the billy block show - april 2013

JESSICA CAYNE

RAVEN CLIFF

MELANIE MERINEYSARAH AMES

PHOENIX DRIVE • THE HINCKLEY BROTHERS • ABERDEEN GREEN • THE BEN FLANDERS PROJECT • DAVID NEWBOULD • ROCKY BLOCK • JESSICA CAYNE • BRIAN DUNNE • STAN MARTIN • SHAWN JONES • STEPHANIE URBINA JONES • ROBBIE WALDEN BAND • PAT T E R S ON BA R R E T T • A N NA HA AS • DI X I E JA DE • RICHIE SCHOLL • GRANNY 4 BARREL • JEFF BATSON • CJ SOLAR BAND • LAUREL CANYON

MERCY LOUNGE BILLYBLOCK.COM APRIL 2013

THE MAVERICKS TRINITY BRADSHAW

2 BILLY BLOCK MAGAZINE | APRIL 2013

The amazing amount of exciting new artists and music com-ing to our show in April is mind boggling. Having produced this show every Tuesday night for seventeen years, you’d think at some point you’d become jaded about the embarrassment of riches we have when it comes to the volume of talent at our disposal. The enthusiasm these new artists have instilled is elec-trifying.

The first Tuesday in April is only the tip of the iceberg of incredi-bleness shining forth from our stage; from young Belmont grad Melanie Meriney’s supple vocals, to the catchy radio tones of young Country rockers Phoenix Drive, to the sibling harmonies

and Bluegrass sounds of The Hinckley Brothers, and the strains of Appalachia ema-nating from female duo Aberdeen Green. We are also throwing into the mix Nashville’s most talked about new band Raven Cliff, and topping it off with Americana troubadour David New-bould’s amazing story songs.

Other noteworthy new artists include our April 9th guests Trinity Bradshaw— a wonderfully gifted artist from Canada who is also our SOCAN Artist of the Month— and all the way from New York City comes young Brian Dunne, a gentleman we met courtesy of Delaney McClinton on her dad Delbert’s Blues Cruise. On April 16th we move over to The High Watt stage and welcome Big Vinny’s pals The Robbie Walden Band, triple threat country artist Stan Martin—who plays Tele like Pete Anderson, sings like Dwight Yoakam and writes like his own self— and former Waylon guitarist and Blues star Shawn Jones, making a rare trip to Nashville. Sarah Ames makes her debut and is bringing along some stellar friends like Josh Mathney. My good friend Ferg has a new band called Dixie Jade that he says is, “The Eagles meets Fleetwood Mac.” Should be fun!

On Tuesday, April 23rd, we move to The Cannery Ballroom as we welcome The Mavericks in a very special benefit for our good friend Manny Cuevas. The Wear It Out, Wear It Well concert features tons of Manny’s talented friends and supporters who are gathering to raise money to help with his current medical issues.

On April 30th, we are back at The High Watt with outstanding new music from CJ Solar, Jeff Batson, Anna Haas, and new Folk Rock band Laurel Canyon.

Upcoming Billy Block Presents events include Blues Night at Puckett’s Boat House with The Derek St. Holmes Blues Explosion from 7-9pm, The Cumberland Collective’s Gospel Sunday Suppers from 6-9pm at Puckett’s Downtown, Folk Night at Two Old Hippies the last Wednes-day of every month and The Cumberland Collective Giving Experience on Wednesday April 24th at The Station Inn.

For details make sure to check out our new website, watch our webcasts and catch us on Com-cast Channel 9 every Monday, Thursday, and Friday at 7pm. Questions? Call the office at 615-665-8772 or email me: [email protected] are on the twitters too @billyblock!

See you at the show!

Love to all,

Watch thE BILLY BLOcK ShOW ON tV!EVErY MONdaY @ 7pMEVErY FrIdaY @ 10pM

ON MUSIc cItY artS chaNNEL 9

JOIN US LIVE!EVErY tUESdaY at thE

MErcY LOUNGEStartING at 6pM

- Billy, Jill, Rocky, Grady, Micheal and Lucky

3BILLY BLOCK MAGAZINEAPRIL 2013 |


TUESDAY, April 2ND at THE MERCY LOUNGE

Melanie Meriney grew up in Pittsburgh, PA on country radio that her mom played around the house. In third grade, after begging her parents to take her to a Shania Twain concert where she only knew one song, she knew exactly what she wanted to be doing with her life. At twelve, Melanie picked up a guitar, which completely changed the way she was able to write songs. While performing at various open mics, church, and school functions, Melanie finally set her sights on Nashville and Belmont University. A current senior Songwriting major, she has just released her first EP All the Good Songs. Her style is influenced by Shania Twain, Phil Vassar, Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, and Fleetwood Mac.

THE BILLY BLOCK SHOW

MELANIE MERINEY

Phoenix Drive is a modern Country/Rock band hailing from the Atlanta area. Beginning with founding members Jon Scott, Brian Powers, and Chris Combs in early 2010, Phoenix Drive came to full fruition in 2011 with the additions of Felicity Combs and David Rollins. With a sound that has often been compared to the earlier music of Fleetwood Mac, Keith Urban, and more recently, The Civil Wars, they’re turning many an ear and eye with their dynamic live shows, solid musicianship, powerful duo lead vocalists, and intricate three-part harmonies.

7:00

PHOENIX DRIVE

www.reverbnation.com/melaniemeriney

6:00

Derek, Nathan, & Spencer have been singing and living the musician’s life since before they even had a choice. Raised in East Tennessee, where their blood runs orange and white, the brothers live for singing together anywhere they can: on a stage, in a hallway, or on the back porch. Influenced by artists and bands such as The Eagles, Nickel Creek, and even R&B groups like Boyz II Men, The Hinckley Brothers have a wide ranging musical taste, and it shows in the creativity of their songwriting and vocal arrangements.

8:00

THE HINCKLEY BROTHERS

www.thehinckleysmusic.comwww.phoenixdrive.net


From two different farms in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Shenandoah Valley, Carley and Amanda bring a little bit of their authentic, homegrown Appalachian sound to Nashville. Carley’s gritty, raw vocals and the lonesome sound coming out of Amanda’s stellar set of pipes reflect the influence of artists like Allison Krauss, and Bonnie Raitt. Put these two together, and the result is something truly magical – something often referred to as blood harmonies. And it’s easy to get hooked on their cool, Americana vibe.

8:30

ABERDEEN GREEN

www.aberdeengreenmusic.com

David Newbould is an Americana singer/songwriter who has been writing songs and performing for over twenty years. His sixth album, Tennessee (independent), was released in March, and his songs have been featured on TV’s Criminal Minds, Dawson’s Creek, and more. He prides himself on having worked with some of Americana and Rock-n-Roll’s greatest musicians (including Redd Volkaert, Dan Dugmore, Jon Dee Graham), and converting new followers with every passionate and dedicated performance he gives, both solo and with his band.

9:30

DAVID NEWBOULD

www.davidnewbould.com

Raven Cliff is named for the childhood swimming hole in Virginia where many of the band’s members spent their summer days. With musical influences ranging from George Strait to Led Zepplin, this group blends 70s Southern Rock guitar riffs with the acoustic heavy Pop of groups like The Eagles and the traditionally inspired Country of artists like Ricky Scaggs. Raven Cliff gives it all a modern twist and lays it on the line with clever lyrics that speak to home, the heartland, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

9:00

RAVEN CLIFF

www.reverbnation.com/ravencliff


TUESDAY, April 9th at THE MERCY LOUNGE


Stephanie Urbina Jones became the first independent female artist to reach #1 on the Texas Music Chart,. She has played the female lead in the Texas Western, Courage, and is poised to be the first Hispanic American female to break through Country music. Jones is not only a proven songwriter and vocalist, she is a passionate performer with a presence that is

infectious. This year, Stephanie will be crossing borders from Texas to tour the US, Mexico, and Europe, including the Country Rendez-Vous Festival in France and the Montreux Jazz Festival in Swiztzerland.

6:00

STEPHANIE URBINA JONES

This twenty-one-year-old native of Summerside, PEI, Canada became the youngest winner of the Summerside Festival Talent Search at age fourteen. At fifteen, she won the East Coast Battle of the Bands Sound-Off, which led to the first of several performances at the Canadian East Coast Music Awards. In December 2011,

Trinity was declared winner of the Sugar Crisp Canadian National Songwriting Contest, and in January 2013, she won Canada’s 90.3 AMP Radio Rock Star Contest. Think original Country, Roots and Pop -all rolled up into a fun and inspiring bundle!

7:00

TRINITY BRADSHAW

Rocky Block was raised in a musical family and started playing drums at six months old. Now sixteen, Rocky plays six instruments and sings and writes his own songs in addition to covering tunes from his favorite artists. Now, Rocky Block emerges as a solo artist on guitar, bass, drums, mandolin, ukulele, and keyboards, supported by his brother Grady on

drums and vocals. Young Rocky Block has already played the Legendary Ryman Auditorium stage, Nashville’s Mercy Lounge, and The High Watt. His debut single and video “Love You Out Loud” is officially released in Spring 2013 following his sixteenth birthday, and is available digitally on all platforms.

8:00

ROCKY BLOCK

Jessica Cayne is unexpected. As a contestant on NBC’s Season 3 of The Voice, she was ikened to Joss Stone with an Americana feel, and recognized for her bold vocals, lyrics, and as a s inger/songwriter with a wide range

of experience and stage presence. She has a strong, soulful voice and really works her vocal range within a song, all the while strumming out groovy chord progressions on her acoustic guitar.

8:30

JESSICA CAYNE

Hailing from the small town of Monroe, New York, Pop/Rock solo artist Brian Dunne is currently based in Manhattan. A music lover from the tender age of two, Brian has always had an ear and talent for music, playing the guitar and writing songs since the age of six. Brian’s influences span from a wide range of artists including Sam Cooke, Tom Waits, and

Bruce Springsteen. After playing consistently in the Boston music scene for the past four years, Brian released his debut EP in Fall 2010. Brian currently resides in NYC, where he is supporting his latest release, The Brooklyn Bridge EP.

9:00

BRIAN DUNNE

The past nine months have been both entertaining and productive for Austin-based Americana artist Patterson Barrett. In August you could find him playing at the largest rodeo and music Festival in Europe—Equiblues—where he sang and played pedal steel guitar and keyboards with four different acts. A little later

that same month, he was in the home studio with Buddy Miller, laying down keyboard tracks for the splendid Buddy and Jim CD. In October, Barrett released his sophomore solo record, When I Was Your Age…a solidly Americana CD, with elements of Folk, Rock and Country evident.

9:30

PATTERSON BARRETT

www.stephanieurbinajones.com

rockyblock.bandcamp.com www.reverbnation.com/jessicacayne

www.briandunnemusic.net

www.trinitybradshaw.com

www.pattersonbarrett.com


TUESDAY, April 16th at THE HIGH WATT


Special guest host allie FARRIS

Shawn Jones is the epitome of American Roots/Rock music. Jones has been on the road for twenty-plus years and has shared the stage with some of America’s greatest Roots/Blues/Country artists. His latest CD, Struggle Makes You Stronger, was picked up by Right Track Distribution, licensed through the Universal Group in the UK. Shawn was Waylon Jennings’ guitarist on his 1996 release Right For The Time and played lead guitar in his band on the Lollapalooza tour. He continues to tour with Country artist Deana Carter as her lead guitarist.

8:00

SHAWN JONES

www.shawnjonesmusic.com

Although new to Nashville, former Iraq War ARMY veteran and Tacoma, Washington native, Robbie Walden, is no stranger to performing or touring. Over the last two years, the Robbie Walden Band has played over 200 shows all over the western states, and has quickly built one of the largest and most loyal fan bases in independent Country. Dubbed a “mainstream outlaw” by radio, Robbie has created a unique mixture of Vintage/ Texas Country with a Northwest twist.

6:00

ROBBIE WALDEN BAND

www.robbiewalden.com

When you consider places that an emerging traditional country artist might come from, Boston rarely comes to mind. Perhaps that’s a good thing for Stan Martin. He stands out as one of the most promising

traditional Country artists to come out of New England in some time. His fourth studio album, Distilled Influences, (named from the term Martin uses to describe his sound) was released in August. Adding current Haggard fiddler Scott Joss on several of the tracks makes perfect sense, rounding out both the album’s sound and its formidable list of players.

7:00

STAN MARTIN

www.stanmartin.net


After growing up in the Bay Area in California, and spending two years in USC’s Popular Music Performance program, Sarah Ames moved to Nashville in 2011 to continue to pursue music. Influenced by Patty Griffin, Faith Hill, and Bonnie Raitt, Sarah mixes elements of Soul and Blues with contemporary Country. She continues to write and perform, and has appeared as a lead in Dierks Bentley’s latest video, “Tip It On Back”.

8:30

SARAH AMES

www.facebook.com/sarahamesmusic

With his six-string skills best described as a fusion of Metal, Southern Rock, and Psychedelia, Ben Flanders is an accomplished Guitarist, Producer, and Composer, based in Nashville, Tennessee. Officially endorsed by the Ernie Ball MusicMan Guitar Company, Ben is currently working on his first Instrumental EP, White Noise, due out in spring of 2013. The Ben Flanders Project is a promotion toward all of Ben Flanders’ music and productions, with Elliot Huff, Marcelo Bakos, and Jeff Coggins, based in Nashville, Tennessee.

9:00

BEN FLANDERS PROJECT

www.facebook.com/TheBenFlandersProject

Nashville-based trio, Dixie Jade, consists of Luke Robinson, Dominique Ruiz, and Andrea Crisalli. Robinson’s vocals and acoustic guitar work add an authenticity that belies his youth. The paradoxical Ruiz lends her demure, vocals and her sharply honed skills on electric guitar. The enigmatic Crisalli rounds out the trio with an impressive display of vocal power. Melding fresh, three-part harmonies reminiscent of The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac to a set of catchy new songs, Dixie Jade puts a fresh twist on modern Country music.

9:30

DIXIE JADE

www.facebook.com/DixieJadeBand


MerleFest and WCC are 100% Tobacco Free.

April 25-28, 2013

Tickets Still Available!Featuring: Richard Watson • Sam Bush • The Avett Brothers • Matraca Berg • The Charlie Daniels Band • Donna the Buffalo • Jerry Douglas • Warren Haynes and Gov’t Mule • The Kruger Brothers • Jim Lauderdale • The Del McCoury Band and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band • Tift Merritt • Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out • Nitty Gritty Dirt Band • Leon Russell • Steep Canyon Rangers • Rhonda Vincent & The Rage • And many more! See the complete lineup at www.merlefest.org.

Gov’t Mule Leon Russell

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out

Jim Lauderdale

Rhonda Vincent The Charlie Daniels Band

The Del McCoury Band and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Steep Canyon Rangers

Sam BushThe Kruger Brothers

The Avett Brothers

1-800-343-7857 l www.MerleFest.orgfacebook.com/merlefest twitter.com/merlefest

© 2013 by Lowe’s.® All rights reserved. Lowe’s and the gable design are registered trademarks of LF, LLC.


TUESDAY, April 30th at THE high watt


Jeff Batson is a singer/songwriter originally from the St. Louis suburb of Cahokia, Illinois. As a songwriter, he has over forty cuts by other artists to his credit, including the title cut on Tracy Lawrence’s Grammy-nominated gospel release, The Rock. As an artist he’s shared the stage with the likes of Hank Williams, Jr. and Keith Urban, and has also performed for our troops in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Diego Garcia. Jeff possesses an authentic gift for songwriting, and he sings with passion that makes his music satisfyingly void of routine mediocrity. His work as both a writer and performer will excite any fan of good honest music.

8:00

JEFF BATSON

CJ Solar Band has a high energy show and sound that came together at Belmont University in Nashville, TN where they are currently based. The band’s musical style is influenced by the soulful musicians from CJ’s home state of Louisiana, and its sound developed from covering a variety of music from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Stone Temple Pilots and CCR to Jason Aldean. CJ Solar’s edgy vocals are recognizable with his Southern flare, and the band’s songs are guitar driven between CJ and Zach Sheffler on lead guitar. Bennett McMordie keeps the beat on bass along with Nick Gibbens on drums.

7:00

CJ SOLAR BAND

Born and raised in the cattle, coal, and rail town of Rockhampton, in Queensland, Australia, Richie Scholl started playing bars and clubs, literally a few months after first picking up a guitar at age 13. Richie’s live shows, are a testament to the years spent “paying his dues” in front of a live crowd. Richie relocated to Nashville, TN in early 2007and began touring with national acts like Jason Michael Carroll, and Chuck Wicks. While on the road, Richie started writing material for what would become his third album, “One Step At A Time” which was released January 2011. Richie Scholl’s latest album, is already receiving great reviews, and airplay on both U.S and Australian radio.

www.richiescholl.com

6:00

RICHIE SCHOLL

www.cjsolarband.com www.reverbnation.com/jeffbatson


The locomotive just came off the tracks! Witness Country music’s first, and only, shock country rock n’ roll band, Granny 4 Barrel. Granny and her delinquent family hail from the woodlands of Upstate New York and take pride in unnerving folks across the country with their hellacious Charlie Daniels meets AC/DC sound and over the top stage show. When this backwoods ballerina and her posse storm the stage, it’s as unpredictable as a powder keg! The fuse is lit and Granny’s set to detonate her debut release this early 2013. Y’all aint never seen nothin’ like this before! Behold, country music’s craziest rock n’ roll outlaws....Waylon and Johnny’d be mighty proud!

8:30

GRANNY 4 BARREL

www.granny4barrel.com

Fiery redhead Anna Haas excites the senses instantly with a powerhouse voice and arrestingly honest lyrics, enhancing each line with wildly dramatic stage antics and heavy, soulful piano playing. A passionate risk-taker, Haas perpetually explores new ways to use the stage to make each show original and captivating, whether by incorporating subtle dance or fearlessly entering the audience. Staggering the thick line of influence of Lady Gaga and Patty Griffin, Haas is careful to keep the focus on the music, using her on-stage antics as an illustrative complement to the songs.

9:00

ANNA HAAS

It was the Summer of Love in the City of Angels. Young people were wearing long hair, growing beards and playing acoustic instruments. Songwriters like Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell & JD Souther were hangin’ out with The Buffalo Springfield, Linda Ronstadt & Long Branch Pennywhislte (who would become The Eagles). The strains of acoustic guitars, mandolins, and four part harmonies filled the air at clubs like The Troubadour and The Whiskey A Go Go. After the gig everyone tripped back to that magical place. It was called Laurel Canyon.

9:30

LAUREL CANYON

www.annahaas.com

When you come to the show, be sure to stop by Billy’s table and pick up some strings and

picks to try out...FrEE!

BACKSTAGE HOSPITALITY

PROVIDED BY


$5 cOVEr BUt WE GIVE YOU a $6 ShOW!SpONSOrEd BY: aScap | SESac | SOcaN

dUNLOp | NtS prOMEdIa | BUBBLE Up INtEractIVE | MaxSOUNd | pOSSE aUdIO

aprIL

NaShVILLE’S LEGENdarY BILLY BLOcK ShOW Celebrating 17 Years of Introducing Authentic Artists & Music

April 2nd at The Mercy Lounge6:00 Melanie Meriney- Country Diva7:00 Phoenix Drive- New Vocal Group8:00 The Hinckley Brothers- Sibling Harmonies8:30 Aberdeen Green- Female Appalachian Duo9:00 Raven Cliff- Country & Southern Rock9:30 David Newbould- Americana Singer/Songwriter April 9th at The Mercy Lounge6:00 Stephanie Urbina Jones- Latina Americana7:00 Trinity Bradshaw- SOCAN Artist of the Month8:00 Rocky Block- Teen Star8:30 Jessica Cayne- One to Watch9:00 Brian Dunne- Country Rocker9:30 Patterson Barrett- Austin Americana April 16th at The High Watt6:00 Robbie Walden Band- Country Rock7:00 Stan Martin- Dwight & Pete Combined!8:00 Shawn Jones- L.A. Blues/Rock8:30 Sarah Ames- Groovy Singer/Songwriter9:00 Ben Flanders Project- Guitar Hero9:30 Dixie Jade- Eagles meets Fleetwood Mac April 23rd at Cannery BallroomWear It Out, Wear it Well- A Benefit For Manny Cuevas6:00 William Stuart • Coy Taylor • Ty Bates6:30 Eric Lee Beddingfield • Craig Wayne Boyd • Doc Halladay7:00 Spencer Mulder • Brittany Dunbar • Greta Gaines7:30 Los Delgados • The Pit Crue • Craig Campbell8:00 Shawn Camp & Keith Gattis8:30 The Cumberland Collective9:00 The Mavericks with special guests April 30th at The High Watt6:00 Richie Scholl- APRA Artist of the Month7:00 CJ Solar- Southern Rock8:00 Jeff Batson- Country Crooner8:30 Granny 4 Barrel- Shock Country9:00 Anna Haas- Fiery Redhead9:30 Laurel Canyon- Folk Rock

Magazine art & production by Kelly hays

Trinity Bradshaw......................................................... “Big Town”David Newbould.............................. “Always Coming Home”Melanie Meriney.....................................“All The Good Songs”Phoenix Drive................................................. “A Fool’s Melody”Aberdeen Green.......................................... “Oh Shenandoah”Raven Cliff................................. “California, Here She Comes”Stephanie Urbina Jones............................ “I’m Not A Pinata”Brian Dunne.................................... “It Almost Feels Like You”Patterson Barret.............................................. “Take The Stage”Shawn Jones.......................................... “Life Is For The Living”Dixie Jade................................................ “We Ain’t Gotta Rush”Stan Martin................................................ “Goodbye Houston”Robbie Walden Band....................................................... “Ghost”Rocky Block.............................................. “Love You Out Loud”Ben Flanders Project.................................................. “It’s Okay”The Mavericks............................... “Back In Your Arms Again”Jim Lauderdale & Buddy Miller ........................“It Hurts Me”Jeff Batson............................................................................ “Learn”CJ Solar.......................................................... “Kiss Me Goodbye”Anna Haas....................................................... “Find Your Home”Shel...................................................................................... “Stained”Cumberland Collective.... “Bring A Lil’ Love To The Table”Granny 4 Barrel.................... “Colt Ford Stole My Girlfriend”Richie Scholl......................................................“Passenger Seat”Jenn Bostic........................................... “Jealous of the Angels”Danny Myrick........................................................... “Truck Yeah”Cathy Paty............................. “Something About The South”April Kry..................................................... “Heart Inside of You”Sam Hawksley....................................................... “Save My Life”Scott Mulvahill.......................................................... “Heartache”Alex Flanigan.......................................... “Diesel, Guns & Rust”Kree Woods.............................................. “Chance Happening”Charity Vance........................................................................ “Icing”Shannon Labrie....................................... “I Remember A Boy”The Bum Steers......................................................... “Stick Pony”Elise Davis............................................................. “Make The Kill”

BACKSTAGE HOSPITALITY PROVIDED BY

TRADER JOE’S GREEN HILLS

the billy block show - april 2013

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new website

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exciting new artists

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outstanding new music

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