MAJOR RISING
THE GROUP. THE PROJECT.
THE MOVEMENT
Their Back – An amazing group of celebrity country music artists have gathered together for fun and “collective creativity” for the radio driven single “DARE THE WORLD” which features the vocal talents of Bryan White, Kevin Sharp, Mila Mason, Wayne Warner, Mark Collie, Jimmy Fortune, Linda Davis and John Berry + 1. The power of that one song eventually became the catalyst for the creation of a compilation album in which each of these artists would also contributes a song of their own.
"QUOTES"
“I enjoyed working on this project with all the different artists; they are some of my favorite people. I am proud and honored to be a part of this”
Jimmy Fortune
“I am such a fan of these people not only for their talent, but for who they are.
From the first word of the song in the writers session, to the last note sang on the record, DARE THE WORLD has been a blast”
Wayne Warner
“It’s been an honor to be across the glass from the caliber artists that are on this project. I must thank them for putting up with me. But when we were done, they got to leave. I feel sorry for my wife; she has to go home with me! In all seriousness, I can’t say enough about the class of every artist on this project AND the pickers involved. Thanks Wayne!”
Jason Grainger
“You can’t keep a good song down”
Mila Mason
" I have been very blessed to be a part of many different projects throughout my career but I've never seen so many artists come together without any egos but simply because of their passion for the Music".
Kevin Sharp
"It was a lot of fun working with old friends who still got it”"
John Berry
“The artists on this project are some of the most talented that you’ll find anywhere…I ‘dare’ you to prove me wrong…I’m thrilled to be in the mix of these friends. All of us are out here keeping the faith! When the music can serve others and help wonderful causes as well as be fun for us…it don’t get any better!!” Linda loves ya!
Linda Davis
"I had a blast working on this project. Like they say, there's power in numbers!”
Bryan White
Chuck Dauphin, on Major Rising.
It goes without saying that there have been a lot of changes within the realm of Country Music in the past few years. It has become a billion dollar business with news of label mergers, consolidation, and high-level contracts being talked about each today. Thankfully, in this mega-paced society in which we live, there are some things that haven’t changed. Almost a quarter-century ago, Lacy J. Dalton recorded a classic song about the writers that made the magic happen on 16th Avenue, and on a Tuesday night in Nashville, one could feel that magic coming from just a few blocks away.
The occasion was to kick off a new project that will team some of the industry’s top talent that have enjoyed success beyond their wildest dreams, and now want to play the game by their own rules; Mark Collie, whose Southern Tennessee voice was one of the most played acts of the 1990s, with hits like “Born To Love You.”; Wayne Warner, noted Country Music renegade who loves doing things his own way….and doing them well; Jimmy Fortune, longtime member of the Statler Brothers, whose voice is just as incredible as ever; songstress Mila Mason, whom you might remember for her hits “Closer To Heaven” and “Dark Horse,” along with her equally talented husband, Jason Grainger; tunesmith Jimmy Stewart, whose credits include the Keith Whitley / Earl Thomas Conley hit “Brotherly Love” and Toby Keith’s smash “A Little Less Talk & A Lot More Action.”
Of course, as tradition would have it in Music City, no writing session of this magnitude could be complete without an old-fashioned guitar pull. As you might imagine with talent of this type, it was a magical night….with no cover charge! Warner slowed down his usual tempo with a touching song about his parents’ love, “I Didn’t Stand A Chance In Hell.” Collie told of his special friendship with Johnny Cash. Watching him perform a couple songs he wrote in tribute to the “Man In Black” was eerie. It’s amazing how many of his mannerisms he has down to a science. Just as amazing was his new material, particularly a few songs that deal with a drug problem he has battled in the past. He was a great writer when he debuted in 1990, and he’s even more special now. He sang several Statler Brothers songs with Fortune, whose tenor is one of the most special voices anywhere. Jimmy shared the story of writing “Elizabeth,” and also took a few moments to talk about his personal faith, before showcasing a new song, “In God We Trust.” Mason and husband Grainger teamed up for a few songs, as well, including the lifting “Maybe, Maybe Not.” After only hearing him for a few hours, I still think that’s enough to say that Grainger has as much soul running through his veins as anyone. He’s a special vocalist, for sure. Stewart went for s soulful touch, as well, on “Temptation,” which would sound very good in the hands of a singer like Wynonna, and his evocative performance of “Brotherly Love” was so good that he had to do it twice. As a guitar pull / writing session often brings together people from all places in a career, it was only fitting that there was a newcomer on his way up in the room. Collie brought a friend by the name of Craig Collins, whose star will be rising very soon, I can guarantee you! His voice is deep and born to sing pure country. All in all, it was a night that reminded one that in spite of everything……the deals, the mergers, the contracts, the road…it all starts with a piece of paper and a thought that comes to life and becomes something very special. As far as the project goes that this very talented group is working on goes, well, in true Nashville style….I can’t give all the details yet…only to say that it will go against true Nashville style in more ways than one! To be continued……
