Martina McBride (courtesy of SONY BMG Nashville) & Carrie Underwood (courtesy of the Country Music Association).
Each week country music expert Neil Haislop answers your questions!
Q: Can you put a bug in Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride to do a duet together? Maybe on "Broken Wing?"
(Stephen, Benson, AZ)
A: Stephen, I think Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride singing together on a big song could start the San Andreas fault-line in California to start quivering. It could be that powerful good. I’d be surprised if it doesn’t happen someday. Thing to remember is, duets between top artists don’t happen that often because successful artists are too busy being superstars in their own right to take the time and effort to promote a duet with another artist. Plus, their management and record labels have to agree to do so. Duets tend to take attention away from each individual’s solo singles if they’re not timed right. So we can say, "Let’s hear it!" for a duet between mega-stars, but then we have to wait until everything lines up for it to make sense for both artists.
Q: What does an "acoustic tour" mean? My wife and I want to see Travis Tritt in Jackson, Mi. later this year but are uncertain of the type of concert it will be.
(Melvin, Jackson, MI)
A: An acoustic performance usually means the musicians will use acoustic guitars, bass, fiddle, mandolin, etc., those made out of wood, as opposed to electric guitars, fiddles or bass instruments made out of fiberglass, steel, chrome, etc. For bluegrass purists, nothing electric or electrified is acceptable to their meaning of acoustic. For modern artists like Travis Tritt, it’s likely to mean something in the middle. Acoustic guitars with electric pickups built in, an electric bass (if a standup bass is not available), plus drums and microphones, etc. all amplified.
The good news is, an acoustic performance is usually held in a smaller, more intimate venue. The feel of the show can often seem more personal and laid- back, which is sometimes very appealing to fans when they experience a different side of their favorite star — while still hearing their big hits and new material. So if you’re a Travis Tritt fan, you’ll likely enjoy the acoustic side of Travis as well.
Q: I heard that Little Big Town will be headlining next year, which is brilliant! Do they have any dates set for the tour yet?
(Nikita, Mackay, AUS)
A: Nikita, I recently flew into Nashville on the same plane with Little Big Town, who were sitting in the seats ahead of me. We chatted briefly and they told me that next year will likely be a mix of going out with other artists, but also, a big increase in their own headlining dates. Just keep checking their website, littlebigtown.com, for when they post their 2009 tour schedule.
Q: How does a person get so lucky to be in a music video?
(Courtney, Glenwood City, WI)
A: Well, Courtney, there is a lot of luck involved if you’re not the star of the video, a member of the star’s band or entourage, or an actor that gets booked by a casting agent to be in a video. For normal fans, ending up in a video is not so easy — unless you hear that a live performance video is going to be made from a concert near you where the audience will be filmed too. In that case, make sure you get a ticket in the first 5 or 10 rows. Fans closest to the stage have the best chance to be seen in a performance video, particularly if they’re wearing something outrageous, or holding up a really great sign, etc. Sometimes artists will advertise that they need fans for a video scene and will post that information at their site. So it’s not easy to get into a video, but it’s possible if you keep trying.
Q: Why don't all the stars get busy and produce songs for the hard times that are present? Folks are scared to speak their minds. We need a big shot of American spirit. Let’s pull together and remind folks of their freedom of speech. Where are all the patriotic songs? America needs this now more than ever.
(Terry, Litchfield, ME)
A: Hey Terry, I’m not sure why you’re worried about country stars responding to any crisis America has to deal with. Just think back to 2001, and how quickly country cusic responded to the attack on America with patriotic songs that will be part of our history for decades to come, like; "American Soldier," "Arlington," "Have You Forgotten," "Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue," and, of course, "Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning." These songs and others poured quickly from the minds and hearts of our great singers and songwriters. For the current economic crisis that has yet to bottom out, I’d bet the farm that writers and performers are busy right now working on tunes to reflect our national fear, uncertainty and hopes. It might take a while to see them since the bottom just started falling out not too long ago. But whenever America hurts, country singers will be among the first write and sing about how that feels.
Q: Trace Adkins is by far my favorite country star, partly due to his food allergy foundation and the love of his family. I have a rare disease that has no cure. Does he aid in helping other foundations? I don't just mean with money but to help get the word out for the cause? I have Sjogren’s and most people don't even know what it is. I am a nurse and I didn't know what it was when I was told I had it. I would love to educate people about this very painful, multi-symptom disease.
(Mary, Morganton, NC)
A: Mary, like many artists, Trace Adkins feels he can help the most people by supporting one or two good causes that are close to him. But what you have certainly done by now, and others can do, is visit the website sjogrens.org and find out more about this disease.
Sjögren's (pronounced "SHOW-grins") syndrome is a chronic disease in which white blood cells attack the moisture-producing glands. The main symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth, but it is a systemic disease, affecting many organs and may cause fatigue. It is one of the most prevalent autoimmune disorders, striking as many as four million Americans. Thanks to your question, perhaps others in the music community, or your community, might decide to support the fight against Sjogren’s syndrome.
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