EVERLIFE - Sister Rock Trio At the End (of Everything)

                                                                     


Of all the gazillion artists, bands, singers, musicians, writers, etc. that I've met since moving to Nashville there are a few that stand out in my mind as the very first impressionable ones.  One band in that handful is Everlife.  Actually, when I met these sweeties they were just hitting it big nationally on the Disney circuit.

I remember after getting to know them at our local church, that, not only were they beautiful, sweet, down-to-earth and young - but they were perfectly harmonized.  Their trio quality was beyond trained, it was God-given.  They sang a capella during one service "Amazing Grace."  I had never heard such beautiful voices so perfectly-matched in a live performance, much less in a regular church service.  This is truly genetics!

Everlife is composed of three twenty-something sisters - Sarah, Amber and Julia Ross.  They grew up in Indiana and Pennsylvania and as early as 1997 knew as tweens that they wanted to go to Nashville and go for the tough-reached music career.  The family moved.

Their first album, "Daydream: An Acoustic Album" was released in 2001 with Independent Records, followed by "Lead the Way" in 2003.  Their third self-titled album followed closely and amazingly close behind in 2004.  Thanks to someone who saw national talent in the making they soon got connected into the popular Disney circuit, home of some of the best young talent in America.  

In 2007 the self-titled album was out all over the US with well-known songs like "Look Through Your Eyes," "Find Yourself in You," "I Could Get Used to This" (my favorite), "Real Wild Child" and "Goodbye."  Signing with Hollywood Records/Buena Vista Records put their music in top-name Disney movies and got them on huge, sold-out tours with Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana), The Cheetah Girls and the Jonas Brothers.  They now were amazing rock stars!

                                                                       



This talent wasn't Disney-only.......they have been on several world tours, making them international acts and succes stories.  In 2009 they released "At the Love Library" followed by "What's Beautiful" in 2010.  It's hard to believe that they are old-timers at this at such young ages!  Their final CD, "At the End of Everything" was just released and it keeps up with the same lyrical and musical originality of previous albums over their 13 years of recording.

The group wanted to finish with high-quality creating this album so they put together a Kickstarter fund campaign online to raise the needed $25k.  Not only did they raise the money, but they surpassed it to over $28k in the time allotted. 

"Three Little Girls" is such a fun, cute start to this grand finale.  It talks specifically about them and is just as entertaining in words as it is beautiful and fun the listen to.  Other outstanding tunes are "Missing You," " Stop Sign," "Love in Rhythm" and "Coming Home."  Finally, not to end the CD without some emotion "At the End of Everything" is well-put-together in lyrics, the words fit the changes in notes easily.  "Alleluia" is an acapella spiritual finish.  Again, these harmonies are second to none!  

At the concert they mixed new tunes with old, reminding the full-house event how their talent ranged so well over the years.  A fun part of their performance was in-between songs when they shared jokes and stories, laughing and smiling to each other  in an appropriate level of not talking too much, which sometimes happens in finales.  Memories of past success were remembered by all, but there was nothing more tear-jerking then "Alleluia" with the three girls surrounding the one mike followed by "At the End of Everything."

Do I feel that they truly are the end of this iconic story?  No.  They could keep going together or separate, but again there is no other act that I feel matches the voice harmony, the sisterly closeness and the pure born talent these three Ross girls will always have.

Love to Everlife evermore, XOxo, Karen

Billy Gaines - Still Inspiring and Still an Icon

When I uprooted my children and me from very busy lives including school, church and career to move to the Nashville area in 2006 - I had really no idea what we would have for life changes.  I came to realize rather quickly that there were 4 "S"s we were going to experience.  They are:  Steeples - there are soooo many churches here in the Bible Belt, even more than our home, Orlando, FL;  Seasons - In FL it cools down a little at Thanksgiving and gets warm/hot in March;  Sweet people - this is such a refreshing area, everyone is nice here;  and finally, Saturation of Celebrity - I mean, WOW!  Imagine running into a different Country, Pop or Christian star at least once a week whether at the grocery store, church or usually restaurants.  


About a year after experiencing so many of the celebrity-spotting moments I was working out a local gym and a frequent member who was there every time seemed to always have the right thing to say - always quick to move off of a machine for me or any other patrons around.  He always had inspiring things to say, all I knew about him for quite awhile was that his name was "Billy."  It was a surprise to eventually discover that he wasn't just a "Billy," but he is Billy Gaines, Gospel, R&B and soul singing star, songwriter and artist. Again, I realized how lucky I was to be in this community of so much talent!


Billy is a 2-time Dove Award winner, a 4-time nominee, with quite a few albums sharing talents with his wife, Sarah.  On their first self-titled album in the '80's they were #1 in the Top 40 six different times, with recognized tunes like "A Friend Indeed," "How Great This Heart Must Be," and "I Found Someone."  In 2006 he soloed with outstanding album (CD) "Ten Thousand Angels," which was well-known by name alone through the mid-TN area, an area where "everyone" has a CD.  Eventually, he was able to bring out crowds by using cover tunes and many of his favorites, which I had the pleasure to learn some of on the keyboard at one time.


Billy hasn't slowed down at all.  He is still performing locally and regionally at restaurants, clubs, weddings, social functions and parties, as well as holding down a worship leader job at a local church.  He is working fulltime - purely in music - again, in a very music-saturated area, which just proves how vital, inspiring and talented his performances are.


I ventured out to see him a week ago at a local restaurant in the popular Cool Springs/Franklin area - Wild Ginger, a trendy, airy sushi/wok/Asian restaurant with high ceilings, lots of windows and yet a nice stage area for his band's setup.  His gig on this particular night consisted of mostly recognizable '70's tunes, starting off his opening set with "On Broadway."  Songs following were "Lost in the Masquerade," "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," and "Killing Me Softly."  His velvety-smooth vocals were not loud or even real easy to hear over a completely booked night this establishment had, but it was perfect, just enough to enjoy the music, the company and good food.  It was definitely  perfect sound and volume for the type of atmosphere for this performance.  


Every memorable song had many patrons wording the lyrics occasionally, but the one song that seemed to have many abuzz was "Heard It Through the Grapevine."  It IS amazing the longevity and lasting strength a good tune will always carry.  During break Billy took 5 minutes to rest and then jumped on the keyboard to play a few more songs, showing that he doesn't like slowing down or stopping a performance until "the lights are dimmed."  That, with the fact that the place was packed, was definitely smart thinking on his end.  


This particular night his band consisted of Karlton Taylor, keys;  J.C. Teasly, bass guitar; and Wendell Henry, drums.  Speaking with the band later, I realized each one of these gentlemen were not only talented, but are every bit gentlemen and fun to be around.  


All in all, what a great night!  I had experienced a relaxing evening of good food and atmosphere, and talented entertainment with quite a following.  I'm looking forward to enjoying Mr. Gaines' talent again sometime in the near future!

A Little Rose, A Little Lizzie, Lotsa' Koriander

What better way to start off CMA Week 2012 in Nashville than with a triple show act.  I had the pleasure of watching some of the following performers already in freestyle, acoustic form.     Seeing them in a more conventional, performance-on-stage setting made it that much more versatile for their talent, but also more fun, obviously with full band backing.  


The Listening Room Cafe was the "scene of the crime."  This particular club, on the outskirts of the downtown club hub, is nice for a bigger show as it has more space than you originally think when first entering.  The bar is huge, a gigantic square that greets you as soon as you enter.  The room is L-shaped, with a nice long area of tables and seats smattered about.  Because of the size of the bar you could easily cozy up on a bar stool and because of sitting higher up, still feel like you're right up close to the stage.  I love this club setup!


First billing on this CMA afternoon was Tonja Rose, one true rose of a lady.  I've gotten to know Tonja a little more since reviewing her in February, and I've got to say - she is the real deal.  She is smart, fun, sweet and full of spiritual peace - you can tell all of that usually just chatting with her after a show.  She is not a prima donna, she is someone you would love to have as a neighbor or close friend.  Rose gives the impression she would be there for you anytime if needed.  


Her selection of entertainment started off with a song I had already heard her sing - "The Bible and Me,"  the name showing her true feelings spiritually.  However, that is NOT the nature of this song.  It is what she calls her Angry Woman Song........   that was a great call.  The song was a great pick-me-up, audience-here-I-am-wake-up kind of song.  Following that she did a cover, Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror," which was sung with a different style than Jackson, full of country boldness and emotion.  Having bongos for percussion added to this tune's flavor.  


She delighted us with a new song, "There's More Where That Came From,"  which she told us was the song's premiere performance .......... LOVED IT!  Her finishing act, "Lessons of Redemption" made me think:  This could be her Redemption Song....... ha ha.  Tonja's singing is fun, full of changes in voice quality and both soulful yet spicy.  Her dress was a no- nonsense summer top and capris, a perfect look for early afternoon.  Her new summer 'do, a cute, short look gave her bigger eyes, smiles, etc.  Again, she is so unpretentious you totally fall in love with her act.

Next up - a brand new Florida-bred Nashville "baby," Lizzie Sider.  Now, I looked at this "young lady" and thought, "Ah, fresh meat.  'Gotta be 17 -18??"  Nope.  This country babe is 14 years old.........  yes, 14!  So, learning that made me realize all the more how much the country music world continues to bring even the new generation into its fold.  I so believe that Taylor Swift's such immediate success added to that fact.  Even so, to have it in your bones at such a young age - pretty awesome!


Lizzie co-wrote most of her music, and just like a professional named each co-writer before each song.  Her first tune, "Butterfly" was a perfect name for her - a beautiful developing new beauty in the field.  Here's the amazement:  she was really good.  Not only good, but confident, strong, not afraid.  Her smile was constantly there.  I didn't see one time where she looked concerned, looking off as if to say, "Help, I'm scared."  I smiled back non-stop and found myself thinking, "I sure hope this butterfly flutters around town and becomes a hit."  She mastered the guitar while singing, then surprised us to show she is a "triple-threat" .........  she also played the keys!  


A very melodious tune, "Souvenirs," was beautiful.  Her final tune was titled "Childhood Fairytale," a sweet, poignant song.


My final thoughts on Lizzie?  She's already got great eye-contact, seems mature beyond her age (14!) and really enjoys and believes in the lyrics of her music.  Watch for this gorgeous reddish-blonde to be a name in country music in the next 5 years!

Finally, Koriander.  What can I say?  Nashville meets Detroit.  The twang hits the jam.   Koriander has created their own nook in the country world - they put funky jive into the mix.  Tonja (Rose) changed during the Sider set, and was in decorated boots, evening performance dress and hair and make-up that was uptown and modern.  Rose and front-stager Erin Ashleigh were a gorgeous duo, not only with harmony, but with appearance.   Their unique jewelry was created and loaned by a new Franklin jewelry and crafts shop, CleverLeaf Goods (www.cleverleafgoods.com).


 "Wrecking Ball," a funky-fun tune got us all rocking and moving from the beginning.   A Carrie Underwood-style entry, "The Only Thing Wrong With Her .. Is Him," was a fightin', country-style, "take-him-down" tune.  My Koriander fave, "Me & Jack Are Breaking Up" truly shows this band's style - country and blues with a funky upbeat.  There were some covers - "The Train Song" and "You and I" (Lady Gaga) were fun, with softer, sweeter tunes intermingled.  "Come and Get It" was a great ending, lots of fun, people were dancing, the afternoon was completely full of musical talent and frolic.....  (Love the word "frolic," ha ha).


This performance was full of so much energy, more than any time I've seen them in the past.  They have reached a point of pure jelled-sound.  Rose added to the vocals to give great singer Ashleigh a great harmonious addition.  The two girls had fun and played off of each other famously.  This is a great duet!  The band, each and every member, mastered their instruments.   Leader EJ Ford is a true showman, with great key work while dancing and feeling every beat out with his movements.  


Koriander has arrived!

Erin Ashleigh, Tonya Stout, Tonja Rose, Mason Douglas & Co.

It was actually only my second time to grace the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012.  The first time was quite an eye-opener - very small bar/cafe, packed elbow-to-elbow crowd and 4 great songwriters taking their turn bringing us a collage of their funny, poignant and happy-go-lucky numbers.  I left thinking, "Yeah, that was fine, but why so many people in that little place?"  Well, this time I got it!  My friend and I arrived 5 mins. late to an even more-packed-than-before Bluebird.  The stage was filled with seats that were squeezed in so tight I couldn't figure out how it was done.  The performers were in the center of the room on the floor, even more reachable than the last time.  Our table was in a convenient location, right up next to the circle.  My girlfriend, who has a raspy low voice made a comment after one song that was picked up by their mics and the whole audience roared, THAT'S how tight and close we all were!  (Side thought: this show was sold out when reservations began.  If they bought neighboring businesses this cafe would make a fortune!)  Each of the 4 featured singers would sing, followed by the next, and so on, so everyone in the circle was constantly plucking, playing, harmonizing, singing, etc. 


I had been invited to this show by Erin Ashleigh, front person/singer for the country band Koriander(koriandermusic.com).  Erin is a gorgeous, appealing performer, complete with long, curled blonde hair and big, beautiful eyes.  One is drawn to her just from her outward appeal, aside from her musical talents.   She opened up her heart with a funny tune, "Me and Jack Are Breaking Up," which, by the name would tell you there was humor in this song.   One of the other 4 performers, Mason Douglas, and Erin co-wrote her next number about a girl named Savannah, followed by "Be-You-T-Ful," a personal favorite of mine, inspiring us to be US, to be beautiful with all of our hearts loving ourselves as we are.  "Your Place Or Mine?"  So much fun!  Ms. Ashleigh is gifted all the way around, with beauty, writing ability and with not only singing talent but with stage presence.  Her messages are very strong, as one example "Belle of the Wrecking Ball" with piano accompanying her, thus bringing out the tune's full expression.  


Keyboardist EJ (Erskine) Ford, Jr., who is keyboardist and band leader for Koriander, provided amazing piano sounds for the entire group on most of the numbers.  Honestly, everyone's accompaniment for each other epitomized a band that had been playing together for months, and this was just a one-night performance together for the featured singers!


Unfortunately due to the lack of stage and the circling setup for the singers Tonya Stout's back was to me.  That's no reflection of her talent, but did make it slightly hard to feel her emotions as much as the others as I couldn't watch her face.  However,  Tonya not only sings but plays a pretty good guitar.  She's from Indiana and with a birth name like Tonya Lynette Whitman, she knew she was destined for Tennessee AND country music.  Her voice has a definite country "schound," but is very beautiful and melodious at the same time.   "Every Dog Has His Day" was fun and upbeat, and "Being Your Wife" (I think was the name) spoke of making vows to her husband and falling for him everyday all over again....very romantic!  Her humor came out full-swing with "The Only Thing Wrong With You is Him."


Tonja Rose............ a striking brunette, appealing not only as a songwriter/performer, but also as a speaker/announcer.  She reminds me of Rachael Ray, meaning Ray's true gift is cooking, but she knows how to host guests and bring out secrets, fun things and gifts they have.  Tonja moderated and brought humor in between everyone else's music!  "Move" was moving, telling us her love is writing music more than singing and that showed with her very lyrical choices that night.  "Getting Started," then showed her amazing vocal talent, as her voice backed away from the mic still filled the room clearly.  A song about taking second chances "Dancing" made us want to get up and dance, even though there was definitely no room for that.  Her following numbers "Three Things You Dont Burn and Go Scott Free" and "The Bible, Old Glory and Me" were truly melodious.  Her final tune, "That Was What I Was Afraid Of" was touching, thoughtful and, of course, beautiful.  What a great, all-around performer!  Check her out at Tonjarose.com.  


Lastly, the one male performer was Mason Douglas (Masondouglasmusic.com).   This gentleman is a definite love of performing!  His personality stood out to me as a one-of-a-kind.  He also has stong guitar talent along with vocals as he began with "Can't You Feel the Temperature Rising."  He and extra guitarist Jesse were dueling guitarists on this and several songs.  "Let Your Hands Speak to Me" was sweet, full of emotion and unbelievable.  This song brought tears to everyone's eyes, even the other performers!  Then his next time around he changed his mood to humorous with "Show Me What You Got...."  (Under Your Red Hood), combining his lyrics and music with a Lady Gaga tune.  His last number,  "Anything Could Happen" seriously brought the house down.

Again, this was one amazing mix of talent in one night!  This seemed again to be a band all taking turns singing as they showed admiring friendship and respect to each one's brand of country music.  I was unfortunately never able to get the extra-guitarist's full name..... l only got Jesse, but his talent for picking up everyone's music was undeniably professional.  EJ Ford's keyboard talent is truly one that anyone would want with their band, even though he leads Koriander.  His fingers were constantly moving over the keys, even if he wasn't accompanying that particular song.  


Erin's last number "Second-Hand Smoke" was perfect, my favorite number for the evening!  The bridge was awesome, the song was beautiful, and it was definitely a perfect ending to a perfect evening.  


This group showed me I HAVE to spend more time at the Bluebird as I know there's probably going to be more talent like this at the cafe!  See ya'll then!   

Deborah Allen - Beautiful Energy & Music

During my first day @ the CMA Festival in June '11 I was meeting men in country music, my second day seemed to be filled with women.  One of the lovely songbirds I was fortunate to meet was the talented and beautiful Deborah Allen.   I had heard her in nearby interview booths in the Media Room with high chirpy charisma,  vocal chords per- 

forming and laughter loud enough to penetrate through other interviews going on.  

So, when finally meeting her I knew this was not going to be a quiet, tight-lipped interview!

I was not disappointed!  Deborah has one of those 

personalities and energy levels that makes you smile.  When she is in the room a glow follows her.  Yes, Deborah was born with star appeal.

Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and artist Deborah is someone not writing and performing an album straight out of nowhere.......  this talented lady has written or co-written over 1000 songs for well-known country artists, like Diana Ross, Sheena Easton, Patty Loveless, Tanya Tucker, Iasac Hayes, Brooks & Dunn and LeAnn Rimes!  She had been hired by George Kline to work on his talent/dance show "The Elvis Hour."  Not only well-versed, but this woman was one of the wedding singers for the recent nuptical event for Miranda Lambert & Blake Shelton's wedding.  With many many other credits under her belt I felt I was in presence of a country legend even though she didn't appear to be anywhere near legend age! 

Her newest album, "Anything For Love," is due out right around the corner, August 18.  Her up-and-growing hit "Amazing Graceland" will power this album out right at the same time people will be thinking Graceland......... it will be during Elvis Week in Memphis starting Aug. 10.   Allen remembers as a child driving past Graceland all the time with cousins and friends.  So, it's no coincidence that she felt led to write a ballad as a tribute to Elvis, his music dear to her musical heart.  She wrote this song just after feeling Elvis' spirit as she walked through Graceland recently.

When I asked her how to describe her music, her smiling response was, "It's somewhere between Memphis & Nashville."   This is felt in her two chart-climbing ballads "Amazing Graceland" and her cover single "Anything For Love."   She has already been touted by critics with a better-than-ever vocal sound right now.

She gave me a great acappella performance with a fun song, "It Better Be Big."  This number was about getting (or someone who better get) a big engagement ring (they) had earned.  I questioned her about how she could be so full of ideas for so much songwriting.  Her answer?  She asked me to hum any tune.........  putting little me on the spot......  I did......she hummed with me, and created words that just came off the tongue with the sound of my "tune."  Amazing!

Finally, I asked her what she felt was her favorite or best talent and she said, "Definitely, songwriting.  It gives me longevity."

Deborah Allen is beautiful, sweet, fun, happy, talented and me thinks she will be around for many many more years, giving her many reasons to feel that longevity working.  I can't wait for the CD to come out!

CMA Interviews: Frontman RICHIE MCDONALD

It was a pleasure to sit down with CMA/ACM/BMI award-winning singer/songwriter Richie McDonald.  This very accomplished artist has so much talent and credentials tucked under his belt I felt honored to pose with him!  

At first meeting, Richie wouldn't speak and kept a grim face.  I thought,  "Oh no, this is going to be a tough one to pull info out of....help!"  But, alas, Richie is also a comedian and was playing hard-to-get for the first 5 minutes - after that, I realized he was sweet, easy to chat with, and was not that impressed with himself, even though I was more and more impressed with his family love, funny demeanor and amazing drive to continue to write and perform.

Richie McDonald is the former frontman/singer/writer for well-known country band Lonestar.  Their award-winning 9 albums were not just trophy winners, they included 6 gold and platinum albums.  When this stint finally ended Richie just couldn't put the pen down.   He went on with solo work to create a Christmas record and two further endeavors.   One, just released in January, 2011, is "Slowdown," an album he worked on for 2 - 3 years, which he is very proud and content with.  He admitted that all of the songs on this CD were written and cowritten by himself over the last 10 years.  Whether a love song or a "quirky little diddy"  he says that they are passionate and is amazed at how the project turned out, explaining it should really reach out and touch lives.  

He remembers once when his 4-yr. old son (who is now 15) would greet him when he would call from tour asking, "Dad, when are you coming home?"  He would hang up and deeply touched with this love - would write a song about.

He now is daddy to three - oldest son again is 15, Molly, 12, Masey, 10, calling them his "little singers."  His oldest son is now even learning guitar.  His family has kept him grounded despite the fame of his notoriety, and encouraged him to keep current touring to include trips home in between.

The "Slowdown" promotion tour begins in July, including Nevada, Utah, Texas, Missouri, Louisiana and ending in Alabama.  Part of this tour will be a titled act "The Front Men," featuring three front men Richie, Larry Stewart and Tim Rushlow.

McDonald was again a pleasure to get acquainted with, his accomplishments totally ignored by himself in this interview, which goes to show that he still has drive to continue to do more.....and this blogger stronger feels that he will continue working and writing as long as he is inspired.   
 

CMA Week Interviews: DJ Miller

Going to my very first CMA Country Music festival Week was eye-opening, hot, interesting, crazy and above all educating.  Working my way through to the Media center for interviews was definitely an experience, but once there I expected to meet many egos.  My very first interview, DJ Miller, proved me wrong.  

A self-proclaimed farm boy, DJ wields from small town Idaville, Indiana.   At 21, he already appears to have all "the right stuff:"  looks, charisma, drive and talent.  But yet when interviewing him I begin to realize he's right:  this singer is still a farm boy at heart.  


He has been a volunteer at the local fire department for years and prefers a motorcycle as opposed to wide rims on an SUV.  His weekends are a whirlwind of fair performances, radio station interviews, and touring, but come Monday morning he has a full load of duties on the farm.  For someone so young, he has a good start on how to stay grounded.


Hitting over 210 radio stations since July 2010 and performing in over 35 states currently, DJ is working at full-speed to get his current single "Whatever It Takes" into the ears of all country fans nationwide.  His excitement over the impending future is present:  "I'm so excited, this is craaazzzy!"  he exclaims grinning ear-to-ear.

DJ's first performance in Nashville was at Tootsies, and their reaction?  "They wanted me to move down here right away," he remembers.   Since then, things have been moving faster and faster.   Producer Johnny Morse saw the potential in DJ and started moving his career forward quickly.

How did this all begin?  He laughs about childhood days when he would take the bathroom plunger and use it as a mic while playing a toy guitar in front of mirrors in his home.  Garth Brooks was a constant idol, and he says there was a tape he had of Brooks running across stage during performance smashing guitars while belting out tunes.  He played that tape over and over.


While he doesn't appear to be a guitar smasher, DJ seems to have everything working right in the fast lane......  he feels comfortable already hanging around idols and established artists.    Still, it is amazing when he gets a call, for instance, from a friend visiting Mexico and hearing DJ's song on the radio there.

His goal currently?  To go on tour with a big-name act.  His current regional tour would be a good lead-in to that. 


Finally, as leaving I noticed three initials tattooed on his arm on the underside.   He explained that a good friend at 16 died in an accident.  It was a perfect way to again remind me of how DJ Miller has all "right stuff" but already knows how to stay grounded.