10-Disc Set, CMA AWARDS LIVE: GREATEST MOMENTS 1968-2015, coming this summer

The news doesn't get much better for fans of classic and modern country music...

This August, reserve your front row seat to five decades of Country Music's biggest stars performing their greatest hits; available for the very first time at retail

 

CMA AWARDS LIVE: GREATEST MOMENTS 1968-2015

 

Packed with 127 Classics from a Country Music Who's Who, this Singular

10-Disc Set ($99.99 srp), Available on August 6, Includes Loretta Lynn,

Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan and Many More, and Also Features Newly-Produced Bonus Interviews, CMA Featurettes and a 44-Page Collectible Memory Book

Fairfax, VA - For 50 years, the CMA Awards have spotlighted the top performers of America's favorite music, capturing the songs and artists who've long provided a soundtrack for our lives. In addition to the yearly accolades presented to the biggest stars in country music, the program is famous for historic performances and collaborations - many of which are the first time legendary songs were featured on television.

Johnny Cash Performs "Folsom Prison Blues"
at the 2nd CMA Awards Show.

 

Taking home audiences from the early days of the CMA Awards to the present, CMA AWARDS LIVE: GREATEST MOMENTS 1968-2015 is a handsomely packaged 10-DVD collector's set filled with 127 unforgettable performances from five decades of the nationally-televised ceremony. The set features performances from many of the premiere artists in the genre who've helped to shape the history of country music - Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Barbara Mandrell, Buck Owens and Kenny Rogers as well as artists who've nurtured the sound over the past decade and taken the music to new heights, like Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban.

 

Carrie Underwood sings "Jesus Take the Wheel"
at the 39th CMA Awards Show.

the 10 packed discs, home audiences will discover a who's who of country artists, which also includes Alabama, Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Trisha Yearwood, Dwight Yoakam, and dozens more. And music lovers will thrill to the memorable, once-in-a-lifetime performances including Loretta Lynn's "Coal Miner's Daughter," Merle Haggard's "Okie from Muskogee," and Alan Jackson's "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)," as well as famous country duets and collaborations including "Jackson" by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, "Cowgirls Don't Cry," by Brooks & Dunn and Reba McEntire, and "Lady" by Kenny Rogers and Lionel Richie. 

 

Additional Highlights include:

 

• Newly produced bonus interviews with country legends including Charley Pride, Kenny Rogers, Naomi Judd, Ronnie Milsap and more. Plus CMA bonus features with Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Vince Gill, George Strait, Carrie Underwood and many other country music stars.
• 44-page memory book including show photos, a history of the CMA Awards, plus a year-by-year guide to 50 years of Award winners.

Showcasing the diversity of talent and the powerful songs that have made country music the heartbeat of America, CMA AWARDS LIVE: GREATEST MOMENTS 1968-2015 is a time capsule certain to thrill country music fans both new and old.

 

About Time Life

Time Life is one of the world's pre-eminent creators and direct marketers of unique music and video/DVD products, specializing in distinctive multi-media collections that evoke memories of yesterday, capture the spirit of today, and can be enjoyed for a lifetime. TIME LIFE and the TIME LIFE logo are registered trademarks of Time Warner Inc. and affiliated companies used under license by Direct Holdings Americas Inc., which is not affiliated with Time Warner Inc. or Time Inc.

 

About the CMA Awards

The first "CMA Awards Banquet and Show" was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards was broadcast on television for the first time - making it the longest running, annual music awards program on network TV. The CMA Awards have aired on ABC since 2006. ABC will be the network home of the CMA Awards and CMA's other two television properties, "CMA Fest" and "CMA Country Christmas," through 2021.

 

PROGRAM INFORMATION

 

Format: DVD (10 Discs)

Running Time: 11 hours + extras

Genre: Music

Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1

Audio: Stereo

Blast From The Past Via Recent Releases

For discerning listeners seeking out special releases profiling under-the-radar artists as well as those looking for special reissues, early 2019 has already revealed a parade of strong titles.

Artist: Van Duren
Title: Waiting: The Van Duren Story (Original Documentary Soundtrack)
You might like if you enjoy: Big Star, Alex Chilton, Paul McCartney
Tell me more: Wow! Before listening to the recently-issued Waiting: The Van Duren Story I had not ever heard of Van Duren despite his links with Big Star (he was in Baker Street Regulars, a post-Big Star band with Chris Bell and Jody Stephens) and Memphis' famed Ardent Studios. Blessed with a voice that recalls the best of a youthful Paul McCartney and "In Color"-era Cheap Trick singer Robin Zander, Van Duren shines across the new collection that compiles fabulous studio and live cuts recorded between 1975 and 1986. A wonderful vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Van Duren's songwriting also astounds. The gems here include the piano-anchored "Grow Yourself Up" and tender jazz-tinged "Waiting" (both off Van Duren's 1978 solo debut LP "Are You Serious?), melodic rocker "Make A Scene" (off Van Duren's 1979 disc "Idiot Optimism") and previously-unreleased power pop standout "Andy, Please" (featuring Jody Stephens on drums and backing vocals). The special collection also includes several great live tracks, with the McCartney-flavored "Yellow Light" showcasing Van Duren's soulful vocals. You can learn more about this wonderful album as well as the related documentary about Van Duren on the Omnivore Recordings website. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: John Denver
Title: Leaving On A Jet Plane (Varèse Sarabande Records)
You might like if you enjoy: John Denver, Dan Fogelberg
Tell me more: Before his successful solo career in the 1970s, singer-songwriter John Denver was a member of two talented singing groups in the late '60s. A member of the Mitchell Trio and Denver, Boise & Johnson, a dozen tracks captured between 1967 and 1968 from those two ensembles are featured on the aptly-titled Leaving On A Jet Plane. In addition to the original versions of his songs "Leaving on a Jet Plane" (there are two different versions of that classic) and "Take Me To Tomorrow," the stellar track listing includes the beautiful "Baby, That's Where It Is" and English music hall-flavored "Like To Deal With the Ladies As Sung In The Shower Accompanied By a Twenty-Seven Piece Band" (both featuring the Mitchell Trio), and a previously-unissued version of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" and Tom Paxton's tender "Victoria Dines Alone"  (courtesy of Denver, Boise & Johnson). The buoyant version of the Denver-penned "Take Me To Tomorrow" is among this writer's favorite cuts on the collection. The audio CD version also includes insightful liner notes penned by Mike Ragogna and historic photos of Denver from that era. Fans of the late Denver will want to seek out this terrific dozen-song set. Information: VareseSarabande.com.

Artist: Soul Asylum
Title: While You Were Out (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Soul Asylum, Husker Dü, the Replacements
Tell me more: Fans of Minneapolis-spawned rockers Soul Asylum can celebrate the release of Omnivore Recordings' While You Were Out, a killer title that features Soul Asylum's final two indie releases (1986's While You Were Out and the 1989 EP Clam Dip & Other Delights). Stuffed to the max with 24 tracks encompassing both of the original Twin/Tone Records releases as well as previously-unissued bonus tracks, the sound here blends the fury of punk and hard-charging indie spirit of the area's best-known proponents (notably the Replacements and Husker Dü). Listening to the blistering-meets-artful "Freaks," melodic punk rocker "Carry On," anthem "Crashing Down" and genre-splitting "Just Plain Evil" is to hear a band on the verge of Grammy-winning and widespread acclaim via early '90s hits such as "Runaway Train" and "Somebody to Shove." Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: W.G. Snuff Walden
Title: The West Wing: Original Television Soundtrack (Varèse Sarabande Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Television and movie soundtracks
Tell me more: Those who were not able to get the special limited edition two-disc The West Wing soundtrack released as part of Varese Sarabande Records' "We Hear You" series several years ago are in luck. The record label has just issued a single-disc version of "The West Wing: Original Television Soundtrack" featuring composer W.G. Snuff Walden's memorable music for the long-running series. The full-length collection includes an impressive 29 tracks, all of which helped enhance the series (that won nine Emmy Awards at the end of its debut season in 2000 including Best Drama Series). Information: VareseSarabande.com.



Robert Kinsler

A holiday party primer: George A. Paul's overview of 2013 Christmas music titles available now

By George A. Paul

If you're looking for fresh Christmas music to liven up your holiday party or tree trimming festivities over the next 10 days, here are some suggestions...

Artist: Nick Lowe
Title: Quality Street: A Seasonal Selection for All the Family (Yep Roc)
You might enjoy if you like: Buddy Holly, Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Graham Parker
Tell me more: The veteran English pub rocker-turned-classy balladeer takes on sharp holiday tunes by Ron Sexsmith, Roger Miller, Roy Wood, plus a few of his own shrewd originals (one was penned with Ry Cooder) and dresses them up in vintage rockabilly and skiffle clothes that sound as if they were recorded at Memphis' Sun Studio. 
Highlights: "Christmas at the Airport," "The North Pole Express," "A Dollar Short of Happy"
Information: yeproc.com, nicklowe.net
Get Quality Street: a Seasonal Selection now


Artist: Erasure
Title: Snow Globe (Mute Records)
You might enjoy if you like: OMD, Pet Shop Boys, Sparks
Tell me more: Co-produced by longtime associate Gareth Jones, the UK synth-pop duo mixes melancholy ("In the Bleak Midwinter"), regal ("Silver Bells"), mid-tempo dance ("Gaudete," where Andy Bells sings in Latin; the frisky "There'll Be No Tomorrow") and bleak ("Blood on the Snow") tunes with equal aplomb. Musical mastermind Vince Clarke's plunging noises during the gradual dance rhythm of "The Christmas Son" is especially fun. 
Highlights: "Bells of Love," "Sleep Quietly," "Loving Man"
Information: mute.com, erasureinfo.com
Get Snow Globe here


Artist: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Title: It Feels Like Christmas Time (Savoy Jazz Records)
You might enjoy if you like: Brian Setzer Orchestra, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Tell me more: Scotty Morris and company get into the swing of things with a Hot Club of Cowtown-styled "All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)," the snazzy Dixieland in "Frosty the Snowman" and "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" (sung by bassist Dirk Shumaker). Guest vocal trio She, Her & I give the proceedings an Andrew Sisters vibe. Bonus points for including two post-Christmas numbers: "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve" (a laid back duet with Anna Kasper) and the mostly instrumental "Auld Lang Syne," patterned after a party countdown to midnight. 
Highlights: "Run Rudolph Run"
Information: savoyjazz.com, bbvd.com
Get your copy of It Feels Like Christmas Time - Amazon Exclusive


Artist: Jewel
Title: Let It Snow: A Holiday Collection (Trust Fund Baby Records)
You might enjoy if you like: Sarah McLachlan, Shawn Colvin, Joni Mitchell
Tell me more: A decade after her first Christmas CD, the folk/pop artist puts her frothy pipes around the countrified "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow," does an adept job on the elegant Latin song "Panis Angelicus," uses an electronic vocal effect on "Blue Crystal Glow" and corrals Vince Gill to play some electrifying guitar licks during the mild rocker "White Christmas." 
Highlights: "Silver Bells," the title track
Information: jeweljk.com
Buy Jewel - Let It Snow: A Holiday Collection LIMITED EDITION CD Includes BONUS Track "Deck The Halls"


Artist: Kelly Clarkson
Title: Wrapped in Red (RCA Records)
You might enjoy if you like: Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Pink
Tell me more: Featuring the Motown-styled pop hit single "Underneath the Tree," Clarkson has created a jubilant, diverse album with four fine originals. There's a jazzy "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (Ronnie Dunn is her duet partner), a reverent "Silent Night" (Reba and Trisha Yearwood share the verses), the rocking' "Run Rudolph Run" and some dynamic, brassy ballads. 
Highlights: "4 Carats," "Blue Christmas," "Every Christmas"
Information: kellyclarkson.com, rcarecords.com
Purchase Wrapped in Red here


Artists: Alabama, Martina McBride, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, others
Title: The Classic Christmas Album (Sony Music Entertainment)
You might enjoy if you like: Any of the artists involved
Tell me more: This compilation series gathers selected tracks from artists who have put out more than one holiday collection in the past and typically averages 12-16 songs each. 

Alabama's country title is culled from their 1985 classic Christmas (which I play every year) and 1996's Volume II. McBride's is mostly sourced off her traditional, classical-flavored 1998 effort White Christmas (and its 2007 reissue), plus a pair of virtual duets with Elvis Presley and Dean Martin. Diamond goes the chorale route with half of the numbers here. Cash's come from 1963's The Christmas Spirit, 1972's Family Christmas and 1980's Classic Christmas. The Man in Black is joined by his brother Tommy, wife June Carter and her family, plus the Statler Brothers on songs ranging from spiritual to chorale.

John Denver, Andy Williams, Kenny G, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight & the Pips, George Jones & Tammy Wynette, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Luther Vandross, Barry Manilow round out this series.

Highlights: "Christmas in Dixie," "Joseph and Mary's Boy" (Alabama); "Away in a Manger" (McBride); "You Make it Feel Like Christmas" (Diamond); "Blue Christmas," "Little Drummer Boy" (Cash)
Information: LegacyRecordings.com
Buy Johnny Cash's The Classic Christmas Album


Artist: Dave Barnes
Title: A December to Remember (50 Year Plan Records)
You might enjoy if you like: Mat Kearney, Gavin DeGraw
Tell me more: With a foot in both the Christian and country music worlds, the South Carolina native has written songs alongside Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Billy Currington and more. His second Christmas album adeptly dives into the jazz and R&B realms, with a touch of spiritual for good measure. 
Highlights: "Christmas Eve," "When Love Was Born"
Information: davebarnes.com
Buy A December to Remember here


Artist: Bad Religion
Title: Christmas Songs (Epitaph Records)
You might enjoy if you like: Ramones, Descendents
Tell me more: This holiday release finds the LA punk stalwarts blitzing through nine tracks in approximately 20 minutes, including "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "What Child is This" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." No messing with the usual Bad Religion formula here. Sometimes "loud fast rules" even during the holidays. For the final track, they add a new mix of 1990s alt-rock hit "American Jesus" (I couldn't tell much different from the original). The band is donating 20 percent of all album proceeds to SNAP - the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. 
Highlights: "Little Drummer Boy," "Angels We Have Heard On High
Information: christmas.badreligion.com

Get special Christmas Songs (LP+CD) version here