Country Music: 2011 in Review (From The Northern Echo)

Country Music: 2011 in Review

4:35pm Thursday 29th December 2011 in Country By Brian Clough

AS we’re only days away from the start of a New Year I thought I’d take a look back over the country scene of 2011.

It was the year when, thankfully, more US artists appreciated the fact that country music was alive and well in Britain and decided to visit.

Appearances in our area included The Secret Sisters, Lyle Lovett and Raul Malo, who were all part of the SummerTyne Americana Festival held at the Sage Gateshead.

There was also Glen Campbell’s Farewell Tour at the City Hall Newcastle.

Others were: Marty Stuart, Alison Krauss, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Toby Keith, Suzy Bogguss, Matraca Berg and Gretchen Peters.

New releases on the traditional front came from Connie Smith (her first album for years), Merle Haggard with Working In Tennessee, and a 50-track release from the Storyteller, Tom T Hall.

New artists Sierra Hull, John Ray, Sarah McClurg (who also toured Britain from Canada), and Shawna Russell, put their stamp on the extending country market.

Ronnie Dunn’s first release as a solo artist after his split with Kix Brook, from the famous Brooks and Dunn duo, proved his worth as a soloist. Sadly no Great North Country and Western Festival this year as lack of support forced the organisers to rethink.

Next year the touring acts are: Gretchen Peters, Nanci Griffith and Don Williams (coming out of retirement) appearing at The Sage Gateshead and the return of the Wembley International Festival held on February 26 at the Wembley Arena London.

Here’s wishing you a healthy and prosperous 2012.