Master Musician's Festival announces impressive lineup for 2017

When it comes to musical lineups for a festival, the Master Musicians Festival always exceeds expectations each year.  For 2017, it is no exception with a very well rounded and respectful lineup.  From national touring acts, to some of Kentucky's top performers, 2017 will be one to look forward to.

Top albums of 2016 for country music fans

If there is a sign of the times, it appears in 2016 that country music with lyrical meaning took hold of the reigns of some of the top album releases.  There were fewer party songs and more songs that reflected on what is happening in modern times.  Here are our top picks of the best country music albums of 2016:

Sturgill Simpson - "A Sailor's Guide to Earth"

By the end of 2016, any music fan would soon hear about the beauty in the sound and production of Sturgill Simpson’s album.  The album itself was written and produced for Simpson’s toddler son.  One of the top picked songs is “Brace For Impact,” which makes a profound statement that one should live their life the fullest.  The sonic sounds from the sea filled the airwaves throughout the album.  Nevertheless, the Grammy’s took notice and nominated it for overall album of the year for their 2017 awards.  Read about his homecoming performance at the Lexington Opera House.

Blackberry Smoke - "Like An Arrow"

Blackberry Smoke seems to appear on my list every year, frankly because anything they release is that good.  It easily translates into their energetic live performance that many Kentuckians have come to enjoy over the years.  “Like An Arrow” has made an impact on the charts both in the US and overseas markets.  They define their own southern soulful rock sound with their latest release.  Top songs include “Waiting for the Thunder” and “The Good Life.”

The Steel Woods – Self Titled

Be sure to take note of the name, The Steel Woods.  They are also on our list of Ones to Watch in 2017.  The talented songwriting and singing from the duo has really taken notice.  Others are soon noticing the talent as they have been recently booked to open up for Blackberry Smoke.  They also performed at Kid Rock’s Fish Fry in Nashville this fall.  Top song picks on the album include “Let the Rain Come Down” and “Axe.” Read our full review & interview here.

Justin Wells - "Dawn in the Distance"

One of the most hardworking souls out on the road has to be Justin Wells.  With his first solo release, “Dawn in the Distance,” Justin received outstanding support from friends and music fans through his Kickstarter campaign.  “The Dogs” showcasing what really happens while struggling on the road.  Other top picks include “Going Down Grinnin’” and the haunting “So Far Away.”

Aubrie Sellers - "New City Blues"

Country music needs Aubrie Sellers and quite frankly, she provided quite a song selection with her debut album, “New City Blues.”  She stood out on her own among all of the new female artists in 2016.  It was hard to pick just a couple of top picks, as all of them are well produced.  However, two of our top picks on the album include “Light of Day” and the fiery “Liar, Liar.”

Margo Price - "Midwest Farmer's Daughter"

Jack White has a hankering for being able to pinpoint pure raw talent for his Third Man Records.  That is definitely the case with the beautiful vocals from Margo Price.  Perhaps one of the highlights of 2016 was when Margo Price performed on “Saturday Night Live,” as well as on Farm Aid.  Top songs include “Tennessee Song” and “Four Years of Chances.”

Wynonna & The Big Noise - Self Titled

Wynonna has gone through a lot of things in her life, but with her self-titled album with her band, The Big Noise, it seems as though she is at peace with her life.  Her soulful vocal prowess is in full force with each song.  Top picks on the album include “Things That I Lean On” with Jason Isbell and “Keeps Me Alive.”

I was there when...

Remember in the movie “O, Brother Where Art Thou?” when the guys saw the women at the river?  One of them exclaimed “I seen them first!”  These days, there are so many music acts that we each have had that moment of seeing them before their career took off.  Here are a few of my personal favorite memories over the years.

Country Dancing with Sturgill Simpson, Chris Janson, and Charlie Starr

Who would win the ultimate country music singer dancing competition - Sturgill Simpson, Chris Janson, or Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke?  You have got to watch all three videos to see that not only can they sing and play the guitar, they can flat out dance like no one is watching.  Having seen all three perform, they are all very entertaining to see live in concert.

Sturgill Simpson showing off a few moves in his Coachella performance of "Listening to the Rain."

Chris Janson performing Waylon Jennings hit "Ain't Living Long Like This" on the Opry.

Blackberry Smoke performing "Up In Smoke"

Blackberry Smoke leaves a major impression with Kentucky concert

Blackberry Smoke at Froggy Field Party - photo by Amy Poche

When it comes to entertainment, there could not be a better pair than the WFKY Froggy Field Party and the band Blackberry Smoke. Saturday evening proved to be filled with musical entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Despite the humidity, over 1,700 fans showed up to rock the night away.

Prior to Blackberry Smoke taking the stage, Korey Wayne Sorg, Jordan Bales, and Donald Hinely took part of the Songwriters Stage, showcasing their musical and songwriting abilities. Nashville recording artist, David Adam Byrnes, joined in to play some of his hit songs including "Alcoholiday," "Sweet Distraction," "She Only Wanted Flowers," and "I'll Be Your Whiskey." On the main stage, Eddie Barber warmed up the crowd mixing original songs as well as cover songs throughout his set list.

Blackberry Smoke came out with a bang, opening with "Leave a Scar." Kicking it into high gear, the band played a mixture of their hit songs from their current album "The Whippoorwill," as well as previous albums. The crowd kicked up the momentum by singing along to the music while dancing to "Up In Smoke," "Good One Coming On," and "Like I Am." The band would mix in "Midnight Rider" with "Sleeping Dogs Lie," much to the excitement of the fans. Charlie Starr would show off his groovy dance skills along with mastering the guitar.

Being in Kentucky, it was only fitting for the band to cover "Man of Constant Sorrow," which was originally recorded by Dick Burnett of Monticello, Ky. The 90 minute set would conclude with an encore of "Ophelia" and "Shake Your Magnolia."

After the last note was played, fans were left with a real appreciation of good music. With each Froggy Field Party, the radio station raises the bar in pure fun and entertainment for the whole family.

Blackberry Smoke Set List
Leave a Scar
Like I Am
I'd Be Lyin
Lucky Seven
Six Ways to Sunday
Good One Coming On
Pretty Little Lie
Sleepin Dogs Lie
Restless
Everybody Knows She's Mine
Up In Smoke
Ain't Got the Blues
Ain't Much Left of Me
One Horse Town
Man of Constant Sorrow
Ophelia
Shake Your Magnolia

For more information on WFKY and view more photos, be sure to visit www.myfroggyville.com.

Blackberry Smoke provides soundtrack to life with latest release

For once, there is music coming out of Georgia that isn't all about dirt roads, trucks, peaches, and the infamous "country list" songs. Blackberry Smoke's latest release, "The The Whippoorwill" has whipped music back into shape. From the musicianship to the songwriting, this is a must have to add to any music fan's collection. The connectivity between songs and production of the album is definitely noticed while listening to the album.

Straight off the bat with "Six Ways to Sunday," the listener is in for a rocking ride for the album. The slow grooving "Pretty Little Lie," talks about the relationship between two people where one was involved with a little lie on the side. The reaffirmation of the relationship is noted with "Everybody Knows She's Mine" that gets you dancing just like Charlie Starr on stage.

Life in a small town is like a life cycle revolving from generation to another. That story is pointed out in the song "One Horse Town." It is one of the many highlights that fans can connect to. Following that song is "Ain’t Much Left of Me," which shows that no matter how rough life can be, you can keep holding on for something better.

In tribute to his grandmother, Charlie Starr's vocals excel on the title track, "The Whippoorwill." The swampy grooving tune that searches for something that was once lost. 

From sorrow to redemption, "Lucky Seven," shows that life may not be as easy as it looks, but it is good. That goes the same with the track "Shaking Hands With the Holy Ghost."

With "Leave a Scar," Blackberry Smoke totally rocks out with no holds bar style. The fun tune with the catchy line "I may not change the world, but I'm gonna leave a scar," is good to hear both live in concert and on the album.

"Crimson Moon" is a good southern style country swamp rock tune that is timeless. The slow groove turned into electricity of a love story.

Bringing the influence of acoustic and bluegrass, "Ain't Got the Blues," makes you feel like you are on the back porch of a log cabin in the woods. The band recently paid tribute to the late Dale Watson with the song at a concert.

One of the top tracks to hear both live and on cd has to be "Sleeping Dogs." The swagger of the tune and story sung makes it an instant hit that many can relate to.

Ending the album is "Up the Road," which is a song about a relationship that has possibly met its end. However, they realize that things are not always better up the road when you give up on love.

Blackberry Smoke has excelled on bringing a collection of country, soul, rock, swamp, and all points in between to make a timeless album. Even better, be sure to add their "Live at the Georgia Theatre" DVD to accompany this album.

Check out more on Blackberry Smoke at www.blackberrysmoke.com

Jamey Johnson and Blackberry Smoke bring southern sounds to Cincinnati

Blackberry Smoke - by Jessica Blankenship

Over the summer breezes blew in the southern sounds of country rock Sunday night at the PNC Pavilion in Cincinnati. No stranger to Ohio or Kentucky, Jamey Johnson, along with Blackberry Smoke brought in a night of entertainment to country music fans in attendance.

Blackberry Smoke would mix their own blend of country southern rock with their 30 minute set. Even though it was short, it was precise with a relaxed mood and a good time. Just a couple of days earlier, the band performed at the famed Georgia Theatre in Athens, GA, and filmed a DVD.

Right of the bat, Blackberry Smoke showed off their talent with their set of original tunes. From "Good One Coming On," to blending in "Sleeping Dog Lie" with "Midnite Rider," the soulful groove kept playing. Cowboy Eddie Long, longtime steel guitar player for Hank Williams, Jr. and currently with Jamey Johnson, sat in to play on "Yesterday's Wine." At the end of the set, the band paid tribute to the Navy Seals with "Freedom Song."

As the lights darkened and the sounds of the prison door opened, Jamey Johnson set up shop at the home of the honky top up on stage. Fans quickly got to their feet and sang word for word to "High Cost of Living." Johnson's set would be intertwined with covered songs of Waylon, Merle, and Willie, alongside his hit songs.

Jamey Johnson - by Jessica Blankenship

One of the most haunting moments of the night was when Jamey Johnson sang "In the Pines." The gravel in his voice with the lonesome wail of the song as the breeze blew through the background made it one to remember. Johnson has a way to make a song his own without hesitation.

When Jamey Johnson takes to the stage, he makes it clear that his talking is through the lyrics of the songs, not the stories or banter talk in between. Just as he gives it his all, the fans give it their all with the cheering and singing along. With singers like Jamey Johnson, there is a renewed faith that real country music is not lost.

Blackberry Smoke brings southern country rock to Kentucky

Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke - by Jessica Blankenship

Blackberry Smoke fried up some southern country rock soul just like the chicken served on their plates earlier at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in Kentucky on Saturday night. Fans in the crowd were treated to the sights and sounds of honest music in a rare intimate performance in between shows on their tour with Zac Brown Band.

Right off the bat, Charlie Starr's unique vocals, alongside the eccentric guitar playing, Blackberry Smoke start things right with "Like I Am." The almost two hour set infused a blend of country and southern rock that would make fans groove alongside. Blackberry Smoke mixed new tunes, alongside new, as well as unreleased music that will be recorded on their future album.

In speaking with the band prior to the show, there are two evident reasons why they get to do what they do. Soon after releasing "Little Piece of Dixie," their record label soon folded and they were without a home. "We originally met Zac Brown as part of the Simple Man Cruise a few years back. We all became friends with his band and the next thing we knew he was winning Grammy’s. Right after we released the record, our label folded as part of the state of the music business at the time. Zac brought it up asking how we were doing and we had a home. He asked us to join him on his new venture and that's where we are today," Charlie recalls. “We are in the process of getting ready to record the new album. He will be involved in some way and we have a couple of producers we’re going to work with too.”

Another reason they are out on the road doing what they love is due to the love of their fans and family. There is also a special reason dear to their hearts. Drummer Brit Turner's daughter, Lana, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma Cancer in December of 2009. "She is doing great. She's been through a lot," Brit says. Fans can find out more about her progress, as well as help donate to the Lana Turner Cancer Fund here.

Harley Davidson has teamed up with Blackberry Smoke for a special edition 2011 Harley-Davidson 883. It has a custom Blackberry Smoke Paint job!. A raffle is taking place, with proceeds going to help with the medical costs for little Lana Turner. One chance for $5.00 or five chances for $20.00. Drawing will take place via video by Blackberry Smoke on 05/28/2011. Winner will be announced at our Red, White & Blues Festival at Old Glory Harley Davidson in Maryland. You can purchase tickets online by clicking here.

From songwriting, merchandising, down to social media, the band is heavily involved in individual pieces of their image. "Unlike many years ago that it took word of mouth and relying on it, you can get instant feedback or news out there with a click of a button," Charlie mentioned. The band has grown to embrace the media and can be found posting on their message board, as well as Facebook.

This Friday, Blackberry Smoke will be heading up to Louisville, Kentucky to the KFC Yum Center to open up for Zac Brown Band. It will be a different experience than that this past weekend as it will be for several thousand in an arena setting. They will back in Louisville to Jim Porter's Good Time Emporium on June 17th. Then on July 2nd, they will be at Busters Bar & Billiards in Lexington, Kentucky. Take the time to attend one, if not all of these shows to support this great talent of musicians and songwriters.

Renfro Valley 5/21/2011 Blackberry Smoke Setlist

Like I Am

I'd Be Lying

Revival

Testify

Restless

Bottom of This

Good One Coming On

Sleepin Dogs

Too High

Say a Prayer for the Little Man

She's Mine

Up in Smoke

Whipporwill

Sanctified Woman

Pretty Lil Lie

Yesterday's Wine

Son of Bourbon

Freedom Song

Columbus Stockade Blues

Man of Constant Sorrow

Don't Do It