New Face Showcase ~ Jake FM

A few of the most exciting new faces in country music just got together for an amazing showcase in Norman, Oklahoma. It was all thanks to local country station Jake FM and their annual New Face Showcase. On May 12th, the Riverwind Casino played host to the free event. This year the spotlight was on Ryan Kinder, High Valley, Lindsay Ell, William Michael Morgan, and Chris Lane. The set up for this multi artist acoustic show was a bit different then most. Because the artists were not all on the stage at the same time. Ryan Kinder was the first out to perform.

Ryan Kinder, Photo Creedit @Little_Bridgie

Kinder had his bassist and cajon player with him and it was fun to watch them interacting with each other and the crowd. I hadn't seen Kinder perform in over a year. So it was a serious treat to discover we would be getting longer sets from each artists than expected. Kinder played us several songs which included a beautiful ballad titled "Still Believe In Crazy Love," a song about hoping for a second chance titled "Kiss Me When I'm Down," and his single "Tonight." Kinder has an album available on iTunes and Spotify called Deconstructed Studio Sessions. The only duo of the night, High Valley, took the stage next. 

High Valley, Photo Credit @Little_Bridgie

High Valley was also accompanied by their bassist and cajon player, but they had a banjo\dobro player as well. Among the crowd pleasing songs the duo played was their single "Make You Mine," a sweet song called "She's With Me," and perhaps the most stunning cover of "I'll fly Away" I have ever heard. It was truly amazing to hear the entire crowd singing along with them word for word. In most duos there is a predominate singer and the other provides back up vocals. That is not the case with this Canadian duo and their vocals blended beautifully. You can download or stream the duo's music, including their newest single, on any music platform. The ever talented Lindsay Ell was out next.

Lindsay Ell

Ell was the first artist of the night to take the stage solo and she owned it. At times she would even record her own guitar playing and beat boxing to play along with her during a song. Ell started her set with her upbeat, catchy single "By The Way." She kept the great time going with more of her original songs including "Criminal" and "Eyes Off Of You," as well as a few covers. On top of fantastic vocals, Lindsay Ell is amazing on the guitar, both electric and acoustic. You can download or stream her single "BTW" on music platforms like iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify. William Michael Morgan took the stage next.

William Michael Morgan

Like Lindsay Ell, Morgan was alone on the stage. However, it did not make a difference to the crowd.  They absolutely loved his traditional sound. A sound that is currently earning him a lot of praise. He opened his set with a cover of one of my favorite Mark Chesnut songs, "It's A Little too Late." Morgan currently has an EP out right now and he played several songs from it including his current single "I Met A Girl," and a song about an old fashion kind of love called "Vinyl." You can download or stream Morgan's self-titled EP from all music platforms including iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify. The last artist of the night to perform was Chris Lane. 

Chris Lane

Lane was accompanied by two guitarist (one who played a cajon at the same time) and a banjo player when he took the stage. Lane played several songs from his EP Fix including the title track, "Her Own Kind Of Beautiful," and "Saturday Night." The covers Lane performed were a balanced combination of classic country hits and some crowd moving boy band hits. Lane was all over the stage performing and interacting with the crowd. Fix is available to stream or download from all music platforms including iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify.

While each of these artists may be "new faces," they definitely have what it takes to be around for a long time. William Michael Morgan didn't even let breaking a guitar string mid song slow him down! It was clear looking around the venue that night, there is definitely a growing fan base for each of these up and comers.

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. 

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.