Author Archive: Robert K. Oermann
Robert K. Oermann is a longtime contributor to MusicRow. He is a respected music critic, author and historian.
Lifenotes: James D. Walbert
Pianist James D. Walbert has died at the age of 91 near Birmingham, Alabama. He began his career as the teenage accompanist for the famed Vaughan Quartet of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The quartet was among the acts recorded at Nashville’s very first recording sessions, in 1928. He was the grandson of the group’s founder, James D. [...]
Category: Featured
DISClaimer (5/15/09)
There are 10 records here, but only one really matters. Eric Heatherly has more talent than any man ought to be allowed. He writes incredibly addictive songs. He sings like an angel and plays guitar like the devil. His rhythmic sense is impeccable. On top of everything else, he’s a superb showman. He also has [...]
Pop-Rock DISClaimer (5/15/09)
As usual, there is plenty going on in Nashville’s pop-rock community. The gals, in particular, are rocking the joint. Veteran Jonell Mosser leads a grooving group that also includes Disc of the Day winner Erin McCarley and excellent newcomer Susan Hartman. The DisCovery Award, however, goes to the guys of Kindercastle. Both Kindercastle and Jonell [...]
DISClaimer (5/8/09)
It’s a left-field kinda day. Despite the presence of a number of marquee names in this week’s reviewing stack, the award winners are the lesser knowns. Up-and-comer Holly Williams lands her first Disc of the Day honor. By the way, her excellent last single (”Keep the Change”) was not co-written by her sister, but rather [...]
Gospel’s “First Lady” Passes
Gospel Music Hall of Fame member Eva Mae LeFevre, known as “The First Lady of Gospel Music,” died Monday (5/18), at age 91. She played piano, sang alto and was the emcee in the long-running gospel group The LeFevre Trio (later billed as The LeFevre Family and The LeFevres). She was born Eva Mae Whittington [...]
DISClaimer (5/6/09)
Forget the forget-me-nots, it’s bluegrass that’s bloomin’ this spring. In the coming weeks, we’re due for a bouquet of top-notch releases in this genre. Among them are Doyle Lawson (this week), Alecia Nugent (5/12), The Red Stick Ramblers (5/19), Dailey & Vincent (3/31), Bobby Osborne (3/31) and Rhonda Vincent (6/16). In the meantime, here’s a [...]
DISClaimer (5/1/09)
Move over, boys. Despite terrific new singles by guys like James Otto and Zona Jones, this week belongs to the fairer sex. Tanya Tucker is back with hillbilly oomph. Megan Mullins sparkles in her upbeat I’m-outta-here toe tapper. Wynonna heats up the joint with one of her most soul-drenched performances yet. Martina McBride’s ultra powerful [...]
Category: Reviews
DISClaimer (4/24/09)
The soul sisters rule in today’s Christian-music column. The presence of legends such as The Lewis Family and The Easter Brothers, plus the ultra-popular Chris Tomlin, cannot dim the shining stars of Mary Mary and Music City’s own Mandisa. To the last-named we offer a Disc of the Day award. We hope your Gospel Music [...]
DISClaimer (4/22/09)
It’s Gospel Music Week. What better time to survey what’s newsy and happening in this Nashville-based genre? As you might expect, many of CCM’s hottest acts have current products in the marketplace. You can’t escape the sheer sonic charisma of the new album by Israel Houghton. It is easily the Disc of the Day. I [...]
DISClaimer (4/17/09)
There are several ear-opening performances in this week’s new releases. Hank Williams Jr. is singing his face off on a striking song about our troubled economy. The Oak Ridge Boys have left their classic sound completely behind on an almost anguished-sounding reading of The White Stripes rock song “Seven Nation Army.” As a producer, Tony [...]
DISClaimer (4/10/09)
I love a good cry. There’s something so purifying and soul-cleansing about it. And it has long been my contention that people love to weep as much as they love to laugh when consuming popular culture. Think of every sad movie you’ve ever cherished. At any rate, Mac McAnally opened my tear ducts this week. [...]
DISClaimer (4/3/09)
Let’s get the necessary stuff over with first. The only clear choice for Disc of the Day is Lee Ann Womack and her great performance of “Solitary Thinkin.’” The clear choice, at least to me, for a DisCovery Award is Mammouth Jack, whoever that is. But the real news of the week is being made [...]
IFCO’s Loretta Johnson Passes; Visitation Set
Loretta Johnson died Monday, April 13, following a long battle with multiple myloma. She was 67 years old. With sisters Loudilla and Kay, Johnson was the co-founder of the International Fan Club Organization (IFCO). Begun in 1967, IFCO’s annual concert and get-together was the precursor of Fan Fair (now known as the CMA Music Festival). [...]
Category: Featured
DISClaimer (3/27/09)
Pretty is as pretty does. Pert Emily West is a living doll. And now she has the single that has the potential to make her the star she deserves to be. Give the little lady a Disc of the Day prize. There’s a band in Texas called Spur 503. I have reviewed them once before, [...]
Dan Seals Passes
Nashville pop and country star Dan Seals has died at age 61. “Dan lost a two-year battle with lymphoma,” reported his longtime friend and manager Tony Gottlieb. “He was a beautiful man.” Seals sang the Country Music Association’s 1986 Single of the Year, the upbeat, nostalgic “Bop.” It was also a significant pop-crossover chart success. [...]
Lifenotes: Ted Jarrett and Ed Dye
Ted Jarrett As a recording artist, songwriter, producer, manager and record label executive, Ted Jarrett was one of the leading figures of the Nashville R&B community. He died Saturday, March 21, at age 83. Jarrett’s many contributions were highlighted by the award-winning 2004-2005 Night Train to Nashville exhibit and record albums by the Country Music [...]
