Tag: Victoria Bailey

ANNOUNCING: The Good Country Goodtime, a New Variety Show, Debuts This Month

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

The team behind BGS and Good Country are thrilled to announce a brand new variety show, The Good Country Goodtime. Showcasing an expertly-curated monthly lineup of country and roots music, songwriting, comedy, and a rotating cast of star hosts grounded by an all-star house band, the premiere event will be held at Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles on September 29 at 7:30pm. Tickets are on sale now.

The inaugural edition of the new west coast home for the modern country scene will be lead by our very first guest host, the legendary Robbie Fulks, and will feature performances by “garage country” rocker Aubrie Sellers and honky-tonkin’ LA singer-songwriter Victoria Bailey. Performances and special collaborations by all of our Goodtime artists will be punctuated by dancing and fun, comedy and hijinx – including top secret surprise appearances from Hollywood’s hottest comedians and actors. Meanwhile, The Coral Reefers’ Mick Utley will helm the show’s all-star backing band.

“Everyone’s welcome at the Good Country Goodtime,” says Greg Hess, comedy writer and BGS contributor who authors the hit satirical column, The Resonator. Hess is one of the creatives behind the show’s concept, alongside BGS/GC executive director and co-founder, Amy Reitnouer Jacobs. “Celebrating the long-established intersection of comedy and country music,” Hess continued, “The Goodtime nods to the Grand Ole Opry and Hee Haw – plus a dash of Muppet Show mischief. This one-of-a-kind showcase brings together top-notch performers for a night of pure entertainment and Good Country.”

Dynasty Typewriter, which opened in 2018, is a perfect home for the variety show. Billed as “LA’s comedy clubhouse,” the venue is one of LA’s premier destinations for highly-curated entertainment, including comedy, music, live podcasts, screenings, and immersive experiences.

The Good Country Goodtime will continue with one additional 2024 show (date TBA), before kicking off regular monthly shows in 2025. Attendees will enjoy songs, stories, sketches, and so many surprises in store. Buy your tickets now for the debut of the Good Country Goodtime. 7:30pm, September 29, 2024 at Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles, California.

More information here.

 

STREAM: Victoria Bailey, ‘A Cowgirl Rides On’

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Artist: Victoria Bailey
Hometown: Orange County, California
Album: A Cowgirl Rides On
Release Date: October 6, 2023
Label: Rock Ridge Music

In Their Words: “A Cowgirl Rides On is my most vulnerable and honest piece to date. I am so proud of this record and of everyone who brought it to life. It started with a few heartbreak songs and a few gospel songs and it turned into an intertwined piece of those two things exactly: An unexpected breakup and what I grasped onto to get me through, my faith and the Gospel. I wanted this record to feel as raw as the songs felt to write, so we went into the studio and recorded live with a string band, all in one room together, and everyone poured a lot of love into each recording. You can hear it so clearly listening to the record. It’s perfect-imperfections, and just some good ol’ classic country storytelling. I can‘t even envision this project coming to life without my good friend and producer of the record, Brian Whelan (also a co-writer on a few of the tracks). I hope this record takes listeners to a good–feeling place – some sort of western, bluegrass dream – and brings them comfort even in the slightest way. Enjoy.” – Victoria Bailey

Photo Credit: Stefanie Lee Johnson

MIXTAPE: A Little Bit Gospel, A Little Bit Bluegrass, and Everything in Between

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

My sophomore album, A Cowgirl Rides On, set to be released October 20, 2023, is a true reflection of my heart and what keeps me going – bluegrass, gospel, western, Jesus, horses, love, and even a little bit of heartache. The songs written for the record were hugely inspired by the songs I included on this playlist. All of these artists and songs are ones I hold near and dear and have moved me in some big way.

I became strong in my faith as a Christian in my early 20s, which is around the same time I began performing and writing a ton. Being introduced to gospel and bluegrass had a big impact on me, and it continues to deeply connect me to my faith.

It’s been a long–time dream to release a record that feels a little bit bluegrass, a little bit gospel, and everything in between. Here are the songs that guided me there. I hope you find so much joy in them and that they become the soundtrack to your long drives, or to enjoy over your Sunday pancakes, or during the times you just need a little light. – Victoria Bailey

 “Waiting At the Gate” – Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

This song is one of my all–time favorites. This whole album, Soldier of the Cross, is pure gospel gold. I actually cover this song on my upcoming record, and it was one of the most fun songs for us to record in the studio. Ricky Skaggs is just simply the best.

“Wayfaring Stranger” – Emmylou Harris

This Emmylou Harris album is really the pinpoint of when I fell in love with country music. Many have covered this classic song, but Emmylou’s version of “Wayfaring Stranger“ is my favorite by far. Her voice and the tone of this song are so haunting and beautiful… nothing compares. 

“The Seeker”– Dolly Parton

Oh, Dolly… what would a playlist be without her? Dolly is undeniably the best and has inspired me in so many ways, but especially her love for Jesus and how she ties in a little bit of the gospel to most of her records. This song really gets me moving and grooving around my house. 

“I Just Want to Thank You Lord” – Marshall Family

These harmonies are so good, and they really inspired how I wanted the harmonies to sound on my own record. I also wanted it to feel just as timeless and simple as this song by the Marshall Family. This song ends up being on most of my roadtrip playlists. 

“The Fields Have Turned Brown” – Ralph Stanley

Ralph Stanley is a huge inspiration to me and such an important figure in bluegrass music and in the banjo world. The banjo is one of my all–time favorite sounds, and I included a lot of it on my new record. It just takes you to a good place. 

“Wild and Blue” – Alan Jackson

I turn to this album quite often. What a combo! Alan Jackson and bluegrass/gospel. It’s just so good. 

“Snake Trails” – Victoria Bailey

This is by far my favorite song on the record. It is a gospel song I wrote while riding my horse, Weasley, through the canyon one day. It brings me back to that place every time I sing it. It was one of the first written for the project and really sets a tone for the rest of the record. It was inspired by my horse and finding peace and connection to my faith being out on the trails. 

“I Must See Jesus” – Snooks Eaglin

This song always gives me the same feeling as when you just finished a really good movie. My whole heart swells, and it brings me to a really special, peaceful place. His voice is incredible, and you can hear all the passion and honesty and faith in his delivery. 

“End of the Line” – Moonsville Collective

These guys are like family to me and have inspired me endlessly over the years, watching them play and the way they are beautifully representing bluegrass/Americana music. This song, written by Corey Adams, is one that has always hit home hard for me at many times in my life. It is truly one of my favorite songs ever written, and it was an honor that I actually got to cover this song on my upcoming record. 

“I’ll Fly Away” – Gillian Welch, Allison Krauss

When my producer, Brian Whelan, and I sat down to talk about making this record, we referenced the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack often. Not only is this movie legendary, so are all of the musical performers on the soundtrack. We loved the style of the recordings. Live, all in one room together, where you can hear all the cracks and the love, and it‘s exactly what we tried to emulate for my own record. Recording live was such a special part of making A Cowgirl Rides On.

“Where the Soul of Man Never Dies” – Ricky Skaggs & Tony Rice

Doesn’t get much better than this duet. This is often a Sunday soundtrack for me. 

“Long Journey Home” – Billy Strings & Terry Barber

Billy Strings is such an amazing representation of modern bluegrass. His sound is timeless, and his guitar playing and songwriting match up to some of my bluegrass heroes. I’ve always loved this song, and he covers it so well. 

“Angel Band” – The Stanley Brothers

This song just always pops in my head any time I hear the word bluegrass. It is so classic and pure, and the harmonies pull on all the heartstrings. 

“Just Like Leaving” – Bella White

I have been a longtime Bella White fan, and she is such an important female artist in keeping the bluegrass sound alive. The rest of the record is incredible as well. 

“Green Green Grass of Home” – Merle Haggard

You can’t have a playlist without Merle. This song always brings me to tears and really is a beautiful representation of Merle’s songwriting and voice. 

Photo Credit: Stefanie Lee Johnson

MIXTAPE: Ben Reddell’s Stars of the Grand Ole Echo

Posted on by Editor

Heya! I’m Ben Reddell, GM of Bedrock LA, and curator of the Grand Ole Echo. What a year, am I right? 2020 had the music world completely shut down, which saddened me to no end. Through the power of computers I was able to remotely finish my EP, LA Baby! And live music is possible soon? Don’t tempt me with a good time! With that being a possibility, this month has found me taking out the ole Rolodex and seeing what all my LA pals have been making in this trying time, this new normal, on this road to recovery. (Don’t hit me!)

If you’re new to Grand Ole Echo, it’s the swinging Los Angeles country and roots show here in beautiful Echo Park on Sunday afternoons. As you will see proven by this playlist, I curate the GOE with a very eclectic mix of roots music. We love our traditional country here in Echo Park, but we also like to let our freak flag fly with the hippie-dippie, pot-smoking types as well. Hopefully all of these folks will be playing live on my stages again, and when they do, I hope to cut a rug with you. Here’s a playlist of some of those folks. — Ben Reddell

Tony Hannah – “My Old Car”

Tony is kinda new to my attention. She was booked for 2020 GOE, but you know. Anyway she is super fun, and this track is pure LA bliss, Beach Boys, ’80s country punk. A little bit of everything.

Mara Connor – “Blues Runs the Game”

My pal Mara Connor made an awesome EP this year of some beautiful tunes. My favorite on this one is her cover of Jackson C. Franks’ “Blues Runs The Game.” The whole EP is like you’re floating on a cloud, it’s simply divine.

Sam Morrow – “Getting by on Getting Down”

I can’t wait to see all of these bands live again. But boy howdy am I ready to have my face melted with some loud, guitar-driven music. And boy does Sam Morrow deliver that here with this tune. The whole record really cooks.

Joe Bourdet – “Unwritten Story”

My pal Joe Bourdet really delivered a beautiful country-rocker opus with his EP Meadow Rock. This is the perfect summer song to sit on the porch and feel the wind caress your face. And that’s not hyperbole!

Sie Sie Benhoff – “Night Train”

My pal Sie Sie released this country cooker, “Night Train.” The song is so sweet and so tough at the same time — emblematic of what I love about Sie Sie. She the nicest gal you’re ever gonna meet, but she could also probably chew on nails.

Victoria Bailey – “Skid Row”

My buddy Victoria made an amazing record last year despite it all. The whole thing has awesome honky-tonk energy and she sings it with some great power. “Skid Row” is like an Asleep at the Wheel-style number that really makes you wanna dance.

Eric Roebuck – “Need a Change”

My buddy Eric put out the single “Need a Change” this year and it’s a mean, heady, ’70s rock jam. Really great guitar playing by Eric on this one. Eric’s previous band, Professor Colombo, was one of my favorites. But I just know this kid is on to something and I expect some sick stuff coming from him in the future.

Katie Jo – “I Don’t Know Where Your Heart’s Been”

My pal Katie Jo is a real sensation. She put out this single this year and I simply love the Patsy Cline vibes. Katie’s got an amazing voice and live she’s a showstopper.

Trevor Beld Jimenez – “Get Ready to Fly”

My pal Trevor put out his solo record, I Like It Here, last year and it’s simply divine. My favorite tune is “Get Ready to Fly.” It’s just so sweet and happy, much like Trevor.

Pacific Range – “Studio Walk”

My friends Pacific Range put out their amazing album High up the Mountain. These dudes were one of my favorite bands to book on the porch at GOE when they were first starting out. They just would electrify the air when they were out there.

Mail Order Cowgirls – “Brand New Start”

I’ve was made aware of this band through my co-worker Meg at Bedrock. I’ve seen them show up to the studio in western regalia a few times, but I’ve never met them. Anyway I think they are cool as shit. They had a self-titled EP come out this year which is great. Hoping to get them on a GOE soon.

Los Bolos – “Why Get Sober”

This year Los Bolos put out The Best of the Greatest Hits and it was really hard not to crack open an afternoon beer when I put it on for the first time. Sure I was in lockdown, but there was a real good party going on in my head.

Photo credit: Chris Phelps

BGS Wraps: Victoria Bailey, “Christmas Must Be Tonight”

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Victoria Bailey
Song: “Christmas Must Be Tonight”

In Their Words: “I love Christmas so much, and it’s been a dream come true to track a holiday song. The Band is one of my all-time favorites, and this song is so special to me. I wanted to put a ‘Victoria’ twist on it. My band and I recorded it live around one mic, acoustic, in the studio. There was so much beautiful energy in the room with the back-up vocals and string instruments, and it truly did feel like Christmas! It turned out exactly how I wanted — raw and live — and it just really represents who we are as a band and who I am as an artist.” — Victoria Bailey

Enjoy more BGS Wraps here.

LISTEN: Victoria Bailey, “Tennessee”

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Victoria Bailey
Song: “Tennessee”
Album: Jesus, Red Wine & Patsy Cline
Release Date: September 18, 2020
Label: Rock Ridge Music

In Their Words: “I first heard Johnny Cash’s rendition of this Rick Scott song while driving through snowy Tennessee a few winters back. I was heading down toward Leiper’s Fork in my little rental car, stopping all along the road to pet horses and listening to all my favorite country legends along the way. This song really sums up how I feel about the South and Tennessee as a whole. I love the little pleasures in life that Tennesseeans hold near and dear: family traditions and small town simplicities.

“My favorite verse in the song is, ‘We got a cabin in the country / And a creek that rolls nearby / And a dog that won’t even bark at a firefly.’ That’s exactly what I saw all around me exploring Tennessee on that trip — just a lot of pure joy and friendly folks! Recording this song was SO much fun. My band fell in love with the lyrics as much as I did. We tried to stay pretty true to the sound of Cash’s recording, but we sprinkled a little bit of our own sound into it as well. It was such an honor recording this song, especially because it represents a state I have come to love oh so very much!” — Victoria Bailey

Photo credit: Stefanie Vinsel Johnson