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International Country Music Association Update January 2002 Email: intlcma@aol.com Publisher: Scarlett Vanek Editor: Bobbie Patterson Music Reviews: Rhett Ashley Circulation: 76,500 *************************************************** This update made possible by our sponsor, Ambassador Charlie Ray's Nashville Showcase Festival. *************************************************** License Your Music For Cash Dionizy Piatkowski is the real thing. Together with Ambassador Charlie Ray, he co-produced the largest country music festival in the history of Eastern Europe. If he says it's gonna rain, better get your umbrella. He needs American music to sell in Poland. He wants a three year exclusive license for Poland only. He is ready to pay between $2,000 US and $4,000 US for top quality masters. If you're already selling tons of product in Poland, this isn't the deal for you. But, if you don't have thousands of Poles screaming for your album, you might want to contact him by email at: erajazzu@jazz.pl *************************************************** ICMA Song Contest Categories & Prizes Country Song, 1st. Place $500 and a write up in the April newsletter. Country Lyric, 1st. Place $500 and a write up in the April newsletter. Gospel Song, 1st. Place $500 and a write up in the April newsletter. Gospel Lyric, 1st Place $500 and a write up in the April newsletter. Second Place winners will receive 2 free tickets to Ambassador Charlie Ray's Nashville Showcase Festival to be held next Memorial Day weekend. Each entry must be plainly marked with the category in which it is entered. Limit no more than 8 entries per writer. All entries must be postmarked no later than February 15th. Entry Fee: $20 per song or lyric. Please make checks or moneyorders payable to "Song Contest". Mail all entries to: ICMA Song Contest POB 271238, Nashville, TN 37227 *************************************************** The Following DJs Want Your Music Pete Wild, PO Box 5132, Rockingham Beach, WA 6168, Australia, Country pbwild@iinet.net.au (Peter Wild) Bob Plummer, 1A Acton Street, Croydon, NSW 2132, Australia, Country cowboylogic1@yahoo.com (Robert Plummer) Arno van Kampen, Boekbindershorst 20, 7328 TN Apeldoorn, Netherlands, Country kampen.a.van@chello.nl (kampen.a.van) Rodny Kaastad, Box 9 Mortensrud, 1215 Oslo, Norway, Country rodny@online.no (Rodny Kaastad) Kjell Horlin, Yvradsvagen 57 C, S-792 34 Mora, Sweden, Country kjell.horlin@telia.com (Kjell Hörlin) Sergey Tutov, P.O. Box 38, Moscow 113184, Russia, Techno & New Age martin@homepage.ru (BTTU Radioshow) *************************************************** Karaoke DJs Needed Ambassador Charlie Ray's Nashville Showcase Festival is an open microphone event. In addition to the band stages and the songwriters' stage, there will be several track stages, ran karaoke style. The dates of the three day event are May 25 thru May 27. That is Saturday, Sunday, and Memorial Day. The only 3 day weekend in May. Get more information about the festival by going to www.charlieray.com *************************************************** Freddy Fender Nominated For Grammy The National Academy Of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) announced nominees for the "44th Annual Grammy Awards" included the come back project of Baldemar Huerta better known to his fans, as Freddy Fender. His album "La Musica De Baldemar Huerta'" was nominated, in the "Best Latin Pop Album" category. *************************************************** Seminar Leaders Needed If you experience in any part of the entertainment industry and would like to present an educational seminar, Ambassador Charlie Ray Ray's Nashville Showcase Festival needs you. Last year's festival had a number of great seminars. Hundreds of people learned a lot about the music business. If you would like to share your knowledge with others contact Charlie by visiting www.charlieray.com *************************************************** Young Lady Making Waves 13 year old Kacey Musgraves of Mineola, Texas has been invited to the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah to perform nightly from February 6 thru 26 in a western show. Kacey will be in Heber City where the Nordic events are scheduled. In November Kacey won the International Youth Yodeling Champion in Tucson, AZ. at the Western Music Association Awards Show. Last year Kacey was invited to the Inaugural Ball in Washington, D. C. as part of the duo Texas Two Bits. She performed with Ray Bensen and Asleep At The Wheel and shared the stage with Tanya Tucker, Clint Black, Lisa Hartman, Mark Chestnut, Ricky Skaggs, and others. *************************************************** Songwriting Associations Invited A&R people will be in a relaxed, informal setting. They will be strolling through the crowd, sitting in their record companies' booths, and chatting with undiscovered songwriters just like you. They'll be at, Ambassador Charlie Ray's Nashville Showcase Festival. You should be, too. *************************************************** THE AMERICA I KNOW, by Jack Blanchard What you see on television is not America. Those people are actors. Those are not their clothes, cars, homes, nor even their words. The Americans I know don't act or talk like the characters on TV. We're not all rich. (I know Misty and I aren't.) Most of our friends are not doctors, lawyers, cops, news anchor people, celebrities, or models, driving around in chic clothes and new cars. Our friends mostly live in modest homes, apartments, or trailers, and drive vehicles that are not shiny new. They work hard trying to make ends meet. Did you know this? There are thousands of check advance places here that will lend you money on your car until payday at an exorbitant rate of interest. Those businesses are booming Most of us want to be thought of as good people. It's an ethical inheritance. We may not always live up to it, but when we don't, we usually feel guilty. I try to help others when I can, and I often get help from friends when it's needed. I have never seen a drug bust, or heard anybody yell: "Freeze!" On TV you see only the extremes of American life. If we wanted to see real life, we could turn it off and stare at each other. The rich and powerful bigshots cause most of the trouble. They don't hang out in our neighborhood. If there are any TV shows that look a little bit like America, I'd probably vote for: The King of Queens; Grace Under Fire; Everybody Loves Raymond; Northern Exposure; and Rosanne. My only relationship to big oil is the spot in my driveway. I think I speak for many of us when I say: I'm not particularly fond of the rich. I have never oppressed a third world country. My idea of fine dining is a couple of chili dogs. I would like to lose ten pounds. I worry about getting old. I admire and respect the older people who went through the depression and World War Two. I get a little choked up when Ray Charles sings "America The Beautiful." We come in all different sizes and shapes, as opposed to the thin athletic types on TV. If you want to see America, come on over, but not to Disney World. Start at Walmart. America is a lot of different places, people, and scenery. Personalities, accents, and customs change in the space of a few miles. Here's the point I'm working up to: None of my acquaintances ever did anything to the people in the Mideast. We're still wondering why they hate us. They don't even know us. *************************************************** Record Companies Large & Small Invited The best place to see on stage and meet unsigned talent, is the Nashville Showcase Festival. Over 1000 unsigned singers and songwriters were there last year. They came from as far away as Japan. More than 30 of your competitors found unsigned talent and made deals. Tens of thousands of singers and songwriters in the U. S. & other countries read this newsletter. The best of them will be on stages at the Showcase Festival. Don't be left behind. Find the brightest stars of tomorrow. Booth space is free with your $50 ticket. *************************************************** Special Announcement We have only done two compilation CDs. We did those as a service to our members. Our executive board has decided to discontinue this service. We want to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. We want our members and readers to know the free advice we provide is honest and is not based on any commercial consideration. *************************************************** Country & Gospel Music Associations Invited Your members can be seen by the Nashville Music community. Last year, more than 30 record companies had A&R people at the Showcase Festival. This year, there will be more. They will be there to sign new talent. Last year, members of 15 associations attended. You and your members should attend the Nashville Showcase Festival. *************************************************** Response To Last Issue & Our Reply In our last issue, we published an article concerning the unexpected death of Nashville music promoter Chuck Dixon. If you missed our January newsletter or would like to review the article, the complete newsletter is posted at www.radiocountry.org. We received the following email from Mr. Gary Bradshaw. We have copied and pasted his email below. We have not changed it. Our reply follows his email. -Mr. Gary Bradshaw's Email To The International CMA Staff: Just wanted to say thanks for the press in you newsletter. I picked up a couple more clients since you put that out. You guys have to much idle time on your hands and neither of you two idiots can think of anything new these days I guess. This is all old hat. By the way, can't you come up with better names than Rhett & Scarlet. What a joke and everyone has been laughing about that for months now. Anyway, just wanted to say thanks for the press. For your next letter though, please learn how to spell and make sure you have the correct information as you made far to many unbelievalble statements in this one. Maybe you can do better next time as we are all tired of this BS. Also the people investigating all this BS and Chuck was the County Attorneys Office in Nashville not the Attorney Generals office. I realize with your IQ, you probably don't know the difference but next time send me a copy of the letter first and I will proof read it for you so you don't look so stupid. Just trying to help you and all your efforts. Keep up the good work as the Industry needs a few good laughs once in awhile and you certainly know how to get the laughs. Good luck in the New Year. I can hardly wait for the next ICMA newsletter. Maybe you could do one a little early next time just for me. -Gary Bradshaw -Our Reply: Mr. Bradshaw, You are attempting one of the best known tricks in the world. You attack our IQ and spelling in an attempt to discredit the allegations. You made one effort to deny the accuracy of the allegations. You say Chuck Dixon was not cooperating with the State Attorney General. You say he was actually cooperating with the country prosecuting attorney's office. If you and Chuck Dixon were involved in the death of Kevin Hughes, you had a strong motive to want Chuck dead. Our article mentioned a number of Music Row allegations which you made no effort to deny. You actually referred to them as "old hat." Those allegations are as follows: 1. In the late 1980s, you and Chuck Dixon appeared to be involved in a chart fixing scheme. 2. Kevin Hughes' murder appeared to be related to that scheme. 3. You and Chuck Dixon are believed to have ties to organized crime. 4. You relocated to Arizona because elements of the old Bonnono crime family are active there. 5. You appear to have had a motive to have Chuck poisoned or otherwise murdered. Your failure to respond to these allegations make some people wonder why. The average person would be interested in clearing his name. We are not the first to report these allegations. I must respond to your attacks on our names. It is a very common practice in the entertainment business for people to use stage names. If we were using professional names it would prove nothing. However, our readers already know Scarlett and I are siblings. Our parents are great fans of "Gone With The Wind." -Rhett Ashley *************************************************** Music Reviews New Policy Starting with this issue, we will not publish the review of any album which earns less than a 3 star rating. Those reviews and our advice will be sent directly to the singer. If you'd like us to review your music, send it to International Country Music Association, Music Reviews, POB 271238, Nashville, TN 37227 Nashville, Ricky Lynn Gregg, "Careful What You Wish For" 10 sides, The only thing I could find to wish for is more of it. 4 1/2 Stars Canada, Christina Doyle, "I Would Change A Single Day" 6 sides, Pure sweet love songs delivered with sincere emotion. All men wish their ladies felt this way 4 Stars Louisiana, Nat Stuckey & Connie Smith, "God Will" 12 sides, Either is great solo, Together they are just plain wonderful. 4 1/2 Stars Indiana, Dave Clark, "Country Revival" 6 sides, A solid album of old country standards very well done. Some original tunes would improve it. 3 1/2 Stars Nashville, Rosie Flores, "Speed Of Sound" 10 sides, Her polished vocals, good songs, and good production leave you wanting more. 4 Stars Michigan, Jeniffer Jean Smith, "True North" 5 sides, Strong instrumentation and haunting vocals make you hear her hours after the CD has stopped. 4 1/2 Stars Nashville, Don Williams, "Live Greatest Hits Vol. 2" 12 sides, Has country ever been better? Will it ever be this good, again? 5 Stars Kentucky, Whitney Acke, "Whitney Acke" 10 sides, Her smokey sultry voice touches a primitive emotion. It makes a man want to howl at the moon. 4 Stars Illinois, Rob Bledsoe, "Ringo Ford" 12 sides, If Peter, Paul & Mary had not been together in the 60s one of them would have sounded this way. 4 Stars California, Butch Boswell, "Lo-Fi" 10 sides, The simple clean production allow these message songs to clearly deliver the message. 3 1/2 Stars Nashville, Eddy Raven, "Living In Black & White" 12 sides, This music, this singer, & these songs remind you of just how special Nashville is. 5 Stars Canada, Rik Martin, "Swingabilly Blues" 10 sides, It fun to listen to this. As my grandmother once said. "It's the cat's meow." 4 Stars Nashville, Gene Watson, "From The Heart" 12 sides, Gene is one of the all best country singers. This may be his best ever album. 5 Stars Texas, Michael Ballew, "Rodeo Cool" 18 sides, Texas twin fiddles, an almost western swing production, & a cowboy edge in his voice keep the western in country & western 4 1/2 Stars Canada, Brian Gladstone, "Psychedelic Pholk Psongs" 19 sides, Bluegrassy, and groovey at the same time, it's so cool you need gloves to handle it. 5 Stars Nashville, James/Dean, "Over The Edge" 11 sides, These two guys do it the way it's supposed to be done. You're gotta love it. 4 1/2 Stars Oklahoma, Randy Schell, "Randy Schell" 4 sides, No song titles listed and a mix that seems a little hurried. His vocals and production almost rescue it. 3 1/2 Stars California, K. Wilder, "Blue Ridge Dream" 10 sides, Her crisp clear vocals make you think about a female version of Ray Price. The lap steel, dobro, & mandolin are very good. 4 Stars Rhode Island, Amy Beth, "Lady Of America" 1 side, It's among the best of the Sept. 11th. songs we've received. She delivers it well. 4 Stars Georgia, Charles Anthony Rogers, "I Want To Be A Country Music Star" 10 sides, Original story songs take you back to childhood memories. He just might get his wish. 4 Stars California, James Clark, "Rush Me In" 12 sides, These country boys hit you hard and fast with good rocking country. 4 Stars Tennessee, Various Artists, "Exodus Edition" 13 sides on this compilation, It's top drawer country gospel from start to finish. 4 Stars Australia, Roundbelly & Friends, "Country Wishes" 12 sides, Roundbelly has a wonderfully rich baritone. If a skilled opera singer did a country album, it would be like this. 4 Stars Australia, James Langan, "The Best Of James Langan" 19 sides, His voice shines on uptempo songs & he's good on slower stuff too. 4 Stars Nashville, O. J. Hanssen, "What's It Gonna Take" 11 sides, The only thing better than the guitar work is his voice. It adds another instrument to the musical texture. 4 1/2 Stars *************************************************** |