LATEST NEWS!!
January 2008
As usual I have been bad at updating my website. I am toying with getting a great pro to do the website and keep it up for me in the future. With writing/pitching etc I don't have the time and resources to do the site the way I would like it.
2008 was highlighted by my song "Beyond the Rain" being voted "Best Bluegrass Gospel song" for 2008 at the National Gospel Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY in September. The song continues to touch the hearts and souls of people all over the world and thank you to the many gospel bands that have recorded it as well.
The biggest releases for 2008 have definitely been "The Old Coal Mine" which is the opening track on Larry Sparks GREAT project titled "The Last Suit You Wear". The Old Coal Mine made it into the top 10 in Bluegrass Unlimited National Survey along with still being in the top 30 for 8 months straight. It is still #6 in the Bluegrass Music Profiles survey for January 2008.
Speaking of Bluegrass Music Profiles. Kevin and Lori Kerfoot have a fine publication and I would urge all bluegrass fans to subscribe. In Sept/Oct issue Brink Brinkman was the featured songwriter. This issue was available at IBMA for free from the BMP booth :) Thanks to BMP and keep up the great work!
Grasstowne, the new super group with Alan Bibey, Steve Gulley and Phil Leadbetter released their debut CD late summer and included a song by Brink Brinkman called "Devil's Road". The band absolutely crushed the song and it continues to get a ton of airplay on bluegrass radio including XM and Sirius!!! Thanks to all the DJ's for playing the songs!! If you've not heard Grasstowne you are in for a treat!!
Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road recorded Brink's gospel song "When You're Looking Up" on their new album for Tom T. and Dixie Hall's Blue Circle label. The song is done in stellar 4 part harmony style with the lead by great singer Jerry Butler. Great job and I hope the song gives people a blessing when you sing it or when they hear it on the recording :)
Brink conducted several songwriting workshops around the country in 2008 including Bean Blossom festival in Bean Blossom, IN, Don Miller's fine festival in Live Oak, Florida, Spirit of the Suwannee Bluegrass Festival and several others. Brink was one of the instructors again at the fine NASHCAMP Songwriter's Camp in Cumberland Furnace, TN. Great folks and great times there! Brink also conducted a seminar for the Poets & Critique Society located in central Ohio near Columbus, OH.
2008 will be a big year for Brinksongs as right now there are 15 songs "on hold' with some wonderful bands/artists. Look to hear songs from artists such as Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain, Lou Reid, Pine Mountain Railroad, Nu-Blu, Hickory Ridge Bluegrass, Heather Sanders and many others.
God bless you all and I wish you a wonderful 2008!!!
Brink Brinkman
July 12th, 2006
So hard to believe almost a year has gone by since I've updated the "news" on the website. Too much going on but one of my promises is to try and get better about updating...LOL. Anyway, "BRINKSONGS" has had a great year and just had great fun pitching songs at last years IBMA. Great to hear great bands doing our songs!
March 06 brought the release of Pine Mountain Railroad's new CD "Heartache & Hope". This project includes Brink Brinkman's gospel tune "Beyond the Rain". Recorded with guest artists Sonya Isaacs, Ben Isaacs, Stuart Duncan and Larry Atimuniak it turned out FANTASTIC. So far "Beyond the Rain" has hit #1 on the Powergrassradio.com charts and after 4 months is still hanging on in the 2 spot. It also charted on the Southern Gospel charts at #42. It is still on the Bluegrass Unlimited top 30 single chart at #28 in July Issue.
Speaking of Bluegrass Unlimited, the magazine did a feature article on Brink in the December 05 issued with James King on the cover. Written by Derek Halsey it goes into the songwriting of Brink and many other things. Pick up a copy if you like and read about Brink.
Lou Reid & Carolina's new CD "TIME" is doing great and went to #1 in the Bluegrass Unlimited album charts!!! Way to go Lou!!! We are so lucky to have 3 songs part of Lou's project. We look forward to the CD going on to even more success.
Brink's song Bluestone Mountain was recorded by The Kruger Brothers on their CD "Carolina Scrapbook II". They did an incredible job on the recording and we look forward to hearing the song live at a festival. Thanks Jens, Uwe and Joel!!!. And Maynard..GREAT job on the vocals man!
Don Rigsby & Midnight Call has a new CD to be out on July 18th and includes the song "Prisoner of the Highway" written by Mike Evans and Brink Brinkman. Don does his usual GREAT job and it don't get any more straight bluegrass than this one :)
We have many more songs that are in the demo stage and will be sending out soon. Also getting ready for IBMA this fall. BRINKSONGS will have a booth at the trade show this year and we sure look forward to meeting with artists and bands to show our new songs.
Dwight McCall has a new CD that will hopefully come out this year and has several songs by Brink and Mike Evans on it. We wish Dwight all the best with the new CD.
A group of dynamite West Virginia pickers have put together a CD called "Step Into the Blue". It showcases some fine musicians from the WV area. Included is Mike Evans and Brinks' tune Danville Prison Grave". Sung by Ernie Thacker it is wonderful. Speaking of Ernie...we sure wish Ernie the best in his recover from his accident. Brink traveled to Milton WV and did a songwriter showcase with Junior Sisk and David Carroll for an Ernie Thacker benefit over Memorial weekend. I was honored to share the stage with these great writers !!!
In the near future we hope to hear songs that will be included on a project that Sammy Shelor and Linda Lay are working on. A song on Ronnie Stewart's new solo project. Songs on The Boohers new upcoming project. Also, songs on another solo project from Darrell Webb and many more.
We look forward to seeing all of our friends and in making new friends at the festivals this summer and also at IBMA. Please stop by booth 117 if you are there and say hey and chew the fat.
Last but not least thanks to God above for the gift of music and being able to share with others the joy and inspiration that music can bring to our lives. Take care and God bless until next time :)
Brink Brinkman
August 21, 2005
So much has happened in the last 8 months I haven't even had much time to update the website. I apologize for that. In February I was able to attend SPBGMA in Nashville and had such a wonderful time seeing old friends and meeting new ones as well. Was able to hear Darrell Webb sitting in with Blue Highway do Mike Evans and Brinks tune "I Beg You Little Darlin' Not To Cry". WOW what a version of that tune. We've been blessed with many Brinksong releases this year so far and more to come.
One of the biggest highlights was the release of the new Lonesome River Band CD that included "Legend of Jonas Willingham". Jeff Parker sings the lights out on the tune and we sure thank Sammy and the boys for doing that one "up right". Mike Evans wrote the tune and we knew he had a "goodun" right off the bat. Brink was able to attend the LRB Festival in Florida in April and heard not only that one but several other Brinksongs as well.
April also brought the release of Darrell Webb's new release on Lonesome Day Records of our tune "I Beg You Little Darlin' Not To Cry". This tune was on the January release of Prime Cuts of Bluegrass as well. The new CD called "Behind the Scenes" really brings Darrell's talent to the forefront and Ronnie Stewart just kills the banjo on the tune and crushes the fiddle. Just a GREAT project!! Darrell also included the Mike Evans tune "Twin Mountain Lovers" as well. It is great getting so much airplay on these fine tunes :).
The next release was also on Lonesome Day Records recorded by The Boohers. Gary, Lora and the boys did a fine job on the tune penned by Brink and Glen Adkins II, Hobo's Lament. Thanks so much for cutting this tune and we think it is one of the highlights on this fine album. The CD is getting rave reviews from many folks and we look forward to having more tunes on upcoming Booher recordings.
Another high point of this year has been the release of bluegrass legend Lou Reid's new release with his band Carolina. Brinksongs is honored to have 3 cuts on this fine project entitled "TIME". Lou cut Tennessee Backroads, Before Your First Tear Hits the Ground, written by Brink and his good buddy Dan Cook, and also the wonderful song written by Mike Evans, My Dying Day. My Dying Day kicks the project off right as the first cut on the project. Thanks so much Lou for liking our songs and recording them on the top notch project for Lonesome Day Records.
The band Wildfire has a new release to hit the streets next month, September 20th, and it will include the story song "Their Father's Land" co-written by Darrell Webb and Brink Brinkman. Wildfire has been playing the song on stage all summer to rave reviews and we look forward to getting the album in our grubby hands next month :). They absolutely did a GREAT job on this one and hope folks like it as much as we do. Thanks Darrell, Uncle Phil and all the boys from Wildfire for your trust in our tunes on this new Pinecastle release.
Pine Mountain Railroad is finishing up their new CD with a powerful version of Brink Brinkman's gospel tune "Beyond the Rain". Our hope is that this song will inspire all who hear it from the stage or on the new CD. Kipper, Bill, Jerry and the boys put their heart and soul into it and had the assistance of producer Missy Raines in constructing this wonderful version of the song. We sure look forward to hearing this one out on the airwaves! Thanks PMRR...you guys are the BEST :).
Brink's stellar tune "Bluestone Mountain" was recently recorded for the 7th time and will be on the newest project from the international Kruger Brothers. Hopefully this will be done and out soon. The Kruger Brothers have been performing this tune around the country and was heard from the Watson Stage on XM Radio during Merlefest. Tut Taylor told Brink that he had to wear a jacket while listening to the Kruger Brothers version as it gave him the "cold chills". Thanks TUT and we can't wait to hear the final recorded version!!! Thanks to Jens, Uwe and Joel.
Dwight McCall is in the studio recording his follow up to his first solo project, Kentucky Peace of Mind. On the first project Dwight recorded "My Caroline In Carolina". What a fantastic recording it is! We are truly excited about this new project as we have had a preview and feel it will be even better, believe it or not!! Dwight's new project will include several that he has written plus two tunes written by Mike Evans (Logan's Crossroad and My Heart Loves You More) and a super tune written by Brink Brinkman entitled West Virginia Ground. We are not sure when this new solo release will hit the streets but when it does it will definitely turn some heads :). Way to go Dwight and thanks so much for all you've done for Brinksongs!!
Brink was an instructor at this years Nashcamp Songwriting week and had a truly GREAT time. Also there instructing were greats Carl Jackson, Claire Lynch, and Tim Stafford. Brink was honored to be part of a Monday night concert with Carl and Claire. It was truly a dream come true to share the stage with these wonderful writers and performers. It was great to see Cindy Sinclair, director of the camp, and so many other friends. The week culminated with a performance at the world famous Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. What a week!!!!
Thanks to everyone that has considered recording a Brinksong and we will be at IBMA this year again and have the 2005 Brinksong Sampler there for interested folks. We welcome several more writers to the Brinksong team. They are Gary Booher of the Boohers and also Dwight McCall of JD Crowe and the New South. We look forward to publishing songs for these fine writers and look forward to a great last part of 2005. God bless and take care!!!!
Brink Brinkman
December 30, 2004
Well it is hard to believe but 2004 has almost run its course. What a year for BRINKSONGS! We are so thankful to all the artists/bands that have thought enough of our songs to record them on their projects in 2004. I look back on the last six months and it is hard to describe the great fun that we've had.
IBMA was tremendous. It is of course the last hurrah for Louisville and sure went out in style. Meeting so many friends and so much great music is such a treat. We were able to hear several bands showcase our songs. Wildfire opened their set on the main stage with Mike Evans and Brink Brinkman's tune "I Beg You Little Darlin' Not to Cry". The did a GREAT job of it. Darrell Webb again showcased the tune at his CD project showcase. He also sang Mike Evans' song "Twin Mountain Lovers". Way to go Darrell! Pine Mountain Railroad performed Brink Brinkman's tune "Beyond the Rain". Very moving performance and you could hear a pin drop as they sang this inspirational song. PMRR is also in the studio recording 3 of Brink's songs for their new release on CMH Records. The project is being produced by Missy Raines and engineered by Ben Surratt. What a combination :D
Ryan Holladay did several showcases picking Mike Evans and Brink Brinkman's tune "My Caroline In Carolina" and Brink's songs "Kaymoor Mine". Ryan never ceases to amaze!! What a talent and a great family too. Thanks Ryan, Mark, Lisa and Hannah! Keep up the great stuff and thanks for recording our songs!
Larry Stephenson performed Mike Evans tune "I Can't Bear the Thought of Losing You" off his Clinch Mountain Mystery CD. Every time I see Larry perform I'm reminded of how a pro should handle himself and the band. Larry is a true professional and always puts on a great show with a great band. Thanks Larry and I hope we can get you to record more "Brinksongs" in the future :)
One of the highlights for Brink was his participation in the IBMA Master Songwriter Workshop. Being onstage with the likes of Paul Craft, Tim Stafford, Mark Simos, Gary Ferguson, Wil Maring, Kim Fox and others was a tremendous thrill! To be able to hear some of these writers and be part of the songwriter fraternity in bluegrass is such a wonderful feeling!! Singing a few Brinksongs on the stage was a highlight of the weekend for sure!!
Brink traveled to Wilmington, OH to hear the festival sponsored by Joe Mullins radio station out of Xenia, OH. This is a fine indoor festival and one of the highlights was the fact that Brink got to meet and talk to (for several hours) Bill Castle. Bill is such a wonderful writer and I was sure honored to meet Bill and get to talk shop for a while. Bill and Brink may try some co-writing in the future :)
Now for 2005!! Exciting things are happening. Pine Mountain Railroad continues to be in the studio recording Brink's tunes "Beyond the Rain", "Ghost of Silas Jordan" and " Lucius Gray". Wildfire has a few songs on hold for their next project. Lou Reid is now in the studio recording his next project with Lou Reid and Carolina. Lou has cut the basic tracks for 3 songs. Mike Evans' tune "My Dying Day" , Brink's tune "Tennessee Back Roads" and a tune written by Brink and Dan Cook "Before Your First Tear Hits the Ground". The Boohers are still working on their next CD "Grandma's Songs" that includes "Hobo's Lament" written by Brink and Glen Adkins II.
One of the biggest projects for 2005 will be a bluegrass songwriter compilation CD of BRINKSONGS. This will be entitled "Bluegrass on the Brink" and will be recorded at Legend Sound Studio in Cincinnati, OH. Rick Hayes will be engineering the project with his wife Lyn doing the graphic art etc. The core band involved will feature an all-star cast of Clay Hess, Ronnie Stewart, Adam Steffey, Harold Nixon, and Randy Kohrs. WOW!!!! There will be 14-16 of Brink's tunes on the project and will be released hopefully around IBMA 2005. We are still working on lead singers so stay tuned for the great lineup of lead talent on this project.
Well, that somewhat brings us up to date. I wish all of you a wonderful New Year and may God bless each and every one of you during 2005! We hope to see you out on the road and at the festivals through out the year. Come over and say "howdy". Until next time....:)
Brink Brinkman
ARCHIVES
June 27, 2004
Well it has been a wild couple of months here at Brinksongs! We are still waiting for several releases this summer and early fall from several bands. I was able to hear the final tracks on Darrell Webb's solo project and OH MY!! They absolutely "slam" I Beg You Little Darlin'!! Ronnie Stewart's fiddle break is to die for and Darrell sings it right on the money. Can't wait to hear the final project!!
We are still waiting with great anticipation for the release of Lonesome River Band's new CD. Mike Evans' recording of "Legend of Jonas Willingham" is on the project and folks....you won't believe how good this one is!! It kicks butt!! Rumor has it LRB has now signed with a new label and so we hope that the release will come soon :) Thanks again Sammy and good luck with the release!!
I spoke with Mark Holladay, Ryan Holladay's Dad and their new album "New Kid in Town" is now complete and mastered. Ryan cut our tunes "Kaymoor Mine" and "My Caroline in Carolina". Thanks Mark and Ryan!!! We sure appreciate it and look forward to hearing the new CD! Ryan never ceases to amaze. He gets better with every passing day :)
The Boohers , fine band from Johnson City, Tn, has been in the studio and now completed their latest CD project "Grandma's Songs". This album was recorded at Tom T. Hall's studio and engineered by Buddy Jewels fiddle player Troy Engle. Troy also plays fiddle on the project along with Ron Block doing some guitar work. The Boohers have recorded the song written by Glen Adkins II and myself "Hobo's Lament". I have heard a final copy of the song and it sounds wonderful. Joe Booher does one fine job with the vocals. Besides being one fine band you won't find nicer people anywhere than Gary, Lora, Joe and Jamey!! Thanks for including "Hobo's Lament" in your new project!!
I was able to attend Bill Monroe's Bean Blossom Festival and just had way too much fun. If folks have never attended Bean Blossom you owe it to yourself to check it out at least once. Dwight Dillman has done wonders with the festival grounds and the jamming is tops. I was able to hear Larry Stephenson do Mike Evans cut on his Clinch Mountain Mystery project "I Can't Bear the Thought of Losing You". Randy Barnes really did a fine job on the lead vocal. Thanks Larry!!!
Another highlight of a great week was hearing JD Crowe & the New South sing "My Caroline in Carolina". This is on Dwight's solo project and JD has it in the setlist these days. To hear one of my banjo heroes pick on one of our songs is just too much! I'll never forget it. Thanks Dwight and JD for doing the tune!
One of the best highlights of the week was getting to spend some time with Bill McBee, Kipper Stitt, Danny Barnes, Clint Damewood and Jerry Butler...also know as Pine Mountain Railroad. They are heading into the studio soon and are considering recording two of my songs, "Beyond the Rain" and "Ghost of Silas Jordan". Thanks guys for your confidence in my songs and best of luck on your recording!! It was great pickin' and visiting with the guys and on a HOT day it was wonderful to sit in the A/C of the Knoxville Train :)
It was a hoot to start to hear some of our songs being included in several of the jam sessions that I listened to. I heard Bluestone Mountain, My Caroline in Carolina and also I've Traveled Down This Lonesome Road Before. I can't express the feeling I get from hearing these songs being jammed. It is, as my son says, sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!! :)
July should be an exciting month as I will be attending Nashcamp in Cumberland Furnace, TN for the Songwriting Camp. Look forward to meeting other writers and also get some great ideas and inspiration for new tunes :)
In addition, I will be at the Musicians Against Childhood Cancer Festival. This festival is put on by Darrell Adkins and is a wonderful cause as it benefits St. Jude Hospital in Memphis, TN. You can visit the festival website at www.bluegrassclassic.com Even if you can't be there consider a gift to this worthy cause.
Hope this find folks safe and healthy. I thank God daily for the songwriting gift he has given to me and that by singing and playing these song all honor and glory will be to Him. If you see me out there at the festivals please come up and say "hey". Till next time take care, good pickin', and God bless!
Brink Brinkman
April 12, 2004
Just got back from Florida and Mike Evans and Brink Brinkman attended the 1st Annual Lonesome River Band Festival at the Spirit of the Suwanee near Live Oak, Florida. We had one GREAT time. For both of us it was a an experience to hear JD Crowe & the New South perform our tune "My Caroline In Carolina" on stage. We also got to hear a preview of the new Lonesome River Band's recording of Mike's tune "Legend of Jonas Willingham". All we can say is WOW!!!! Jeff Parker sings a high tenor lead on this tune that will make your hair stand up on end. If not, you ain't breathing!!. GREAT JOB SAMMY AND THE BOYS!
A couple of studio notes. Darrell Webb, mandolin player extraordinaire for the band WILDFIRE is in the studio right now recording a new solo project. Darrell is recording two "Brinksong" tunes. One Twin Mountain Lovers written by Mike and another co-wrote by Mike and Brink called "I Beg You Little Darlin'". This should be one fine project and can't wait to hear the finished product.
The Kentucky based bluegrass band "Kentucky Wind" is in the studio finishing their latest recording project and will be doing two Brinksong tunes on this new CD. "My Caroline In Carolina" and also "Danville Prison Grave" both co-written by Mike and Brink. Look for the group WILDFIRE to also record Danville Prison Grave in the near future :)
The bluegrass group "Freewheelin'" from the Northeast has recorded "My Caroline In Carolina" and released it as a new single as a preview to their new recording. Listen for it on an upcoming release of "Prime Cuts of Bluegrass". Thanks to Freewheelin' and we wish you all the BEST!
Larry Stephenson's new CD, Clinch Mountain Mystery, has now been officially released and is available on Pinecastle Records. It includes Mike Evans song, "I Can't Bear The Thought of Losing You". Thanks so much Larry we appreciate it!!
The Booher's are now in Tom T. Hall's studio recording their latest bluegrass project. They will be recording three Brinksongs on this latest project. "Before Your First Tear Hits The Ground" and "Ghost of Silas Jordan" both written by Brink Brinkman will be recorded along with "Hobo's Lament" co-written by Glen Adkins II and Brink. We look forward to hearing this new project from a wonderful and talented family band. Be on the lookout for this group to make a splash in bluegrass in the next year.
Well that's all for now. Keep stopping back for our latest and greatest news from BRINKSONGS. God bless and have a wonderful Spring!!
BRINK BRINKMAN
February 15, 2004
Well it has been a great year so far for BRINKSONGS and our writers. Dwight McCall's new project from Lavenir Records has been released. This is one KILLER CD and you owe it to yourself to check it out. Mike Evans and my tune "My Caroline In Carolina" turned out FANTASTIC!! Thanks Dwight and we wish you the best. Dwight has informed me that our tune is now part of the JD Crowe and New South program for 2004. So be listening for it.
On January 20,2004 Kenny and Amanda Smith Band released their new CD "House Down The Block". It is easy to see (and hear) why this great band was voted "Emerging Artist of the Year" at IBMA this last October. Their version of Mike Evan's tune "I've Traveled Down This Lonesome Road Before" will knock yer hat in the creek :) This one is a must have for the bluegrass fan.
BREAKING NEWS!!!!
The Lonesome River Band has cut the BRINKSONG tune "Legend of Jonas Willingham". When Mike Evans brought this tune to me to demo I knew it was one of those great tunes anyone would love to have. We are ecstatic that Sammy Shelor and LRB have recorded it. We can't wait to hear the cut!! Thanks Sammy and The Lonesome River Band!!
We have been busy writing new songs. We just finished cutting about 15 new demos of original tunes. I feel these are some of the best yet! Bluestone Mountain has been recorded 4 times now and Caroline In Caroline has been cut 4 times as well. We are so grateful for folks thinking enough of our songs to record them. Life is good :)
Hope this newsletter finds everyone happy and healthy. God bless you all and check back for more news from BRINKSONGS :)
Brink Brinkman