Dierks and the Travelin' McCourys "Fiddlin' Around"

Photo courtesy Carrie Srebro

As part of the press release regarding Dierks Bentley heading to the studio in Asheville, NC and streaming the entire recording process live for fans, Capitol Nashville sent out a video for "Fiddlin' Around," one of the fine songs from Bentley's critically-acclaimed Up on the Ridge album. 

The video, posted today at The 9513 (thanks, Brady!), shows Dierks, Ronnie, Rob, Jason,  Alan, Tim, and Steve during a couple of stops on the Ridge tour (including Charlotte, where DBC-NC Rep Laurie and DBC-SC Rep Lissa can be seen during some Meet & Greet footage!). There's also a great shot of a signed DBCongress shirt! The video's closing shots appropriately include the "Pretty Much Nailed It!" banner that tour assistant Brittany made during the tour last year. I'd say they did!  

Video grab courtesy Nici

Watch the video here.

~ Carrie S. (DBC Rep/Chart Reporter ~ NC)  

Up On the Ridge On The 9513

Dierks Bentley's Up On The Ridge album lands the #1 spot on the 9513's best bluegrass of 2010 list, but not without some comments questioning that decision.  Check out the article and the comments.  I had to leave my thoughts in defense of our president! 

I applaud and whole-heartedly agree with Dierks Bentley’s album placing at #1. Considering it held the #1 spot on the bluegrass charts nearly every week consecutively since it’s June 2010 release and produced 3 CMA and 3 Grammy nominations, I’d say that’s plenty of validation.

While it’s true Dierks himself stops just short of calling it Bluegrass, it was definitely not a “safe” project. Musical and lyrical diversity shines throughout and pushes boundaries he’s never attempted before. The instrumentation alone screams bluegrass, and in my opinion, his vocals have never been better.

What are your thoughts?

BENTLEY A GREAT YOUNG HOPE FOR COUNTRY

The 9513 is at it again. Blake Boldt serves up a pretty positive review of Dierks Bentley's new album, Up On The Ridge. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

"For Bentley, this is no handsome facade. A voracious student of old-school country and bluegrass, he’s often professed his devotion to the history of the genre. Ridge boasts an all-star roster that furthers Bentley’s reputation as one of country’s great young hopes."

"Though he’s surrounded by a wealth of talent, Bentley helms the proceedings with a keen sense of his abilities."

"It’s this fidelity to honest, no-frills country music that makes Ridge a watershed moment in the career of an ever-evolving singer-songwriter."

Read the whole review here and come back and leave a comment here!

TOP 30 FOR "RIDGE"

Last week, in an interview given to The 9513, Dierks had this to say about a Top 40 song coming from his new CD, "Up on the Ridge" due out June 8th:

"The feedback’s been great, and it means a lot to me, but having a Top 40 hit on this record means more to me than ever before. This record wasn’t made with that in mind. It was made just to be an album in its entirety."

So, based on that, I wonder how he felt upon learning that "Up on the Ridge," the debut single, cracked the Top 30 this week on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, coming in at #29 in its 6th week! It moved 8 spots on the chart this week, and picked up 1.2 million in audience! Mediabase is roughly a week behind Billboard, and in its 5th week on there, it's #37. However, as of today, it's already moved to #32, and should easily crack the Top 30 on Mediabase by the next chart run on Sunday -- which is excellent news for those of you who've yet to hear it on your local country stations. Top 30 is the goal, not only for countdowns/syndicated airplay, but because most Country radio formats are now Top 30 as well.

The reaction to this song has been extremely positive. It's refreshing to hear something different on country radio, and I think people are responding to that. And, just for kicks, I decided to go back and see where "I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes" was in its 6th week, and wouldn't you know ... it was #29. So let's get Dierks the #1 he should have gotten with IWMYCYE -- and the one that could mean the most to him!

Also, the video for UOTR is up for voting on GAC's countdown! Head over to GAC every day to cast your vote -- let's crash their countdown next week!

~ Carrie (DBC Rep/Chart Reporter ~ NC)

UOTR UPDATE & FLOOD RELIEF INFO

"Up on the Ridge," Dierks Bentley's first single from the upcoming album of the same name, jumped 10 spots to #41 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart this week! It continues to be among the most-added songs at country radio, as well. It debuted on Mediabase at #47, is up to #31 on Billboard's Country Indicator chart (which, you'll remember, is the chart for the smaller markets), and is at #37 on Mediabase's Activator chart (also for the smaller markets). I don't expect the jump to be as big next week, however it should definitely move solidly into the Top 40. Great news! As Dierks said in Greenville, this song is "starting to get its legs!" Keep up the great work, Congress!

I want to shift gears, however, and call attention to the catastrophic and deadly flooding in and around Nashville. I am sure, if you're anything like me, you're wondering what you can do to help. Of course, Nashville is very near and dear to not only our hearts, but our Prez's heart as well. So let's prove how we really are the "best fan club in the world" and do what we can to help.

Nashvillest Guide to Helping

Middle Tennessee Red Cross

(Thanks to the folks over at The 9513 for the links -- and also the "thumbs up" review for UOTR!)

Or, simply text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to donate $10.

~ Carrie S. (DBC Rep/Chart Reporter ~ NC)