The newly formed Bluegrass band Merle Monroe is excited to announce the release of their debut project, Back To The Country,
available on June 21. Released via Pinecastle Records, Merle Monroe was
created by members Tim Raybon and Daniel Grindstaff. On the 12-song
collection, the dynamic group show exactly why Country legend Merle
Haggard and Bluegrass icon Bill Monroe are the inspirations behind both
their band name and signature sound. Fans can pre-order the new project here, where they’ll also be able to download and stream the lead single, “This Town” right now.
“American
Music- the Carter Family, Bill Monroe, the Osborne Brothers, Jim and
Jesse, Merle Haggard, Roger Miller, Flatt & Scruggs, and many
others. The sounds of the great pioneers was our inspiration to record
this album and form this band. Respectfully, we do our part to create
something new, yet reflective of our hero’s influences and carry the
torch with every song we write and sing” -Tim Raybon & Daniel
Grindstaff (Merle Monroe Band)
The first single from Back To The Country is “This Town.” The upbeat track is a remake of classic Country artist Roger Miller’s song recorded for the 1965 album, The 3rd Time Around.
Merle Monroe brings a new and invigorating sound, showcasing both Tim
and Daniel’s hard-driving Bluegrass style. From start to finish the
group trades notes and harmonies, giving genre enthusiasts a taste of
what’s to come on the full LP. With years of experience, Daniel’s
frequent performances at the legendary Grand Ole Opry serves as the
guiding inspiration behind “This Town.” The song and video made its
premiere earlier today on Vents Magazine (watch here).
Back To The Country
consists of 12 tracks, including a combination of covers, along with
all-new music written by the band. Band member Tim is no stranger to
success, having previously released a Gold-certified single in the 90s
of “Butterfly Kisses.” One standout song on the project is the first
track, “Movin’ On,” a chart-topper previously released by Merle Haggard.
Another key moment occurs on the feel-good Tim Raybon written “Singing
Crazy (Like Patsy Cline),” which drops a line about the late great Patsy
Cline. Perhaps the most heartfelt song is “Dad,” written by Skip Ewing.
As a special treat for fans, the track will be officially available
ahead of the album’s release, prior to Father’s Day weekend.
Merle
Monroe is pushing their promotional efforts into high gear as the album
approaches. They will appear at The Birthplace of Country Music Museum
in Bristol, Tenn. on Saturday, April 27, where they will premiere new
music. On May 8, Nashville fans will be able to attend a very special
album release show at The Station Inn. During the event, concert
attendees will hear new music performed for the very first time. With
the recent addition of Derek Deakins to the band (worked with Blake
Shelton and the Osborne Brothers for five and three years respectively),
Merle Monroe is more determined than ever to make 2019 their breakout
year. To celebrate, they will also appear on the legendary WSM’s All
Nighter With Marcia Campbell. Fans can listen in locally on 650-AM
(broadcasting from Nashville to 38 states, plus part of Canada), or
stream online at wsmonline.com.
To learn more on all things Merle Monroe visit the dynamic group’s official website here.
Back To The Country Track Listing:
1. Movin’ On
2. Back Where It’s At
3. Whippoorwill
4. Beautiful Kentucky
5. Blessed City
6. Hungry Eyes
7. Singing Crazy (Like Patsy Cline)
8. Dad
9. I’ll Follow You
10. He Will Roll You Over The Tide
11. The Kindest Man
12. This Town
About Merle Monroe:
Pinecastle
Recording artists Merle Monroe is a band created by musicians Tim
Raybon and Daniel Grindstaff. Basing their sound from collective
experiences as professionals in the music business, which essentially is
a mix of vocally centered, hard-driving Bluegrass, all along tearing at
listeners’ heartstrings like a Merle Haggard style ballad. Merle Monroe
believes Bluegrass, Gospel and traditional Country music are America’s
music, the stories of the common man and the sounds of the mountains.
Adding the superb talents of Jayd Raines, Josh Doss and Derek Deakins,
the goal is to choose songs that relate to everyday life and go Back To The Country,
be that with heartfelt vocals, a ballad, a hard driving banjo, or an
upbeat song that takes your mind away from today’s current distractions.