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"Silvertone Blues" is the next single from Compton and Newberry's album, Home In My Heart, released in September of 2024.

"Silvertone Blues" showcases Mike Compton and Joe Newberry's nod to traditional and new American music. Mike Compton plays mandolin and handles the Lead Vocals on this track and Joe Newberry the rhythm guitar and harmonies.

""Silvertone Blues" was learned from John Hartford and was written by the late Benny Martin about a Silvertone Guitar he ordered from the Sears Roebuck catalogue when he was a boy. Benny says that "the postman brought it on a big black 'hoss' in a paper box 4 feet long" The second verse describes him making "a dollar and a dime and a quarter" busking (on lower Broadway in Nashville) in front of Hardeman's Feed Store on a Saturday afternoon. " Mike Compton

Online at: http://www.comptonandnewberry.com

NASHVILLE, TN -

"I'll Be Here Either Way", written by mandolinist and vocalist Teo Quale, is their second single and another highlight of Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band's upcoming album (due out Early 2025).

Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band members are:

Teo Quale (mandolin, vocals), Miles Quale (fiddle, vocals),

Andrew Osborn (bass, vocals), and Ian Ly (guitar, vocals).

""I'll Be Here Either Way" started as a hook which I had been messing around with for a while. That hook eventually became the chorus of the song. From there, I wrote each verse and the bridge around that central idea. Although the story of the song doesn't pertain specifically to my life, its message is one to which many people can relate. "I'll Be Here Either Way" is special to me because it is the first song with lyrics that I've written."

- Teo Quale

NASHVILLE, TN -

"Sawdust".

"Sawdust", written by Noah Gordon and Louie Parker, is the next single from RiverBend's upcoming album, No More Will I Ramble. 
 

RiverBend members are:

Aaron Muskopf (guitar, vocals), Blake Korte (dobro, vocals), Andy Novara (mandolin, vocals), Will Miscall (bass, vocals), and Alex Riffle (banjo).

The album and single also features Tim Crouch (fiddle).

""Sawdust" is a song that truly resonates with me on a personal level. Anyone who's ever put in a hard day's work and wondered if it’s enough to get ahead will feel the weight of these lyrics. It’s a reminder that while we’re all chasing money and success, those things aren’t the heart of what life’s really about.

I’ll never forget the first time I heard it. I was driving to my son's baseball game, listening to a local radio station known for its bluegrass shows, when this song came on. I’d never heard it before, but it immediately struck me as something special. When I got home, I dug into the station’s playlist and discovered it was written and recorded by a local band called The Gordons—a group I’ve known for years. Not only are they incredibly talented musicians, but they’re also just genuinely great people. It’s a true honor to share one of their songs, and I’m excited for others to experience the magic of "Sawdust"." - Aaron Muskopf (Riverband)

Elaina Kay Smith is a Christian singer/songwriter from Chattanooga, TN.  Christian music has always been a part of her DNA and her passion since childhood.  Her sweet, soprano voice coupled with her ability to write heartwarming and inspirational songs, makes her one of the most unique new artists in Christian music.  She regularly leads worship at Calvary Chapel Chattanooga, and is a wife and mother of three.  "Born On Christmas Day" was produced by the award winning and Grammy nominated artist/producer, Gordon Mote.

The reason this song spoke to Marty when he heard the rough demo is very unique.   
Christmas 1969 is one which will forever be etched in the memories of Marty DeRoche and his twin sister Barbie. Christmas was in the middle of the Vietnam War, and though they were very young, the twins were well acquainted with war and the military.  With a father who served in the military, Marty and Barbie’s two older brothers, Gary and Bobby, both enlisted and were deployed to Vietnam, even before their draft notices came. 

 With a beautiful tree lit with multi-colored bulbs and candles topped with red in every window, the house was bright and festive on Christmas Day.   The DeRoche family had opened presents and then made their way to their dining room table.  Mrs. DeRoche had the table spread with a delicious meal of all the family’s favorite Christmas foods.  As a last thought before sitting down, she tilted the two empty chairs against the side of the table where Gary and Bobby always sat, symbolizing they would not be used today in honor of the boys. 

Just as each family member was seated and bowed their heads in prayer, the doorbell rang.  Mr. DeRoche stood up to answer quietly, not wanting the rest of the family to interrupt the stillness they had settled into, heads bowed, eyes closed, for the blessing on the food.  When Mr. DeRoche opened the door, he saw a checkered cab and a man in military dress.  The soldier handed him a telegram.  Marty and Barbie’s dad thanked the soldier and walked back to the table silently before opening the envelope.  As he began to read while still standing, Marty opened one eye to see tears trickle down his dad’s cheeks, an unusual event.  Mr. DeRoche did not show that kind of emotion under most circumstances. 

The telegram told the news of a severely wounded soldier, their brother Bobby.  When he finished reading, Marty’s dad folded the telegram and placed it back in the envelope and put it beside his plate.  Without missing a beat, he began to pray.  That is when Marty says he heard his father perform the most selfless act he had ever known and remembers to this day.  He began to pray for all the soldiers serving throughout the world and Vietnam, and for all the families like theirs with empty chairs at their Christmas tables.  Then, he prayed for Bobby and Gary, wherever they may be, for healing and for Gary’s protection. 

Marty says he was able to tell his father before he passed about the greatest Christmas gift he could have ever given him as a child.  Praying that day, with such a selfless prayer for all the other families and the emotion his dad showed, taught Marty that it was all right to cry in times of sadness, and it was even more important to remember others, even in our own sorrow. 

“It was the hardest Christmas I ever had,” shares Marty.  “I was the baby brother.   Those were my two big brothers, my heroes, who I looked up to.  I wanted to be like them and do everything they did.  To hear my brother was wounded and far away from us was awful, but my mother did her best to continue our Christmas for Barbie’s and my sake.  The one thing I do remember is that she changed the lights on the tree to blue strands and all the bulbs in the window candles to blue.  She said not only because it was a blue Christmas due to sadness, but in honor of all the soldiers who were serving around the world to protect our freedom. 

In 1970, Christmas was much different a year later, but still eventful.   Gary had also been wounded and was in the VA Hospital in Fort Knox.  Bobby was healed up and was given leave to come home for the holidays.  When Gary found out Bobby was flying into Louisville, where the family lived, he planned to walk to him and surprise his brother.  Gary had been unable to walk without support from his injury, but was determined to meet Bobby with no canes or crutches and meet him for a hug unassisted. 

The news had been told about the two brothers, both wounded in Vietnam, getting to be back together for Christmas and the flight that would bring Bobby home.  When the DeRoche family arrived at the airport, there was a huge crowd cheering and celebrating the arrival of the two brothers both wounded serving their country and unable to come home the previous year for Christmas.  News reporters and t.v. cameras lined the airport tarmac. 

When the pilot and flight attendants found out about Bobby being on the plane and what was happening below, they held the rest of the passengers in their seats and let Bobby come down the steps first alone.  When he got to the bottom, there to surprise him was Gary walking toward him with nothing but braces on his legs, unassisted.  It was a solemn moment taken in by the crowd.  Once the brothers met and hugged at the bottom of the steps, a loud cheer went up from the crowd and the rest of the family joined the brothers.  What a different Christmas it was only a year later!

When others may be upset about the timing and the push for sales and commercialism overshadowing the celebration of Christmas, Nashville Christian Country artist Kevin Kappler is all right with it when it comes to Christmas being pushed a little early.  In fact, Kevin had his Christmas decorations up in October. Why?  Kevin says the longer his decorations are up, the longer he can celebrate the birth of His Savior, the most important holiday of all.

Kevin absolutely loves Christmas!  His memories take him back to a little mobile home on Furnace Creek, when he was a young boy.  He even wrote a song about country living there.  Kevin’s original songs about his childhood and the simplicity of those days are relatable to everyone who has great memories of growing up and the warmth of Christmases past.

“I remember my dad having a reel to reel recorder he brought out every year with the Christmas decorations.  He played Christmas music throughout the holidays.  We watched my two favorite Christmas movies every year, ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ and ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’  I still watch those with my family annually.  Anyone who knows me knows I love drinking McAllister’s tea, watching ‘COPS’, and collecting old vinyl Christmas LPs that remind me of my dad playing Christmas music,” shares Kevin.

One of Kevin’s most prized gifts will always be dear to his heart.  A man at Kevin’s church in Farmington, Missouri, had a sick father who lived in St. Louis.  Kevin made the one-hour trip to visit the man’s father in his illness and spent time with him.  Later, when the man passed away, he left a message to give Kevin his original Nat King Cole vinyl Christmas LP.  Though Kevin was not expecting anything for the visit, it meant so much that he was remembered with  such a special item.

You will enjoy this Christmas release by Kevin Kappler! 

NASHVILLE, Tn. (October 25, 2024) – Gaining national recognition in the bluegrass community for his vocal harmonies and versatile guitar work as a member of Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, Adam McIntosh continues to explore his musical potential with the release of his debut solo album, Restless, earlier this year. Today, McIntosh and Billy Blue Records are proud to announce the release of his latest single from that album, "Fences."

In “Fences,” co-written by seasoned songwriter Mark "Brink" Brinkman and the late Dale Pyatt, McIntosh delivers his own distinctive take on bluegrass storytelling.

“’Fences’ is one of those songs that says so much in spite of using few words,” McIntosh explains. “It paints the picture of a man afraid to rebuild a relationship after experiencing heartbreak.  I like this song because it sends the message that redemption is possible.”

Jerry Salley, Creative Director of Billy Blue Records, adds, “In my opinion, great songs are the heart of any successful project. Adam's song selection for this album really impressed me, and "Fences" has quickly become one of my favorites.”

Salley continues, “As a close friend of both “Brink” and Dale Pyatt, I can tell you the songs they co-wrote over the years were always crafted very, very well. Songs from the heart. In "Fences," the singer ultimately learns that putting up fences is pointless. No matter what he does, he can’t stop loving her.”

A native of Ohio, Adam McIntosh began his musical journey with his family’s band, Dry Branch Fire Squad, before joining Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers as a lead vocalist and guitarist.

"Fences"
Mark "Brink" Brinkman and Dale Pyatt. 

Mark Brinkman Songs/BMI.

Guitar, Mandolin, Bass and Harmony Vocal – Adam McIntosh
Fiddle – Jason Barie

ISRC - US3U82300284

ABOUT ADAM MCINTOSH
Adam McIntosh is a highly accomplished vocalist and guitarist, recognized for his remarkable contributions to the bluegrass genre. With an impressive musical journey that includes significant stints with Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers and Dry Branch Fire Squad, McIntosh's skills have garnered him acclaim in the industry. The artist expresses his gratitude for this opportunity, affirming that he feels truly blessed to embark on this new musical chapter.

ABOUT BILLY BLUE RECORDS
Billy Blue Records is a boutique bluegrass label and home to an award-winning roster of artists including Adam McIntosh, Alan Bibey & Grasstowne, Appalachian Road Show, Authentic Unlimited, Bob Minner, Caroline Owens, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Dave Adkins, Donna Ulisse, Jason Barie, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, Kristy Cox, Marty Raybon, The Tennessee Bluegrass Band, and critically-acclaimed concept recordings like the Grammy®-nominated “Gonna Sing Gonna Shout” and 2021’s star-studded “Country Faith Bluegrass.” Founded in 2018 by Jerry Salley, Ed Leonard, and Dottie Leonard Miller, Billy Blue is distributed to retail by the Orchard (Sony) and New Day Distribution.

"Nevaeh - heaven spelled backwards - has a purpose to tell you about their Savior, and how He loves you.  ""What eye did not see and ear did not hear, and what never entered the human mind - God prepared this for those who love Him.""  1 Corinthians 2:9 (HSCB)

This trio of enthusiastic, energetic women share their faith not only through music, but also with dynamic testimonies that encourage people of all ages to not lose hope. Their love for the Lord and for people is evident as they use the platform God has given them to ""Point People to Heaven.""

By and By Medley is their new single from their Hymns CD ""Standing on the Promises (Hymns of the Faith) released on 10/14/2024."    

NASHVILLE, TN (Oct 11, 2024) – With a prolific career spanning decades, Bob Minner, an expert banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, and resonator guitar player, has released his latest spirited bluegrass tune, “Ruby Jean.” The track, co-written with his wife, Virginia Minner, whom he fondly refers to as his “partner-in-rhyme” features the dynamic talents of Jesse Smathers and Zach Arnold. Dedicating 32 years, and counting, as the acoustic guitarist for Tim McGraw, and previously releasing four solo albums, Minner has earned his reputation as one of the most respected musicians and songwriters within the industry. As co-writer of the recent Authentic Unlimited hit, “Fall In Tennessee,” Minner, along with co-writer John Meador, won the IBMA Song of the Year at this year's IBMA Awards. As he uniquely blends bluegrass, country and folk, throughout his body of work, “Ruby Jean,” captures that unique blend of styles, infusing infectious melodies and heartfelt storytelling.

The idea for his latest track sparked over two years ago when Bob found himself repeatedly humming the melody. Soon after, Minner and his wife sitting on their front porch, quickly turned the melody into a full song encapsulating the classic tale of a good ole country boy trying to win his “country queen” back. The song, enduring the test of time, was an obvious choice as Minner began to select tracks for his upcoming Billy Blue Records album release set to debut early 2025. 

“Writing ‘Ruby Jean’ with my wife and partner-in-rhyme, Virginia Minner, was our tip of the hat to those time-honored bluegrass songs where the man is begging his love to take him back and come home,” Bob Minner said. “It’s a fun, uptempo song that I asked my pal Jesse Smathers to sing on. Zach Arnold really compliments with his harmony work as well. We hope folks enjoy it as much as we did writing it, and we appreciate everyone’s support,” he continued. 

Fans can expect more of this authentic, front-porch style of songwriting on the upcoming collection of original bluegrass tunes. You can follow along for the latest news at minnerguitar.com or on social media. 

Song credits:
Executive Producer: Dottie Leonard Miller & Ed Leonard
Writers: Bob Minner & Virginia Minner
Producer: Bob Minner
Vocal: Jesse Smathers
BGV: Zach Arnold
Guitar & Banjo: Bob Minner
Mandolin: Jesse Brock
Fiddle: Aaron Till
Bass: Alan Bartram
Engineer: Justin Kropf 
Mix / mastering: Chris Latham

ISRC: US3U82400553

ABOUT BOB MINNER
Growing up in old-time string band music as well as bluegrass in Missouri, near St. Louis, Bob Minner’s lifelong love affair with music began at the tender age of 2 ½ when he first strummed his plastic guitar. Since then, his journey with music has been nothing short of extraordinary, spanning across the United States, Canada, Australia, Italy, and beyond. His musical passion has played a serendipitous role in bringing Bob and his wife Ginger together, shaping not only their personal life but also providing a foundation for raising a family. After traveling with their own band for a while, the Minner’s settled in Nashville which became the backdrop for Bob’s role as acoustic guitarist for country icon Tim McGraw, a position held for an impressive 32 years and counting.

Beyond being a skilled instrumentalist, Minner is a prolific songwriter with credits and cuts by revered bluegrass bands like Authentic Unlimited, Blue Highway, Tim McGraw, Volume Five, Dailey & Vincent, Ronnie Bowman, Jim Lauderdale & The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Shannon Slaughter, Blue Moon Rising, and others. He has received nominations such as IBMA Collaboration Of The Year in 2012 and SPBGMA Song Of The Year in 2024. While constantly crafting new solo guitar compositions, Minner released the album There and Back and Back Again in 2011, Six String Sanctuary in 2019, SOLO in 2021, and, most recently, Five From Frankie and From Sulphur Springs to Rising Fawn in 2022 to critical acclaim. 

Website: https://minnerguitar.com/home

Socials: 
https://www.facebook.com/bobminnerguitar
https://www.instagram.com/bobminner
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpnXHKsufjRLApjAEYKI5Q 

 
ABOUT BILLY BLUE RECORDS
Billy Blue Records is a boutique bluegrass label and home to an award-winning roster of artists including Adam McIntosh, Alan Bibey & Grasstowne, Appalachian Road Show, Authentic Unlimited, Bob Minner, Caroline Owens, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Dave Adkins, Donna Ulisse, Jason Barie, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, Kristy Cox & Grasstime, Marty Raybon & Full Circle, The Tennessee Bluegrass Band, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, and critically-acclaimed concept recordings like the Grammy®-nominated “Gonna Sing Gonna Shout” and 2021’s star-studded “Country Faith Bluegrass.” Founded in 2018 by Jerry Salley, Ed Leonard, and Dottie Leonard Miller, Billy Blue is distributed to retail by the Orchard (Sony) and New Day Distribution.

NASHVILLE, TN. (Oct. 4, 2024) –  Award-winning and chart-topping duo Darin & Brooke Aldridge are excited to unveil the single and official music video for, “A Million Memories (A Song for Byron)” written by and featuring Vince Gill. The video, shot on location at The World Famous Station Inn and debuted on Bluegrass Situation, is a heartfelt tribute to the late Byron Berline, a beloved musician, mentor, and friend of Gill. Through their dynamic vocals, musicianship, and passionate storytelling, Darin & Brooke honor Berline’s legacy, capturing the essence of the profound influence Byron had on Vince and the music industry. The track was initially released on Darin & Brooke’s latest album, Talk of the Town (Billy Blue Records), which has soared to the top of multiple bluegrass charts, including Billboard, solidifying the duo’s place as a leading force in the genre.

The new video showcases the duo’s ability to evoke deep emotions through both their music and visuals. As No Depression perfectly noted in a recent album review, “Darin and Brooke Aldridge know just how to deliver a song to capture a full range of emotions.” The “A Million Memories (A Song for Byron)” video exemplifies this, pairing soul-stirring lyrics with imagery that stirs nostalgia as it reflects on cherished memories from the past.

Vince Gill expressed his gratitude for Darin & Brooke’s rendition of "A Million Memories (A Song for Byron)," saying, "I'm grateful to Darin and Brooke for recording this song I wrote about the world-class fiddle player and my lifelong friend, Byron Berline.  It's a song I wrote in tribute to our friendship back when I was first getting started playing as a teenage musician.  Darin and Brooke have become great friends of mine, and I'm honored that they recorded this song in tribute to Byron."

Darin & Brooke celebrate the release of the music video by stating, “It is one of our greatest joys to invest time in and encourage those who come behind us. Mentoring is one way to pay forward the gifts given to us by our own heroes and mentors and bring out the best in younger people in the same ways someone did for us. “A Million Memories (A Song for Byron),” dedicated to one of Vince Gill's closest mentors and dearest friends, Byron Berline, is extra-special to us, both for the meaning behind the song and for honor of singing  it with our special mentor and friend, Vince Hill. We will always treasure this opportunity to make “A Million Memories (A Song for Byron).”  

The single is now available for all radio, and the music video is now available for viewing on YouTube following its debut on Bluegrass Situation. Fans can also catch Darin & Brooke Aldridge on their upcoming show dates, where they will be performing songs from their latest album, Talk of The Town, along with other fan favorites.

Song credits:
Executive Producer: Dottie Leonard Miller & Ed Leonard
Producers: Mark Fain and Darin Aldridge
A&R Direction: Jerry Salley
Songwriter: Vince Gill

Vocal/Mandolin/Guitar: Darin Aldridge
Vocal: Vince Gill
Vocal: Brooke Aldridge
Acoustic Bass: Mark Fain
Fiddle: Stuart Duncan
Percussion/ Piano: Brent Rader

ISRC: US3U82400111

ABOUT DARIN & BROOKE ALDRIDGE
Darin and Brooke Aldridge continue to ascend to new heights in the music industry while keeping their easy-going, down-to-earth connection with audiences everywhere. Brooke is a four-time winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) award for Female Vocalist of the Year, while Darin, a former member of The Country Gentlemen, is a former IBMA Mentor of the Year and a truly gifted singer and multi-instrumentalist. They have had numerous nominations over the years from the IBMA, the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA), the Gospel Music Association (GMA Dove Awards) and the Inspirational Country Music Association. In April 2023, they were named “Bluegrass Artist of the Year” at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards. Also in 2023, the IBMA nominated the smash hit collaboration “Jordan” featuring Ricky Skaggs, Mo Pitney and Mark Fain, in the Gospel Recording of the Year category while the GMA nominated the song for its Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year award.  

The North Carolina natives have enjoyed top spots on the Billboard Bluegrass Album, SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction, Bluegrass Today, Bluegrass Unlimited, Americana/Roots, and Gospel charts. Their music videos have been featured on Country Music Television (CMT), CMT Edge, Great American Country (GAC), Bluegrass Ridge TV, and The Bluegrass Situation. Their television appearances include PBS’ Mountain Stage, Songs of the Mountain and Music City Roots; RFD-TV’s Larry’s Country Diner, Country’s Family Reunion and The Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour; Great American Gospel; The Bluegrass Road and Blue Highways TV. They have graced the stage of the Grand Ole Opry more than 50 times.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiBJWRJNve0

ABOUT BILLY BLUE RECORDS
Billy Blue Records is a boutique bluegrass label and home to an award-winning roster of artists including Adam McIntosh, Alan Bibey & Grasstowne, Appalachian Road Show, Authentic Unlimited, Bob Minner, Caroline Owens, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Dave Adkins, Donna Ulisse, Jason Barie, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, Kristy Cox & Grasstime, Marty Raybon & Full Circle, The Tennessee Bluegrass Band, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, and critically-acclaimed concept recordings like the Grammy®-nominated “Gonna Sing Gonna Shout” and 2021’s star-studded “Country Faith Bluegrass.” Founded in 2018 by Jerry Salley, Ed Leonard, and Dottie Leonard Miller, Billy Blue is distributed to retail by the Orchard (Sony) and New Day Distribution.