Powerhouse singer/songwriting duo, LoCash Cowboys, self-titled Average Joes Entertainment debut album, scheduled for release June 18, 2013, is a diverse collection of songs that captures the high-energy, roof-raising spirit of the group’s phenomenal live shows and delivers what fans have come to expect. Produced by Shannon “Fat Shan” Houchins, Noah Gordon and Jeffrey Steele, the album will be available everywhere music is sold.

Introducing the album, the lead single, “Chase a Little Love,” is “immensely and endearingly sincere…and the glistening production scores bonus points (Robert Oermann).  View the “fast and furious” video for “Chase a Little Love” on CMT.com, CMT Pure, CMT Mobile, GAC and TCN. In addition, a live acoustic version of the song, shot in California in the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains, is featured on Ram Country on Yahoo! Music’s “Music With a View.”

Talented songwriters as well as entertainers, LoCash’s Chris Lucas and Preston Brust co-wrote ten of the twelve tracks on the album. Gifted songwriter, Jeffrey Steele, also contributed his writing talents on six tracks on the project. One of the highlights of the album is "Independent Trucker," featuring the late George Jones. The up-tempo country joyride and tribute to the “Possum” was one of the last tracks Jones recorded.

Whether showcasing their light-hearted, fun-loving edge on the redneck anthem, “Hey, Hey, Hey,” “Little Miss Crazyhot,” “Bounce,” or their emotional side on, “I Hope,” “Best Seat in the House,” Chris’s tribute to his late father, and “Keep in Mind,” a parent’s loving farewell to a child venturing into the world, the offering proves to have something for every fan.

“Country music really boils down to the power of the song,” sums up the eloquent Preston Brust. “We wanted to broaden our listeners, to reach the older crowd, the younger crowd, and the middle crowd. And we really tried to pick songs that were the best songs we could find to define LoCash. Hopefully we achieve that in this album.”

“It’s true. We’ve captured everything LoCash is about on this album. It’s all killer, no filler,” adds Chris Lucas.

Track List:
1.     Hey, Hey, Hey (Jeffrey Steele, Preston Burst, Chris Lucas)
2.     Chase a Little Love (Preston Brust, Jaron Boyer)
3.     Love Drunk (Preston Brust, Chris Lucas, Skip Black)
4.     Bet Seat in the House (Preston Brust, Chris Lucas, Aaron Barker)
5.     Bounce (Preston Brust,  Chris Lucas and C. Janson)
6.     Make it Look Good (Preston Brust, Chris Lucas, C. Janson)
7.     Little Miss Crazyhot (Preston Brust, Chris Lucas, Steve Dean, Wil Nance)
8.     I Hope (Jeffrey Steele, Preston Brust, Chris Lucas)
9.     Fine (Jeffrey Steele, Preston Brust, Chris Lucas)
10.  Keep in Mind (Jeffrey Steele, Shane Minor)
11.  Independent Trucker- Featuring George Jones (Jeffrey Steele, Chris Stapleton)
12.  C.O.U.N.T.R.Y. (Jeffrey Steele, Preston Brust, Chris Lucas)

Upcoming Tour Dates:
05/24 Fort Walton Beach, FL
05/25 Monticello, MS
06/01 Eau Claire, WI
06/07 Ozark, AR
06/08 Lime Springs, IA
06/13 Hunter, NY
06/14 Marinette, WI
06/15 Karlstad, MN
06/16 St. Charles, IA
06/20 Grand Junction, CO
06/21 Omaha, NE
06/22 Hilliard, OH
06/29 Manhattan, KS
07/05 Greeley, CO
07/11 Tuolumne City, CA
07/14 Syracuse, NY
07/17 Eau Claire, WI
07/18 Eau Claire, WI
07/19 Grey Eagle, MN
07/20 West Branch, MI
07/21 Tooele, UT
07/24 Wichita, KS
07/25 Merriam, KS
07/26 Owensville, MO
07/27 Le Mars, IA
08/02 Roosevelt, UT
08/03 Akron, CO
08/06 Eminence, MO
08/07 Terre Haute, IN
08/09 Victoria, KS
08/10 Bevier, MO
08/17 Kokomo, IN
08/24 West Union, WV
08/30 Mt. Pleasant, IA
08/31 Owensboro, KY
09/01 Independence, MO
09/11 Ketchum, ID
09/12-14 Pendleton, OR
09/15 Hood River, OR
10/06 Newport News, VA
10/10 Shreveport, LA
10/19 Fort Yates, ND

I’m not seeing any shows close to me on that list – but maybe, just maybe I can make that one in Owensboro, Kentucky. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. Remember you can keep up with Chris and Preston on Twitter, by following them @locashcowboys.

Back with more soon!
Country

Any minute now I’m expecting to wake up, to realize that this was all a dream. I am so overwhelmed with joy and honestly, I’m still in shock. As Tom was announcing the winner of Season 16′s DWTS, I was replaying in my mind every dance that Derek and I shared out there on that dance floor…every laugh, every tear, and all the memories that we and the cast & crew of Season 16 shared together in that very room. When Tom said our names, it didn’t even register with me until I saw the look on Derek’s face. All I remember next was confetti flying and everyone running out on the dance floor! Jacoby threw me up on his shoulders and Derek was up on Mark’s and we were holding that mirror ball trophy up high in the air (btw that thing weighs like 20lbs)… Jacoby yelled, "Don’t drop that thing on my head!" Ha ha!

MUCH LOVE & MANY BLESSINGS, XO PICKLER

Did you see the dance? If not – please watch this! The dance starts at about the 2 minute 20 second point in the video.

Trace Adkins

Much of the music you will hear on the "Love Will" CD is reminiscent of the music we got from groups like Alabama, more than a quarter century back. What makes the album even more special is the help Trace got from a few of his friends. Help from artists like Colbie Caillat, who joined him for a duet on one of the songs, and Exile, who helped Trace with their former hit, "Kiss You All Over." Country singer/songwriter Brett Eldridge co-wrote one of the sogns with Jeremy Spillman. The Harlem Gospel Choir sings with Trace on the the title track, "Love Will."

There is a lot of variety in this collection of love songs. Nearly every song is slow, which you might expect on a CD full of romantic music. But while they are all slow, they are also all very different.

"If the Sun Comes Up" and "Watch the World End," are both songs about relationships that come to an end, but they are both entirely different songs. He is joined by pop singer Colbie Caillat for the song "Watch the World End." While she is a pop singer, Trace’s deep, country vocals dominate the song. There’s no confusing this one with a song you might hear on a radio station that is devoted to pop music.

I personally think "If the Sun Comes Up" is the best song this album has to offer. This one was included on the sound track of Act of Valor, a 2012 movie about a Navy Seal rescue mission. While they are all good songs, there are a few that are definitely not the best music I’ve ever heard coming from Trace. "The Altar of Your Love" seemed to go on a bit too long. It definitely sounds like a song Trace would record, but at the same time, it almost sounded as if he would rather not be singing that one. He wasn’t energetic or enthused about it. He was just singing.

Trace seems to be trying a lot of different things with the music on this album. "So What If I Do" is a more soulful side of Trace. The song gives us some great saxophone solos – not something you find every day in country music.

As for the album as a whole, I was glad it didn’t include any of the ridiculous songs Trace has done in the past. But, this is a collection of love songs, and there was no place on it for songs like Honkytonk Badonkadone, or Hillybilly Bone.

Exile had a number one hit with "Kiss You All Over," back in 1978. Trace included that song on this album, with the help of the band. Trace leads the song off with the opening line, before being joined by Exile. The song was good in 1978, and it is still good. I like the blend of voices with Trace and Exile performing together.

"Say No To a Woman" is the only mid-tempo song o the CD. I melody that will probably remind you of a dozen other songs Trace has done. With a tempo somewhere near that of "Just Fishin’," and lyrics almost half-spoken, half-sung, with the same kind of rhythm, the two songs sounded very much alike to me. But again, that’s typical Trace. It’s part of what makes his music all his. There probably aren’t any other artists who you would confuse with Trace Adkins.

The eleven songs this new album offers are When I Stop Loving You, So What If I Do, come See Me, Right Now, Every One of You, The Altar of Your Love, Kiss You All Over, If the Sun Comes Up, Say No to a Woman, Watch the World End, and Trace’s current single, Love Will.

In addition to his web site, be sure to follow Trace on Twitter @traceadkins. If you don’t already have us, we’re on Twitter, too, @countryschatter.

Back soon!
Country

This year’s event, held at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Nashville, will be a night filled with great music for a great cause with all proceeds benefiting Musicians On Call Nashville, a non-profit organization that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities.

Tickets are on sale now and range from a $30 General Admission entry up to $500 for a VIP table for four including a meet-and-greet with all four artists. All attendees will enjoy a red carpet arrival with bright lights and a backdrop for photos. To purchase tickets and to find out more on the VIP and meet-and-greet options, click HERE.  Doors open at 7 p.m. with music cranking up at 8 p.m. For more information on the event, ticket options and MOC Nashville, please visit www.MusiciansOnCall.org.

The event is sponsored by Boot Barn, Durango and Roper.

About Easton Corbin:  Mercury Nashville recording artist Easton Corbin is lauded for his traditional country sound, authentic lyrics and mastery of understatement. His self-titled debut album was released in 2010 and spawned back-to-back hits “A Little More Country Than That” and “Roll With It;” making him the first country male artist in 17 years to have his first two consecutive singles reach No. 1. That same year the Gilchrist County Florida native won all of the Breakthrough Artist awards at the American Country Awards – Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist, Single of the Year: Breakthrough Artist and Music Video: Breakthrough Artist for “A Little More Country Than That.” Billboard named Corbin as the Top New Country Artist of 2010. "Lovin’ You Is Fun," Easton’s debut single from his sophomore album All Over The Road, placed No. 5 on the country airplay charts. His current single is “All Over the Road.” Visit www.eastoncorbin.com or www.umgnashville.com to learn more about the Florida native.

About Dustin Lynch:  Since the release of his debut single, “Cowboys and Angels,” Broken Bow Records’ Dustin Lynch has earned a No. 1 album, over a million single sales and has surpassed 8 million views on YouTube/ VEVO. He’s soared to No. 1 on the MTV Music Meter, earned a No. 1 ringtone on CMT, a Top 5 on the Billboard Heatseekers Songs chart, and a No. 2 country radio single. With the release of his self-titled debut album, Lynch became the only new male act to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart in 2012. People magazine declared Dustin Lynch to be “one of the best debuts of 2012” and the editors of Rolling Stone lauded him as one of “Nashville’s Newest Hitmakers” in its 2013 Best of Rock issue. His follow-up single, the Top 20 double-entendre head turner, “She Cranks My Tractor,” further cemented his status as one of country’s hottest new talents. Lynch’s new single, “Wild in Your Smile,” impacts country radio on May 28th. www.dustinlynchmusic.com

About Greg Bates:  Growing up in Music City, the Nashville native was born with a natural tendency to write and sing. Greg Bates continued developing his skills while attending Belmont University, where his undeniable talent caught the attention of music industry tastemakers. Soon after graduation, Bates began “living the dream” after signing a co-publishing/artist development deal with Effusion Entertainment and Super 98 Music. Currently, Bates is in the studio with producer Jimmy Ritchey recording new material for his debut project, which includes his Top 5 hit, “Did It for the Girl” and latest single, “Fill In the Blank,” which recently hit country radio. He is weaving together a collection that will connect with today’s youthful audiences while still honoring his musical heroes – Alan Jackson, Dwight Yoakam and George Strait. Bates has shared the stage with Alan Jackson, Darius Rucker, Willie Nelson, Kellie Pickler, and most recently, wrapped up an opening slot on Brantley Gilbert’s Hell On Wheels Tour. www.gregbatesofficial.com

About Chris Janson: Since releasing his chart-climbing single “Better I Don’t,” dynamic multi-instrumentalist Chris Janson has been garnering nationwide buzz from media and fans alike. With undeniable charisma, Janson brings a blue-collar, working-class, boot-stomping hillbilly redneck attitude to bear on every live performance, earning him opening slots for music legends Merle Haggard and Hank Williams Jr. as well as regular appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. The talented songwriter, who co-wrote the fastest rising single of Tim McGraw’s career, “Truck Yeah,” and began writing at just 18 with an impressive group of musicians from the likes of Guns N’ Roses to Bill Anderson. The Perryville, Missouri, native first broke onto the Nashville music scene when he landed a yearlong, four-show-a-day gig at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge on Nashville’s Lower Broadway. Janson is currently working with producer Keith Stegall (Alan Jackson, Zac Brown Band) on his full-length album debut, expected for release later this year via Bigger Picture Group. www.chrisjanson.com

About Country Weekly:  As America’s premier country entertainment source for 19 years, Country Weekly and CountryWeekly.com deliver the inside stories on country music’s hottest stars, featuring late-breaking news and the scoop on the stars’ lifestyles, families, homes, favorite foods and latest fashions. Country Weekly is published 52 times a year by parent company American Media, Inc. www.countryweekly.com

About Musicians On Call (MOC):  Musicians On Call (MOC) was founded in 1999 with the mission of bringing live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. To date, its volunteers have played for over 350,000 people nationwide. Musicians On Call continues its mission through room-to-room hospital performances by both local musicians and national celebrities as well as the Music Pharmacy and Project Playback Programs. www.musiciansoncall

“I could not be more proud of this album, and I can’t wait for the fans to hear it,” said Rucker, who co-wrote ten of the twelve tracks. “They have always been my ‘true believers,’ and I hope they love the new music as much as I do.”

The album is aptly named, as Rucker’s fans are indeed "true believers." His official Facebook page (facebook.com/dariusrucker) recently surpassed one million fans, while the music video for “Wagon Wheel” has received more than six million views on YouTube. Directed by Jim Wright, the video features guest appearances from Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley and A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” stars Jase, Korie, Sadie, Si, and Willie Robertson.

True Believers Track Listing:
“True Believers” (Darius Rucker, Josh Kear)
“Miss You” (Darius Rucker, Frank Rogers)
“Wagon Wheel” (Bob Dylan, Ketch Secor)
“Love Without You” (Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally)
“Radio” (Darius Rucker, Luke Laird, Ashley Gorley)
“Lost In You” (Darius Rucker, Mark Nesler, Phillip White)
“I Will Love You Still” (Darius Rucker, Josh Kear)
“Take Me Home” (Darius Rucker, Frank Rogers, Monty Criswell)
“Shine” (Darius Rucker, Frank Rogers)
“Heartbreak Road” (Darius Rucker, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins)
“Leavin’ the Light On” (Darius Rucker, David Lee Murphy, Phil O’Donnell)
“Lie To Me” (Darius Rucker, Rodney Clawson, Bob DiPiero)

Rucker’s first two country albums, Learn To Live and Charleston, SC 1966 both topped the Billboard Country Album Chart and produced five No. 1 singles including “Come Back Song,” “This,” “Alright,” “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” and “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.” He received the CMA Award for New Artist of the Year in 2009. Last October, Rucker fulfilled a childhood dream when he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

Last week Rucker launched the True Believers Tour on May 9 in Estero, Fla. The tour will visit more than 20 cities across the U.S. before wrapping up in Clarkston, Mich. on June 30. Joining him on select dates will be special guests RIAA platinum-selling Rodney Atkins, top-charting country singer Justin Moore, and 2013 ACM New Female Vocalist winner Jana Kramer.

Upcoming True Believers Tour dates:
May 19, 2013 | Knoxville, Tenn. | Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum**
May 24, 2013 | Little Rock, Ark. | Riverfront Park**
May 30, 2013 | Greensboro, N.C. | Greensboro Coliseum Complex*
May 31, 2013 | Simpsonville, S.C. | Charter Amphitheatre at Heritage Park*
June 1, 2013 | Virginia Beach, Va. | Patriotic Festival*
June 6, 2013 | Morrison, Colo. | Red Rocks Amphitheatre**
June 9, 2013 | Grand Prairie, Texas | Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie**
June 13, 2013 | N. Lawrence, Ohio | Clay’s Park Amphitheater**
June 14, 2013 | Buffalo, N.Y. | Coca Cola Field+
June 15, 2013 | Baltimore, Md. | Pier Six Pavilion**
June 20, 2013 | West Long Branch, N.J. | The MAC at Monmouth University**
June 21, 2013 | Bangor, Maine | Waterfront Park**
June 22, 2013 | Gilford, N.H. | Meadowbrook-US Cellular Pavilion**
June 27, 2013 | Toledo, Ohio | Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre**
June 28, 2013 | Highland Park, Ill. | Ravinia Festival**
June 29, 2013 | Normal, Ill. | The Corn Crib**
June 30, 2013 | Clarkston, Mich. | DTE Energy Music Theatre**

* denotes Justin Moore and Jana Kramer
** denotes Rodney Atkins and Jana Kramer
+ denotes Sheryl Crow, Rodney Atkins, Gloriana and Jana Kramer

Rucker will once again host his sold-out, fourth annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert in Nashville, Tenn. on June 3 at the Wildhorse Saloon. The event, which unofficially kicks off CMA Music Festival week, benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

George Strait

Before I tell you about the new CD, let me remind you all that we have one to give away. The contest was announced a few days ago, and you can get to that post by clicking here. There you will find all the info you need to get your entry in to win a copy of George’s new CD. Now, here’s my review of the new CD.

Like most of today’s country artists, George writes some of the music he sings. On this album, he wrote or co-wrote four of the 13 songs. The album starts off with "I Got A Car." The song makes a point, without a lot of fanfare. It talks about what a simple introduction might lead. You see a pretty girl, walk over, and introduce yourself starting with the sentence ‘I got a car’. Listen to the song and you’ll find out exactly where that opening line might take you.

The second song is George’s current single, "Give It All We Got Tonight." It’s simply George doing what George does best. It can’t be classified anything but a love song.

"Blue Melodies" could have been sung by Merle Haggard or George Jones, or anyone from our ‘older era of country music.’ But George Strait has his own way of making the song fit right in with the rest of today’s country music.

George originally recorded the fourth song back in 1995, and it was part of his Strait Out of the Box album. "I Just Can’t Go On Dyin’ Like This," is more proof that George Strait can take a song that is nearly 20 years old, and make fans fall in love with it all over again.

" I Thought I Heard My Heart Sing" is a song you can expect to hear in a dance club in the southwest. I don’t think this one will ever be released as a radio single. And, I’m not so sure it would do well on the radio if he did release it. But, I am sure there will be a lot of Texans kicking up their heels to this great dance tune.

I found my ‘sing-a-long’ song with "That’s What Breaking Hearts Do." There’s always one song on every album I review that I want to listen to more than once. And, that I find myself singing along with. ‘That’s what breaking hearts do, They cause you so much pain, Make you go insane, That’s what breaking hearts do’. Easy to remember lyrics added to a catchy melody definitely equals a sing-a-long with me song.

"When Love Comes Around Again" is just what you would expect. It’s a song about looking at an old love in a new way. Getting someone back, giving it another try.

I’ve already said that "I Thought I Heard My Heart Sing" is more of a dance tune than a ‘ready-for-radio’ song’. But, I did find one that I think George would do well to release to radio as his next single. The song is "the Night Is Young," It’s uptempo, with almost a 1960′s rock and roll beat. He’s singing about a Friday night, a place to go, and big plans for what will be a fun-filled weekend. One of my favorites on the album.

"Sittin’ On the Fence" would probably also work as a single. The music is good, the message is simple – when you’re coming out of a bad relationship, you may have trouble getting into a new relationship – even if it has the makings of being a great one. He follows that one with "I Believe." I’m sure all of his fans remember, "I Saw God Today," and in this song – like that one – George doesn’t mind telling us that when he’s at a low point in his life there is someone watching over him.

The title track, "Love Is Everything," would make you think of George Strait, even if someone else were singing it. The song is his style, his music, and the great harmony is an added bonus.

George is currently hoping for his 60th No. 1 single. I think he is the only artist about which I can truly say ‘He’s never done a song I don’t like." However, I wasn’t really thrilled with the 11th song on the album. It’s called "You Don’t Know What You’re Missing." I’m not really sure why it’s not one of my favorites, I just know it never will be. It’s a good song. It sounds a lot like something George would do. But maybe that’s the problem. Maybe it sounds a little too much like everything else George does. While it isn’t one of my favorites, and I don’t think it’s a bad song, I don’t expect him to eve release this one to radio,

That brings us to "When the Credits Roll." It’s a little look back at what George has done over the past 40 years. It’s full of mistakes, choices, and wondering … what will the critics think about all this "When the Credits Roll." I don’t know how it would do as a single. But it is definitely a well-written song that deserves to be heard.

It’s a great CD, so remember that contest – and get your entry in today.

Back with more soon!
Country