A huge thank you to Michael Martin Murphey for his amazing concert in Pikeville, Tennessee last night.  It was an honor to sing with him again and we performed his huge hit song, “Wildfire” that I was honored to record with him on his Buckaroo Blue Grass II album. Thanks to Ronda for the pics.

Carrie hits #1 on Power Source Magazine’s Top 35 Bluegrass Song Chart with her song “Get Me Over You” from the album The Distance.

Sirius XM Bluegrass Junction with air the Track by Track with Kyle Cantrell for the album,  “God Didn’t Chose Sides: Civil War True Stories About Real People” (that includes “Carrie’s Graveyard Book” by Carrie Hassler.) 

Air Dates:

March 6 at 11:00 am EST
March 7 at 9:00 pm EST
March 9 at 8:00 am EST
March 10 at 11:00 am EDT

THE DISTANCE appears on the Roots Music Report’s Top Bluegrass Albums of 2012. 

Check it out here.

Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) and the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum (ALLM) will welcome some of the nation’s top bluegrass artists for a special benefit music event at the Sam and Sue Mars Performing Arts Center of the Duke Hall of Citizenship on Friday, February 22.

The historic concert will celebrate the February 12 release of Rural Rhythm Records’ “God Didn’t Choose Sides: Civil War True Stories about Real People” album that coincides with the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The concert and CD features some of today’s top artists including: Steve Gulley, Dale Ann Bradley, Marty Raybon, Carrie Hassler, Brad Gulley, Tim Stafford, Dave Adkins, and the Gap Creek Quartet. Supporting musicians include: Sierra Hull (mandolin), Jason Burleson (banjo), Brandon Godman (fiddle), Phil Leadbetter (dobro), Bryan Turner (bass) and Debbie Gulley (vocals). Mark “Brink” Brinkman will also provide a special songwriter segment.

The proceeds from the concert will benefit the ALLM and help fund a documentary on the project that is currently under development. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 7 p.m. Two ticket options are available. A VIP experience includes a reception at the LMU President’s House before the concert, a copy of the CD, VIP seats at the show and a meet and greet with the musicians after the show. VIP tickets are available for $100. General admission tickets are $35. Tickets can be purchased online at http://Alumni.lmunet.edu/concert.

The album, “God Didn’t Choose Sides: Civil War True Stories about Real People,” includes 12 original songs inspired by journals, stories and artifacts from soldiers, civilians and politicians during the Civil War. Also included on the recording is the traditional song “There is a Fountain” performed by the Gap Creek Quartet. It’s a collection of songs that focus on the common men and women who were thrown together into the realities and horrors of war; people who displayed amazing acts of kindness, selflessness, faith, love and brotherhood. All but one track, “Legend of Jennie Wade”, on album were recorded, at least in part, at Steve Gulley’s The Curve Studio in Cumberland Gap, Tenn.

Accompanying the music is an extensive 16-page booklet filled with historical notes, photographs and lyrics. LMU and ALLM archivist Michelle Ganz provided historical content supervision and materials from the ALLM collection. Additional assistance was provided by ALLM Program and Tourism Director Carol Campbell and the historical booklet notes were provided by Jamie Lynn Brinkman.

Rural Rhythm Records has set up a dedicated site for the album that includes interviews, additional content relating to the history behind the songs, songwriters, performing artists and musicians. Visit RuralRhythm.com for more information.

The Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum is located on the historic campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee.  Housing one of the top five Lincoln and Civil War private collections in the world, the Museum is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.  For more information about this and other programs at the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum, call 423-869-6235.

I am so proud to perform “Carrie’s Graveyard Book” written by Paula Breedlove, Mike Evans, and Mark “Brink” Brinkman included on the new album “God Didn’t Choose Sides: Civil War True Stories about Real People” on Rural Rhythm Records.  Please visit www.goddidntchoosesides.com to get a lot more information on this album and check out the other artists.  Appearing on the album are: Marty Raybon, Lonesome River Band, Russell Moore, Brad Gulley, Ronnie Bowman, Dale Ann Bradley, Steve Gulley, Bradley Walker, Tim Stafford, Rickey Wasson & Dwight McCall, Dave Adkins, and The Gap Creek Quartet.

Press Release:  October 17, 2012

Rural Rhythm Records is proud to announce CARRIE HASSLER hit the #1 spot on the SiriusXM Radio Bluegrass Junction Most Played Tracks chart for October 2012 with her song “Luxury Liner.” The tune is the first single release from her current album, THE DISTANCE produced by Steve Gulley.  The album appears on the October SiriusXM Bluegrass Junction Most Played Albums chart and debuted earlier this year at #10 on Billboard’sTop 10 Bluegrass Album Chart (retail sales).

“Luxury Liner” comes from Country Rock legend songwriter/artist Gram Parsons that Carrie beautifully transforms into a hard drivin’ bluegrass barn burner as evidenced by other chart action.  The song is #3 on the Bluegrass Today Top 20 Song chart (10/12/12), the October Bluegrass Today Monthly Top 20 Song chart, and Power Source Magazine’s Top 35 Bluegrass Songs.  Another track, “Get Me Over You” has also hit the radio charts appearing recently on the Bluegrass Today Weekly Top 20 Songs chart.

CARRIE has appeared on two recent TV programs including the RFD-TV special, Bluegrass Comes to the Valley, part of Reno’s Old Time Music.  She was the featured artist on Rural Rhythm Records’ TV production, BEHIND THE DREAM™ on BlueHighways TV, hosted by Mike Scott, and performed at a special showcase event for this TV series last month at Ernest Tubb Record Shop in Nashville.

CARRIE HASSLER is sponsored by Moon Pie™ and French’s Shoes and Boots. 

Mary J. Hale, Founder and CEO of THE PINK ARROW PROJECT is proud to announce acclaimed vocalist, CARRIE HASSLER has joined organization to help raise awareness to the project.  The two recently sat down to together to talk about THE PINK ARROW PROJECT and what the organization does to help those in need and help with cancer research.

“As soon as I heard about it and what you were doing, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.  The more people that find out about it, the more it will keep growing,” said Carrie.  “I want to volunteer my time and my efforts in any way I can.  I encourage not only other music artists, but any business or individual to definitely check out THE PINK ARROW PROJECT.  You don’t have to be an Archer to help.”

“Our organization began as Archers Helping Archers.  When I was ill, that is who took care of me and I want to give back.  We not only help families in need, but we donate to organizations that doing groundbreaking cancer research,” explained Hale.

She continued saying, “Carrie is our first music artist to be part of the PINK ARRROW PROJECT.”  Carrie, who had never shot a bow before, recently spent some time with Mary and thoroughly enjoyed being introduced to Archery.  Hale was thrilled at how fast she learned, stating, “I want you to know you have been the best archery student I have ever had.  It didn’t take us 30 minutes to get you shooting bulls eyes. I’m going to be watching out for you on the range!”

THE PINK ARROW PROJECT recently launched a new “On Target” fundraising campaign to promote their line of “Pink” archery products benefiting cancer research.  The “On Target” campaign features the fictional character, “Karing.” With a purchase of an “On Target” promotional poster or sticker, you are helping in the fight against cancer and helping those who need it most.

MORE ON THE PINK ARROW PROJECT

The Product that started the PINK revolution was extraordinary PINK VICTORY ARROW which fans not only shoot, but regularly carry in their quiver to show their support.  THE PINK ARROW PROJECT now carries numerous archery products by manufacturers such as Victory Archery, Bohning, Lumenok, InnerLoc, InnerLoc Out-There, Ulrimate Hunt, Watson Airlock, AUC LOK, Alpin Optics, Backwoods Life, Barnsdale Archery, Ben Pearson, Bills Archery, Bowhunting.Net, Doinker, Hunting in the Wild, Inside Outdoors TV, Instinct Archery, Lakeland Products, Last Chance, Opti Logic, Scott Strings, Shoot Like a Girl, Specialty Archery, Stink Stick, Viper and Extreme Whitetail Deer Farm and Scents.

For more information on THE PINK ARROW PROJECT, please visit PinkArrowProject.com, Facebook and Twitter.

Check out the new review of Carrie Hassler’s THE DISTANCE in the August 2012 issue of Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine.   Here is an excerpt:  “standout tracks, Catch My Breath and Eugene And Diane. Catch My Breath is 1950s and ’60s country, pedal steel and percussion. Hassler wanted to capture that feel and she does with room to spare and is at her emotional best. Equally emotional, though in a contemporary bluegrass style, is the cautionary tale of Eugene And Diane, a duet with Steve Gulley. This is one of those songs that could easily fall victim to over emoting, but neither Gulley nor Hassler lets that happen and the song is a gem. Those two and the opener make this a very good recording. “  Check out the full review at BLUEGRASS UNLIMITED MAGAZINE

Rural Rhythm Records is proud to announce the new episode of BEHIND THE DREAM™ with featured artist CARRIE HASSLER is now airing on BlueHighways TV.  Host Mike Scott interviews Carrie regarding her new album, THE DISTANCE.  This TV special also includes live performance video from Carrie’s recent CD Release Concert held in Pikeville, Tennessee.  For a complete programming schedule, please visit BlueHighwaysTV.com.

During the BEHIND THE DREAM™ special Carrie discusses the tracks that make up the album written by some of today’s top songwriters including: Carl Jackson, Tim Stafford, Steve Gulley, Mark Wheeler, Jennifer Strickland, Bobby K. Boyd and Ashley McBryde.  Tracks include: “Luxury Liner,” “All I Have To Do Is Breathe,” “Catch My Breath,” “Keep Your Memory Warm,” “Eugene & Diane,” “Give Me Love,” “Get Me Over You,” and “The Distance.”

“Great musicianship, great songs and a great voice make this album one to hear” is how Power Source Magazine describes THE DISTANCE. The album includes the award-winning talents of: Tim Stafford (guitar); Ron Stewart (banjo); Justin Moses (fiddle); Alan Bibey (mandolin); Mark Fain (bass); Mark Laws (Percussion); Dale Ann Bradley (harmony vocals), and the album’s producer Steve Gulley (harmony vocals).

Carrie can also be seen on the upcoming Bluegrass Comes to the Valley TV Special.  The show is a part of Reno’s Old Time Music Festival and is scheduled to air in September on RFD-TV.

For more information on please visit CarrieHassler.com and RuralRhythm.  For media and booking request for Carrie Hassler, please contact HopeRiverEntertainment.com.

“If this album had only All I Have To Do Is Breathe and Catch My Breath to recommend it, it would still be exceptional; but all these other treasures, and all parties’ commitment to the music and the messages, make it one of the outstanding releases of 2012 thus far and, more important, a record sure to sound even better as the years wear on—it’s built to last, much like Carrie Hassler herself.” Check out the entire article at THE BLUEGRASS SPECIAL

“The album concludes with the title track The Distance and it’s clearly the best song on the record. An acoustic country ballad, The Distance, finds Hassler singing to how distance serves as the device to give her courage to take on a new direction in her life and leave the hurtful and bad parts of her previous life behind. It’s a great way to end a strong album that definitely positions Carrie Hassler as one of the best female vocalists in all of the roots music genres.” Read the entire review at ROUGHSTOCK

Check out Amazon to view Carrie Hassler’s The Distance, listens to mp3 samples and more! Please feel free to rate the album and the reviews!

“This Bluegrass singer rounded up some of the best musicians to play on this eight song album. Hassler also has an amazingly angelic voice that makes you want to listen to more and more! The standout song on this album is ‘Get Me Over You,’ which was written by Jennifer Strickland, Craig Market and Jenny Lynn. Great musicianship, great songs and a great voice make this album one to hear.”