Word on the Street – March 4

History in the Making

Chicagoland truly has an amazing group of local country musicians but since last Friday that group, for a great reason, just shrunk by one. Katie Quick, a former school teacher turned aspiring country music star, truly has an amazing story and as of late last week, the Evergreen Park native began a new chapter in that book called life. After finishing up some last-minute packing and preparation, Quick departed the Windy City for the next big step in her career, taking on Nashville by storm.

With the help of a portable video camera, Quick is posting snippets of her new life in the Music City. Be sure to catch her “vlogging” on her Facebook Fan Page, as she’s really doing amazing job keeping her Chicago crew up-to-date. Good Luck Katie!

Congratulations to the Team US99

While Team USA brought home the gold from the Winter Olympics, Chicago’s own country radio station grabbed a few trophies of their own from an annual radio industry awards program. The 2010 Country Radio Broadcasters/Country Aircheck Award winners are (Chicago Edition)… WUSN Chicago for the prestigious Station of the Year award for a Major Market Station; Lisa Dent, Ramblin’ Ray and crew for the Lisa Dent and Ramblin’ Ray Show and Marci Braun (weeknight host/MD) for Major Market MD. Congratulations to our hometown winners!

A penny for your country!

Penny Road Pub is not your typical country music digs but last Saturday, with the help of some of Chicagoland’s best country music bands, the northwest suburban bar traded the Hoobastank covers for pure Honky Tonk. The country showcase included Chicagoland’s own Lucky Town, the Roadhouse Prophets and the Ragtop Rodeo. Even with the South Barrington pub not normally on the country music scene’s radar, the troops still managed to pack the venue.

Kudos:

Tim McGraw has partnered up with Outback Steakhouse to help support Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization that assists military families and wounded veterans. Proceeds from the restaurant’s Red, White and Bloomin’ menu sales during the month of March will go towards the restaurant’s $1 million commitment to the non-profit. Proceeds from McGraw’s “Southern Voice” commemorative t-shirt will also benefit the worthy cause.

Word on the Street – Jan. 19

Phil Vassar helped Chicago kick the year off right.

Even without a full band, Phil Vassar made the first “live country” concert of the year a hit. Accompanied by a zebra striped piano and two members of his band, Vassar pleased the ecstatic crowed with a semi-acoustic mix of his countless hits.

Vassar never left the piano keys through his entire set, which was randomly crafted with help from the crowd. Of course, he shared a few recording from his newest album “Traveling Circus”, which was released in late December. Missed it? Don’t fret, Vassar will return to the North Side venue, for a two-night say in April. Tickets are available through the venue box office and ticketmaster.com.

Katie Quick

Local artist Katie Quick is packing it up and movin’ to Nashville. In a recent announcement through her website, the Chicago native cited that she’s ready for the next step in her country music career and is trading-in the Windy City for the Music City. “I’ve got the city of Chicago behind me so I know this decision to move is the right one,” Quick said. While reassuring me that she’ll do her best keep us all up-to-date with her progress, we’re a little sad to see her go but happy to see her career progress. Good luck Katie, we can’t wait to “hear” your success! Catch Katie at her last Chicago show this Friday at Goose Island in Wrigleyville, 3535 North Clark Street, Chicago.

- Listen to Katie Quick on CMC Radio

Speaking of Radio Talk, country music news has finally started to pick-up now that January is in full swing.

On Wednesday, country music star Trace Adkins made an unanticipated record label switch. Adkins will join Toby Keith’s Show-Dog Nashville Label which recently retooled with Universal South. Adkins, a 15 year resident at Capitol Nashville, cited the move as an irresistible offer.

Alan Jackson hit the airways with his latest single “It’s Just That Way” … The word is that A.J. will have a new album for us in late March.

On Tuesday, Lady Antebellum released their third single, “Ready To Love Again,” in the Countdown to I Run To You series on iTunes. The trio will release one final single, “Our Kind of Love” on Tuesday before the full-album release on Jan. 26.

Trent Tomlinson (“Drunker Than Me”/“Just Might Have Her Radio On”) is startin’ the year off with a new EP available on iTunes. “A Guy Like Me – EP” features his future hits “That’s How It Still Ought To Be” and “Angles Like Her” (with acoustic version and video).

Clay Walker: As a follow-up to his album “Fall”, Clay Walker released “She Won’t Be Lonely Long”, his first single release off his forthcoming album set to hit sometime this spring.

Concert Beat:

The Chicagoland Country Calendar is filling in quite nicely in the new year. Carrie Underwood’s Play On tour is booked for downstate Peoria (4/7) and Rockford (4/10). Craig Morgan and Sons of Silvia will accompany Underwood.

Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson just announced a special performance at the Rosemont Theatre on Feb. 21. A typically rare appearance, the artists will share the stage for this Sunday night performance. Willie Nelson just announced he’ll be bringing the family to the Genesee (Waukegan) on March 21 and the Rialto (Joliet) on March 24.

Tickets for the Haggard/Kristofferson and Nelson shows are available through ticketmaster.com.

Joe’s Bar recently announced the addition of Eric Church, Jack Ingram (acoustic show) and Luke Bryan to their Winter/Spring concert lineup. Tickets are available through the venue’s box office and ticketmaster.com.

Top 10 Albums of 2009

It’s that time a year again when it seems like all of the major publications start posting their “Year in Reviews” and “Top 10 Best”.  Some are even posting “decade in review” this year.

In the spirit of the season, I started scouring through the last 12 months of new albums to compile my picks for this year’s top 10 country music album releases.

Best Country Music Albums of 2009

1. Brad Paisley “American Saturday Night”

Brad Paisley has had some success in the past, but “American Saturday Night” has really become a power player. From the album’s title track to “Welcome to the Future” and “Water”, Paisley not only created an album, he produced a set of future top 10 singles.  This album still resides in my car’s cd player.

2. Luke Bryan “Doin’ My Thing”

Luke, if this album is just you doing your thing. THEN KEEP DOING IT!

3. Miranda Lambert “Revolution”

With her your true-to-country-music tunes, Lambert has really taken the reigns of female country music over the last year or so.  We’re looking forward to the day when Lambert will really be recognized for this.

4. Rodney Atkins “It’s America”

“It’s America” was a clear-cut hit over the summer and will most likely make its way into “summer classic” status. We hope to see Atkins pick up some nominations for this one.

5. Phil Vassar “Traveling Circus”

Phil Vassar squeaked out this soon-to-be hit just in the nick of time for this list.  Released on Tuesday, “Traveling Circus” will most likely be the last new country music album release of 2009. As they say, “save the best for last”.

6. Dierks Bentley “Feel That Fire”

We’ve seen Mr. Bentley persona progress over the years but the themes of his songs seem to be pretty consistent. A consistency, we seem to like.

7. Jason Aldean “Wide Open”

Jason Aldean’s debut album was great, “Relentless” was awesome and now “Wide Open” is super-awesome! Sorry, no pressure on your next album Jason!

8. George Strait “TWANG”

What can I say, long live the King. While I’m not sure if the whole reason I liked this album was for George Strait or because I feel it supports what some consider true country music. And sometimes “I need a little TWANG!”

9. John Rich “Son of a Preacher Man”

John Rich, stickin’ up for the little man! Rich’s biggest hit from his solo album is “Shuttin’ Detroit Down”. Believe it or not, there are several other good songs on this album too.  Give it a listen.

10. Pat Green “What I’m For”

Whether it’s a live concert or in album form, Pat Green always puts on a good show. “What I’m For” produced some of Green’s most recent success like “Let Me” and “Footsteps of our Fathers”.

Best New Country Music Artist Album Release

• David Nail – “I’m About to Come Alive”

I remember being stuck in traffic this summer on Lake Shore Drive and along side of me was a Ford F-150 pickup truck being handled by a young woman. As I turned down my radio, I noticed she was blasting David Nail’s “Red Light” over her CD player. I started to think that it was kind of funny because it’s not too often you find a pickup truck on Lake Shore Drive but what would be the chance it would be playing David Nail’s music as at the time he was relatively unknown. I started to ponder some more, as I had time being stuck in Chicago traffic, that Nail’s music is kind of like that pickup truck. It’s roots are country but I can sense a slight urban feel to it.

Best Local Country Music Artist Album Release of the Year

• Katie Quick – “Be The Change”

Katie has some real potential. (Label execs pay attention!) Her passion and talent will hopefully prove her well in the years to come. Hopefully, I’ll be adding her to the overall category in the future.

Best Special Album Release

• Sugarland – “Live on the Inside”

What more can I ask for, I love Sugarland and I’m a sucker for live albums. Way to go Jennifer and Kristian.

Top 10 Music Videos:

Posted on the Country Music Chicago Music Blog

Katie Quick Be the Change

Local artist Katie Quick to release debut album, Be the Change

The road to Nashville notoriety is often long and difficult but local country music singer and songwriter Katie Quick is in it for the long haul. An Evergreen Park native, Quick has quit her job as a school teacher to concentrate on pursuing a full-time career in country music and on May 1, she will release her debut Nashville recorded album Be the Change.

Quick’s hardwork and devotion to the craft is beautifully arranged in her 13 track album that covers all typical topics of love, loneliness and just plain fun. Among her songs like “Something About the Rain”, “Your Song” and “If Only I Could” show Quick’s natural ability to tell a story through music. Something we feel will prove her well on the road ahead.

You can pick up a copy of Quick’s album at her exclusive album release party on May 1 at Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon, 3901 W. 103rd St, Chicago. Quick and her band will perform starting 9 p.m.

Can’t wait till May 1, check out KatieQuick.com

CMC

Chicago’s Lucky Town!

Concert Alert:

When it comes to country music in Chicago, the six member band, Lucky Town, has the Windy City covered. The West Suburban based country band, is the combined talent of six Illinois artists, Andrew Jess, Amy Carlson and Mike Aquino on lead vocals and Matt Marvic on the drums, Chris Halla on the keyboard and Jason Trtan on the bass guitar. Many of the band’s members call Chicago suburbs like Downers Grove, Aurora and Wheaton home but their musical harmonies bring it home to Nashville.

Having opened for such acts at Chris Cagle, Bucky Covington and Hartland they’re quickly making waves as one of Chicago’s premier country bands. Their dossier of songs typically includes personalized versions of from some of today’s hottest country artists like Sugarland, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean as-well-as some of yesterday’s favorites.

You can catch Lucky Town on April 24 at Joe’s Bar as well as a host of other events around Chicaogland this summer. For more dates or to hear some of their music, visit their MySpace page.

DETAILS:

Lucky Town
myspace.com/luckytownmusic

WHEN: Friday, April 24, 2009 | 10PM  

WHERE: Joe’s Bar, 940 W. Weed Street, Chicago | MAP

TICKETS: $5 at the door.

Music City Soul, Windy City Attitude

Music City Soul, Windy City Attitude

By Mark Gregory

Whether she is singing her heart out or just holding a conversation, there is one simple word that can sum up country music hopeful Jessica Erin – Genuine.

An up-and-coming singer with a southern-influenced sound and Midwestern authenticity, Erin hopes the two fuse to create a lethal combo for the music world.

A native of LaSalle, Illinois, a town roughly 90 minutes from Chicago, Erin knew she wanted to make singing a career at 8-years-old when she started performing in musicals.”Since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a singer, a veterinarian and save the world,” she said. “I realized I couldn’t be a veterinarian because I couldn’t stand seeing animals hurt and bleeding. And saving the world, it will have to be one person at a time. I guess I hope I can do that through my music.”

Erin has had chances to make non-country music a career, but knows things work out for a reason.

“When I was 15, I was offered to go to Broadway, but I would have had to move to

New York and that just wasn’t possible then,” Erin said. “I almost did a pop album, but I didn’t trust the major people I would have worked with. It is hard to walk away from something when you want it so bad, but in the end you have to follow your own values. Things happen for a reason. If I would have started in the business younger, I would not have had the respect that I do now for how much work it takes.”

Along with her natural twang, Erin said the country scene also fits her beliefs and lifestyle better. “In the pop world, it is more about who is dating who and what magazine they are in. It is not so much about talent, but more about what they did last Friday night,” Erin said. “People in the country industry are more trustworthy and are more down home.”

Erin moved to Nashville to pursue her career a little more than a year ago from South Florida where she had relocated from Illinois. She has since moved to Los Angeles.

“Right now that is where I have to be for my career,” she said.

On October 30, 2007, she released her first album, “Free To Be Me,” which is available on iTunes and www.jessicaerin.com.

Erin’s young, fresh, free-spirited rock sound is evident on many of her songs, including “American Girl”, “What You’re Looking For” and “Bad Girl.”

She also brings a sensitive yet seductive innocence to ballads like “I Can’t Let You Go” and “When Words Won’t Say.”  “Say Goodbye,” a heartfelt, love-gone-wrong ballad is a diamond on the album and shows a tender, genuine side of Erin that is as real in her lyrics as in person.

“I was screaming,” she said of first holding her album. “My mom and I were jumping up and down. That is the biggest accomplishment so far in my life.”

After opening for Darryl Worley in last November at Joe’s Bar, Erin was home June 14, 2008, opening for multi-platinum, Grammy nominated artists Montgomery Gentry at Cedar Point Sportsman’s Club in LaSalle.

Erin’s goal is to attract fans nation-wide and knows she has a good start in Chicago.

“Chicago is the best fans for everything. Sports, music, whatever. They are devoted. That is one thing that you can’t get anywhere else. Chicago has heart,” Erin said. “It is a big advantage coming from there. There really aren’t many country artists from Chicago. Chicago is a huge country market available with the radio stations and Joe’s Bar is a great venue to play.

Erin still has dreams yet to be fulfilled, like being a household name and a staple on country radio like some of her influences, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban.

She understands, however, she can’t get upset if it doesn’t happen overnight.

“You cannot give yourself a time limit because people in music work on their time and they don’t care. It is not something where there is a deadline.

“I just hope I can keep getting my name out there.”

And as she continues to fight to break into Nashville’s inner circles, she will do so with the blue-collar, finger-to the- bone work ethic that is in her Chicago blood.

Find Jessica Erin’s Music on iTunes:

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