International Country Music Association Newsletter March 2001 Update
Editor: Bobbie Patterson Publisher: Scarlett Gremard
Music Reviews: Rhett Ashley
Email: intlcma@aol.com   http://www.radiocountry.org
POB 271238, Nashville,TN 37227

Curb Records Signs 11 years old, Tyler McDowell
Tyler is the son of Ronnie McDowell. it seems Ronnie wrote a pop tune and had the boy cut the demo. Curb Records like the boy's style and signed him.

Willie Nelson On The Road Again
The aging star will be doing between 110 and 125 concerts, in venues that hold 3,000 - 10,000 fans. His 23 member crew is traveling in 3 buses and 1 sound and light truck.

Country Music Television
March 17th. & 18th. Faith Hill will be the subject of a special weekend program called, "Gotta Have Faith." The program will be broadcast on CMT, and will cover her climb to stardom.

Answers To Frequently Asked Questions
We receive numerous questions concerning our sponsorship of Ambassador Charlie Ray's Nashville Music Festival. The most frequently asked is, "Why didn't you do it, during Fanfair?" The short answer to that is because we want the artists attending the event to be the center of attention. If our independent artists were showcasing at the same time as Alan Jackson, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and other major label stars, the major labels, the media, and the fans would devote all their attention to the big name stars.

There are other reasons. Hotels and motels in Nashville raise their room rates, during Fanfair. The week of Fanfair is the single most expensive time of the year, to visit Nashville. We want the artists showcasing at Ambassador Charlie Ray's Nashville Music Festival, to enjoy their visit to Nashville. You can't enjoy yourself, while your pockets are being picked. Add to these the absurd traffic and parking problems that afflict Nashville; during Fanfair, and you will understand why we did not time the Ambassador Charlie Ray's Nashville Music Festival to match the week of Fanfair.

If you want to advance your career as an artist or songwriter, Fanfair week is the worse time I can imagine to be in Nashville. If you want to come to Nashville as a fan and see major label artists perform, Fanfair might be worth paying through the nose for a hotel room, sitting in traffic for hours at a time, paying absurd parking lot rates to park 3 miles from where you want to be, waiting in line at every restaurant and all the countless other hassles.

The exact dates of Ambassador Charlie Ray's Nashville Music Festival are May 26 (Saturday), May 27 (Sunday), and May 28 (Memorial Day).  For more information, go to http://www.nashvillemusicfestival.com


This update sponsored by, USA Songwriting Competition. They are currently accepting entries. Entrants could win a grand prize of over $50,000 US, in cash, merchandise and exposure. This the largest prize package in any annual songwriting competition. Winners' songs will be heard, on The Acoustic Cafe radio program syndicated to 60+ North American cities. Judges include Warner/Reprise Records, Sony Music, Epic Records, Mars Music Records, and Peer Music. The 15 categories include Pop, Rock, and Country. Enter now and receive free copies of "Performing Songwriter" magazine. For more information, visit http://www.songwriting.net

Music Reviews
Nashville, "The Heart," Brant Miller, It is produced by the legendary Colonel Buster Doss. What is there left to say? 4 1/2 Stars

Australia, "Countrycity Unity," Kerrigan La Broody, I have enjoyed watching the overall quality of Australian country music improve over the last three or four years. Kerrigan La Brooy proves once again that Australian country music is among the world's best. 4 Stars

Nashville, "People Of The Red Man," Qua-Ti-Si, All the songs are well written, well produced, and very well sung. The lady's voice has a certain hauntingly sad quality about it. This is especially noticeable in her rendition of "Amazing Grace," which she does in a melodic mixture of Cherokee & Cree. 4 Stars
As a foot note, Qua-Ti-Si will be performing at Ambassador Charlie Ray's Nashville Music Festival. Don't miss it. It'll be something to tell your friends about.

California, "Chater's Country Collection", various singers., Intended as a songwriter's demo project this collection of songs, by Mike Chater is better written,  produced, and sung than many so called master production CDs, which I receive for review. 3 Stars

Texas, "Broke & Busted", Trey Clark, This album has clear vocals, clean straight ahead production, and damn good song selection.   4 Stars

South Carolina, "Please, Please, Please," Dwayne F. Goodman, Don't quit your day job. 1 Star.

Iowa, "Spirit Of The Wind," Storm Seymour, This outstanding Native American singer has won and been nominated for more accolades than space allows me to mention. He has been nominated for a NAMA (Native American Music Award) Most recently, he was appointed as an Admiral on the staff of Nebraska's Governor. A few years ago, he was appointed as a Colonel on the Staff of Tennessee's governor. He has been given the prestigious Kitty Wells/Johnny Wright Humanitarian Award for his devotion to helping people in need.  The list goes on. Storm wrote, sings, and produced "Spirit Of The Wind." It seems his talents have no boundaries 4 1/2 Stars
As a footnote, Storm will be hosting a special Native American Showcase, at Ambassador Charlie Ray's Nashville Music Festival. In addition to White Swan, Qua-Ti-Si and other singers and bands, the showcase will feature The Native American Dance Troop, under the direction of Cherokee Magnus. This is the first time in history that a major Nashville Music event has set aside a special time slot for Native American singers, musicians, and dancers. Several booth spaces have been set aside, for Native American vendors to sell their arts and crafts. If you would like to be part of this historic event,  
email festival@radiocountry.org.

Kansas, "Searching For Happiness," Donald Edwards, Don, I have great doubt you'll ever find happiness, as a recording artist.  1/2 Star

Mongolia, "Winds Of The Steppes," Jki Nu Khan, This proves country music is truly international. The previously unheard accent of the singer requires getting use to. The unusual melodic progression and clever use of strings makes this album a keeper.  3 1/2 Stars