this band in an environment so rich with musical talent. Rock ’n’ roll, blues, gospel—they all started here,” explains Thompson. “Mississippi gave us the stories . . . the music is how we tell them.”
About “Stank”
Written by Steve and Bryan. For more on the duo, go to thompsonward.com and myspace.com/thompsonward.
We’re sorry, this track is no longer available as a free download.
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Keni Thomas
Gunslinger
Keni Thomas
Gunslinger
Whether standing on the Grand Ole Opry stage or entertaining troops in Iraq, Keni uses his God-given gifts to deliver a message through words and music. And his talent shines through on his new album, Gunslinger. The first single, “Shreveport 2 LA,” garnered incredible response from fans, whose votes propelled the video into GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown chart for the past three months. Keni wrote or co-wrote seven tracks on the new album, including the title track. He heads back to visit the troops this December on the USO’s Hope and Freedom holiday tour.
About “Gunslinger”
Written by Keni Thomas. For more on Keni, check out kenithomas.com and myspace.com/kenithomas.
We’re sorry, this track is no longer available as a free download.
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Chris “Abby” Abbondanza
Promised Land
Chris “Abby” Abbondanza
Promised Land
Former PovertyNeck Hillbillies frontman Chris “Abby” Abbondanza grew up on a farm outside Pittsburgh, Pa., where he spent time hunting, fishing and playing baseball and football. In 2002, Abby joined the dynamic group known as the PovertyNeck Hillbillies. The band was a regional smash, selling upwards of 60,000 albums in western Pennsylvania and developing a dedicated fan base along the East Coast. After the band broke up this past January, Abby found himself in the studio almost immediately, writing the bulk of the songs for his debut solo release, due out in November.
About “Promised Land”
Written by Chris, Bob Corbin, Gary Duffy and John Colgin. For more on Chris, logon to myspace.com/abbyabbondanza or abbyabbondanza.com.
We’re sorry, this track is no longer available as a free download.
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Waycross
Cutting Down the Cross
Waycross
Cutting Down the Cross
Waycross is a hot duo showcasing the distinct vocal talent and instrumental blend of Ted Moxley and Ben Stennis. The duo was formed in 2000 after they met at a songwriter’s venue in Nashville called Douglas Corner. Ted and Ben found national success in 2007 when they recorded and released their powerful debut single, “Nineteen,” about a hometown soldier killed in Iraq. Their follow-up single, “Cutting Down the Cross,” was penned by Ray Stephenson and Lee Brice—and, once again, a Waycross song carries a strong emotional message.
About “Cutting Down the Cross”
Written by Ray Stephenson and Lee Brice. Check out the duo at myspace.com/waycross.
We’re sorry, this track is no longer available as a free download.
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Buffalo Rome
Big Sky
Buffalo Rome
Big Sky
Blending today’s modern country with an earthy feel reminiscent of the 1970’s West Coast country rock scene, Buffalo Rome brings a vinyl vibe to the digital age. Though they have only been together a short time, they have already appeared on the Great American Country cable network and, according to GAC host Storme Warren, “are the closest thing to the Eagles I’ve heard.” Bandmates Bill McCorvey, Kevin Douglas and Michael Visconti hail from different parts of the country, but when you hear their stunning three-part harmony, you’d swear they were brothers.
About “Big Sky”
Written by Bill, Kevin and Al Sostrin. For more on the band, check out buffalorome.com and myspace.com/buffalorome.
We’re sorry, this track is no longer available as a free download.
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