CMA Awards

David Doggett · Post by **David Doggett** » 6 Nov 2003 12:16 pm

Kevin, was Charley Pride ashamed of his race? Was Elvis ashamed of his race for singing "Hound Dog"? There is one race - human. There are two kinds of music, the kind you like, and the kind you don't like. The latter has nothing to do with race.

[This message was edited by David Doggett on 06 November 2003 at 12:16 PM.]

Larry Robbins · Post by **Larry Robbins** » 6 Nov 2003 1:30 pm

Is it just me or did anyone else notice
everytime they announced an award that Toby
Keith was nominated for and didnt get,when they flashed the camera on him for a brief moment,he had a look of disbelief each time?
I dont mean to start any Toby Keith bashing,
just wondering if any one else thought the same.Carl Smith got a raw deal!!Time limit
or not,we dont have a whole lot of these Icons left anymore as Im sure we are all to aware of lately.And we had better give them the respect they deserve wile we can!
Faith,Shania,Sara not even nominated?
Maybe ther is still some hope left!
Actually,I dont mind there music so much as I object to it being labled country by execs.
that wernt even born when C&W was in its hayday.Was nice to see "Tater".And was nice to see all the hopla over Johnny Cash,but why did they have to wait so long?
Just my 2 cents....

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Sho-Bud ProII
"there's been an awful murder, down on music row!"

Eddie Malray · Post by **Eddie Malray** » 6 Nov 2003 2:25 pm

I was ashamed of the way Carl Smith was treated. It probably cut in on some commerical time. Also, the "musician of the year" always gets a raw deal-------only a short mention between commercials. The fans should aleast see who he is and what he plays. After all, they are the boys who make the noise. Excuse me lady pickers---you also. Vince Gill and Allison Kruase showed what real entertainers they are and how it should be done. Alan Jackson is as good as it gets but he needs to buy some new clothes. My real wish is that they would give the musicians a little more camara time. They are the only reason I watch anyway.I like to see who's playing and what kind of gear they have. Singers are a dime a dozen. It's plain to see that money can make a singer out of anybody if they can stay on key long enough. I'll shut up now!

Kenny Dail · Post by **Kenny Dail** » 6 Nov 2003 4:06 pm

I agree with most all the criticism that has been made, but I would like to point out that perhaps Carl may have declined an "invitation" to perform or even take the walk to the stage. He did not look to be in the best of health. However I was glad to see him get the "HOF" election.

Toby looked totally bored during the whole process. He was chewing gum every time the camera was on him.

Hooray for George Jones...Yahhooooooo!!! LOL

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kd...and the beat goes on...

Eric West · Post by **Eric West** » 6 Nov 2003 4:27 pm

Hooray for J Cash.

Just watched a movie that was shot here in Portland, The Hunted, that featured one of his last songs "When the Man Comes Around". The movie sucked but the Cash Song was GREAT.

I'll tell you, in my mind he's second only to ET in his refusal to quit doing what he did long after mere mortals would.

He went out AFTER his body and voice went out and still KICKED ASS. There was a man that was not afraid of young people. Just like ET. Then were Just Who they Were. Nothing more, and Nothing Less.

That's what made them great.

The Rest of them? They can take a little time out of the "limelight" while the black train passes.

I listened to a Toby Keith Interview on a Syndicated Radio show today, and he didn't seem like he was "miffed" by anything. Just thankful to be doing what he's doing.

Like the "Carl Smith" thing. Jeez. Anybody think to Ask him?

We'll see.

I'm betting on Brad Paisley myself as time goes on. He looks like a Long running winner to me.

I'm going to see a rerun of it as time allows, but my opinion probably won't be changing.

If it was just "who does what the best", I think a lot of people would expect their right hands to win..

I was kind of hoping the Allison K Instrumental would break the top ten, or get a special instrumental award, but that's another gig I guess.

If my opinion changes, I'll be back for some editing.

I don't think it will

EJL

Reviewed the results, and I've got no problem with them.

And where's.... Nevermind

I know.

[This message was edited by Eric West's "Post Reviewing/Correction Division after reviewing the results of the CMA Awards on 06 November 2003 at 07:54 PM.][This message was edited by Eric West on 06 November 2003 at 07:58 PM.]

Jody Sanders · Post by **Jody Sanders** » 6 Nov 2003 9:26 pm

Joe Nichols kinda teed me off. His song "Brokenheartsville" has steel guitar on the entro of the cut played on radio. It was noticeably missing from his performance on the CMA show. Jody.

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 7 Nov 2003 4:10 am

Looks like they needed Johnny Cash and Carl Smith to add some Credibility to the name of the Show. "Country Music Association Awards"
Other than that they weren't interested in letting Carl Smith talk because he has been known to tell it like it is. All in all I give it five Thumbs Down.
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[This message was edited by John Floyd on 07 November 2003 at 04:18 AM.]

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 7 Nov 2003 4:59 am

Ok folks..I'm about as criticle as the next one..maybe more..

The bands playing have no clue what they sound like on TV.

so cut Union Station some slack for the Banjo being too out front in the mix..maybe the Dobro was to far back in the mix..There is not a more professiona or experienced band than those cats..All Acoustic and at the mercy of a TV sound tech..who obviously is in the know..or they wouldn't be an experienced professional highly skilled TV sound tech....??..!!..(right)

Joe Nichols had no control over the amount of time he was given to sing his tune..this was not a full performance ..it was a sound bite of HIS SONG WITH HIM SINGING...the award was for his song not for the Steel licks..as much as I like them too.But it was good to see them put Blake Sheltons name on the TV screen as the winner with Joe Nichols receiving the award and speaking. Now thats quality LIVE TV, which only a highly skilled professional Producer Director Telepromptor Technician can accomplish.

This is LIVE TV..and those that put it together are only thinking in time segments..and..the show must..make that WILL..go on. With or without the Steel or the Banjo or Rascal Flats giving an award to Alabama..

T

Joe Casey · Post by **Joe Casey** » 7 Nov 2003 7:06 am

Right on John Floyd,5 thumbs down tho is more than i'd give them. One finger up is more my choice. Bird bird bird bird,bird is the word.

As that old filosifur Smilas J Robertski once said. CMA stands for... Country my A$$!

Chris Schlotzhauer · Post by **Chris Schlotzhauer** » 7 Nov 2003 8:19 am

I agree not much steel could be heard on several artists, including Jerry's Dobro. Boy, when they finally got Jerry up in the mix, he was awsome. Mike Daily with George had the best four bars of solo that I heard. I'll say this about the show, they gave you a lot of live music. It's not the players fault if production can't get the band dialed in until half way through the song. That's a tough job and they are the pros. Call it the way you see it.

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 7 Nov 2003 11:00 am

Eric West... I would like to address your comment about the interview with Toby Keith. No matter what the artist is really feeling or thinking, when being interviewed he/she needs to be careful not to say anything that can hurt them in the eyes of the public and most of all, their record company. Back in the 70's, I played for a band that backed Nat Stuckey when he came to northern California. A local radio station interviewed him during our intermission. It was one of the warmest, sweetest interviews you could ever hear. As soon as the reporter left the room, Stuckey proceeded to tell everyone how he really felt. He explained how RCA "owned" him and he was not free to speak his mind for fear of retribution from the record company. I also opened a show for the Judds in the 80's and we all shared a common eating/reception area. Again, the ladies gave a sweet interview only to speak their real minds when the interviewer left. So, when you hear an artist giving an interview, most likely they are saying what thet think the record company will approve of. I would still think it is that way now.

seldomfed · Post by **seldomfed** » 7 Nov 2003 12:28 pm

Who's Rascal Flats? I guess I should listen to the radio more often. Or maybe not!

I sorta gave up on commercial country a few years ago. I did watch the CMA, however the sound was off because it was on behind the bar! I spent the nite at an open-mic instead of TV land. Doesn't sound like I missed much. Saw Shania dancing around with a bunch of posers in Halloween costumes though! But hey, that's why they call it SHOW business.
chris

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Chris Kennison
Ft. Collins, Colorado
"There is no spoon"
www.book-em-danno.com

Eric West · Post by **Eric West** » 7 Nov 2003 1:45 pm

RS. I hear what you're saying loud and clear.

Here's something else to consider.

The "winners" graceful acceptance, and "appreciation" is probably just as fake.

What the hell else are they gonna say?

If your add is posted, check your mail. If not, ping me..

EJL

Jody Sanders · Post by **Jody Sanders** » 7 Nov 2003 8:09 pm

Please excuse me for being so dumb. I have only been doing this 56 years. Jody.

Tracy Sheehan · Post by **Tracy Sheehan** » 7 Nov 2003 8:14 pm

I turned the CMA awards on some time after it had started.Watched about four minutes of it and like the old song I've enjoyed as much of this as i can stand, turned it off.From reading the post here five thumbs up for George Jones.To those of you who have been to G's live shows know he doesn't need half naked girls wiggling all over the stage and smoke coming out.This is because he can actually sing and doesn't need the distractions so many use on stage so the audience will not notice the singer has no talent and sings off key,if singing is what you can call it.Every musician i have talked to about this feel as i do.But from reading the posts it does sound as if music may make a comeback yet.I'm done now.Tracy
Carter SD 10

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 8 Nov 2003 7:59 am

I agree Five Thumbs up for the Possum, Didn't mean to slight him.
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Chris Lasher · Post by **Chris Lasher** » 2 Dec 2003 8:53 pm

I know it's been a while, but I just finished watching the CMA awards. Not all of us are blessed with television reception, not in the least cable or satellite reception. Thanks to Mom for taping the show for me! (She's so sweet! Love ya, Mom!)

So here are my greatly belated takes on the CMAs as probably the youngest kid here watching them.

First off, solo time was cut greatly. This is something that I've grown up with; I've never known musicians getting much of a spotlight, so I was just glad the instruments got any time at all. The loss of the steel intro to Joe Nichol's "Brokenheartsville" I suspect was never even Joe's decision, so I don't think it was appropriate at all to bash Joe. (Joe's album, by the way, is excellent, and steel heavy.)

Steel was a heck of a lot more prevalent than reading these posts suggested. Sure, it wasn't shown on TV much, but it was still there in the audio. Nobody mentioned the steel playing on Darryl Worley's song, which I thought was absolutely sweet. Props to whoever was pickin' that out, you're my favorite unnamed musician of the show. Nobody mentioned the solo that Shania's picker got, either, and he even got almost 10 seconds of camera time. That's unheard of for ANY instrument nowadays. I will echo the pissed-off comments about the camera being on the Les Paul player whilst the pedal steel had its big break in Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar", but that's not the cameraman's fault, it's the producer's for not switching a camera onto the pedal steel. I was quite upset, but oh well. Also, Randle was in the mix for "Celebrity," even above the fiddle player, who is a very fine musician. And let's not forget that there were some great six seconds of instrumentals before and after every commercial break.

As stated, the monitors must have been atrocious, because almost everybody was missing notes. Brad, I love you, but your vocal performance on "Celebrity" at the CMAs was terrible. Your pickin' was spot on, as always, but boy, I think somebody forgot to turn your monitors on at all. Tim, ugh, I like "Red Ragtop" a lot, but the CMA performance of it was so poor that it was last seen in the welfare line. Even my sweetheart, Martina McBride, was off in the beginning, though made a strong recovery. I thought Patty Loveless', Joe Nichols' and Kenny Chesney's performances were very well on pitch, and I was paying very close attention to Kenny's performance because he gets slammed so hard here for "not being able to sing." I heard him sing. The major exception to having touble with singing in tune, though, by far, was Alison Krauss and Union Station, but I already knew Alison is a goddess, above need for a monitor. I agree that standing ovations are too common these days, but when AKUS got their standing ovation, that was real, and it was beautiful and well deserved.

I was quite surprised that group of the year went to Rascal Flatts, as opposed to Lonestar, which my mom and I had bet on. I don't know what to make of the handing off of the award to Alabama yet, but I have a hard time believing it was intended to be a backhanded compliment like several people on this board have made it out to be. I can't think of how I would feel if a few decades from now I was up against Brad Paisley (my Country hero) and I won. Pardon the hypotheticallity. I don't even dream anything close to that, but just using it as an example, I would really want for him to have the award instead of me, because Brad Paisley is to me what Rascal Flatts claimed Alabama is to them. I give them the benefit of the doubt.

Before proceeding with the next few comments, I'll explicitly state that I'm not a Johnny Cash fan. It's not that I don't like his music, just that I don't really know it that well enough to claim to be a fan. When he died, his music made it on to the Atlanta stations for one day, and then it was relegated to the smalltime stations once again. Mr. Cash must have been very influential, but was he really influential this past year? One award is okay, but he swept every single one he was nominated for. That didn't sit right with me, as I think some of those awards should have gone to some of the younger blood that's busting hind-tail. I think Mr. Paisley probably could have gotten one of those awards, but he got in trouble for saying something everybody else was thinking. (For those of you who missed it, Brad jokingly told someone in the press "Vote for me. Don't vote for some guy who's dead," refering to Cash, obviously. Apparently Cash's daughter took great offense to the comment, and Paisley immediately apologized for his statement, but the damage was done. Apparently Cash's daughter has no sense of humor...) Well, that's all on Cash, and it's just my opinion. I will say that the tribute was enjoyable, save for Hank Williams, Jr. (What the heck was he on!?)

Favorite performances of the evening (in no particular order):
Joe Nichols "Brokenheartsville" (Love this song; very good vocal performance by Joe; the steel was really well up in the mix, too)
Kenny Chesney "There Goes My Life" (Kenny was surprisingly "on" for his performance, as well; the steel was also well up in the mix on this song, which nobody else stated)
Vince Gill "Young Man's Town" (Love ya, Vince! What a GORGEOUS Tele!)
Shania Twain "She's Not Just A Pretty Face" (mostly just because the pedal steeler's solo didn't get cut, and he actually got camera time)
Patty Loveless "Lovin' All Night" (Good God, Almighty, indeed, Patty! You are so HOT! Love the new album! Great musicianship by the band on this song, and the solo time got cut only slightly)
Dolly Parton and Norah Jones (Dolly's just great, and Norah, I owned Come Away With Me months before most people knew who you were, and by golly, you're just great, too)

And the alltime favorite performance of the evening!... *drumroll*

Alison Krauss and Union Station, by FAR! Holy smokes, Alison, I love you!!! The performance by AKUS was breathtaking. Jerry got shorthanded, but he was still there in spirit and on camera. Hey, it's not like the rest of Union Station isn't up to par; I'm just happy some fine musicians got to be heard by so many people. They also flashed the new live AKUS album up on the bigscreens, so hopefully that will help people to find it in the stores. And by the way, if any of you here don't own that album, you're sinners! Repent now by buying it! :-p

Other random notes:

I'm not really sure who won the Horizon award. I swear it was Joe Nichols' name they announced, and I swear it was Joe Nichols on stage accepting the award, but the CMA producers flashed the name "Blake Shelton: Horizon Award Winner" while Mr. Nichols was giving his thanks. Nice one, guys... Seriously, I'm glad Nichols won; I was rooting for him or for Mr. Worley.

Mom pointed out that Sheryl Crow didn't wear any of her peace paraphernalia. I guess since she's "gone Country" she put her political statements aside. Wonder if that's in response to the Dixie Chicks/Toby Keith feud (but then again, what isn't, these days).

Ms. McBride, I'd like to think I had something to do with you getting your award. After all, I told you you'd get it when you were kind enough to autograph my copy of Martina

Mr. Jones, hold your horses.

Ms. Jones, what's with your goofy self stickin' out your tongue? Haha, you're so cute.

Ms. Parton, lookin' GOOD, girl! You got good doctors.

Mr. Bentley, buddy, that sucks that you got sandwiched into about ten seconds, playing the only song that America knows of yours, 'cause your album's great. Oh well, at least the dobro got some more airtime thanks to you.

Mr. Jackson, for goodness' sake, you're a Georgia boy--where are your manners? Get yourself a clean pair of pants. It's not like I haven't bought enough of your albums to afford some.

Mr. Gill, you're a funny man. I hope you got something to eat after the show.

Well, I'm done jabbering. Thanks to the others who posted their comments in this thread; I was very interested to hear what you had to say and I read it all. If you disagree with my opinions here, that's okay, I disagree with yours, too, but we're both music lovers at the end of the day, and the world wouldn't be any fun if everyone liked the same stuff, anyways. If you happen to agree with my opinions, I'm glad we meet eye-to-eye; that's something hard for me to expect 'round these parts, and it's nice to know that I've got some company. No matter what, though, thanks for reading my post.

Chris