CANCOUNTRY

Johnny Reid rocks the CCMA's again

2011-09-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Canadian Country Music Awards rocked Hamilton during one of the most star-studded events in Canadian country music. It was the climax to a September weekend of Country showcases, parties and seminars.
Lanark born Johnny Reid set the stage for an outstanding night of performances with this opening number, "Let’s Go Higher"; and it was clear from the start that it would be a night to remember for the 2011 nominee. With his most recent album,*A Place Called Love" already announced as the Top Selling Canadian Album of the Year, Johnny Reid went on to collect three 2011 Canadian Country Music Awards for CMT Video of the Year (Today I’m Gonna Try And Change The World), Male Artist of the Yearand the coveted Fans’ Choice Award. Earlier this year, Reid was named recipient of a special CCMA humanitarian award for his work with World Vision, the Children’s Aid Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
It was the third straight year that Reid has won the Fans’ Choice award, and the fourth year he's had the Top Selling Album. The Scot, who emigrated in his teens to Brampton, Ontario., has scored double platinum sales (200,000-plus) on each of his last two CDs and regularly fills concert halls across the country.
Of the three awards he collected on the night, the Tartan Army leader (that's what he calls his fan club) appeared to particularly treasure his CMT's Video of the Year award for his hit single "Today I'm Gonna Try and Change the World". During his acceptance speech, he got downright sentimental. The "one thing I know for certain is that one day I'll leave this world," he said, Scottish burr in full effect. "This song, this video is what I choose to leave behind."
The Canadian press, however, painted the night as belonging to BC native Dean Brody.
Dean took home two Awards throughout the course of the night;Single of the Year for "Trial of Life" and Album of the Year for "Trial of Life" as well. In both categories, hewas up against Reid.
Trail in Life is Brody’s second CD. His debut was released three years ago in Nashville where he registered a hit with Brothers, a song about a wounded soldier returning from overseas. Brody, 36, severed relations with the U.S. label following a dispute over management and returned to Canada, signing with Toronto’s Open Road Records. He now lives on Nova Scotia’s South Shore with his wife and two children.
Trail in Life is a reflective song that tells the story of a 12-year-old boy bonding with his father. Brody grew up in the small town of Jaffray, B.C.
Terri Clark went home with Female Artist of the Year, trio Hey Romeo took Group or Duo of the Year. Chad Brownlee won his first CCMA for Rising Star.
Although Terri is no stranger to the CCMA stage, the former Fan Choice Entertainer, had a sentimental moment during her acceptance speech. "This is the first CCMA I've won that my mom hasn't been in the front row.", she cried,before lightening the tone by thanking her fans for their support, adding "You keep my dog fed".
Alberta's Hey Romeo were clearly delighted at their Group Of The Year Award. The harmonious trio of Stacie Roper, Rob Shapiro and Darren Gusnowsky were clearly caught off guard. "This is completely unexpected," breathed Roper.
Rising Star Chad Brownlee had no big idea to go into music. Hockey was his passion, and he was a 6th round draft pick for the Vancouver Canucks, until injuries took it's toll. His debut album was released earlier this year.
Nova Scotia singer-songwriter Jimmy Rankin broke Corb Lund’s seven-year stranglehold on the roots category, beating out Lund, Ridley Bent, Shane Chisholm and Kirsten Jones for Roots Artist of the Year.

One after another, Canada’s biggest names and most exciting Canadian country recording artists graced stage to the delight of a packed audience at Hamilton’s Copps Coliseum. Presenters included Ronnie Dunn and Michelle Wright, nd performances included Doc Walker and Luke Bryan, collaborating on a performance of their songs that share the same name,"Country Girl".
Two new members were also inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame during Country Music week. Recognised for her outstanding contributions to Canada's country music landscape, Michelle Wright has drawn rave reviews for her powerful voice for the last two decades. Selling nearly two million albums in North America and enjoying an international career she has performed in Scotland several times, most recently at the Caithness Festival in 2009.
Also being inducted is Bill Langstroth, the host of one of Canada's first talent showcases, "Singalong Jubilee," will have his outstanding achievements in television production celebrated in the Industry Builder category.Bill was married to anne Murray for many years.
After their induction, Michelle and Bill will have their official plaques displayed at the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame located in Merritt, BC. They will also be acknowledged within the collections of the National Music Centre, which is to be opened in Calgary, AB in 2014.

CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS
2011 winners
Fans’ Choice Award — Johnny Reid
Single of the Year — Trail in Life, Dean Brody
Album of the Year — Trail in Life, Dean Brody
CMT Video of the Year — Today I’m Gonna Try and Change the World, Johnny Reid
Female Artist of the Year — Terri Clark
Male Artist of the Year — Johnny Reid
Group or Duo of the Year — Hey Romeo
Roots Artist or Group of the Year — Jimmy Rankin
Rising Star — Chad Brownlee
Songwriter of the Year — Dean Brody (Trail in Life)
Artist Hall of Fame inductee — Michelle Wright
Builder Hall of Fame inductee — Bill Langstroth

CCMA Award winners

2009-09-14T14:26:00.001-07:00

CCMA Awards list
Album of the Year: Johnny Reid, "Dance With Me"
Single of the Year: Dean Brody, "Brothers"
Songwriters of the Year: Johnny Reid and Brent Maher for "A Woman Like You"
Video of the Year: Johnny Reid, "A Woman Like You"
Female Artist of the Year: Crystal Shawanda
Male Artist of the Year: Johnny Reid
Group or Duo of the Year: Doc Walker
Roots Artist or Group of the Year: Corb Lund
Rising Star: Tara Oram
Fans' Choice Award: Johnny Reid

East Coast awards

2009-03-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

Canada's East Coast Music Awards Gala at the Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook, NL, was held last night.
Single of the Year: We Are Young And So Is The Night (Gordie Sampson)
SOCAN Songwriter of the Year: Gordie Sampson (with J. Smith & JT Harding) for "We Are Young and So Is The Night"
Bluegrass Recording of the Year: The Grass Mountain Hobos (The Grass Mountain Hobos)
Country Recording of the Year : Chasing the Sun (Tara Oram)
Folk Recording of the Year: On the Line (David Myles)
Roots/Traditional Solo Recording of the Year: Endless Memories (Brenda Stubbert)
Roots/Traditional Group Recording of the Year : When Here Meets There (Troy MacGillivray & Shane Cook)

2008 CCMA Winners

2008-09-09T00:01:00.001-07:00

It turned out to be a beautiful life for Doc Walker, the Manitoba band that cleaned up at the Canadian Country Music Awards last night.The hometown favourite walked away with five awards ceremony in Winnipeg.
After garnering the most nominations of any musician this year, west Coast newbie Jessie Farrell won female artist of the year, beating out awards host Terri Clark, last year's winner Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Lisa Brokop and Crystal Shawanda.
The Vancouver musician, who burst onto the Canadian country scene this year with her single "Best of Me," also picked up the rising star award and top female talent of the year.
Male artist of the year and top-selling Canadian album went to Scots born Johnny Reid, who belted out his soulful ballad "Thank You" during the show.
The awards ceremony was broadcast on CBC-TV nationally, with encore broadcasts to be aired on CMT.
Winners of the 2008 Canadian Country Music Awards:
Fans' choice: Doc Walker
Single of the year: "Beautiful Life" (Doc Walker)
Album of the year: "Beautiful Life" (Doc Walker)
Video of the year: "Beautiful Life" (Doc Walker)
Female artist of the year: Jessie Farrell
Male artist of the year: Johnny Reid
Group of the year: Doc Walker
Rising star: Jessie Farrell

Jessie Farrell leads CCMA nominees

2008-07-30T15:13:00.001-07:00

The nominations for September's Canadian Country Music awards are out ,and newcomer Jessie Farrell leads the nominations with a total of seven, including Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, CMT Video of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Top New Talent of the Year – Female and her previously announced nomination for Fans’ Choice.
Doc Walker earned a total of six nods, including Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Songwriters of the Year, CMT Video of the Year, Group or Duo of the Year and a Fans’ Choice nomination.
Other multiple nominees include Paul Brandt with five, Gord Bamford with four, George Canyon, who will also be performing on the CCMA Awards and Deric Ruttan with three each and Ambush, Crystal Shawanda, Johnny Reid, Emerson Drive and Ridley Bent all up for two awards each.
One of this year’s nominees for female artist of the year and last year’s Fans’ Choice Award winner Terri Clark will host the show, which will feature performers Jessie Farrell, George Canyon, Dierks Bentley, Doc Walker, Emerson Drive and Johnny Reid on September 8 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
All CCMA Award nominees are available online at http://www.ccma.org

East Coast Music awards

2008-02-13T13:58:00.001-08:00

George Canyon was the McDonalds Entertainer of the year for the 4th consecutive year, when the ECMA awards were handed out in Fredericton this week. The Rankins were double winners, for DVD (Back Stage Pass) and Roots.Traditional Group recording for "Reunion".
The outlaw band, The Divorecees were voted Top Country Recording for their "You Aint Getting My Country", whilst 17 year old Kimberley Fraser won the Roots Recording for her "Falling On New Ground"

Emerson Drive home 3 CCMA's

2007-09-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

It was Emerson Drive’s year at this year’s Canadian Country Music Awards, which were presented in Regina. They won three awards on the TV special which was broadcast live in Canada, and later in the USA & Australia.
The band, formed in Grand Prairie, Alberta 12 years ago, opened up the showcase with their recent US No.1, “Moments”, and went on to collect Single of the Year, CMT Video of the Year and Group of the Year awards.
But the band, led by Brad Mates, didn’t have a perfect weekend. They arrived in Regina, but their luggage was still in Toronto.
Paul Brandt hosted the event at the aptly named at the Brandt Centre, but failed to pick up any of the honours. The biggest surprise was probably hometown boy Brad Johner, who was presented with
Male Artist of the Year.
The performance by Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Jimmy Rankin together was one of the highlights of the show, which followed CDJ’s award for Female Artist of the Year.
Other awards included Roots Artist of the Year to Corb Lund for the second year in a row ; Doc Walker took home Album of the Year, and B.C.’s Aaron Pritchett took home SOCAN Songwriter of the Year for his country anthem “Hold My Beer”.
For the second year in a row, the Chevy Rising Star of the Year winner walked away with not only
the award but also a vehicle from Chevy. Introduced by Patricia Conroy, it went to multiple-nominee Shane Yellowbird who performed his big hit “Pickup Truck”, a song that deserved an award for the corniest line ever- “Are you from Tennessee, cause you’re the only ten I see here!”
The biggest awards of the night – the Fans’ Choice Award – was won by Terri Clark
Fans were also treated to performances by Jason Blaine, George Canyon, Jim Cuddy, Jessie
Farrell and last year’s Rising Star Johnny Reid.
Scots born Reid had already won the Independent Male Vocalist Award at the previous evening’s Gala Dinner. Other Independent winners included Patricia Conroy (Top Female) and The Wilkinsons (Group). The Dixie Chicks were awarded Canada’s Top Selling Country Album of the Year.
There were three inductees into Canada’s Country Hall Of Fame.
Anyone who has been involved in Country music in Canada knows Sheila Hamilton. She is the long time former Executive Director of the CCMA, and is responsible for the stature of the CCMA and the strong position of Canadian Country music today. Sheila retired from her position a couple of years ago, but is still highly respected for her devotion to the music.
A distinctly Celtic flare was added to the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame with the induction of the late John Allan Cameron. Fellow Cape Bretoner and musician Jimmy Rankin presented the honour. John Allan, a native of Glencoe Station, died Nov. 22, 2006, in a Toronto hospital after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 67. Known as the Godfather of Celtic Music, John Allan received numerous awards and honours during his prestigious career including the Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award from the East Coast Music Association, an honorary doctor of letters from the University College of Cape Breton and he was inducted into the Order of Canada in 2003. Broadcaster Cliff Dumas of CMT Canada is also inducted into the hall this year.
The CCMA Awards rounded off a weekend of showcases and seminars at Country Music Week organized by the Canadian Country Music Association.

All the CCMA Awards

2007-09-11T12:40:00.000-07:00

Kraft Cheez Whiz Fans’ Choice Award: Terri Clark
Single of the Year: Moments (Emerson Drive)
Album of the Year: Doc Walker (Doc Walker, Open Road/Universal)
SOCAN Songwriter(s) of the Year: Mitch Merrett, Aaron Pritchett & Deric Ruttan (Hold My Beer, Aaron Pritchett)
CMT Video of the Year: Moments (Emerson Drive)
Female Artist of the Year: Carolyn Dawn Johnson
Male Artist of the Year: Brad Johner
Group or Duo of the Year: Emerson Drive
Roots Artist or Group of the Year: Corb Lund
Chevy Rising Star Award: Shane Yellowbird

Top Selling Album: Taking The Long Way – Dixie Chicks
Management Company of the Year: RGK Entertainment Group Inc.
Record Producer(s) of the Year: Tom McKillip, Mitch Merrett (Big Wheel, Aaron Pritchett)
Music Publishing Company of the Year: ole
Record Company of the Year: 306 Records
Record Company Person of the Year: Louis O’Reilly, 306 Records
Independent Female Artist of the Year: Patricia Conroy
Independent Group or Duo of the Year: The Wilkinsons
Independent Male Artist of the Year: Johnny Reid
Country Music Program or Special of the Year: Canadian Coast to Coast, CJVR FM
Radio Station of the Year Major Market: CJJR FM, Vancouver, BC
Radio Station of the Year Secondary Market: KICX-FM, Midland, ON
Hall of Fame Induction, Artist: John Allan Cameron
Hall of Fame Induction, Builder: Sheila Hamilton
Board of Directors Special Acknowledgement Award: Tom Tompkins
Hank Smith Award of Excellence: Ron Sakamoto
Leonard T. Rambeau International Award: Rick Murray

Country Club of the Year: The Pump Roadhouse, Regina, SK
Country Festival, Fair, or Exhibition of the Year: Calgary Stampede, Calgary
Album Design of the Year: Doc Walker, Craig Medwyduk, Dustin Leader, Horst Herget, (Doc Walker)
Recording Studio of the Year: Bart McKay Productions, Saskatoon, SK
Retailer of the Year: Wal-Mart Canada Corp.
Web Site of the Year: Dana Bissett, Mike Ulch, docwalker.ca, Doc Walker
Video Director of the Year: Stephano Barberis, Pick Up Truck, Shane Yellowbird
Booking Agency of the Year: Cressman Sakamoto Agency
Talent Buyer or Promoter of the Year: Ron Sakamoto, Gold & Gold Productions Ltd.
Music Director of the Year, Secondary Market: Ted Roop, KICX-FM, Midland, ON
Music Director of the Year, Major Market: Dawn Woroniuk, CJWW/CFWC-FM, Saskatoon, SK
On-Air Personality of the Year, Secondary Market: Roop & Carey, KICX-FM, Midland, ON
On-Air Personality of the Year, Major Market: The Odd Squad, Doug, Robyn and Dan, CKRYFM,Calgary, AB
Hall of Fame Induction, Broadcaster: Cliff Dumas

2007 CCMA All Star Band Winners
Drums: Corbett Frasz (The Road Hammers)
Bass: Chris Byrne (The Road Hammers)
Guitar: Jason Barry (Aaron Lines)
Keyboards: Mike Little (George Canyon, The Road Hammers)
Fiddle: Mike Sanyshyn (Aaron Pritchett)
Steel Guitar: Kenny Greer (The Road Hammers)
Special Instruments (Tie): Larry Good (The Good Brothers - Banjo) and Curtis Tulman (theCruzeros – Harmonica)

CCMA Award nominees announced

2007-08-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

The Canadian Country Music Association today announced the nominees for the 2007 CCMA Awards, at press conferences held in Regina, SK and Toronto, ON. The Awards will take place Monday, September 10 at Brandt Centre, in Regina.
Well-known country performer George Canyon, originally from Nova Scotia, and first-time nominee Shane Yellowbird led the ballot with their multiple nominations, representing a year of tremendous achievement from both current country stars – and stars on the rise. Canyon garnered five nominations in major categories, including Single and Album of the Year, and the coveted Fans’ Choice Award. Yellowbird, from Hobbema, Alberta, received five major nominations including Chevy Rising Star and Independent Male Artist. Yellowbird’s single “Pickup Truck” (written by Joni Delaurier and Troy Kokol) also picked up a nomination for SOCAN Songwriter(s) of the Year.
It was also a multi-nomination celebration for Paul Brandt, Doc Walker, Emerson Drive, Brad Johner, and Carolyn Dawn Johnson, all making an impact as nominees in major categories with a total of four nominations each.
A few days earlier, the CCMA announced the nominees for the Kraft Cheez Whiz Fans’ Choice Award and the opening of online voting for fans, at http://www.cmt.ca. The 2007 nominees are: Paul Brandt, George Canyon, Terri Clark, Doc Walker and Carolyn Dawn Johnson.
The 2007 CCMA Awards broadcast will air across Canada on September 10 at 8PM (9pm AST & 9:30pm NF) on CBC TV, with encore airings on CMT Canada, in the U.S. on television network Great American Country (GAC), and in Australia on Country Music Channel (CMC).
A complete list of all CCMA Awards and Industry Awards nominees is available online at http://www.ccma.org.

New Hall of Fame for Northern Ontario

2007-07-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

The biggest shopping mall in Northern Ontario is the new home to the Northern Ontario Country Music Hall of Fame. At the official opening at Station on Saturday. The site will feature portraits of 43 Northern Opry and 23 Hall of Fame inductees, souvenir merchandise and archival materials .
The grand opening also featured a couple live acts including Steve Roussain, Steve Skagen, Bob Nelson and Lou and Loretta Pilon (from Blind River). It will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information on the hall of fame, log on to http://www.northerncountry.ca./

Corb returns to Europe

2007-05-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

The Corb Lund Band are back on the European trail with dates in Scotland and England in June.
Jun 19 Òran Mór (West End Festival), Glasgow, Scotland www.westendfestival.co.uk.
Jun 20 The Musician, Leicester, England www.themusicianpub.co.uk.
Jun 21 The [New] Roscoe, Leeds, England www.liveinleeds.com/newroscoe.htm
Jun 22 Tingewick Village Hall (near Buckingham), England
Jun 23 The Prom, Bristol, England (evening) www.theprom.co.uk.
Jun 23 Blues on the Farm Festival (Appledram Farm), Chichester,England (afternoon) www.bluesonthefarm.co.uk.
Jun 24 Glastonbury Festival (Avalon Stage), England www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
Jun 26 The Lumminaire, London (Kilburn), England www.theluminaire.com.

Jimmy Rankin

2007-05-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Rankin is back to make a lasting impression with his highly anticipated solo album Edge ofDay hitting stores May 8th, 2007.A Cape Breton native, Rankins new album is a warm blend of roots-rock and alt-country tracks with an adult contemporary touch. A departure from his previous work, Rankin has explored new territory and pushed boundaries with his new material, such as the singles Slipping Away and the hit song Got To Leave Louisiana, which is currently climbing the radio charts. In addition, for the first time in his career, Rankin chose to collaborate on numerous songs with such great talents as Gordie Sampson, Tom Wilson, Jon Randall and Craig Northey.Over the past three years I've taken a lot of my inspiration from the world I see around me. I do a lot of touring, traveling and reading and I think that my songs reflect that. I'm always on the lookout for a good story and definitely tune into other peoples experiences in the world, states Rankin.With an impressive solo career, Rankin is a seasoned veteran in the music industry, having toured with Keith Urban and John Prine and the recipient of numerous accolades, such as four SOCAN-sponsored ECMA, 3 Canadian Country Music Awards, and 6 JUNO Awards, including Songwriter of The Year.In addition to his musical talents, Rankin is also involved in charitable work with World Vision, while balancing life as a proud father and familyman. Rankin will be touring in 2007 across Canada, dates TBA.For ordering info, visit www.rankins.ca

Juno for George Canyon

2007-04-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

George Canyon took home his second Juno Award last weekend- the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy - for Country Recording of the Year. The award was given for his album Somebody Wrote Love, which was released in July 2006 through Universal Music Canada.
Canyon, who accepted the award on Saturday night’s awards dinner in Saskatoon, also presented an award on Sunday night’s CTV television broadcast and participated in the Juno Fest concert and autograph session, as well as The Juno Cup hockey game.
His new single, “I Want You to Live,” is the latest in a string of hits for the singer. It is currently in the top 10 on the Canadian Country charts at radio and the video is in rotation at CMT Canada. The clip, which features members of the Canadian Forces, has been warmly received for its portrayal of the sacrifices that military families make. Canyon traveled to Afghanistan in the spring of 2006 with Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Peter MacKay to perform for the troops and hopes to have the opportunity to entertain there again in the near future.

Scottish Canadian hits Nashvile

2007-04-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

Scots born, Canadian basedsinger songwriter DAVID LEASK is all set to play a show at the legendary Bluebird Cafe this Thursday April 5th and is pretty excited to play a place that has hosted so many songwriting greats.
David was delighted to find out last week that a song featured on his last record, "Strong in Broken Places", co-written with wife Mary Ellen, won 1st Prize in the International Songwriting Competition Gospel Category. This is one of the biggest song contests with over 15,000 overall entries.

Terri Clark's DIVORCE

2007-02-20T12:40:00.000-08:00

Terri Clark filed for divorce from Greg Kaczor on Friday (Feb. 16) in Nashville after 17 months of marriage. Kaczor had served as Clark's tour manager, but he will no longer work in that role. They had known each other for 10 years and were married on Sept. 17, 2005. It was her second marriage. "This is very sad," said Clark. "Greg is one of my dearest friends and a wonderful person, and we are sorry that we're here. This is an amicable spilt, and we appreciate everyone's concern and respect for our sorting this out. No big drama ... just a couple heavy hearts. Anyone who's ever been here, I am sure, understands."

East Coast Music awards

2007-02-20T12:36:00.000-08:00

George Canyon, In-Flight Safety, Joel Plaskett Emergency and JP Cormier were the big winners at Canada’s East Coast Music Awards this past weekend.each; in a nationally televised broadcast on CBC Television, live from Halifax's Metro Centre
Amongst the Country winners was
Canyon won Video award for “Drinkin’ Thinkin’” and Country recording of the Year for “Somebody wrote Love”.
JP Cormier won the Bluegrass recording for “Take Five”. Cormier also won Folk and Instrumental awards for his “Looking Back” CD collection.
Ron Hynes won the Male Vocalist of the Year.

Canadians vie for International award

2007-01-31T12:17:00.000-08:00

Michelle Wright and The Corb Lund Band are both nominated for the CMA's International Artist Award, previously awarded to Paul Brandt & Jason McCoy in the last 2 years. Can Canadians make it 3 in a row?
Other nominees come from Australia,England,Sweden,Germany and Brazil.

Santa Paul Brandt

2006-12-07T04:54:00.000-08:00

Paul Brandt leads the way this Christmas with “The Gift” his first Christmas album on Brand-T Records, and is a stunning set of traditional, contemporary, and original music.
Recorded in Nashville, Vancouver, Calgary, Minneapolis and London England this sometimes spiritual, sometimes raucous production has a little something for everybody in it.
A short time after re-rooting himself in his hometown of Calgary, Alberta, 'A Gift' is evidence of a more mature and settled Brandt. With his unmistakable baritone, Brandt explores his Jazz, Pop, Gospel and Country roots, and yet keeps the collection of songs cohesive.
"I wanted to explore every aspect of Christmas on this album. For some people it is the Holiest time of the year, for some it's just another party. It can be a time when people are the loneliest too. My prayer is that hope is reflected in each of these songs; the hope that comes from the true Spirit of Christmas."
This October, Paul took off on a 13-city tour of Canada to promote 'A Gift' in cooperation with Operation Christmas Child. He met fans, performed songs from the new album 'A Gift', and encouraged Canadians to support Operation Christmas Child. Entitled "The Christmas Convoy", Paul and co. traveled the country in the Paul Brandt Trucking 'Convoy' big-rig collecting shoebox Christmas gifts for distribution to children in need in the Third World.
The release of 'A Gift' marks the beginning of a 10 Year Anniversary celebration for Paul, on the eve of a decade as a recording artist. His label, Brand-T Records, plans to release a new Studio album Spring of 2007 and an Anniversary DVD retrospective. Brandt is the most awarded Male Country artist in Canadian history. He's played for two Prime Ministers, the Queen, and both US and Canadian troops at war. He's been honored 14 CCMA's, 6 Junos (Canada's Grammy, and is a multi-platinum selling artist
You can hear tracks from “The Gift” on Paul’s website, www.paulbrandt.com, and listen on line to Paul’s CBC Radio 2 appearance on Sunday December 31 at 3pm UK . Follow the links to Radio Two at http://www.cbc.ca

Rankins Re-unite

2006-11-12T06:18:00.000-08:00

Family group, The Rankins will reunite for a 20 date Canadian tour in the new year. THe group split after John Morris was killed in a car accident, but individual members continued with their own solo projects. The tour will feature Jimmy, Raylene, Heather and Cookie Rankin along with their niece Molly Rankin (John Morris's daughter).
A Rankins Concert special from 1996 taped at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver which aired on CBC TV will be released on DVD for the first time on December 5th!

CCMA Awards Show wins award

2006-10-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

The 2005 Canadian Country Music Awards Show,from Calgary’s Pengrowth Saddledome has won a Gemini Award honouring Canadian television.
Canada’s Gemini Awards recognize outstanding achievement in the television industry.
This is the second Gemini Award for the CCMA Awards show. The 2007 show will be held in Regina, Saskatchewan as a part of Canada’s Country Music Week event, from September 7 to 10.

Cheryl Dunn's No.1

2006-10-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Cheryl Dunn on her recent No.1 on the USA Country Gospel charts.
with "Last Train" .

Eli Barsi wins Will Rogers Award

2006-10-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

Eli Barsi is the recipient of the 2006 Will Rogers Award for Western Female Vocalist, presented to her by the Academy of Western Artists [ AWA]in Dallas,Texas.
She was also the recipient of this award in 2002.
Eli is a true prairie girl that was raised on the southeastern plains of Saskatchewan, Canada. Before relocating to the Branson area of Missouri, she spent several years honing her craft as a singer, songwriter, musician, & yodeler in the province of Alberta near Stony Plain.

CAnadian Country Award winners

2006-09-12T05:12:00.000-07:00

The Canadian Country Music Awards showcased some of Canada’s biggest country stars at Harbour Station in Saint John,New Brunswick , and Scots born Johnny Reid topped off a great weekend, by not only collecting the Chevy Trucks Rising Star Award in front of a nationwide TV audience, but also a 2007 truck, courtesy of the presenting sponsor.
Earlier in the weekend, the Scots born singer songwriter, who has named his fan club, The Tartan Army, won two independent label awards for Top Male Vocalist & Single of the Year for “Missing an Angel”.
The evening started off with a bang as The Road Hammers pounded out their current
single Girl on the Billboard (yes, the old Del Reeves number is back on the road), before taking home CCMA Awards for CMT Video of the Year and Group or Duo of the Year.
George Canyon and Carolyn Dawn Johnson collected trophies for Male and Female Artist of the Year, respectively, with George also picking up the award for Single of the Year for “Somebody Wrote Love”.
Alberta based Corb Lund , who toured here earlier in the year, won the Album of the Year Award, as well as the Roots Artist of theYear.
The annual Kraft Cheez Whiz Fans’ Choice Award, voted on by fans from coast to
coast was presented on stage by the Ultimate Fan contest winner to Terri Clark, who
set yet another new record this year by winning for the sixth time.
The 2 hour TV showcase also featured Aaron Lines, Emerson Drive, Amanda
Wilkinson, Aaron Pritchett and Great Big Sea.
Highlights included a touching tribute from superstar Anne Murray, to Hall of Fame Inductee Brian Ahern. Murray was also on hand to present her manager Bruce Allen with the Leonard T. Rambeau International Award of Achievement.
Michelle Wright and Brad Johner took to the stage for a special tribute celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Country Music Association, singing a collection of songs from the past including one from this year’s Hall of Fame Artist Inductee, the late Terry Carisse.

2006 CCMA Award Winners

Kraft Cheez Whiz Fans’ Choice Award: Terri Clark
Single of the Year: Somebody Wrote Love - George Canyon,
Album of the Year: Hair In My Eyes Like A Highland Steer Corb Lund
SOCAN Songwriter(s) of the Year: Brett James, Hillary Lindsey & Gordie Sampson
(Jesus, Take The Wheel, Carrie Underwood)
CMT Video of the Year: East Bound and Down -The Road Hammers
Female Artist of the Year: Carolyn Dawn Johnson
Male Artist of the Year: George Canyon
Group or Duo of the Year: The Road Hammers
Roots Artist or Group of the Year: Corb Lund
Chevy Trucks Rising Star Award: Johnny Reid

Independent Female Artist of the Year: Patricia Conroy
Independent Group or Duo of the Year: The Poverty Plainsmen
Independent Male Artist of the Year: Johnny Reid
Independent Single of the Year: Missing An Angel - Johnny Reid
Top Selling Album: The Legend of Johnny Cash – Johnny Cash
2006 CCMA All Star Band Winners
Drums: Chris Sutherland (Doc Walker)
Bass: John Dymond (Lisa Brokop)
Guitar: Jason Barry (Jason Blaine, Aaron Lines, Charlie Major)
Keyboards: Dale Wallace (Emerson Drive)
Fiddle: David Pichette (Emerson Drive)

Wilkinsons recover from car crash

2006-09-02T05:46:00.000-07:00

Two members of Canadian family group The Wilkinsons are recovering after being injured in a car crash. Amanda Wilkinson and father Steve have been resting at home in Centre Hastings, Ontario after the accident, which occurred after Steve swerved to avoid an oncoming car attempting to pass on Highway 7 near Sharbot Lake,On.

CCMA Nominees announced

2006-08-04T00:17:00.000-07:00

The Canadian Country Music Association have announced the nominees for the 2006 CCMA Awards at simultaneous press conferences held in Saint John, NB and Toronto, ON. The Awards will take place Monday, September 11 at Harbour Station in Saint John, NB. To anchor the night, the 2006 Awards Show producers are breaking tradition with a unique “no host” format.
Leading this year’s nominee list is BC’s Aaron Pritchett, nominated for six CCMA Awards in the Male Artist, Album, SOCAN Songwriter, and Single of the Year categories, plus Independent Male and Independent Single of the Year. Close behind are Brad Johner, Scots born Johnny Reid and The Road Hammers, who each received five CCMA Awards nominations.
There's four nominations each for Terri Clark, Corb Lund, The Cruzeros and Amanda Wilkinson.

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Big Wheel – Aaron Pritchett
East Bound And Down – The Road Hammers
It’s Okay To Cry – Amanda Wilkinson
Missing An Angel – Johnny Reid
Somebody Wrote Love – George Canyon

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Amanda Wilkinson – Amanda Wilkinson
Big Wheel – Aaron Pritchett
Hair In My Eyes Like A Highland Steer – Corb Lund
Life Goes On – Terri Clark
Summertown Road – Brad Johner
The $#!t Hits The Fans – Wendell Ferguson

SOCAN SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR
Big Wheel (written by Daryl Burgess / Mitch Merrett / Aaron Pritchett; recorded by Aaron Pritchett)
Crybaby (written by Carolyn Dawn Johnson / Gordie Sampson / Troy Verges;
recorded by Carolyn Dawn Johnson)
Jesus, Take The Wheel (written by Brett James / Hillary Lindsey / Gordie Sampson;
recorded by Carrie Underwood)
Missing An Angel (written by Craig Headon / Johnny Reid; recorded by Johnny Reid)
She Ain’t Missin’ Missin’ Me (written by Odie Blackmon / Jason McCoy
recorded by Jason McCoy)

CMT VIDEO OF THE YEAR
A Good Man – Emerson Drive
East Bound And Down – The Road Hammers
It’s Okay To Cry – Amanda Wilkinson
I’ve Got It Good – Brad Johner
She Didn’t Have Time – Terri Clark

TOP SELLING ALBUM
(This is a non-voting category)
The Legend Of Johnny Cash – Johnny Cash
Me And My Gang – Rascal Flatts
Reflected, Hits Volume 2 – Tim McGraw
The Road Hammers – The Road Hammers
Timeless – Martina McBride

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Lisa Brokop
Terri Clark
Patricia Conroy
Carolyn Dawn Johnson
Amanda Wilkinson

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
George Canyon
Brad Johner
Corb Lund
Jason McCoy
Aaron Pritchett

GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR
The Cruzeros
Doc Walker
Emerson Drive
The Poverty Plainsmen
The Road Hammers

ROOTS ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Cruzeros
Kathleen Edwards
Sean Hogan
Corb Lund
Charlie Major

CHEVY TRUCKS RISING STAR AWARD
Gord Bamford
Jason Blaine
Brett Kissel
Damian Marshall
Johnny Reid

Fan choice nominees announced

2006-07-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) have announced the nominees for the 2006 Kraft Cheez Whiz Fans’ Choice Award. They are: Paul Brandt, George Canyon, Terri Clark, Aaron Lines and The Road Hammers.
Beginning this July 28, 2006, fans will be able to vote for their favourite nominee online at www.cmtcanada.com until Sunday, September 10.
The Kraft Cheez Whiz Fans’ Choice Award is the only fan-voted award for the CCMA, and voting numbers have grown across Canada every year for the past five years. The 2006 winner will be announced at the CCMA Awards this year in Saint John, NB on Monday, September 11.

Canadian Country Hall Of Fame

2006-07-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) have announced the list of inductees that will be honoured this September during the ceremonies for the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
Music legends that will be inducted during this fall’s Country Music Week and CCMA Awards events in Saint John, New Brunswick, include the legendary Ottawa-area artist Terry Carisse, Alberta broadcaster Curley Gurlock, and influential producer and Halifax, NS native Brian Ahern. Receiving an Award of Achievement this September will be music icon, manager Bruce Allen. Allen, known for his work with Anne Murray, Michael Bublé and others, will receive the CCMA’s Leonard T. Rambeau International Award.
All of the inductions and award presentations will take place during this year’s Country Music Week, to be held September 8–11, 2006 in Saint John, New Brunswick.
The week culminates with the CCMA Awards on September 11, 2006, featuring Canada’s stars performing on one stage. The show will air live at 8pm (8:30NT) on CBC TV, with encore airings on CMT in Canada. The broadcast will also be carried in the U.S. on GAC (Great American Country) and in Australia on CMC (Country Music Channel).
2006 CCMA Award nominees will be announced August 2 during simultaneous press conferences in Saint John, NB and Toronto, ON. and shortly afterwards on this weblog.

Terri departs Mercury

2006-03-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Terri Clark and Mercury Nashville, her record label have departed company.

2007 Country Music Week for Regina

2006-03-17T04:57:00.000-08:00

The Saskatchewan city of Regina has been chosen to host Canada's Country Music Week and awards show next year. THe event will run from September 7-10th. Regina last hosted CMW in 1983. This year's events will be held in Saint John, New Brunswick between September 8-11th.

East Coast Music Awards

2006-02-28T04:54:00.000-08:00

THe East Coast Music Awards were presented in Charlottetown on Monday night, in front of a capacity crowd, which included new Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and a nationwide TV audience.
Country Boy, GEORGE CANYON , originally from Nova Scotia, was the big winner, collecting the award for the fan voted Entertainer Of The Year.
The Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to legendary Cape Breton fiddler BUDDY MacMASTER. Natalie MacMaster, performed a medley of her uncle's tunes, before presenting the award.
Recent Celtic Connections visitor J.P. Cormier won folk recording of the year for his album The Long River: A Personal Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot.
The SONS OF MAXWELL took home the accolade for Best Country Recording, for "Sunday Morning", whilst CROOKED STOVEPIPE were the top Bluegrass act.
The night, however, belonged to rockers Matt Mays & El Torpedo,who won 4 awards, including top single for their "Cocaine Cowgirl

The Goods In Europe

2006-02-22T04:55:00.000-08:00

The award winning Goods are back in Europe during March with dates in Switzerland, Germany & The Netherlands

3 Bern, SWI
4 Jenaz, SWI
5 Merlischachen, SWI
7 Grasswil, SWI
9 Pontresina, SWI
10 Liesberg, SWI
11-12 Albisguetli, SWI
14 NL
16-17 Munchen, GER
18 Gundelfingen, GER
19 Amstenrade, NL

CORB LIND INTO EUROPE

2006-02-18T07:15:00.000-08:00

Cord Lund heads for Ireland & the UK for a series of gigs to support the release of the "Hair In MY Eyes Like A Highland Steer" CD. The album has just been nominated for a JUNO Award.
Mar 05, 06 Galway, Ireland
Mar 07, 06 Letterkenny, Ireland
Mar 08, 06 Limerick, Ireland
Mar 09, 06 Dingle, Ireland
Mar 10, 06 Dublin, Ireland
Mar 12, 06 Cork, Ireland
Mar 23, 06 Brighton, England
Mar 24, 06 Leighton Buzzard, England
Mar 25, 06 Glasgow King Tuts Scotland
Mar 26, 06 Aberdeen Lemon Tree, Scotland
Mar 27, 06 Leeds, England
Mar 28, 06 Nottingham, England
Mar 29, 06 Leicester, England
Mar 30, 06 London Borderline , England

Full details on the venues, and more about Corb Lund is at www.corblund.com

Canadians headline Scottish Festivals

2006-02-18T06:59:00.000-08:00

Canadian artists are headlining Scotland's two big Country music Festivals over the Easter weekend.
The legendary RONNIE PROPHET & wife GLORY-ANNE will be appearing at the Northern Nashville Caithness Country Music Club in the town in Halkirk in the far North of Scotland. Also appearing are Joy Lynn White from the USA, as well as artists from Holland, Switzerland, Ireland & Scotland.
More information at www.nncmc.co.uk
LYNNE TAYLOR DONOVAN is in Scotland over the same weekend. Lynne headlined the Bufallo Mountain CM Festival at Ingliston, next to Edinburgh Airport, alongside a vast array of British Country music & linedance acts.
More info on this event at www.buffalomountain.co.uk