In The Country With Dave Woods

Fourth-generation musicians with musical roots reaching back to their great-grandparents, The Abrams Brothers grew up playing music in an atmosphere where generation-spanning family musical collaborations are practically tradition. Comprised of John (vocals, guitar), 18, James (vocals, fiddle), 16, and cousin Elijah (bass), 18, this young, Ontario-based Americana/Bluegrass band pairs a rich musical background with a youthful exuberance. The Abrams Brothers were recently featured on the Canadian national TV show CBC “The National” and also appeared on the renowned radio show Acoustic Café. They are touring festivals across Canada this summer and a new album of original material will be released in the 2nd half of 2009. Look for their CMT debut with a new video for their rendition of the Coldplay song “Viva la Vida.”

Riley Erin is a young musician and songwriter based out of the Phoenix, AZ valley. She demonstrated a strong musical gift at an early age and wrote her first song at the age of 11. She has exhibited a consistent passion to develop these gifts and works diligently to improve and grow through vocal lessons, instrumental training and co-writing experiences. Don't miss this insightful interview with this rising young talent!

Though just in her early twenties, music has been a part of Brianna White's life for years. At age 10 she took singing lessons at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Her early musical influences were Faith Hill, Shania Twain and Celine Dion. At age 13 she recorded a 3 Song Demo at the Wellcraft Music Group Studio. Shortly after that, she started singing lessons with renowned vocal coach David Perry. Now in 2009, Brianna White's debut CD "Can't Hide In A Small Town" produced by Jim Hopson has just been released nationally. Tune in to learn more about this rising Country star and hear two of her new songs.

Brandi Nicole is a talented 16 year old Country singer from Augusta, Georgia. Along with her singing, she can be seen on the Dixie SonShine TV show. Tune in and hear how Brandi got her start in music and who inspires her musically. I'll play a couple of her songs as well. Learn more about her at www.myspace.com/brandinicole39.

Originally from Muskoka, Ontario, Victoria Banks has made a home for herself on the Country charts as a writer and an artist. Her songwriting credits for others include the #1 hits "Come On Over" (recorded by Jessica Simpson) & "Saints And Angels" (recorded by Sara Evans). She's also climbing the charts singing her own songs these days from her new CD "When You Can Fly". As well, she has 6 CCMA nominations including one for 2009 Female Artist Of The Year. I'll talk with Victoria about all her recent successes and play 2 songs from her CD.

Tori has been singing since she was old enough to talk and she makes the trek between Marietta and Nashville almost every weekend to write and record her new material. "She is the hardest working young artist I have ever met", says producer/engineer Todd Bradley, (James Otto, Big Kenny of Big & Rich, Gatlin Brothers). "Very driven and focused." An amazing songwriter, Tori has captured the attention of Number 1 Country Artist James Otto ("Just Got Started Lovin' You, "For You"), who calls Tori a "True, honest talent." Recently, Tori found herself at Vibe 56 Studio in Nashville cutting new tracks with the help of James Otto's Band. "I can't believe this is my life." says Tori. "You just can't dream bigger than this."

Catch up with Country singer/songwriter Jessie Farrell. Her hits so far include "Let's Talk About Love", "The Best Of Me" & "I Guess". We'll talk about her brand new CD and what else is on the horizon for this talented Canadian artist.

Singer-songwriter Georgia Thomas attributes her musical genes to dad Cliff Thomas, who was a Sun Records recording artist in the 50’s and a Grammy-nominated songwriter. “I mostly listened to whatever my dad was playing around the house, which was mostly Blues and R&B" says Georgia. This influence is evidenced in her songs which blends her influences with a strong dose of pop-country and her sultry powerful singing style. Georgia’s self-titled debut release has received critical acclaim. Listen in to hear about Georgia's career highlights and upcoming projects.

Michelle Wright first found success on Canadian Country Radio with songs from her 1988 album "Do Right By Me". Then, America took notice as she released the hits 'Take It Like A Man' & 'He Would Be Sixteen'. In 1992, she won the Academy of Country Music's Top New Female Vocalist award. Since then her songs and videos have climbed the charts and won her awards and more fans. Her latest CD "Everything And More" has had 6 singles released from it including 'I've Forgotten You'. Tune in for this insightful and entertaining interview with one of Canada's finest Country singers.

Originally from Newfoundland, Singer/Songwriter Ed Anderson now calls Nanaimo, B.C. home. He grew up listening to Country Classics and you can hear that influence in his voice. He counts George Strait, Garth Brooks and Hank Sr. among his favorites. Ed has just completed a CD featuring 3 original Country songs which he had a hand in writing. Currently, he is promoting those songs and performing at various venues around Nanaimo. Be sure to listen in on this conversation which will feature 2 of Ed's latest songs.

Carla Sullivan is a 27 year old singer/songwriter from London Ontario. She has been singing since the age of 5. Recently she has auditioned for Canadian Idol (got in the top 60) and made it to the semi-finals in the CNE Rising Star Competition. She performs regularly around London at various events and has also been a featured singer at the London Majors baseball game and at the Delaware Speedway. Carla is currently writing and recording new material and has been signed to a production deal with Calliber Records.

Will Ferrarini is a Massachusetts singer/songwriter who has been sharing his gift with his audience for decades. He enjoys writing and singing Christian and Country songs. He's had great response to his song "Send Me A Miracle" which is being pitched to major label acts. We'll talk about his influences, his trips to Nashville and his approach to songwriting. Join me for this insightful and entertaining interview which will feature 2 of Will's best songs.

" Foxx Worthee is an exciting Country duo from Saskatchewan made up of Crystal Smith & Nicole Escarnot. Together these ladies bring a passion and energy to Country Music that will leave you wanting more. They were recently nominated for Group or Duo of The Year at the SCMA awards. Their current radio single "Be The Girl" is impressing Music Directors and listeners across Canada. Tune in for what promises to be a fun and insightful interview featuring 2 of Foxx Worthee's latest songs.

Recently, Angela was nominated for The Ontario Independent Music Award and has won The Niagara Music Award for best country band. Consistently she has been on the top of the Canadian My Space Country, Americana, and Southern Rock Charts, and has been asked to appear on three-time Grammy winner Walter Ostaneks’ upcoming roots compilation album. At a recent Pre-Grammy party in Nashville, Angela spent time with the country music’s elite from Brenda Lee, Little Big Town, and Trace Atkins to five-time Grammy Award winner (including 2009) and one of Angela’s idols, Robert Plant. Angela is also a featured music columnist for the well respected French magazine Dreamwest, and Angela has been back in the studio putting the finishing touches on a new Americana EP to be released late spring of 2009; Angela has written and collaborated on every song. Produced by Nick Lesyk of the band Townline, it blends many of the same elements that made her album Drawn to the Flame so successful. Like one of Angela’s favorite, respecte

Songwriter/Producer Cyril Rawson has this to say about my guest Country artist Elyse Saunders: "Canada has produced some great female singers over the years and I have been lucky enough to have been able to work in the studio with several of them, including Lisa Brokop, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Michelle Wright to name a few. I have also had the good fortune of having songs of mine recorded by some other Canadian female greats, most notably, Anne Murray and Alannah Myles. All of these great singers had some special quality about them that set them apart from the rest. I think Canada is about to add another young singer to that list. After working with Elyse Saunders in the studio recently, I watched a young girl go in a few short months from just being one of the rest to stepping in to that category with those few that really have that something special, that unique sound that has a way of pulling you in to a song and making you listen."

At 16 years old Samantha Paige has taken to singing and playing the guitar. She has become a favorite at the local coffee houses around her home in Marietta and is hitting the open mics around town, including making regular appearances at the famed Decatur stage of "Eddie's Attic". About a year and a half ago she began writing music with her voice coach Robin Ball, and it was obvious that this young talent has a great passion for songwriting and expressing herself through her music.

Misty Lee Olsen is a singer/songwriter from Barrie, Ontario who is attracting attention from both sides of the border. After performing various family functions and local small venues, Misty decided to make her dream a reality, and pursued a career in country music full time. After making the 2004 regional finals of the famed “Nashville Star” TV talent search, Misty began writing and performing as often as she could, and was approached in 2007 by three time Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) winning producer of the year, Joel Feeney (‘Nothing Bout Love Makes Sense’ Leann Rimes) to produce her debut CD. In September 2008, her debut single, ‘A Little Bit of Love’, was released to Canadian radio. Misty wrapped up 2008 performing several high profile charity events and media performances, and was most recently invited to open for Jaydee Bixby on the eastern leg of his Canadian tour. During this insightful interview, I'll play a couple of Misty's songs. Catch this Canadian star on her way up!

Jason McCoy is a 2 time CCMA Male Vocalist of the year & 3 time CCMA Songwriter of the year. You know his hits as a solo artist - "Born Again In Dixieland", "Still" & "I Feel A Sin Comin' On" - to name just a few. He's also the founding member of the popular Country group The Road Hammers. They've just released their 2nd CD featuring the hit single "Homegrown" and their brand new single "I've Got The Scars To Prove It." Find out all about Jason's career and hear a couple of new Road Hammers' tunes.

It's a long road from Muskoka, Ontario to Nashville, Tennessee but it's one that singer/songwriter Victoria Banks paved with music. You know her songs recorded by others - "Saints And Angels" (Sara Evans) & "Come On Over (Jessica Simpson). Now with her own CD out in stores, you'll be able to hear Victoria sing her own songs. The first single "The Wheel" is climbing the Canadian Country Music charts. We'll find out about Victoria's new CD, stories behind some of her most successful songs & what's up next for this accomplished singer/songwriter.