Lamitschka:  Music has many new fans throughout Europe who may be hearing about you for the first time. How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who has never seen or heard you?




Lamitschka:  What is your favorite song among all the songs you have recorded and what's the story behind it?




Lamitschka:  What was your big break that got you into the music business?




Lamitschka:  What inspired you to become an artist?


Lamitschka:  What moments in your career stand out in your memory as highlights and achievements which you are proud of?

Lamitschka:  Is there any place you haven't played that you would like to?

Josh Thompson:  I’d like to play Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado

Lamitschka:  What can your fans expect to see when they see you in concert?

Lamitschka:  Many music fans today get their information about artists online. Do you have your own website and what will fans find there?




Lamitschka:  What's your favorite song that you wish you could have recorded?

Josh Thompson:  A song I wish I recorded would be "The House That Built Me" recorded by Miranda Lambert. Just an amazing song

Lamitschka:  What message would you like to send your European fans?

Josh Thompson:  To my fans in Europe I would like to say hello, I appreciate the support and I look forward to meeting you one day

It’s another one of those worn out, rainy days; if those two descriptive adjectives can even go together. I’ve never heard of this singer before, and to tell you the truth after a nice dinner filled with shrimp, squid and steak I can’t even garnish enough energy to type the name in for a preliminary investigation. So, here it goes:
            Never Alone starts up and instantly I’ve fallen in love with her voice. It could also be due to the fact that my wife and daughter are on the other side of the world (Taiwan) for the summer and I’ve been taking advantage of the time to really finish a book, set up a literary press, and help a few of my friends by editing and critiquing their work. The lyrics of this song really strike a chord with me. I’d love right now for my wife to be pouring this ego-expanding bourbon through my earphones (minus a morning hangover).
            Now That I Get to Drive is next. Hey wait a minute. That sweet voice was given a license. What a shame it also sounds as if she lost her virginity in the backseat before and was then kicked to the curb. She definitely feels like she’s got something to prove in this one. I’d hate to be the unsuspecting guy who did it, this song makes her sound like she’s now infected with some sort of angry ‘stalker syndrome.’
            Yup, I was right. One and Only proves it. I got a bit of advice for this guy she’s singing about, “You better run away fast. Run far, far away. Stuff a backpack and get the hell outa Dodge.” Whoa, I gotta take a break. Let me think, did I ever meet this girl. Because now I’m going to check all the doors and make sure the windows are locked too. I wonder if it’s possible to dead bolt windows, or if it’s too late to board them up. Will the neighbors call the cops if they hear me hammering the concrete nails in?
            Okay, I’m back. I just smoked a few cigarettes and took a look around. We do have neighborhood watch, so I believe I’ll be safe. Simple Kind of Beautiful is the next one. It’s a very calming song with a sweet melody. Now, there’s the girl I met on the first track.
            The last song is Why. The grammar check hit it because I didn’t put a question mark but it didn’t have one in the title. This song lyrically is just scary knowing the second and third tracks. It has those beautiful sounding vocals, but when you listen to them it’s an even scarier kind of stalking.
            Overall, Chantal Kuegle should go back and stick with what best works for her. If she wants to just have an over-obsessed female following than she should stick with those songs. In my personal opinion, The album bounces back and forth like it was all put together during ‘that time of the month.’ She does have a great voice and I believe that sooner or later it’ll come together. On this album it just doesn’t.

Jeremy Frost for Country Music News International

     Anita, Iowa..... It was December, 1952.  Hank Williams Sr., had already experienced many ups and downs in his meteoric country music career.  In Charleston, West Virginia, a huge crowd waited for him in a blistering snowstorm. His opening act was standing by.  Because Hank could not make it due to the storm, the show was canceled and all of the performers, including his opening act, was sent to  Canton, Ohio, where they were to appear on a New Year's Day matinee.  Then they got the news.  Hank Williams was dead.  An eerie shock-driven hush filled the auditorium.  After a time, Hawkshaw Hawkins decided the show must go on, each performer making a tribute to Hank.  One by one the acts slowly made their way to the stage, each singing a Hank Williams song.  The opening act sang "Mansion On A Hill." That opening act was June Webb.

     Before she became the very important opening act for Hank Williams, this young beautiful blonde was asked to audition for Roy Acuff, the king of country music.  The night she sang for Acuff, she performed "I Cried Again." to a hootin' and hollerin' crowd.  Acuff signed her on the spot.  She became known as the 'prettiest Smoky Mountain Boy."  From this experience she received Billboard Magazine's prestigious "Most Promising Female Vocalist" award.  She performed everywhere Acuff went.  She was hugely popular on the USO tours, which gave her an opportunity to show her support for the military. 

     Webb signed with RCA Records, working closely with Chet Atkins.  Atkins considered June Webb to be among the top three guitarists in country music, along with himself and Grady Martin.  With her amazing ability to sing, she added her instrumental abilities to her performances. She began touring with Jim Reeves and the Everly Brothers, and a host of other acts produced by Chet Atkins. 

     In 2011 June Webb was inducted into America's Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame' at the National Old Time Country Music Festival held annually in LeMars, Iowa.  She had been retired from show business for about 30 years, but the experience was a delight for her.  Now she is returning to Iowa on May 31st, for a very special concert at the Oak Tree Performance Center in Anita.  She will be honoring not only the military which she has such high regard for, she will also be paying tribute to her two fellow performing artists, Hank Williams and Roy Acuff.  Showtime is 7pm with reserved seats at $10, available by calling 712-762-4363. It should also be noted that Ms. Webb is doing this concert as a fundraiser for the Pioneer Music Museum, also located in Anita.  It's to help fix a leaking roof on the building that contains her Hall of Fame display.

     joining Ms. Webb, as the opening act, which they treasure, is Smithsonian recording artists, Bob & Sheila Everhart. This is the couple that produce and manage the National Old Time Music Festival in LeMars, Iowa, and are also the proprietors of the Oak Tree Performance Center in Anita, and the ones responsible for bringing Ms. Webb out of retirement.  According to Bob Everhart, "June Webb has one of the most magnificent voices I've heard in my lifetime.  It is a real pleasure for my wife Sheila and I to be the opening act for this gracious lady."

     Also on the program is backing musicians Rick & Harriette Andersen and David Green, and special vocalists Francis Hahn and Marge Lund.

     More information is available on the Everhart's website www.ntcma.net

     Anita, Iowa...Sticking pretty close to home, Bob & Sheila Everhart, traveling musicians who are now doing their "Traveling Museum of Music" program for various opera houses and museums in Iowa, are getting ready for one of their most unusual concerts at the Oak Tree Performance Center in Anita.  "We were astonished in 2011, when June Webb came to our festival in LeMars for Hall of Fame induction ceremonies," Bob said.  "She had been out of country music for quite a long time, nearly 40 years.  She makes her home in Sarasota, Florida, and was known as the 'prettiest Smoky Mountain boy' a label pinned on her by Roy Acuff, who she worked for as his lead vocalist.  She was also a solo artist, and opened many shows for Hank Williams, Sr.  As a matter of fact, she was the opening act on the last two shows Hank never showed up for because he died in the backseat of his car.  After that happened, June Webb sort of disappeared from show business, but she's back, and she is an incredibly gifted country singer.  She will be at the Oak Tree for a special Memorial Day Weekend concert on May 31st."

     "I like June Webb too," Sheila added, "she certainly has a magnificent voice.  I just celebrated my 40th birthday, which of course got Bob and Bobbie Lhea all excited, but what really struck me as an incredibly nice birthday present was a case of Timber Ridge wine with my photo on the label from a retired CIA agent.  How is that possible.  Francis Hahn is one of our regular performers at the Oak Tree, and I can't wait for his special 4th of July presentation. It's quite a nice thing."

     "We sure had fun celebrating mom's 40th birthday," Bobbie Lhea was quick to add.  "Dad and I got her some nice presents, and of course we had a couple of dinners as well as lunches, but the best one was in Greenfield at the Olive Branch Restaurant.  We've been there before, it's the only Greek restaurant near us.  So, dad said lets put the 'budget lunch' test on, and see what happens, and much to our surprise we could each have a Gyro sandwich (this is mostly lamb meat) and a drink and still have a budget lunch.  We took one of their pizza's home for later, so that didn't count."

     The Everharts are also getting ready for their 38th festival in LeMars, Iowa, and according to Bob, the line-up is already looking good.  "Appears we'll have Lulu Roman on Aug 29 (she was on Hee Haw), Joanne Cash (Johnny Cash's sister) will be with us on Aug 30, as will her husband Dr. Yates who is the founder of Cowboy Church. Also on that day we'll have Ed Bruce who wrote "Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" for Willie Nelson. Kenny Serrat (the guy who apparently gave Merle Haggard his vocal style), and Michael Martin Murphey are set aside for Aug 30, so it's starting to look like a great week in LeMars, Aug 26-Sept. 1.

She lures us back to the prominent harmonies of the 70's with her latest single ' Hit The Hay' which is climbing the charts in Australia after very strong support from radio. This third release is the follow-up to Natalie's award winning and chart-topping singles ' You Oughta Marry Me' and 'Feel Like Letting Go'. 
To view the CMC nominated Australian Video of the Year - FEEL LIKE LETTING GO please visit:     www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g2ZWEaBO8w  OR   vimeo.com/33578595   (Filmed by Rusty Gate Films)

ARTISTS ANOUNCED FOR FREE CONCERTS ON THE BUD LIGHT STAGE AT BRIDGESTONE ARENA PLAZA DURING 2013 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL JUNE 6-9 IN NASHVILLE
Country Artist Robin Meade of HLN's "Morning Express with Robin Meade" Announced the Lineup Via CMA’s Social Networks

NASHVILLE – With more than 40 artists confirmed, the Bud Light Stage at Bridgestone Arena Plaza will be rockin’ with back-to-back daily concerts during the 2013 CMA Music Festival, Thursday-Sunday, June 6-9, in downtown Nashville.    Free and open to the public, the Bud Light Stage lineups kick-off on Thursday, June 6 at 10:30 AM/CT featuring crowd favorites and up-and-comers entertaining fans each day until 5:00 PM/CT.    “The location of the Bud Light Stage is perfectly situated to provide a place to discover new talent and reconnect with well-known hitmakers,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “This stage was one of our most popular destinations in 2012 and I’m expecting the same level of enthusiasm and attendance again this year.” Artists performing on the Bud Light Stage at the Bridgestone Arena Plaza include: Lauren Alaina; Dean Alexander; Katie Armiger; Frankie Ballard; Kelleigh Bannen; Big Smo; Bucky Covington; Dailey & Vincent; Sarah Darling; Emerson Drive; Rose Falcon; Andy Gibson; JT Hodges; Chris Janson; Angie Johnson; Krystal Keith; LoCash Cowboys; Robin Meade; Randy Montana; David Lee Murphy; Parmalee; Mac Powell; Michael Ray; Chase Rice; Canaan Smith; Joanna Smith; Chris Stapleton; Steel Magnolia; Pam Tillis with Lorrie Morgan; James Wesley; Chuck Wicks; and Drake White. With 11 stages and many free lifestyle exhibits to explore throughout the Festival footprint in Nashville, CMA Music Festival is a great, family-friendly entertainment value. The concerts at the Bud Light Stage are fun in the sun and within easy walking distance of all the Festival event sites, including the all-new AT&T® U-verse® Fan Fair X (FFX) with autograph signings, concerts, lifestyle exhibits, marketplace, live broadcasts, demonstrations and more in the brand new, state-of-the-art Music City Center. It all kicks off Thursday, June 6 with "Lady A Day at FFX" featuring Lady Antebellum performing, signing autographs, and cutting the ribbon when Fan Fair X officially opens to fans. Fan Fair X is free to four-day ticket holders, but tickets to this exciting new attraction are available to fans for $10 a day or $25 for four days Thursday through Sunday, June 6-9, with children 12 and younger admitted for free. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster at Ticketmaster.com or the CMA Music Festival Box Office by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) (price includes handling fees). Visit CMAfest.com for details.   Fans can stay in the loop by visiting CMAfest.com, the official website of CMA Music Festival, where they can sign up for the CMA Exclusive e-news. Fans can also connect with CMA at Facebook.com/CMA, Twitter.com/CountryMusic, Pinterest.com/CMAworld, and Instagram.com/CMA_Country_Music_Association. “If You See Something, Say Something” at CMA Music Festival At CMA Music Festival, the safety of our attendees, artists, staff, and volunteers is of utmost importance. Therefore, CMA will be utilizing the “If You See Something, Say Something” program from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “If You See Something, Say Something” is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness of indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, and to emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity to the proper local law enforcement authorities.  All of those in attendance at CMA Music Festival are asked to be vigilant in reporting suspicious behavior and situations (e.g., an unattended backpack in a public place or someone trying to break into a restricted area). If suspicious activity is suspected, attendees are encouraged to text ALERT (space) and the LOCATION of the suspicious activity to 66937. There will also be a special Festival law enforcement phone number posted throughout the event area for attendees to call to report suspicious activity. Factors such as race, ethnicity, national origin, or religious affiliation alone are not suspicious. For that reason, the public should report only suspicious behavior and situations (e.g., an unattended backpack in a public place or someone trying to break into a restricted area) rather than beliefs, thoughts, ideas, expressions, associations, or speech unrelated to terrorism or other criminal activity.

Country Muisc News:

Interview Rose Falcon

Lamitschka:  When you get time off, how do you like to relax?

Rose Falcon:  I like to collect antique and vintage things, so I go thrifting. When I'm searching for treasures I forget everything else that is going on and that is relaxing and fun for me.

Lamitschka:  Who is your biggest critic, yourself or others?

Rose Falcon:  Definitely myself. I have so many wonderful, encouraging friends and fans, yet sometimes I still find myself wondering if I'm doing my job well.

Lamitschka:  What's unique about you that will differentiate you from other artists?

Rose Falcon:  I think I am fortunate to have a unique voice, that is a quality cannot really learn or create.

Lamitschka:  What inspired you to become an artist?

Rose Falcon:  My Dad is a singer/songwriter (Billy Falcon). I was constantly around music, people writing songs, and bands.

Lamitschka:  What inspired you to become a songwriter?

Rose Falcon:  I started out writing poetry and then my poems evolved into songs. My inspiration was the desire to get my feelings out on paper and share them with others in hopes that they could relate.

Lamitschka:  If you had the chance to change something about the music industry, what would it be?

Rose Falcon:  i guess people would be more honest and just tell it like it is.

Lamitschka:  As an artist, you so many tasks such as recording, touring, interviews. What do you like best, what's your favorite activity?

Rose Falcon:  I absolutely love writing songs. It is the best feeling in the world when the magic happens and you get a good one. Once you write a great song, that is something you will have forever.

Lamitschka:  What is your latest CD and how's it doing?

Rose Falcon:  I have recently released an EP called "19th Avenue Volume 2" and I have a video out for one of the songs called, "If love had a heart". The general response to the EP and to the single has been overwhelming ! I'm so thankful that people are enjoying my music so much.



Lamitschka:  Music has many new fans throughout Europe who may be hearing about you for the first time. How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who has never seen or heard you?

Rose Falcon:  I would say my music is organic, honest, heartfelt and the production on my recordings really revolves around the songs and highlighting the lyrical content. I would describe my voice as sweet with a little edge.

Lamitschka:  What kind of songs do you like to record the most?

Rose Falcon:  I like to record songs that tell stories and have truth in them. I also really like ballads, but of course, nobody wants to hear and album full of ballads (except for maybe me !)



Christian Lamitschka ( CountryMusicNewsInternational@googlemail.com )
http://www.CountryMusicNewsInternational.blogspot.com

Simple Gifts - Parlor Instrumentals

The Rose - Enduring Young Charms - Spinning Wheel - Limerick Waltz - Carry Me Back To Old Virginny - Old Black Joe - Annie Laurie - Santa Lucia - Banks Of The Ohio - Danny Boy - Old Kentucky Home - Rosewood Casket - I'm Always Chasing Rainbows - Goin' Home - Juniper Medley - Beautiful Dreamer - Shenandoah - When I Grow Too Old To Dream - I Dream Of Jeannie - Tennessee Waltz - Simple Gifts Medley - Waltz Of The Wind - Somewhere My Love

 

This is an amazing CD to review, for several reasons.  I've never listened to a 'parlor instrumental' CD, neither have I listened to something that carries me back so many years when 'parlor music' was the 'in' thing to do.  Not only listening to it, but playing it. Please remember we are in a time when there was no television, no radio, no amplifying microphones or anything like that.  Just pleasant music played well on acoustic musical instruments....in the parlor.  Guests would come for an evening of chit-chat and background music.  Sometimes the musicians were so good there was very little chit-chat.  That's kind of what this CD is all about.  The musicians are so good they will 'draw' attention away from anything else going on.  But also, it's definitely 'background music' and would make an incredibly good attraction in an antique store, a museum, a florist's shop, just about anything that would be attractively enhanced by light 'easy-to-listen-to' music.  Here's the instruments.  Fred Techau plays lap dulcimer, guitar, harmonica, and mandolin.  His wife Dorothy plays lap dulcimer and hammered dulcimer, and Harriette Andersen added the acoustic upright bass.  Now there's a big difference between lap dulcimer and hammered dulcimer.  The lap one is exactly that, it sits on the lap and is played with a pick. the hammered one is the forerunner to the piano and is played with mallets.  Lovely music all the way through, I would certainly recommend this for any of the preceding stores, and would hope they would find a way to contact the Techau's, who by the way just returned from a several week trip up the Amazon River in South America.

Bob Everhart, Music Reviewer, www.ntcma.net

Words Of A Friend

Walk Right In Belmont - Words Of A Friend - Old Red Barn - Sail Away Ladies - You Pretty Girls Of Michigan - Cottonmill Girls - Take A Little Care - Standing by The Water - Bon Pour La Lingue - The Last To Know - The Pearl - Cold Hard Clay - I Could Not Melt Your Heart - Hick's Farewell - The Blackest Crow

 

Sue West is my favorite folk singer.  That's a pretty broad statement from someone who listens to all kinds of music. This particular project however is without a doubt one of the nicest, prettiest, sincerest, musical productions in authentic 'folk music' I've heard in several decades.  Starting with Sue West's incredible songwriting abilities, it's a sheer 'wonder' that she can write such sensitive words, knowing she's a mom, she has a job, she's a 'normal' woman who also has the 'gift of music.'  I love it when these incredibly interesting people manage to bring their 'secret' to the front. Sue has been influenced by a number of remarkable artists, not the least of them Utah Phillips, and a ton of others.  How do I know this?  I recorded six albums for Moses Asch of Folkways Records, that's how I know.  I've learned, listened, and heeded what good folk artists are about and what they reveal.  Not just about their music, but about themselves.  That's how I know Sue West the songwriter, but even more impressive is Sue West the singer.  Do you like Joan Baez or Judy Collins?  Oh yes, you can hear these wonderful voices in Sue West and especially her 'own' voice and style.  Hear her sing without accompaniment on "The Pearl" and then you will understand what 'old-time' folk music is all about.  Then there's Sue West the recording artist.  My my my she knew exactly what she wanted in each and every song.  My first impressions: Dan Newton on accordion.  Not on every song of course but just the right touch (especially nice on "Take A Little Care For Me"), along with the low whistle of Laura MacKenzie occasionally (best on 'You Pretty Girls Of Michigan').  Sandra K Njoes added a delicious acoustic bass throughout the mix.  Two other instruments that lend such beautiful authenticity to the entire: Kenny Jackson on fiddle and Adam Kiesling on banjo (especially nice frailing style on "Cottonmill Girls." Then there's Sue West the mixer and engineer in the studio.  Yes, it took some time to get this all accomplished, but Sue has a product that she can be proud of forever and ever.  I almost forgot a most important addition to the final presentation. Popular folk artist Dakota Dave Hull also provided baritone guitar, but more importantly made a major contribution at his studio Arabica in Minneapolis, as well as sitting on the mix board and the mastering process, as well as co-producing with Sue.  The good news about Dakota Dave Hull is that he goes into America's Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame this year.  Other good news is that the Rural Roots Music Commission has selected Sue's CD as their "Old Time Folk Music CD of the Year" award.  Thank you so much Sue West for this most pleasant and certainly professionally produced number one CD.  I love it.  Lest I forget, the CD insert is also a Sue West creation, and it's incredibly well done right down to her new icon featuring a guitar and a rural farm scene helped along by Mike Farley.

Bob Everhart, Reviewer, www.ntcma.net