Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Who's in KVOO's 5 Man Jam this year?

Tulsa, Oklahoma's local country station 98.5 fm puts on their an annual multi artist show called 5 Man Jam on May 24th. The concert is free with a ticket. You can listen to win tickets or pick them up from any of the four Kubota locations in Tulsa. In the past such artist like Joe Nichols, Chase Rice, and The Swon Brothers have been showcased. This year the five artists are Chris Janson, Jordan Rager, Brandy Clark, Drew Baldridge, and Drake White. 


Chris Janson is known for his number one hit single "Buy Me A Boat" which is also the title track of his debut album. His current single is "Power Of Positive Drinkin'." 


Jordan Rager is known for his current single "Southern Boy." A song that also features Jason Aldean. The Broken Bow Records artist has already been on tour with Justin Moore. 


Brandy Clark's current single is "Girl Next Door."  She is a four time GRAMMY Award nominee and her newest album Big Day In A Small Town will be released June 10th.


Drew Baldridge's current single is "Dance With Ya."  He has opened up for such artist as Cole Swindell and Dustin Lynch. His current EP Dance With Ya is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play.


Drake White's current single is "Livin The Dream." He also has an EP titled It Feels Good that is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play.



Multi artist radio shows are always a fun time and this year's KVOO 5 Man Jam has all the ingredients of being a memorable one.

Thursday, April 21, 2016

K95.5 Second Annual Unplugged Concert

Tulsa country station K95.5 fm just recently began putting together a multi artist acoustic show called Unplugged. This year's Unplugged concert featured Drew Baldridge ("Dance With Ya"), Clare Dunn ("Tuxedo"), Jordan Rager ("Southern Boy"), and William Michael Morgan ("I Met A Girl"). Events like these, with the artists on stage together, are extremely enjoyable for fans and end up feeling like a huge party. Tonight's show was no different. It was my first time seeing all four artists live. While they may be new on the country music scene, every one of them owned the stage tonight like a seasoned pro. The first one to perform was Drew Baldridge.

Drew Baldrige

Baldridge played a few different songs for us including "Train," the pending title track for his upcoming album "Dirt On Us," and his up tempo single "Dance With Ya." A song that, as you may have guessed, had everyone in the audience dancing along to each beat. He interacted with the audience, told a few stories, and showcased some great guitar skills to back up his amazing voice. I highly recommend giving his EP Dance With Ya a listen. Clare Dunn performed next.

Clare Dunn

The upbeat Dunn was having such a great time she was Snapchatting the show from her perspective. Let me just say it was that fun for us too. Dunn played us a few songs from her self-titled EP that included the touching song "Old Hat," "Cowboy Side Of You," and the very catchy single "Tuxedo." One of the highlights tonight was how each artist shared and helped us get to know them. Dunn told us it was her first time playing in Tulsa and I just have to say Clare Dunn you can return anytime! Next to play was Jordan Rager.

Jordan Rager

Rager made the night of a couple fans when he acknowledged them from the stage. It was a lot of fun watching their reaction and corresponding smiles. "Underage," "Party Like You," and his current single that features Jason Aldean, "Southern Boy," were a few of the songs this talented singer performed. He, like the other artists, engaged the audience throughout the show with different stories like his pretty funny lead in to "Underage." The last performer of the night was Mississippi native William Michael Morgan.

William Michael Morgan

As the subject of one this blog's prior Artist 411 articles (something I have officially started planning out for the other three artists) I was very excited to see Morgan perform live for the first time tonight. Morgan, like Baldridge and Dunn, has a phenomenal EP out. Morgan's EP is self-titled, like Dunn's, and available on most music platforms. Among the songs Morgan played was a song that is sure to be an "instant classic" called "Vinyl," "Cheap Cologne," and his current radio single "I Met A Girl." After the show Morgan came out to sign autographs, take pictures, and shake hands with the fans. This talented artist is perhaps the best definition of a sweet southern gentleman. He was humble and kind with everyone he encountered.


The stunning array of original music was not the only treat of the night. There were a few well-know covers performed as well. Each leading to a crowd sing-a-long with fellow artist participation as well. Drew Baldridge got everyone moving with "Shut Up & Dance." Clare Dunn pulled out a rather incredible version of the classic "Fishin' In The Dark," while Jordan Rager performed a rather stunning cover of "Brand New Man" and William Michael Morgan sang an impressive rendition of "Friends In Low Places." There is no doubt each cover did the original artist seriously proud. The proceeds from sales tonight went to help St. Jude's hospital and the work they do. This year's Unplugged is definitely one for the books. I want to say thank you to the artists for such a great night, K95.5 for putting it all together and my concert buddy Skyla for the great photos above.

I highly recommend keeping an eye on each of these artists. You can follow each of them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Friday, April 15, 2016

Chase Rice Is Coming to the Historic Cain's Ballroom


For the first time ever, country singer/songwriter Chase Rice will be performing at the Historic Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa OK. Cain's Ballroom has hosted such legendary artists as Bob Wills, Kay Star, and Hank Williams. It continues to be a popular venue for artists of all genres to perform at and on June 24th, 2016 ACM nominated New Male Vocalist of the Year, Chase Rice makes his debut there. You may recognize Rice from such songs as "Ready Set Roll" and "Gonna Wanna Tonight." Both songs can be found on  his first album Ignite the Night.  An album that actually debuted at number one on Billboard Top Country Albums. Rice's current single "Whisper" is from his yet to be released sophomore album. The opening line of the biography on Rice's website says,  "When he takes the stage to perform, Chase Rice pulls no punches."  An opening line like that definitely says great things about an artist and tells me this is one performance debut not to be missed. Get Tickets Here

Chase Rice ~ Whisper

You can follow Chase Rice on Facebook, Twitter (@ChaseRiceMusic), and Instagram. Plus stay tuned for my write up of what is sure to be a great show.

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Who is David Fanning?

You may find the name David Fanning familiar in regards to the world of music production, but Fanning is also an incredibly talented singer and songwriter. 


"Being an artist was always the plan, but sometimes you get there a different way." Fanning's words from the bio on his website. Though the path was different, it was exceptional none the less. In the role of music producer Fanning has worked with artists from Thompson Square ("Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not") to Parmalee ("Carolina"). The AL native has a stunning array of talents when it comes to music including an incredible voice. This producer, songwriter, and bottom line phenomenal singer posts weekly videos of songs suggested by his fans that range from originals like "Homegrown" to covers like Three Doors Down's "Here Without You." Fanning has three singles available titled "Drink You Away," "Doin' Country Right," and "What's Next" that are available to download or steam on most music platforms including iTunes and Spotify.


David Fanning ~ What's Next

There is one other thing about Fanning besides his talent and skill that deserves mentioning and that's his appreciation of his fans. It is true artist\fan interaction differs from artist to artist, but I have yet to see any that reaches the involvement Fanning has with his fans. His interaction with his Fanndom goes past simple likes and responding to comments (which he does). There is #ThrowbackTuesday were he shares memories with fans. Then there's #WouldYouRatherWednesday were he poses an either or question to fans. On Thursdays is when fans usually get the new music videos and Friday is #FannFriday were he picks a random fan to Skype with! That's not all though! He also posts fun contests on #FannSwagSunday were the winners get some new swag.


David Fanning ~ Homegrown

I was curious when I discovered the music producer for my favorite band was also an artist, was awe struck the first time I heard him sing, and flat out speechless when I discovered the depth of this humble artist's appreciation for his fans. I highly recommend watching the above videos and keeping an eye out for David Fanning.

You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter (@DavidFanningMuZ), Instagram, and YouTube. 

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Who is Glen Templeton?

I was recently asked to listen to a song called "Anyone Else" and that simple request had me very eager to discover all I could about the singer, Glen Templeton.


Glen Templeton is a singer\songer writer from Tuscaloosa, AL. In the bio on his website, he says "I don't think I chose country music. I think it chose me." We all know the feeling when something just fits right. Well Glen Templeton and country music are definitely a "just right" fit. Templeton has a beautiful voice described best as gravely, but smooth. I was listening to his music on my phone when "That's My Job" started playing. I thought my playlist had ended because I recognized the song (and voice). However, I discovered I was listening to perhaps one of the most beautiful covers of Conway Twitty I've ever heard. In fact back in 2008, Templeton was actually hand picked by Twitty's daughters to play their father in a touring musical tribute to the country legend.


Templeton's impressive vocals are showcased beautifully on both his EPs. His self titled EP has five songs including a very moving "Choosing To Believe." The others are "I Could Be The One," "When Gone Comes Back," "Devil In The Mirror," and "A Sinner's Prayer." On his EP Let Her Go there are also five songs including "Anyone Else." The others are "Ball Cap" a cute telling of how a girl and her ball cap, the up tempo "I'm In Love With Your Girl," the title track "Let Her Go," and "Sing That Song Again." Something I noticed about all the above songs is depth. The stories told are done amens justice by this talented singer/songwriter. Check out the pure vocal strength, amazing sound, and sweet guitar skills in the video below.


You can follow Glen Templeton on Twitter (@glentempleton), Facebook, and Instagram. You can also keep watch on upcoming tour dates here http://www.glen-templeton.com/tour

Friday, April 1, 2016

Concert 411 ~ K95.5 Unplugged

K95.5 fm will be putting on their second annual Unplugged concert at the historic Cain's Ballroom on April 20th. The show will be just like last year, free entry with a ticket.

There are exactly two ways to get a ticket. You can either win them by listening live to the K95.5 radio station or at certain ticket locations. The way ticket locations work is the first 49 people are giving tickets and the 50th pair is giving away in a drawing for the remaining people.

The Remaining Ticket Location

  • 4/2 Turfland Equipment (1702 N. JM Davis Blvd Claremore) 2-4pm
  • 4/9 U.S. Cellular Premier Locations (51st & Sheridan, Tulsa) 2-4pm
  • 4\16 U.S. Cellular Premier Locations (2334 SE Washington Blvd, Bartlesville) 2-4 pm
  • 4/20 Jim Glover Chevrolet on the River (I-44 & the Arkansas River, Tulsa) 11am-1pm

This acoustic show is going to feature the following new faces of country music William Michael Morgan ("I Met A Girl"), Jordan Rager (''Southern Boy"), Clare Dunn ("Tuxedo"), and Drew Baldridge ("Dance with Ya"). Each of these artists have some great music out right now and this show should be fun to attend. 

Who is William Michael Morgan?

While the debate of what is country and what is not rages on, there is no doubt William Michael Morgan is exactly were he belongs.


Morgan could never be considered a late bloomer. This Mississippi native has actually been performing since he was about seven years old and even got his first guitar at age eight. He moved to Nashville at age 18 and ended up with his publishing deal. Then the following year at age 19 William Michael Morgan got his record deal with Warner Bro. Nashville. Morgan's current chart climber is "I Met A Girl." The sweet lyrics tell a story of when a boy first meets that girl that makes him feel "like the world turned upside down" and it beautifully showcases Morgan's voice. You can watch the official video below:


I initially listened to "I Met A Girl" after a fellow music lover recommended it and William Michael Morgan. It was a perfect preview of the vocal strength and talent of this young artist. On March 18th, Morgan released his self titled debut EP and I quickly discovered the wait for new music was well worth it. Every song tells a story, has substance, and just feels real. The six tracks on the incredible EP are "Vinyl," "Beer Drinker," "I Met A Girl," "Lonesomeville," "Cheap Cologne," and "Backseat Driver." You can download the EP on iTunes, Amazon, and Google play as well as stream it on Spotify. Morgan is breathing a sense of traditional back into country music and I highly recommend giving that debut EP a listen.

Track One ~ Vinyl 

My first William Michael Morgan show is April 20th and I can't wait to tell you all about it. You can find future tour dates on his website and while you're there don't forget to sign up for his mailing list. To put this in the words of William Michael Morgan, a career off to such a great start "is an instant classic" for sure.

You can also follow this Grand Ol' Opry performer on Twitter (@wmmorgan), Instagram, and Facebook.