I’ve listened to the CD a number of times, enjoying it tremendously, and agree that Hillbilly Goddess – both the song and the album – could be a breakout for Alecia after two previous popular releases on Rounder.

With the street date looming, a video preview has been created, featuring snippets from interviews with both Nugent and Jackson, a live radio show with Dave Higgs, and plenty of samples of music from the CD.

We had a chance to discuss the song and its video rendering with Bradley, and it turns out that it is one that touched him deeply – and is especially relevant during this week when those of us in the US take time out to reflect and give thanks for our good fortune.

“It touches on something that has probably happened to most folks these days, and how we could all stand to live our lives a little bit better. We’re all guilty of only seeing what’s on the outside sometimes, and not always taking the time to see someone’s real heart. What they’re really made of. The video just brings that all to life even more. When Mr. Jack pulls out that Bible, looks up and gives that big smile, it’s over!  We should all realize how blessed we really are, and where those blessings come from.”

If you’ve not had a chance to watch the video, here it is.

Bradley explained a bit about how the song came to be included on his most recent CD, Highway Of Dreams.

“A Little Change was written by Carl Jackson, Mike Ward, and Jared Ashley. I had good timing on my side, because Carl and I were picking songs for Highway of Dreams not long after it was written. When I heard the song, the first time with Carl just playing acoustic guitar and singing it for me, its message struck a deep chord with me, and I knew it would do the same for anyone else who heard it. When we were tracking this tune in the studio, it sort of took on its own little feel ‚Äì different than I think we’d even imagined it would be, and we knew right away we had something extra special.”

I asked Bradley what led to creating a video so long after the initial release of the CD in 2006?

“We’ve wanted to have a video for this song for a LONG time, because the imagery from the song is so powerful. About a year ago, I met Rory Feek and Joey Martin-Feek, now known as the famous country music duo, Joey+Rory. Rory, Joey and I all share a love of great songs‚Ķsongs that have a real, deep message and meaning to them. They’ve been huge supporters of my music, and more than that have become two of my dearest friends. Rory had the idea to make the ‘Change’ video, so we eventually set a date in stone and said ‘we’re doing this, no matter what.

With help from our friend Micah Ginn from Oxford, MS., we shot everything in one day, and had a blast doing it. It took some time, but I’m so thankful for people like Rory and Micah who believe in something like this enough to take the time and make something so powerful, just for the love of the music.”

Lastly, I asked him where he got the concept for this video.

“From Rory Feek! I got a call at work one day, and he said, ‘I’ve come up with a treatment for the video‚Ķsee what you think‚Ķ’ and began to read what he’d typed out. Every detail of the video, from how it would open, how the Bible would be revealed from the paper sack, everything, was all typed out, and thought out in Rory’s mind.

He had written down all the various shots he wanted to get ‚Äì of downtown scenes, of me driving, etc., etc. ‚Äì everything was already pictured in his mind before we ever turned the camera on.  When he finished, all I could say was, ‘Wow‚Ķ”

Rory has a God-given gift for telling stories, in song, and through a camera lens.”

The new CD was produced by Carl Jackson, who also contributes several of his songs, and features Tim Stafford and Andy Falco on guitar,Adam Steffey on mandolin, Andy Leftwich on fiddle, Rob Ickes on resonator guitar, JD Crowe and Thomas Wywrot on banjo, Kevin Grant on bass, and Tony Creasman on drums.

In addition to Jackson, new songs come from Tim Stafford and Craig Market, Tim O’Brien, Jerry Salley, Larry Cordle and Nugent herself. Backing vocalists include Jackson, Sonya Isaacs, Bradley Walker, Jennifer Strickland and Valerie Storey.

We had a chance to discuss the new CD with Alecia earlier this week, and couldn’t resist asking about the title track.

“The term ‘Hillbilly Goddess’ was a label given to me by reviewer Robert K. Oermann when he reviewed my A Little Girl‚ĶA Big Four-Lane CD. I  always thought it was cute, but certainly never thought of myself as a ‘goddess’‚Ķ maybe hillbilly, but not that!

My management had encouraged me to write something for the new CD and thought this was a natural song title. My producer, Carl Jackson, Sonya Kelly and I got together and came up with this song. It refers to every man looking at his special someone as his own ‘hillbilly goddess.’

The song has a very traditional feel, and JD Crowe was kind enough to come in and play banjo on it.  He did an awesome job!”

The CD also includes an autobiographical song, Nugent Family Band.

“This was a song idea that Tom T. and Dixie Hall had encouraged me to write with them.

It is a true story and gives a peek into my early years as a singer. Those first days performing with my dad’s band were what first hooked me on music.”

The last song on the CD, Already Home (written by Tanya Leah and Gregory Lynch), is unlike anything Alecia has recorded before and serves as a suitable closer for the album.

“This is a song that Carl had in his sack of great songs when we sat down to listen to material for this project. He did not remember who had given it to him, who the writer was, or any other information about it. The demo was produced like a pop record—not bluegrass at all, but we cut it in a more traditional way.

The song’s message touched me deeply, and its one of my favorite songs that I’ve recorded. It features Andy Leftwich, Rob Ickes, and even Catherine Marx on piano.”

Alecia is touring with her own band – Thomas Wywrot (banjo, guitar, vocals), Jennifer Strickland (bass, vocals), Alex Hibbitts (Mandolin), Chris Wade (banjo), Brent Burke (resonator guitar)  – and their tour schedule can be found online.

Only professional members vote in board elections. Elected representatives serve for a period of three years beginning with their installment on September 29, 2008.

Here are the four new board members, the constituency they represent, and a little background info about them.

Carl Jackson, an award-winning artist, songwriter and producer from Gallatin, Tennessee, was elected to represent artists and composers.

Ronnie McCoury, an award-winning artist, producer and member of the Del McCoury Band from Hendersonville, Tennessee was elected as an "at-large" representative for all members.

Cindy Baucom, from Elkin, North Carolina, is an award-winning broadcast personality who hosts the nationally syndicated program "Knee Deep in Bluegrass," was elected to represent the broadcast media.

Craig Havighurst, an award-winning independent journalist, author and producer whose company (String Theory Media) is located in Nashville, Tennessee, was elected by IBMA’s print media and education members.

These new board members join the existing board members (replacing four who previously held these posts) to compose the 17 member policy-making, governing body of the organization.

To participate, visit the Songwriter Chat page at 8:00 and log in. There is no fee to participate, and only a very brief registration is required to join.

Transcripts from previous sessions with Tim Stafford, Larry Cordle, Brink Brinkman, Chris Stuart and others can be found on the site as well (scroll to the bottom of the page).

It was taken by her fellow show host on BluegrassCountry.org, Hubie King.

Katy’s show airs Monday-Friday from 7:00-10:00 a.m., and Hubie’s (Old Time Jam) airs on Mondays at 6:00 p.m., repeating on Thursdays at 6:00 a.m. All times EST.

It appeared as if Eddie Stubbs sat in one place for the entire day doing live interviews and broadcasts for WSM. At some point I stumbled across Byron House and Cody Kilby out in the hall working up a tune. Moving the other direction down the hall I spotted Chris Jones deep in conversation. Then I heard Don Rigsby & Midnight Call throwing down on some hard driving bluegrass.

Eddie Stubbs	Byron & Cody	Chris Jones	Don Rigsby

I headed back toward the PineCastle showcase room and caught a jam in hall with Carl Jackson and some others. I finally did make to the PineCastle room which is where I spent the remainder of my evening. The first act I saw was the John Cowan Band. John was great as usual. I spent some time talking with Barry Scott in hall and then went back in and sat down to watch John Cowan and Ronnie McCoury accompany Pat Flynn on a set.

Carl Jackson	John Cowan Band		Ronnie McCoury

After that Blueridge took the stage. I may be a little biased since these guys are friends of mine, but I say with all honesty that it was the best performance I saw last night. The group as a whole is just incredible, they are tight and rehearsed, they know their arrangements, and the material is wonderful. In addition to all that, Alan Bibey is simply one of the best mandolin players in the business and Junior Sisk has got to be the most soulful singer I know. When he sings a song, you believe him. It’s always a great performance, but it’s also completely heartfelt. They really are a great traditional band, though Alan is certainly capable of so much on the mandolin that I hate to qualify him that way. If you can’t tell, I like these guys’ music. Check them out when you get a chance.

BlueRidge	Alan & Junior	Alan Johnson	Alan Bibey

That’s it for now, but we have more photos of the event from contributing photographers and we’ll try and get some more galleries up soon.