In The Country With Dave Woods

Quebec's Desert Heat hit the music scene with their 2005 debut release Forever Road. The album earned them a ton of airplay and several CCMA nominations. They followed up that success in 2008 wth Tail Lights & Love produced by Joel Feeney and Jeff Nystrom. While hearing DH on record is a great experience, the true experience comes from seeing them perform live. Their vocals, harmonies, songwriting skills and ability to entertain all converge and turn anyone in attendance into a fan. "Desert Heat's live stage show has been heralded as unequalled in Canadian Country Music", says Larry Delaney - publisher/editor of Country Music News. Trevor Brunton from the group joins me on the show to share the group's latest radio single Love Never Let Me Down and to catch us up on all their latest news.

Country music cherishes family tradition and Michael Twitty is an integral part of that great heritage. He is the oldest son of Country legend Conway Twitty. By age eight, Michael discovered his own passion for music and found himself under the spotlight on stage with his legendary father. He knew right then that this was where he wanted to spend the rest of his life. Whether it is the tender meaning of a soulful ballad, or the frenzied excitement of a rockin’, stompin’ dance tune, Michael’s audiences live each song along with this irresistible entertainer. He tours quite a bit in Canada, the US & around the world. One of the shows he delivers is called "Memories of Conway" - a show that pays tribute to the music of his famous father.

Pistol George Warren is a Country/Soul Rock band from Sudbury, Ontario. Their debut album entitled Back To Northern Country features songs that various members of the group had a hand in writing as well as great covers including Colorado (sung by group member Jon Danyliw). That song was originally recorded by The Flying Burrito Brothers in the 1970s - and the Brothers are one of PGW's influences. In April 2011, Pistol George Warren heads out on an East Coast tour to promote the album. The members are talented musicians & vocalists not afraid of the hard work & dedication required to make great music.

Vancouver, BC's Britt and Carly McKillip - known on the Country Music scene as One More Girl - have been all over radio & CMT these last few years. Their album, Big Sky, delivered hit singles including "I Can Love Anyone", "When It Ain't Raining" & "Tumblin' Tears". In October 2010, they took home BCCMA awards for Single of the Year, Group or Duo, Album as well as Entertainer of the Year. That same year in September they won the CCMA's award for Rising Star.   Learn more about this dynamic duo at www.onemoregirlmusic.com.

 WYATT was recently honoured with the 2011 Saskatchewan Country Music Association 'Group of the Year' award. This marks the 4th consecutive year the group has taken home this coveted award. Their current album is called"If I Had A Dollar..." and features their latest radio single, "Mess In Me". Singer/Guitarist Scott Patrick from WYATT joins me on the show to talk about the group's success and much more. Learn more about them at www.wyattmusic.com.

Elliot Lake, Ontario's Mike Trudell is a seasoned veteran of the Canadian music scene. He spent time touring as a lead guitarist for some of Canada’s top artists before embarking on a solo career. Mike is equal parts Honky Tonk troubadour & modern day Country rocker. After years of playing the sideman role and paying his dues on the cover band circuit, he came to a crossroads in the last year and decided the time was right to take his music to the next level. An opening slot for Country artist George Canyon in June of 2010 lit a fire under Mike and his team to get into the studio and get some music out to the fans. He recently released a 5 song EP entitled "Five Rounds" and his current single at radio is "Making Up For Lost Time". Tune in to get to know this talented singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.

  It's hard to put Ontario's Mati Haskell in just one category of music. The soulful, bluesy, rootsy, gospel, country and jazz infused vocalist recently released her long-awaited debut album “10, 2 & 6”. It features an impressive, all-star group of musicians from Nashville & Toronto as well as an incredible array of legendary singers including Americana/Bluegrass superstar John Cowan, Bekka Bramlett, and Gospel divas, the McCrary Sisters. Learn more about Mati at www.MatiHaskell.com.

Whiskey Rain is based out of Ontario, Canada. Formed in the mid '90s when a contemporary Country sound was on the rise, the band quickly gained popularity for their high energy shows, male and female lead vocals and on-stage antics. The members come from Country and Rock 'n Roll backgrounds. This mix, which is evident in their original material, has garnered the band opening slots for Country greats like Alan Jackson, Terri Clark and George Fox. Keeping their sound "edgy" and in the cross-over area has also got the band some gigs with Randy Bachman, Kim Mitchell, Trooper and many others. In 2010, the band hooked up with a new writing team, resulting in 5 singles. The current release, "On This Road Tonight" has been released internationally, with regular airplay in the U.S, Ireland, Japan and Australia.

Recognized by his peers as one of Canada’s best performing songwriters, Lennie Gallant is a native of Prince Edward Island now living in Nova Scotia. This prolific songwriter has recorded nine albums (seven in English and two in French), which have won him a host of awards and nominations from both the JUNOs and East Coast Music Awards. His album, "When We Get There" was nominated for a JUNO Award and went into space aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour in July 2009. Canadian astronaut Julie Payette chose the album for the astronaut crew to enjoy. With the release of "If We Had A Fire" in 2009 he claims it is his best work yet. Recorded in beautiful St Cecilia Studios on the outskirts of Halifax, the album holds 14 new Gallant songs, performed by the artist and some of the best musicians the East Coast has to offer. "If We Had A Fire" won the 2010 Roots Recording of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards. Other artists obviously believe in Lennie’s writing abilities as over 30 artists have recorded his songs inter

Georgette Jones was born to the only Hall of Fame husband and wife Country Music artists, George Jones and Tammy Wynette. She's been singing with one or both parents since the age of three. She recorded her first single with her Dad, "Daddy Come Home" when she was ten years old and performed it on an HBO special. She also worked as a backup singer for her Mom. Georgette recorded a duet with Mark McGuinn that was included on his "One Man's Crazy" CD - and has appeared on TV shows such as Crook and Chase, RFD-TV and The Grand Ole Opry. A duet entitled "You and Me and Time", which Georgette co-wrote for her Dad (and sings with him), was released as the first single from her Dad's CD, "Burn Your Playhouse Down". That duet and the one with Mark McGuinn also appear on Georgette's own CD, "A Slightly Used Woman".  

Saskatchewan singer/songwriter Ray Whitton has been winning over audiences, peers, and music industry professionals since he first stepped on to the stage in the fall of 2006. Armed (at the time) with little more then a few chords, and his unique voice, he has built a modest, and loyal Saskatchewan fan base that stretches from Clearwater, to Estevan, Hudson Bay to Swift Current, and all places in between. "My focus will always be making music people can relate to," says Ray. "Sharing similar experiences and writing honestly connects me as an artist with music fans. I'm an average guy, writing about common experiences we all share." Ray has released a self-titled EP under the watchful eye of 2007 WCMA Producer of the Year winner David J. Taylor. The songs include Ray's co-writing collaborations with Saskatoon's Kim Fontaine, and The Northern Pikes' Jay Semko. Ray is currently writing and working towards completing his first full-length album due in 2011.

In 2007, Ontario Country artist Dawson Reigns was introduced to Jason Barry, one of Canada's most respected producers. After meeting Dawson and listening to his music, Jason agreed to produce his debut album at Barrytone Studios in Waterloo. Dawson's debut single, "If Crazy Wasn't So Beautiful", (from his album entitled Enjoy The Ride) was released to radio on January 11, 2010 and went Top 20 on the Canadian Country Charts. Recently that debut single - thanks to fans and radio in Australia - became a number one hit for Dawson. He followed that success up with two more singles – Empty Handed and Girl Next Door. In September 2010, Dawson was chosen to perform at the New Artist Showcase in Edmonton, Alberta for Canadian Country Music Week. Following his time in Edmonton, he returned home and quickly repacked his bags to head to the UK for his first radio tour. While there, he performed at the British Country Music Awards. Tune in to catch up with all the latest news from Dawson and hear some songs from his debut

Saskatchewan Country artist Donny Parenteau is a talented multi-instrumentalist who performs with energy and enthusiasm on the fiddle, mandolin, acoustic and electric guitars, and the unique mandocaster. Throw in his singing & songwriting and you have an artist on the rise in Canada. After 12 years touring with Neal McCoy, this seasoned entertainer has performed with numerous country artists and genuine music icons such as Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain and Reba McEntire, to name a few. The 22nd SCMA’s (Saskatchewan Country Music Association) nominations were recently announced for 2011 – Donny Parenteau leads the pack with 11 nominations including: Male Vocalist Of The Year, Song Of The Year (My Girl) & Fan's Choice Entertainer. He's just released his new album, "To Whom It May Concern" featuring his latest single, "My Dirt". Tune in as we learn about the making of Donny's new CD & hear some songs from it.

Growing up with music as a strong influence throughout his life, Alberta Country artist JT Moore has been performing since he was just eight years old. He took guitar lessons early in life but found it to be quite the challenge so he switched over to drums and excelled at them. Family functions were looked forward to, as he was able to jam with his Grandpa who played the harmonica and spoons. But his musical family doesn't stop there...his Dad played the electric guitar, his Uncle played the accordion and his cousin played the piano and trumpet. Although he still plays drums, JT returned to playing the guitar to assist in his songwriting. With a passion for poetry, he enrolled in writing classes to learn how to put his words with music and has been songwriting ever since. One of the songs JT wrote (A Dollar Short And A Dream Too Late) was produced in Nashville by Jim Allison, who has produced award winning songs for the likes of LeAnn Rimes, Del Reeves, Billy Ray Cyrus, Reba McEntire and others. In 2008, he w

Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Country artist Mikelle began taking steps on her musical journey at a very young age. At age 6, she won the role of Annie in a Broadway produced performance. At age 8, she performed in Lee Ann Womack's video for the hit song, "I Hope You Dance". During those young years, Mikelle also won numerous awards in competitive dance - and dancing is something she incorporates into her present day concerts. Watching one of her videos at www.MikelleMusic.com will quickly let you see and hear that she is an entertainer who easily holds the attention of her audience. Her debut album is called "Right On Time" featuring a mix of uptempo songs & ballads - and also includes a moving cover of the pop classic, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow". Mikelle will be part of the Hot New Country Tour - along with Country act Pearl Heart - at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario for 14 shows between May 8th and June 1st. Tune in as Mikelle joins me to talk about her start in musi

Born in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Marlee Scott's family moved to St. Albert, Alberta when she was 6 years old. Shortly after her cross country move, she discovered her strong desire to perform, first with ice-skating lessons, then with flute lessons...almost. Upon arriving at her first music lesson at age 7, her teacher remembers, "Marlee's mom had called to schedule flute lessons for her. When it came time for Marlee's first lesson I asked her, 'So, you want to play the flute?' She smiled at me and pointed to a pink electric guitar that I had in corner and said, 'No, I want to play that.'" Fast forward: Marlee moved to Nashville permanently in the summer of 2007. She eventually caught the attention of Gerry Leiske (a fellow Canadian), the president of Big Ride Entertainment. She was signed to Big Ride and released a self-titled album which features the popular single, "Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow" - the song is up for a Canadian Radio Music Award in the Country category at this week's Canadian Music Week.

Maddy Rodriguez has been singing since she was a young girl and started writing songs when she was 13. Her sound is part Pop and part Country. She credits musical influences like James Taylor, Elton John and Bread as well as Contemporary Country artists like Keith Urban, the Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain and Taylor Swift. At 15 years old, Maddy auditioned for Disband (a MuchMusic hit show) and was selected from among 1,000 bands/artists to be part of the 13 artists featured in season 2. She went on to release her first EP entitled “As Seen On Disband” with acoustic versions of her songs “Summer Love,” “Happier Than Ever” and “Break Down." In November 2010, a few weeks before her 17th birthday, she signed an administration/co-publishing deal with Nettwerk One Publishing, one of Canada's most respected music publishing companies. She'll be releasing her first single (which she co-wrote) and music video, "Falling Up", this month. Maddy will be performing at Canadian Music Week's Canadian Music Fest (in Toronto) fro

Tia McGraff was born in Port Dover, Ontario and began writing and recording at the age of 19. After releasing 2 CDs on her label Bandana Records, and 4 videos on CMT Canada, she moved to Nashville to further her writing career. It was there that she met her partner in life and on stage, songwriter/producer Tommy Parham. Together they have released 3 albums; toured main stage festivals and songwriter venues around the world (including the famous Bluebird Café); have songs placed in film/tv and recently had their song, All Of Us, placed in an Australian TV commercial promoting multi-culturalism. "Diversity" (produced by Tommy) is the title of Tia's fifth studio album, and the follow-up to her 2007 critically-acclaimed album "Day In My Shoes". Tune in as Tia talks about her music career, songwriting, her latest album & much more.

BC Country artist Kristy Howes has been captivating audiences with her unique and progressive sound since she began singing at age eight. Her career accelerated to new heights when she met Trey Gray, an award-winning drummer and talented producer who has worked with acts including Faith Hill, Jewel and Brooks & Dunn. They met in October 2009 and Trey listened to an original song written and composed by Kristy called “Not 4 You”. Impressed by what he heard, Trey invited Kristy to Nashville in January 2010 to record an EP with his studio – Littleton Music Group. Eventually, she recorded more tracks (she had a hand in writing all of the songs) to complete her debut CD entitled The December Sessions. Kristy says, "…writing gives me a chance to vent, a chance to express what I’m really feeling. It’s the perfect remedy for a bad day". Along with touring in 2011 to promote her debut record, Kristy is currently writing new material for her upcoming studio project. She joins me on this edition of In The Country to

From the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Canada, the Spinney Brothers are comprised of Allan Spinney , Rick Spinney, Gary Dalrymple and Darryl Hebb. Brothers Allan and Rick debuted their band in 1992, showcasing a tight brother duet vocal style that was immediately recognized for it's energetic and distinctive sound. The cornerstone of the Spinney Brothers musical identity is the sound of traditional, southern-flavoured bluegrass music. The bluegrass legends have been an important musical influence, yet their music is equally shaped by their personal lives and local heritage. By incorporating original material, the Spinney Brothers effortlessly intertwine the past with the present. They've won a bunch of East Coast Bluegrass Music Association awards and were inducted into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.