Top of the list for songwriters is the first ever Nashville Songwriters’ Workshop, hosted by Jerry, but as places are strictly limited to writers and artists, it’s advisable to book early.

Described by Billboard Magazine as “one of Music Row’s greatest veteran tunesmiths”, Jerry is the 2003 SESAC Country Music Songwriter of the Year and has more than 340 songs recorded in his multi-award-winning career.

From Sir Elton John’s only chart single to appear on the Billboard Country Chart (Where We Both Say Goodbye – a duet with Australia’s Catherine Britt) to songs recorded by country legends Loretta Lynn and The Oak Ridge Boys to some of today’s biggest country stars like Reba McEntire, Toby Keith and Brad Paisley, his list of accomplishments is endless.

It’s a unique invitation for Australian writers to get up close and personal with the songwriter and producer, hear his songs and get

the inside scoop on what it takes to make it in an ever-changing industry.

Participants can look forward to advice on what makes a great song; how to write a strong hook; chord and song structures; publishing and royalties; getting your songs recorded and co-writing – the ins and outs.

Bring along your songs and Jerry will spend some time at the end of the session listening to your songs and giving you some advice!

It’s all happening on Tuesday, January 20 at 2pm in the Outback Bar at Wests.

Tickets are just $35 and go on sale at Wests on November 1. If you can’t wait for that, reserve your spot today by emailing kristycox85@hotmail.com

THE highly anticipated new release from Nashville-based Aussie Travis List is now at your favourite record store.

Released on October 17, the title track, In This Corner, has already charted on the Australian Country Tracks Top 40, hitting #22 last week.

It features 11 new songs and was produced by the aforementioned award-winning producer Jerry Salley.

The album has a mix of everything – showing the diversity of this honky tonkin’ country star.

Highlights on the album include the track – Just The Kind Of Woman, the tale of a man losing the love of his life – but not able to get her back.

Then there’s the live show favourite, Like a Chicken With His Head Cut Off – a tongue-in-cheek song about a guy who’s no ordinary rooster, featuring the world’s greatest chicken picker, Brent Mason on guitar.

Also on the album is a duet with Australia’s own bluegrass princess, Kristy Cox – I’ve Got One Of Those Too, a heartfelt country song that’s sure to turn heads.

It talks about trying to mend a broken heart and taking the leap to fall in love all over again.

Travis and partner Kristy Cox returned to Australia last month on their Homecoming tour, playing at selected venues in several states.

Watch out for the new CD when you’re music shopping – and there’s more than a strong chance you’ll catch Travis and Kristy in town for the 2015 Tamworth Country Music Festival.

IF BLUEGRASS music makes you smile, why not consider attending this year’s Mountaingrass Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Festival in Harrietville, Victoria, from November 13-16.

Set in the beautiful Ovens Valley, the festival combines bluegrass and old-time music concerts with workshops and plenty of jamming opportunities where attendees can pick with their favourite performers.  

Reasonably priced tickets for the weekend, single day or single concert, can be purchased through the Mountaingrass website, www.mountaingrass.com.au or at the Feathertop Chalet in Harrietville.  

Members of the Australasian Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association (parent organisation of Mountaingrass) receive discounted tickets.  See www.abotma.com.au for more information.  

This year’s Mountaingrass proudly features two outstanding acts from the United States: Special Consensus and Chris Henry & The Hardcore Grass.  

They will be joined by favourite old-time bands from Australia like The Flying Engine String Band, and highly popular Australian bluegrass bands such as Flying Emus, Bluegrass Parkway, The Davidson Brothers, The Company and many more from Australia and New Zealand.  

Mountaingrass opens informally with an “all-come-ye” pick at a local restaurant. This is a free event open to anyone who would like to join in the jam or just sit back and listen.  

The weekend kicks off officially on Friday night with a main-stage concert in a specially-erected marquee on the grounds of the Feathertop Chalet, the official home of Mountaingrass. There will also be bands playing in the local hotels on Friday and Saturday night. Pub shows are free and open to the public.

Sunday features the famous and well-loved gospel harmony workshop followed by the gospel concert.

Over the weekend there will be concerts in the main marquee at the Feathertop Chalet, the Harrietville Community Hall and the Mountain View Retreat Hall.  

The Feathertop Chalet will also be host to workshops where attendees can learn from the performing artists.

In addition to the traditional instrument and vocal workshops, and extending on from last year’s microphone technique workshop, there will be a sound production workshop with discussion on the use of microphones and PA systems led by experienced sound technicians who have been working with acoustic stringed instrument performance for many years.

Mountaingrass also features an outstanding marketplace, with displays by some of Australia’s finest luthiers.  

This is an excellent opportunity to test out and find the perfect instrument you have been looking for.

For more information see the website or contact Alpine 

Valley Getaways at (03)57592653 or http://www.alpinevalleygetaways.com.au for help with your booking.