Newbird On The Water

Brian Sutherland  | LISTEN 

“The guy is a musical Swiss Army Knife.” – Stefan Scheuermann, Song Divers

That’s about the easiest way to say it about Brian Sutherland. Part Americana singer-songwriter with a clever left hand on the guitar, part classical cellist, side-man musician, storyteller, father and husband who happens to love billiards, bourbon and a brand new song.

Raised on the Southwest Florida beaches and brought up in bars packed with tourists and passerby’s, Sutherland honed his craft for storytelling. He knew if he could keep a crowd of parrot heads and pirates, he could do it anywhere. As a sideman, he played with a slew of marquee acts like The Beach Boys, Michael Ray, Clemons Road and Blessing Offor. After moving to Nashville in 2017, he’s penned hundreds of songs and showcased on every major stage the city has to offer. His most recent album, “Sounds Like Love” was released in early 2020 and was celebrated with a performance at the famed Bluebird Cafe.

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James House | LISTEN

James House has sung radio hits, written successful songs for others, built a studio and been a session musician and a record producer.

But when he began playing music on his own at age 18, he gravitated to the sounds of The Beatles, Loggins & Messina, Van Morrison, Crosby, Stills & Nash and the like. His big, versatile, emotive singing voice gained him a pop recording contract in Los Angeles. He also sang on the soundtracks of such films as Teen Wolf II, Fire With Fire, Gleaming the Cube, Speed Zone and He’s My Girl. In 1983, House took a plunge into rock recording with a self-titled LP for Atlantic Records. His songs were recorded by pop artists like Rita Coolidge, Lisa Hartman, Fiona, Fee Waybill and Kylie Minogue.

His music publisher urged him to turn his attention back to country music. James House moved to Nashville in January 1988. By the following year, he was an MCA Records artist and on the country charts with singles such as “Hard Times for an Honest Man.”

In 1993, Diamond Rio had a huge hit with House’s co-written “In a Week or Two” and Dwight Yoakam scored with his “Ain’t That Lonely Yet.” (Grammy nominated for Country Song of the year). His country songs were also recorded by Ricky Van Shelton, Mark Collie and The Mavericks.

James House roared up the country charts, himself, with 1995’s “This Is Me Missing You.” That same record was revived as a hit in England in 2013. With “This Is Me” reaching #1 and two other tracks from the album “Little By Little” and “ A Real Good Way to Wind up Lonesome” both reaching the Top 10 of the UK Country Dance Chart in 2014.

Martina McBride took his co-written “A Broken Wing” to No. 1 on the country hit parade in 1998 where is was also nominated for CMA song of the year. Since then, James House’s songs have been recorded by country stars such as Steve Holy, Lorrie Morgan, Sara Evans, David Ball, Craig Morgan and Steve Azar as well as by the pop/rock acts Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Olivia Newton-John and Bonnie Tyler.

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SPECIAL GUEST – ZOEE | LISTEN

Raised in a family of musicians, music was Zoee’s first language. The multi-award-winning crossover country-pop Australian native, with her distinctive vocals and honest, emotional lyrics is here to make her mark on country music. Most recently, Zoee won ‘Song of the Year’ 2021 at Women of Country Awards and is currently nominated for ‘Artist of the Year’ 2022. Prior to that, Zoee has been racking up career milestones for some time. She has written and sang on a feature film soundtrack, charted in the Top 20 on the Amazon Country Chart, toured the US, U.K, Ireland and Scandinavia, where she has performed at hundreds of festivals and support shows, and played at the prestigious Bluebird Cafe and the CMA Festival in Nashville.

With a permanent move to Nashville in 2022 she began collaborating with GRAMMY-nominated and CMA award winning songwriters, Jamie Floyd, James House, Jeff Cohen, Steve Dorff and Kyle Jacobs to name a few. Her third and most recent release ‘Castles in the Sand’ just went to #1 in Australia, topped the iTunes charts worldwide and is gaining major attention in the US.

In 1993, Diamond Rio had a huge hit with House’s co-written “In a Week or Two” and Dwight Yoakam scored with his “Ain’t That Lonely Yet.” (Grammy nominated for Country Song of the year). His country songs were also recorded by Ricky Van Shelton, Mark Collie and The Mavericks.

James House roared up the country charts, himself, with 1995’s “This Is Me Missing You.” That same record was revived as a hit in England in 2013. With “This Is Me” reaching #1 and two other tracks from the album “Little By Little” and “ A Real Good Way to Wind up Lonesome” both reaching the Top 10 of the UK Country Dance Chart in 2014.

Martina McBride took his co-written “A Broken Wing” to No. 1 on the country hit parade in 1998 where is was also nominated for CMA song of the year. Since then, James House’s songs have been recorded by country stars such as Steve Holy, Lorrie Morgan, Sara Evans, David Ball, Craig Morgan and Steve Azar as well as by the pop/rock acts Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Olivia Newton-John.
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A big Thank You to Kosta Yepifantsev – Better Together for sponsoring our May Newbird on the Water Concert. Check out his amazing podcast called Now or Never, which dives into Long-Term Care Strategies for all those seeking answers and solutions in the long-term care space. https://kostayepifantsev.com/

Jeff Cohen – LISTEN 

Jeff Cohen a 4 Time BMI Award-winning, Grammy Nominated Songwriter/Producer/Publisher based in Nashville whose songs have appeared on over 20 million albums sold, over 100 placements in TV/Film and over 10 million video games. Jeff’s songs have been recorded by The Band Perry (Hit Single/BMI Award – Postcard From Paris), Evan and Jaron (Hit Single/BMI award – Crazy For This Girl), Big and Rich (Hit Single/BMI Award – Holy Water), The Shires (Hit Singles – 1000 Hallelujahs, Daddy’s Little Girl and Echo), The Worry Dolls – Endless Road (2018 UK Americana Award Song of The Year Nomination), Laura Bell Bundy (Hit single – Giddy On Up – also #1 Video CMT and GAC, Richie MacDonald of Lone Star (Hit single – I Turn To You), Ilse DeLange (Hit Single – Beautiful Distraction), Waylon (Hit Single – Hey), Nell Bryden (Hit Singles “Amy” and “These Changes”), Nikhil D’Souza (Singles – “Beautiful Mind” and “Silver and Gold”), Sugarland, Josh Groban, Mandy Moore, Macy Gray, Spin Doctors, Nick Lachey, Teitur, Doc Walker, Mickey Guyton, Hush, Luz Casal, Marc Broussard, Kristian Bush, Jasmine Murray, Cho Yong- Pil, Tina Dico, Sandi Patty and many more.

His songs have been featured in TV shows such as Jack and Jill (theme), Paw Patrol (theme) I Married A Princess (theme), The Exes (theme), Dawson’s Creek, Party of Five, One Tree Hill, American Idol, Saturday Night Live, The Simpson’s and many more. His songs have been featured in movies such as Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, My Super Ex-Girlfriend, Stuart Little 2, Aquamarine, Princess Diaries, Grandma’s Boy and more.

Among his constant co-writers are Jamie Hartman, Sacha Skabek, Kara DioGuardi, Liz Rose, and many more.

Jeff is a Board Member of NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) and a Board Member of Inspired Nation Foundation. He is also the founder and songwriter of the critically acclaimed band Pancho’s Lament.

In a previous life, he was a music executive at BMI working with such talent as Jeff Buckley, Kara DioGuardi, Lisa Loeb, Joan Osborne, Ben Folds, Ani DiFranco, Spin Doctors, and many more.

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Bobby Hamrick  – LISTEN 

Bobby Hamrick has written songs for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Luke Bryan, Danny Gokey, ABC’s Nashville Cast, Josh Grider, Wade Bowen, Kate Voegele, Jaci Velasquez, Chris Bandi, Natalie Stovall, Lindsay Ell, Casey Abrams and Haley Reinhart, Jennie Lena, Sarah Darling, Adam Doleac and others.

He has worked playing acoustic and electric guitar, bass, keys, programming, engineering and as a background vocalist. As a session musician, he’s appeared on records ranging from CeCe Winans to Toby Mac to Carly Pearce and ABC’s Nashville.
Learn More 

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A big Thank You to Wilson Bank and Trust for sponsoring our June Newbird on the Water Concert. From loans to investments from great customer service to that warm hometown feeling, they offer it all.

Dan Smalley  – LISTEN 

Dan Smalley may just now be making a name for himself, but he already sings with the voice of experience. And he’s got the bullet scars to prove it. The Alaska native who came of age in Shreveport, Louisiana, sings his confessional, soul-baring songs with deep conviction. Smalley expresses a fresh take on Country music that knows tradition, inspired by the greats of the genre and infused with the swampy sounds of his roots, the Gospel of hardwood church pews and the impassioned delivery of R&B. Artists like Merle Haggard, Ray Charles, Al Green and Willie Nelson provided a musical roadmap for Smalley to follow, and the against-the-grain success of Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson drew him to Nashville. There, he began working with producer Keith Stegall, known for his award-winning work with the likes of Alan Jackson and Zac Brown Band. Ashley McBryde and Dillon Carmichael already have picked up on Smalley’s writing ability, including his songs on their recent albums, and joins her on the road for select dates this Spring. Smalley has also joined bills alongside Nelson, Tim McGraw, Justin Moore, and Dwight Yoakam. IF I’M BEING HONEST, Smalley’s debut EP out March 20 via Big Machine Records, draws candidly on his life story to deliver compelling tales of persistence, love and redemption.

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Jenn Bostic – LISTEN 

 

Jenn Bostic is a soulful singer/songwriter with a hint of blues, country, pop and gospel. Her emotive songwriting and powerful vocals have been touching hearts around the world. “Jealous of the Angels,” written for her late father, was championed by both Smooth Radio and BBC Radio 2. She has performed the song on BBC Breakfast, Weekend Wogan, Good Morning Sunday and Songs of Praise, and the music video has over 3 million views on YouTube. She has had 4 singles playlisted at BBC Radio 2, the most listened-to radio station in Europe.

She has performed sold-out tours across the United States and Europe, and has opened for the likes of Richard Marx, Christian Kane and The Band Perry. Venues have included The Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman Auditorium, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. She currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee.

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A big Thank You to Ford Lincoln of Cookeville for sponsoring our July Newbird on the Water Concert. This amazing local dealership consistently ranks #1 in service.

Even Stevens – LISTEN 

Nashville Songwriter Hall of Famer, Even Stevens has written 11 #1 Country and 25 Top 20 Country songs. He is best known for co-writing numerous hits with the late, Eddie Rabbitt, but his songs have been recorded by music legends like George Jones, Kenny Rogers, Conway Twitty, Kenny Chesney, Glen Campbell, Barbara Mandrell, Dr. Hook, Blake Shelton, Alabama, Tim McGraw, Joe Cocker, Tom Jones, Engelbert Humberdink, Julio Iglesisas, Elvis Costello and many others. His songs, “Love Will Turn You Around” was ASCAP’s Country Song of the Year in 1983 and “Suspicions” was BMI’s Country Song of the Year in 1980. Among his many hits, he achieved cross-over Pop Chart success with “When Your In Love With A Beautiful Woman,” (Dr. Hook) “Driving My Live Away,” “I Love The Rainy Night,” “Step By Step,” “Someone Could Lose A Heart Tonight,” (Eddie Rabbitt), and “Love Will Turn You Around” (Kenny Rogers). Even writes emotional songs about love and the human condition that resonate strongly with listeners.

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James T Slater –  LISTEN  

James T. Slater is a two-time, grammy-nominated, piano-playing, bilingual singer-songwriter of Bolivian American descent signed to Disney Music Group Publishing in Nashville, Tennessee. Born in Durham, North Carolina, and raised in the tropics of the Panama Canal Zone in Central America.
Willie Nelson’s “Life Is A Moment”, Tim McGraw’s recent first single…Looking for That Girl, Enrique Iglesias’ “Only A Woman” on his new Sex And Love C.D., Rascal Flatt’s “Life Is A Song” are all James’ compositions. His songs have been recorded by Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Kelly Pickler, Reba McEntire, Gloriana, Martina McBride, Enrique Iglesias, Chris Brown, Chris Young and a host of others. His Grammy nominations include Jamey Johnson’s “The High Cost of Living”, country song of the year, and for Martina’s “In My Daughter’s Eyes”. James also has a song in the new George Clooney Film “TOMORROWLAND” which hits theaters May 22, 2015.
James lived in Zurich Switzerland for six years touring, recording and writing with Belgian super group Vaya Con Dios and has traveled the world from Panama to Dublin, from Spain to Havana.
He and his grand piano now live in Nashville, Tennessee. He has recently signed a Worldwide Publishing Deal with Disney Music Group. Martina’s recording of “In My Daughter’s Eyes” has become a modern day standard garnering James a BMI country award as well as a BMI pop award in 2006.
James also co-wrote the winning “The Way That I Want You”, sung by Julio Iglesias Jr. on CMT’s Season 1“Gone Country” reality show as well as co-writing “Glorious Train” with Sheila E on Season 3, and his solo c.d. release “Key West Address” is a love letter to the island that reminds him so much of his tropical upbringing, so much so that the mayor of Key West has awarded James the “keys to the city” and proclaimed the song “Key West Address” the island’s official theme.
James’ latest release is “Barefoot Heart”, 14 brand new compositions including the raucous
“Mexicoma”…a Tim McGraw favorite in concert.

 

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A big Thank You to B.A. Services of Gainesboro for sponsoring our August Newbird on the Water Concert. This family business provides all the electrical, HVAC, and refrigeration at Wildwood.

Kent Blazy |  LISTEN

Kent Blazy is an American country music songwriter who calls Nashville, TN his home. His credits include several singles for Garth Brooks, as well as singles by Gary Morris, Diamond Rio, Patty Loveless and Chris Young. He has a total of seven number-one

Blazy, along with songwriters Pat Alger, Tony Arata and Kim Williams, recorded an album entitled A Songwriters’ Tribute to Garth Brooks, which included their renditions of songs that they had written for Brooks. This album was released in 2001 via VFR Records.

Kent’s songwriting continues with established writing partnerships, as well as developing partnerships with new writers and artists. Many of his crafted works continue to be recorded by artists such as Diamond Rio, Kenny Chesney, Terri Clark, Clay Walker, Patty Loveless, Julie Roberts, Andy Griggs and Blaine Larsen, a new recording artist on RCA.

Kent’s latest #1 hit is Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song), recorded by Chris Young.

Kent also has the title track on Reba’s latest CD “All The Women I Am” It’s also the name of her tour, tv special and her exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Also, look for Kent’s latest cuts from Randy Houser “The Power of a Song” on Randy’s latest CD. And “Empty Beer Cans” on Jon Pardi’s new CD “Write You A Song”.

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Cory Batten |  LISTEN 

Cory Batten was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona and moved to Nashville in 2000. It wasn’t long before Cory met friend and fellow co-writer and another of Backstage Nashville’s Hit Songwriters, Kent Blazy, and the two teamed up on a publishing co-venture. Cory quickly found success with his songs. From bluegrass sweetheart Rhonda Vincent to one of country’s newest duos, Love & Theft, Cory’s songs have been receiving a lot of attention. Cory’s first #1 Hit, Blake Shelton’s “She Wouldn’t Be Gone” was immediately followed by his second #1 Hit, Chris Young’s “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song),” both in the very same year. He isn’t slowing down. Between traveling regularly to share his music and continuing his writing, Cory has been recording and producing his very own artist project this year that he is pitching on Music Row.

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A big Thank You to The Performance Foodservice for sponsoring our September Newbird on the Water Concert. They provide the finest ingredients so our chef and cook staff can create authentic, delicious and wholesome dining experiences at Wildwood.

Emily Shackelton – LISTEN | TICKETS COMING SOON

Emily Shackelton is a singer/songwriter from Biwabik, Minnesota. After studying at Berklee College of Music, during which time she won the coveted BMI John Lennon Scholarship, Emily moved to Nashville. She started writing for Liz Rose Music/Warner-Chappell, and she now writes for BMG. Her songs have been recorded by Reba McEntire, Jennifer Nettles, Sara Evans, Jana Kramer, Cassadee Pope, Lauren Alaina, Mickey Guyton, David Cook, and more. She has also had several songs featured on tv shows like American Idol and ABC’s Nashville, including Love Like Mine, sung by Hayden Panettiere and featured on the gold-selling season one Nashville soundtrack. She’s had notable performances on Garrison Keilor’s A Prairie Home Companion, The Bluebird Cafe, and The Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium, and her debut album, “Late Bloomer”, is available now on iTunes.

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Jeff Trott –  LISTEN 

Award-winning, singer/songwriter/producer Jeff Trott is a part of the Nashville music scene.

Jeff was nominated for a 2023 Grammy® for Best American Roots Song having co-written and produced the song“Forever” for Sheryl Crow.

Trott’s name is synonymous with Sheryl Crow, having co-written some of her biggest hits. “If It Makes You Happy”, “Everyday is a Winding Road”, “A Change”, “My Favorite Mistake”, “Soak Up The Sun” and “Forever” . Their musical collaboration has lasted since the mid ’90s.

Jeff has written songs with many other artists including upcoming releases by Brandy Clark “Take Mine” written with Brandy Clark and Lucie Silvas. (Produced by Brandi Carlisle and Rick Rubin).

Other released songs include Meg McRee “Girl Of Your Dreams”, Bethany Cosentino “A Single Day” with Sean McConnell, Natalie Hemby “Heroes” a single written with Natalie and Aaron Raitiere, Hayes Carll’s “Leave lt All Behind” from the album You Get It All , Lucie Silvas “Cool Down”, Andrew Combs “Save Somebody Else”, Seratones “The Power Of Your Love”, Alissa Griffiths “Clean”.