There is no doubt that they are the band of the moment. They come from Atlanta, GA, and their latest Cd entitled “Holding All The Roses” is doing great in the United States, among country music fans as well as southern rock fans. They are Blackberry Smoke, and the band consists of Charlie Starr (vocals, guitar), Richard Turner (bass, vocals), Brit Turner (drums), Paul Jackson (guitar, vocals) and Brandon Still (Keyboards). They have opened for many superstars (especially Zac Brown) and will be in Italy in June. Here are the dates: June 28th at the “Postepay Rock in Roma” and June 29th in Sesto San Giovanni (MI) at the “Carroponte”.
Scheduled for release in early May is Keith Urban’s new album entitled “Ripcord” (Capitol Nashville). This is the eighth studio album of the singer / songwriter from New Zealand and contains the last two mega hits; “Break On Me” and “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3.16”.
A new album also for Black Shelton entitled “If I’m Honest”. The new single “Came Here To Forget” has just entered the Special Billboard country charts.
Following the recent European Tour (April 21st in Dublin, April 22nd in London, April 23rd in Manchester and April 24th in Glasgow), Dierks Bentley is about to release a new Cd called “Black”. Her name is Maren Morris, and she comes from Dallas, TX. Her new album, entitled “Hero” is a crossover between traditional country, rock and Americana. Despite her young age (born in 1990), this lass from the Lone Star State has already achieved some success as a songwriter, having written songs for Tim McGraw (“Last Turn Home”) and Kelly Clarkson (“Second Wind”). Her song “My Church” is one of the great successes of this 2016.
In a rather crowded press conference, the King of country music, George Strait, has announced a series of concerts in Las Vegas NV. “Las Vegas-said Strait- has been a big part of my country music career … the crowds are great and they come from all over the place, because there is so much to do here. A concert is kind of a bonus.” George Strait, early in his career in fact, often played in famous hotels like The New Frontier, The Golden Nugget and The Mirage. “George has played an important role in our city’s entertainment history and we celebrate today as a city to welcome him back,” announced Rick Arpin, Senior Vice President of the Las Vegas Arena. “We can’t wait to have him in our arms again.” It’s very likely that there will be a series of tribute concerts, with the participation of many illustrious guests. A Full House is a certainty. According to some influential American newspapers, here is a list of the 10 most beautiful country songs from recent months: “Wasted Time” (Keith Urban), “Fight Like A Girl” (Kalie Shorr), “T Shirt” (Thomas Rhett), “Think Of You” (Chris Young featuring Cassandee Pope), “Bluebonnets” (Aaron Watson), “You Should Be Here” (Cole Swindell), “Nobody To Blame” (Chris Stapleton), “Head Over Boots” (Jon Pardi), “My Church” (Maren Morris) and “Humble and Kind” (Tim McGraw).
Finally, here are the tour dates for Neil Young & Promise Of The Real: July 13th Piazzola sul Brenta (PD) Amphitheatre Camerini, July 15th Roma Terme of Caracalla, Lucca Summer Festival, July 16th and July 18th, Milano Market Sound