a Jefferson Georgia native, currently in exile in Nashville Tn. She is a graduate of the Berklee School of Music in Boston MA, and a singer/songwriter. You can check her music out on our radio station, or on her website, KelleeGooch.com
The 2008 CMA Music Fest came to a close on Sunday. Kellee Gooch from TGJ was there to catch a couple shows and was impressed with the talent presented. From the big names to the new names they pulled off their best performances for the steadfast fans who braved the fierce heat, the rowdy crowds, and the four dollar a gallon gas prices.
Some of our favorites like Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, and Sugarland were clearly fan favorites as well! Sugarland found a new way to reach out to fans when they crowd-surfed the LP Field concert inside gigantic beach balls.
Miranda Lambert announced that her "Crazy Ex-girlfriend" album just went gold and put on a show well worth a diamond status.
Keith Urban made a surprise appearance to wrap up the second night. He promised a "show worth seven bucks a gallon", and he delivered.
Each night after the main show you can bet there was plenty of music still to be heard down Broadway. The lights were bright, the bands were loud, and everyone looking for a good time was out and about. Each year the CMA Music Fest gets bigger and better. TGJ can't wait until next year.
Buy Tift Merrit Music at
I first saw Tift Merritt, a North Carolina native, perform at the House of Blues in Cambridge, MA. She rocked her red guitar as much as she rocked her high heeled boots. A couple albums later she's back with Another Country. She has packed her spring schedule with dates all across North America to support the album, and show this country (and Canada) what she can do.
Another Country isn't just another country album. You will find it on itunes or at your favorite record shop (if you still go), with the rest of the country albums. Although, I'd rather call it easy going rock and roll with a twang, and a soul. Merritt balances gracefully between sweet and sincere vocals, and honest and heart-filled song writing. The lyrics are simple, but not dumbed down. The band is supportive, but not overbearing. A well balanced artist; a well balanced album.
A great third effort for Merritt. Check out this Joni Mitchell, and Emmylou Harris influenced artist on Itunes or anywhere you like to buy music. Also find out when she'll be rockin' near you at www.TiftMerritt.com
Jeremy Fisher, a Canadian artist compared to Bob Dylan, and Paul Simon, is my new favorite artist. I stumbled upon him one day while clicking around iTunes. Apparently he has had some amazing Youtube success with his homemade stop-motion animation music videos. Over 2 million views, in fact. That's a lot of good exposure, for software that only cost him 60 bucks.
The music videos are fun, but what's more fun is the musical talent that was there long before his Youtube success. Fisher took that talent on the road in 2002 with his "One Less Tour Bus" tour. He traveled the 4,500 mile stretch between Seattle and Halifax, Nova Scotia with a guitar strapped to the side of his bicycle. Playing shows and gaining fans all along the way, he also discovered the dangers of sleeping amongst hidden sprinklers.
Fisher's newest album, Goodbye Blue Monday, was released in September '07. It only took 15 days to record with Fisher doing a lot of the work himself. He not only recorded vocal and guitar tracks, but also pitched in with bass, accordion, keyboard, and harmonica tracks. Referring to the album, Fisher says "it sounds like a moment in time". I think that every time I listen songs like Sula, and Cigarette the album will create a moment in time worth remembering.
You can visit Jeremy Fisher at www.JeremyFisherMusic.com, myspace.com/Jeremyfisher, on You Tube, and of course on itunes.
Review By Kellee Gooch
I got a chance to listen to Wilder Embry's Squander on a quick road trip this week. Right off the bat I was impressed. The first track, Rubber Band, has a contagious melodic hook, and a fun summer feel. By the second verse I couldn't wait to see what else Embry's Second album had in store. By track 4, Dyin' For Ya, I was sold. I even thought for a split second I was listening to Ryan Adams croon.
Embry has created an Alt- Country record with a great sound. He has also gathered up some real talent to back him up. That talent radiates all through the album. From the musicians to the production; nothing has been squandered in Squander. I say check it out.
Vist Wilder Embry's Website For More Info
Click Play To Hear The Weepies: "World Spins Madly On"
I love finding new music, even if it's been out for years and it's only new to me. It's like finding a golden tree with lot's of golden limbs and leaves shining in a darkened, overgrown forest. It sets off a hum of excitement inside me, and I love that!
You've probably heard The Weepies before, but didn't know it. They've been all over TV adds, Television shows and movie soundtracks.
I was introduced to The Weepies when a friend gave me a mixed CD (a great way to find new music). I put their song "World Spins Madly On" on repeat for a couple days and let the song consume me.
Both albums Say I Am You, and Happiness can do that.
With the strongly unique voices of Deb Talan and Steve Tannen, The Weepies create lyrics, melodies, and harmonies that take you in. They take you into their world and make you feel comfortably at home. Word is, a new album is coming out. I hope it's soon! Check them out at www.TheWeepies.com.
