NASHVILLE, TN. (Top40 Charts/ MCN Media and Marketing/ Bandit Records) - Bandit Records executives Evelyn Shriver and Susan Nadler are pleased to introduce its newest country radio release, 'Shortcut Home,' recorded by real estate developer and entertainment entrepreneur Ronnie Gilley.
Under the Bandit imprint, Gilley is immediately staged to release the single, 'Shortcut Home,' * (written by: Jess Brown, Phillip Moore and Ray Scott) to country radio across the nation. Produced by James Stroud (Tim McGraw/Toby Keith/Clint Black-also formerly of Universal Music Group), the song is a musical narration of a man's mission to take a shortcut home to return to his woman. In a composition authentic to traditional country music, it's a crystal clear production featuring acoustic guitar, pedal steel and fiddle.
The idea behind the project developed when Gilley and Stroud worked together in the studio just before Christmas to record a song for Gilley's fiance. What was originally intended to be a musical holiday gift for a loved one grew to develop commercial appeal. Stroud recorded two sides, liked what he heard, and he brought the project to Bandit Records.
'Ronnie is genuinely a good ole country boy at heart and that's evident in his music. It's not a single that's country music slick; he and James pulled it all together to make it country music 'real',' Evelyn Shriver introduced.
Gilley, who's recently been recognized for his leading role in the Tracy Lawrence video 'Find Out Who Your Friends Are,' joins the Bandit roster with the legendary voice of country music, George Jones.
'We need this kind of music and we need this kind of voice,' producer James Stroud said. 'In addition to this single, Ronnie also has plans to record a tribute song for the benefit of the victims of the March 1, 2007 tornado in Enterprise, AL. We've already received an outpour of support from our friends in music (George Jones, Tracy Lawrence, John Anderson, Darryl Worley and more) who will dedicate their time and talents to the project.' (The proceeds from the sale of the tribute single will be donated to The Jimmy Bowden Foundation established to rebuild the Enterprise High School and support the victims who have suffered.) 'What was to be a special gift for one has become a special gift for many-for country music lovers and the community of Enterprise, Alabama,' Stroud concluded.
The single, 'Shortcut Home,' is slated for a March 3, 2008 release (CDX 443). Al Schiltz and Mike Martinovich (of The Consortium) and Grassroots Promotions are spearheading the national marketing and radio promotion campaigns.
In support of the two singles, Bandit Records has signed on to release an entire CD project featuring Ronnie Gilley. Gilley plans to include an assortment of duets featuring some of his superstar pals. A portion of the proceeds from CD sales will also be donated to The Jimmy Bowden Foundation. The yet-to-be-titled CD will be available by mid-summer.
