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International acclaim has launched the
Jazzabillies to the helm of western swing music. But in order to delve
into a Texas-born genre, the band had to present not only their unique
sound and harnessed talents to listeners and promoters, but also bring it
to the table with a kick. That's why the group's original tune, "Show
Me," boasts the Jazzabillies motto, "kickin' western
swing," and allows avid enthusiasts of the genre to give kudos to
Missouri musicians. The
group Jazzabillies are extremely proud to announce that the Academy of
western Artists has nominated them for three different awards! The
Jazzabillies are extremely honored to even be nominated for inclusion in
such a list of important ambassadors of Western Swing and Real Country
Music, which includes Ray Price, Texas Playboys, Riders in the Sky and
other music legends. Starla Queen has been nominated for 2007 Female
Western Swing Vocalist, Starla’s
song “Show Me” has been nominated for 2007 Western Swing Song of the
Year, and the Jazzabillies cd “Show Me” has been nominated for 2007
Western Swing Album of the Year. "When we did the CD, we wanted to
explain who we were and what our group was about, so we titled our tune
and CD, 'Show Me,' which is also our state's slogan," said lead
vocalist and composer Starla Queen. "It's similar to the bluegrass
song, 'Mama Don't Allow,' in its set-up. It's a vocal song, but it gives
several instrumental breaks to introduce each band member. The jazzy western swing and country music
group from the Missouri Ozarks blend their love of western swing,
honkytonkin' country, blues, dixieland and jazz to create their own unique
style. Listen for hot steel guitar licks, classic twin fiddles, jazz
derived lead guitar, honkytonk keyboard, wailin' sax, bluesy harmonica and
a complete big band horn sound including trumpets and trombone on this
great cd. The rhythm section includes a drivin' upright bass with a
traditional western swing rhythm guitar and the drum styles of the swing
era. It's this eclectic mix of instruments and music styles that the make
the Jazzabillies unique and exciting! Vocalists
for the group include: Jimmy Queen (Former St. Louis Entertainer, Drummer,
and Band Leader of the Year), Starla Queen (National Female Western Swing
Vocalist Nominee), Dave Owens (Missouri Country Music Hall of Fame Member
and Grammy Nominee), and Scotty Henderson (Kansas Steel Guitar Hall of
Fame Member). It
is the exciting arrangements and professional musicianship of the group
that received the attention of the Academy of Western Artists (AWA). The
national AWA is made up of Cowboy and Western Artists, Radio
Personalities, Book Publishers, Magazine Publishers, News Media, and other
Music and Arts Industry people who share a common interest in all things
Western. It is to western arts what the Academy of Motion Pictures is to
the Movie Industry. The
AWA influences what has nationally been considered a niche market to
national market prominence. The annual awards show was organized to help
promote awareness of the depth and breadth of the movement, as well as to
highlight the year's outstanding group and individual works. The cd is also appearing on national and
international charts, receiving accolades from radio stations worldwide.
This hot cd is available at www.jazzabillies.com as well as at Best
Buys’ online indie music department, Wal-mart downloads, itunes, sony
connect, and various other online retailers. The cd is also available at
thy Ryman Auditorium Gift Shop in Nashville, TN and 2400 other retailers
internationally. (More
information about the Jazzabillies is available at www.jazzabillies.com)
Reprint with permission from Lake Sun Leader |
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