SGN Scoops Digital

Brad Davis Signs On with BlueGrass Valley Records

Franklin, TN February 6th 2013 – BlueGrass Valley Entertainment & Records, a division of Mansion Entertainment, is proud to announce the signing of its first artist, GRAMMY award winner Brad Davis.

Brad Davis is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and producer. During his career he has worked with many noted artists including: Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Earl Scruggs, Marty Stuart, Tommy Shaw, Johnny Cash, and Billy Bob Thornton. Due to Brad’s unique guitar style, he has earned the nickname “The Shredder”.  Fellow band member of the Boxmasters, Billy Bob Thornton, calls Brad, “one of the most interesting original guitar players I have ever heard with his very own double down up shredder technique. The music he creates will no doubt mark history, he’s amazing.” Legendary musician and Grammy winner, Earl Scruggs, describes Brad as, “a great guitar player, on both acoustic and electric. He has a unique style that I enjoy hearing.” Brad has also co-written and produced legendary artist of STYX fame, Tommy Shaw, on his project The Great Divide, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart.

Brad Davis will be releasing three new projects this year on BlueGrass Valley Records. His first release will be a Gospel oriented Bluegrass album entitled “Walk On Faith”. Brad’s two other projects will be released later this year and include a straight Bluegrass and an instrumental album.

To learn more about Brad’s upcoming projects and other BlueGrass Valley Records’ artists, please visit www.bluegrassvalleyrecords.com.

Doyle Lawson Named SPBGMA Mandolin Performer of the Year

NASHVILLE, TN (February 5, 2013) –  Doyle Lawson was named Mandolin Performer of the Year by the SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America) at the 39th Annual SPBMA Bluegrass Music Awards held on Sunday evening at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville.

Lawson received a total of four (4) SPBGMA Award Nominations including Entertainer of the Year, as well as Vocal Group of the Year and Gospel Group of the Year (Contemporary) with his band Quicksilver.

Also celebrating his 50th anniversary in music on Sunday, the ride for Doyle Lawson seems to be only gathering momentum, as Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver are reigning Inspirational Country Music Association (ICM) Vocal Group of the Year, and Lawson is still basking in the glow of his induction into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in September at Nashville’s world famous Ryman Auditorium.

“Doyle is legendary in both bluegrass and gospel genres,” said Bob Cherry of Cybergrass, “and he frequently mixes them to deliver something special.  He has given so much for so long to the music we all love, and he’s never let us down.  Who wouldn’t be proud of Doyle? The bluegrass and gospel community definitely loves this man and his music!”

Lawson was honored by the Governor and State of Tennessee in 2012 for his contributions to the state and nation through his music, was heralded by journalist Craig Havighurst as “one of music’s lions,”  and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver appeared on Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and 12-time Grammy winner Paul Simon’s recent album “So Beautiful or So What.”  DLQ also appeared on the acclaimed “Mark Twain: Words and Music” with such heavy-hitters as Jimmy Buffet, Clint Eastwood, Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, and Emmylou Harris.  DLQ’s album “Drive Time” spent several weeks atop the Alternate Roots Top 66 International Bluegrass Chart at #1 and was proclaimed an Essential Album of the Year by Acoustic Guitar Magazine, while the single “Precious Memories” spent an impressive five months at #1 atop the Singing News Bluegrass Gospel Chart.  “I Saw Him Walk Out of the Sky” from the most recent gospel album “Sing Me a Song About Jesus” spent two months atop the Singing News Bluegrass Gospel Chart at #1 and was nominated as IBMA’s Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year.

Sounds like Lawson and his band are just getting warmed up!  Attorney and fellow musician Charlie Sizemore echoed the sentiment, saying recently, “I would not be the least bit surprised if the best music from Doyle Lawson is yet to come.”

In a statement written just before the SPBGMA Award was announced on Sunday, and in reflecting on his career in music, Lawson said:  “From the depths of my heart, I thank everyone who ever stood on stage with me, those who work behind the scenes, all of the people who have shown your support by coming to the concerts and buying the recordings, and most of all almighty God and His only begotten Son Jesus for watching over me and guiding my footsteps when I may have taken the wrong road of life. God bless you all, and stay with me! It’s a great ride!”

 To read Lawson’s full quote on his career, please go to:
http://doylelawson.com/2013/doyle-lawson-named-spbgma-mandolin-player-of-the-year-and-celebrates-50th-anniversary-in-music/

For a full listing of SPBGMA Award Winners, please go to:
http://www.musicrow.com/2013/02/2013-spbgma-award-winners/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2013-spbgma-award-winners


To view all SPBGMA Nominees, please go to:
http://www.spbgma.com/level2/natnom2013.html



Photo by Kim Hornsby

Mansion Entertainment Launches BlueGrass Valley

Franklin, TN January 15th 2013 – Mansion Entertainment, label home to GRAMMY nominated and Dove Award winning Gospel artists, has announced the launch of BlueGrass Valley Entertainment & Records.

Mansion executive Bill Traylor stated, “We’ve considered branching out into the bluegrass arena for quite some time due to a number of friends in the bluegrass community that have wanted to see us apply the same relationship models to bluegrass as we’re using for Mansion Entertainment and Pathway Enterprises in regard to radio and television. It’s a transition that just makes sense for us and we’re excited to have some great new bluegrass projects in the works that we can’t wait to share with bluegrass fans.”

BlueGrass Valley Records will make the first step of its launch by releasing several bluegrass gospel singles to bluegrass radio this month (January 2013). GRAMMY winner Brad Davis will lead off the list of artists being sent to radio with the debut new single from his upcoming project, “ROAD TO EMMAUS”. Other artists being sent to radio are the popular bluegrass bands Detour and Nightflyer as well as Tammy Larson and the popular Branson, MO based group The Wilhites.

More artist announcements will follow in the coming weeks as the label prepares to launch three brand new bluegrass projects on Brad Davis. You can follow the latest happenings with BlueGrass Valley Records through social media (www.facebook.com/bluegrassvalleyrecords) or via their website www.bluegrassvalleyrecords.com

Perfect Harmony Promotions Presents: “A Gospel Grass Gathering” November 16 in Scottsboro Alabama

Perfect Harmony Promotions Presents a night of Gospel and Bluegrass Music on Friday, November 16.  Multi- Award winning Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver along with the Primitive Quartet, Paul Williams and the Victory Trio will perform at the Collins Elementary School Auditorium 102 Legion Street, Scottsboro, Alabama. Doors open at 5:45, concert begins at 7:00 CST.  Tickets are $23, Reserved Seating, $25 at the door, General Admission in advance, $18, $20 at the door. For seating and ticket information, call 1-800-401-6920  or visit http://perfectharmonypromotions.com/

GRAMMY®-Nominated Family Group Jeff & Sheri Easter Release New Music with Eyes Wide Open

NASHVILLE, Tenn.–September 21, 2012—Multiple award-winning and GRAMMY®-nominated Jeff & Sheri Easter, of Lincolnton, GA, have just released an all-new studio recording.  Eyes Wide Open (Spring Hill Music Group) was produced by Jeff and Sheri Easter, veteran producer Greg Cole and Jeff & Sheri’s son, Madison Easter, who made his debut as a co-producer with the new release.

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Nominated for Three NQC Awards

(July 20, 2012) – Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver have been nominated for three awards in the NQC Music Awards first round ballot!

BEN AND BILLY COCKMAN TO COMPETE IN NATIONAL GUITAR COMPETITION

Ben and Billy Cockman, of The Cockman Family, will be traveling to compete in National Flat Pick Guitar, Mandolin, and Banjo contest at the Walnut Valley Festival Winfield, KS.  Over the weekend, the youngest son, Ben, took the 2012 Guitar Championship during Hartsville, SC at The Reno Fest.

Ben Cockman won an D18 acoustic guitar hand built by award winning stringed instrument craftsman Gerald Anderson.  “After winning the award,” said dad John Cockman, “he was given the opportunity to perform a song with the guys who helped make the guitar.”  Watch the video of Ben Cockman performing ‘I’ll Fly Away’ with The Four Virginia Luthiers here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ryfp_n-fqs.

The Cockman Family is set to release their new radio single “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?” with Homeland Inspiration Group in early April 2012.

About The Cockman Family:
The Cockmans have a unique bluegrass gospel style. Their harmonies, original songs and original arrangements of the old gospel songs have been immensely popular with their audiences. Fans love their family-style entertainment as well. As the family continues to grow, the grandchildren are also joining in on the tradition. They love to sing and they love the Lord. Their family ties are strong, and the warmth of that is conveyed in their performances.

The Cockman Family has been nominated for Bluegrass Artists of the Year, Instrumentalist of the Year and Bluegrass Band of the Year by the Country Gospel Music Association (CGMA), and for Gold Cross Bluegrass Group of the Year by the International Country Gospel Music Association. The Cockman Family was selected as one of “The 12 Most Creative Families In America” by American Greetings Cards and USA Today Weekend. The Cockman Family is listed in the North Carolina Arts Council for North Carolina Touring and Resident Artist Directory, and has produced a concert video that is aired regularly on the SET (Southern Entertainment Television) 24 hour satellite gospel programming network and other local TV stations around the country.

For more information on The Cockman Family,
visit http://www.cockmanfamily.com/

For more information on Homeland Inspiration Group,
visit http://www.homelandinspirationgroup.com/

For Press Information:
Brittany Maxwell
Director of Media
Homeland Inspiration Group
706.870.4974
brittanydmaxwell@gmail.com

USAGEM Area Fellowship Group Announces Introductory Concert Series

{EHA-Nashville, TN} Kent Smith, Director of the USAGEM Area Fellowship Group that covers North Alabama and parts of South Tennessee, announced today the area introductory concert series for the non-profit 501c3 organization. The fellowship group aims to increase awareness of Gospel Music and especially introduce the music of affiliate quartets, groups, and other USAGEM artists. A goal of the fellowship and association as a whole is to increase concerts for the artists while serving the needs of the ministries who may be looking for exceptional talent and ministry-minded artists to fill a concert, singing, or event date. The local fellowship is based out of Huntsville, AL and Kent Smith runs the group under the direction of the main headquarters in Nashville, TN. Potential members can go to the main website, www.usagem.org to apply for membership. The organization covers 5 genres; Southern Gospel, Bluegrass Gospel, Christian Country, Contemporary Christian, and Black Gospel. The local chapter meets for fellowship and support among its members and is simply an arm of the larger body and operates by all the guidelines set forth by the Board of Directors.
The USAGEM Area Fellowship Group’s introductory concert series schedule is as follows: (All concerts start at 7 pm. There is no admission charge, but a love-offering will be taken.)
 
Sat. Oct. 1 Mable Hill Baptist Church, Ardmore, AL
Featuring: Alliance Quartet, HeavenSong, Compassion
 
Sat. Oct. 8 Cornerstone Baptist Church, Ryland, AL
Featuring: AlversonBoyd and the Kent Smith Family
 
Sat. Oct. 15 Huntland United Pentecostal Church, Huntland, TN
Featuring: Image Trio and the Gardners
 
Sat. Oct 22, Hazel Green Church of God of Prophecy, Hazel Green, AL
Featuring: Servants Quartet and the Spiritual Motivators
 
More info: Kent Smith, 256-828-4760 email: kentsmith@usagem.org
www.usagem.org

Cockman Family Recieves Award from The North Carolina Folklore Society

Heartwarming Recording artists The Cockman Family of Sherrill’s Ford, NC has been recently honored with The Community Traditions Award from The North Carolina Folklore Society.  This award honors contributions of groups and organizations to folklife and traditional culture in North Carolina. community traditions.

For the past 20 years The Cockman Family of Cattawba County has played and sung traditional bluegrass gospel all over the country. John Cockman, Sr. is the son of a Methodist Preacher and met Jane Cockman when she was playing piano for church services. Their common interest in music was shared with their children when they were young. Today John, Jr. (fiddle), Billy (banjo), Carolina Cockman Fisher (lead vocals), David (bass), and Ben (mandolin) form the usual line-up, but there are three generations of musicians in the family who often join their parents and grandparents onstage. The music of the Cockman Family incorporates tight harmony singing and skillfully arranged instrumental breaks. The Cockmans also deserve recognition for their efforts to encourage the growth and continuation of traditional music. Several of the band members teach music in the community and every year the band is the host for the fiddler’s convention at Union Grove, one of the oldest continuously operated fiddler’s conventions in the country. It is partially due to their efforts as hosts and administrators that the festival has been able to keep going. The family has won numerous awards from the Gospel Music Association of America, and was the recent subject of an American Public Television Christmas Special.

The Cockman Family is currently working on their new project for the Homeland/Heartwarming label which will showcase the family harmony and instrumentations in a variety of Mountain Southern Gospel and Bluegrass Gospel.  You can find more information about the Cockman Family at www.homelandentertainmentgroup.com or www.cockmanfamily.com

Triple L Band Utilizes New Technology

Triple L Band, Front Porch Fellowship Awards “New Artist Of The Year,” is utilizing new technology in the marketing of their new CD.  Triple L Band is a fast rising Bluegrass Gospel band that has already been using various social media outlets to market their music.  However, they believe this new technological tool will be the next step artists use to introduce fans to their music.  This technology is known as a Microsoft Tag and can be scanned by a smart phone so that you can hear music clips from the artist.  Triple L Band’s new CD project “Are You Ready” comes equipped with the tag on the back of the CD.  Therefore, when someone picks up the CD at a bookstore or concert they can sample the music or hear the new single without opening the CD packaging.  This will help in retail environments where a listening kiosk is not present.

Terry Hudson of Hudson Media Concepts and manager of Triple L Band says, “The tag will also be placed in magazine articles and ads about the group as well as concert posters.  This will enable Triple L Band to have a wider marketing circle.”  For more information contact Hudson Media Concepts at (828) 692-7099 or visit www.hudsonmediaconcepts.com.  For more information on Triple L Band, visit them online at www.triplelband.com.