Jazz-Americana Artist Bryan Cumming Releases New Jazz CD

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 2017) -- Bryan Cumming, a jazz-Americana artist who has recorded with popular acts such as Al Jarreau and The Pointer Sisters, has released a new CD that pays tribute to the classic songs and legendary jazz artists of the Silent Generation.

            "Come Out Swinging" celebrates the spirit of swing with a lively mix of traditional jazz classics and originals. Highlights include covers of standards written and/or performed by legendary artists such as Nat King Cole, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Dorothy Fields, and Irving Berlin. The album, which was recorded at Java Jive Studio in Nashville, features Kelli Cox on keyboards, Adam Mormolstein on drums, and John Vogt on bass.

            "I grew up listening to the music my father loved, including recordings by jazz artists such as Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, and Glen Miller," said Cumming, who also performs as a member of the Grammy-nominated Beatles tribute band The WannaBeatles. "As my music career has developed, I've found myself gravitating toward swing. It has a life-affirming tempo that expresses optimism, enthusiasm and energy. I hope my new album will inspire motion, inviting dancers to sway together, bounce, and enjoy the moment, just like in my daddy's day."

Bryan Cumming (Photo by Johnathan Pushkar)

            "Come Out Swinging" is available at major online retailers including CD Baby, iTunes and Amazon. To download, order or hear tracks from the album, visit http://www.CDBaby.com/CD/BryanCumming2 or https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/come-out-swinging/id1206565869 .

            Among the covers are "Sunny Side of the Street," a standard recorded by Tommy Dorsey and The Sentimentalists in 1944. Other covers include "Straighten Up and Fly Right," "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," "It Had to Be You," and "Blue Skies."

            The album's title track, "Come Out Swinging," swings to life with the sounds and lyrical images of the '30s, '40s and '50s.

            "I wrote the song in 2008 to honor the classic swing music I learned from my parents," said Cumming. "'Come Out Swinging' is a nostalgic look at yesterday. It is presented as an imaginary epiphany,
where the singer hears the phone ring and mysteriously hears the sounds of old swing tunes. He gets inspired and preaches the message 'it's time to play' to his listeners."

            According to music critic Chuck Davis, '"Come Out Swinging' is a fluent expression of a musical maturing... delivering swing-inspired original tunes for his father's generation and re-distributing 'that thing called swing' to the next generation."

            Cumming is receiving positive reviews from top music industry professionals.

            Hit songwriter and author Jason Blume says the project "offers a refreshing blend of original and traditional swing tunes that are both fun and exhilarating."

            "Honest and unflashy singing with wit and joy, and refreshingly relaxed playing makes these songs well worth hearing," raves Nashville musician William "Tiger" Fitzhugh.

            "Veteran musician Bryan Cumming has come up with a very good album that should appeal to the same audience as Steve Tyrell, with Cumming's charming vocals and the added attraction of his Sidney Bechet-influenced soprano sax playing, along with a solid combo," notes hit songwriter Billy Vera.

            Harry Stinson of the Marty Stuart "Fabulous Superlatives" praises Cumming's project for its "tight arrangements, innovative solos, and finger-snapping right-in the pocket rhythms."

Bryan celebrates with fellow musicians Kelli Cox, Adam Mormolstein and John Vogt (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

            A Georgia native, Bryan Cumming grew up in a musical family playing Dixieland and classic jazz and singing harmony on Beatles songs. After serving a year in the U.S. Army playing saxophone, he toured and recorded with Martin Mull. He moved to Los Angeles in 1976, playing sax on sessions with artists such as Al Jarreau, The Pointer Sisters, Maria Muldaur, Al Hirt, and The Ohio Players. He later joined Billy Vera and The Beaters, performing at the Tokyo Music Festival and on the number one single "At This Moment". He performed at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion as a member of the Los Angeles Jazz Choir. He toured Japan and South America with David Soul, and toured four years as the lead guitarist for ShaNaNa.

            Since moving to Nashville in 1988, he has performed and/or recorded with artists such as K.T. Oslin, Cleve Francis, and the Grammy-nominated Beatles tribute band The WannaBeatles. In 2009, The WannaBeatles received a Grammy nomination for the CD "Fab Fan Memories - The Beatles Bond." Cumming also produces and records artists at Studio 23 Nashville.

            For more information about Bryan Cumming and his new album, "Come Out Swinging," visit http://www.BryanCumming.com.

Bryan Cumming to 'Come Out Swinging' with Concert and Party on Feb. 17 in Nashville

Bryan Cumming to Celebrate Jazz Legends at 'Come Out Swinging' Concert in Nashville

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 2017) -- Jazz-Americana artist Bryan Cumming will celebrate the release of his new album, "Come Out Swinging," with a concert and CD signing from 6-10 p.m. on Feb. 17 (Friday) at World Music in Bellevue.

            Cumming, who has recorded with popular acts such as Al Jarreau and The Pointer Sisters, is launching his solo career by paying tribute to the classic songs and legendary jazz artists of the Silent Generation. Joining him on stage will be keyboardist Kelli Cox, drummer Adam Mormolstein, and bassist John Vogt. Admission is free; complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be provided.

            "I grew up listening to the music my father loved, including recordings by jazz artists such as Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, and Glen Miller," said Cumming, who also performs as a member of the Grammy-nominated Beatles tribute band The WannaBeatles. "As my music career has developed, I've found myself gravitating toward swing. It has a life-affirming tempo that expresses optimism, enthusiasm and energy. I hope my new album will inspire motion, inviting dancers to sway together, bounce, and enjoy the moment, just like in my daddy's day."

             Cumming's 10-song project, which will be released on Feb. 17, will celebrate the spirit of swing with a lively mix of traditional jazz classics and originals. Highlights will include covers of standards written and/or performed by legendary artists such as Nat King Cole, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Dorothy Fields, and Irving Berlin. The album was recorded at Java Jive Studio in Nashville.

            Among the covers will be "Sunny Side of the Street," a standard recorded by Tommy Dorsey and The Sentimentalists in 1944. Other covers will include "Straighten Up and Fly Right," "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," "It Had to Be You," and "Blue Skies."

            The album's title track, "Come Out Swinging," swings to life with the sounds and lyrical images of the '30s, '40s and '50s. Jazz and Americana music fans can hear the preview single at https://soundcloud.com/bryan-cumming/come-out-swinging.

            "I wrote the song in 2008 to celebrate the timeless swing music I sang and played with my dad," said Cumming. "'Come Out Swinging' is a nostalgic look at yesterday. It is presented as an imaginary epiphany, where the singer hears the phone ring and mysteriously hears the sounds of old swing tunes. He gets inspired and preaches the message 'it's time to play' to his listeners."

            According to music critic Chuck Davis, '"Come Out Swinging' is a fluent expression of a musical maturing... delivering swing-inspired original tunes for his father's generation and re-distributing 'that thing called swing' to the next generation."

            A Georgia native, Bryan Cumming grew up in a musical family playing Dixieland and classic jazz and singing harmony on Beatles songs. After serving a year in the U.S. Army playing saxophone, he toured and recorded with Martin Mull. He moved to Los Angeles in 1976, playing sax on sessions with artists such as Al Jarreau, The Pointer Sisters, Maria Muldaur, Al Hirt, and The Ohio Players. He later joined Billy Vera and The Beaters, performing at the Tokyo Music Festival and on the number one single "At This Moment". He performed at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion as a member of the Los Angeles Jazz Choir. He toured Japan and South America with David Soul, and toured four years as the lead guitarist for ShaNaNa.

            Since moving to Nashville in 1988, he has performed and/or recorded with artists such as K.T. Oslin, Cleve Francis, and the Grammy-nominated Beatles tribute band The WannaBeatles. In 2009, The WannaBeatles received a Grammy nomination for the CD "Fab Fan Memories - The Beatles Bond." Cumming also produces and records artists at Studio 23, a production company he founded in Nashville.

            For more information about Bryan Cumming and his new album, "Come Out Swinging", visit http://www.BryanCumming.com. World Music is located at 7069 Highway 70 S. in Bellevue (at Old Hickory Boulevard).

Bryan Cumming to Celebrate New Jazz Album on Feb. 17 with Nashville Concert

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 2017) -- Jazz-Americana artist Bryan Cumming will celebrate the release of his new album, "Come Out Swinging", with a concert and CD signing from 6-10 p.m. Feb. 17 (Friday) at World Music, 7069 U.S. Highway 70 S. in Bellevue. 

            Cumming will be joined on stage by drummer Adam Mormolstein, keyboardist Kelli Cox, and bassist John Vogt. Cumming's 10-song project celebrates the spirit of swing with a lively mix of traditional jazz classics and originals. Highlights include covers of standards written and/or performed by legendary artists such as Nat King Cole, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh, and Irving Berlin.

            "I’ve always gravitated toward optimism, enthusiasm, energy, and music that conveys those qualities," said Cumming, who has performed with popular acts such as Al Jarreau, The Pointer Sisters, Al Hirt, K.T. Oslin, and The WannaBeatles. "Swing is a life-affirming tempo. It inspires motion, invites dancers to sway together, bounce, and enjoy the moment." 

            Among the covers is "Sunny Side of the Street", a standard recorded by Tommy Dorsey and The Sentimentalists in 1944. 

            Admission to the Bryan Cumming concert on Feb. 17 is free; complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be provided. For more information about Bryan Cumming and his new album, "Come Out Swinging", visit http://www.BryanCumming.com.

Jazz-Americana Artist Bryan Cumming Releases Preview Single for Upcoming Album 'Come Out Swinging'

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 2017) -- Jazz-Americana artist Bryan Cumming has released a preview single for an upcoming album that pays tribute to the classic songs and legendary artists of the Silent Generation.

            The album's title track, "Come Out Swinging," swings to life with the sounds and lyrical images of the '30s, '40s and '50s. Cumming recorded the song at Java Jive Studio in Nashville with drummer Adam Mormolstein, pianist Kelli Cox, and bassist John Vogt. Jazz and Americana music fans can hear the song at https://soundcloud.com/bryan-cumming/come-out-swinging.

            "I wrote the song in 2008 to celebrate the timeless swing music from back in my daddy's day," said Cumming, who is launching his solo career after recording with popular acts such as Al Jarreau, Al Hirt, and The Pointer Sisters. "'Come Out Swinging' is presented as an imaginary epiphany, where the singer hears the phone ring and mysteriously hears the sounds of old swing tunes. He gets inspired and preaches the message 'it's time to play' to his listeners."

            Cumming's 10-song project, which will be released on Feb. 17, will celebrate the spirit of swing with a lively mix of traditional jazz classics and originals. Highlights will include covers of standards written and/or performed by legendary artists such as Nat King Cole, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Dorothy Fields, and Irving Berlin.

            Among the covers will be "Sunny Side of the Street," a standard recorded by Tommy Dorsey and The Sentimentalists in 1944.

Bryan Cumming (left) records "Come Out Swinging" with fellow artists (clockwise) pianist Kelli Cox, bassist John Vogt, and drummer Adam Mormolstein. (Photo by Ashley Green)

            According to music critic Chuck Davis, '"Come Out Swinging' is a fluent expression of a musical maturing... delivering swing-inspired original tunes for his father's generation and re-distributing 'that thing called swing' to the next generation."

            Cumming also is a member of the popular Beatles tribute band The WannaBeatles. The Nashville act received a Grammy nomination for its album "Fab Fan Memories" in 2011.

            The artist will celebrate the release of "Come Out Swinging" with a concert and CD signing at World Music in Nashville on Feb. 17.

            For more information about Bryan Cumming and his new single and upcoming album, "Come Out Swinging", visit http://www.BryanCumming.com or write the artist at Bryan@BryanCumming.com.

Creative 'PR' Ways to Help Build Your Career (Without Being A Superstar)

By Chuck Whiting

Music City Arts Network

         Everyday, I peruse a number of media websites to learn about artist opportunities and accomplishments for posting on the various Music City Arts Network social networking pages. For me, it's a joy to see the accomplishments fellow artists, organizations and friends are having. For example, former Nashvillian/actress Annie Sims just landed a role in the new TV series "American Crime Story". Songwriter/musician Bryan Cumming of The WannaBeatles now has his own jazz show in Nolensville. Songwriter/educator Deanna Walker is once again leading the "Blair Hit Songwriter Series". I could go on-and-on, but the point here is that all of these wonderful artists are actively pursuing opportunities (dreams) and sharing their good news with the world (while blessing others).

         If you're not a well-known artist, don't despair. There are many things you can do to help build your career (without being a superstar), while taking advantage of the many PR opportunities out there. Here are a few to-dos on my own list.

         * Find a niche that no one else has. Joyce Rouse (Earth Mama) is saving planet Earth one day at a time. What are you doing?

         * Collaborate with others (don't compete with them). We are all in this together. What greater delight than to see a fellow artist succeed. Give, and give more. "Like, share and follow."

         *  Learn from others. Take advantage of the many educational opportunities (some free) that Music City has to offer. Tons of them are happening all the time.

         *  Get out to support your friends. They will never forget your contributions to their success.

         * Explore other areas of the arts. Go to the opera (yes... you heard me right), attend an opening at Haynes Galleries on Music Row, or head over to Scarritt-Bennett for a poetry reading. It will enrich your understanding and approach to how you express and/or create your art. And you'll meet some amazing people, too. (I'm always inspired to write when I visit the Frist for an exhibition or the Wilson County Fair to buy my grits.)

         * Expand your social networking horizon. Facebook is a wonderful way to build and connect with communities of artists around the world. You can do the same thing with other social networks such as Twitter (a great way to receive/share career-changing information), Linked In (a connector for professionals and businesses in every field), Instagram (photos of what you're doing now), and You Tube (uploading videos and subscribing to video channels).

         * Don't forget the news media. Face it. Well-known artists have a clear advantage when it comes to landing a big story. Hey... some of the publicists on Music Row don't even know how to write (Sorry y'all, but I've been reading some of your press releases). But there are plenty of opportunities out there if you're willing to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Events are generally guaranteed to land calendar mentions in a host of media, and there are a bunch of online bloggers looking for news. I use my own blog (Music City Arts Update) to help in the cause.

         * When it comes to the digital world, it's easy to become intimidated. But it has become a necessary way to share your good news (and connect) with the world, and things are changing constantly. I've found that taking baby steps leads to bigger steps (and more confidence). Take each step one day (or week) at a time. Google has a wealth of tips on how to set up your various social networking pages and features... from Facebook and Twitter to You Tube and Instagram. You'll be amazed at what you can find.

         * Read... books, magazines, newspapers... anything you can get your hands on. That will inspire you to create with original ideas.

         * Perform... Don't be shy. Get out to let people hear you (and encourage you).

         * Don't believe everything you hear. Remember that there are a lot of people who have their own subjective opinions, and not all of them are accurate. When it comes down to it, we need to learn how to recognize what's true, build on our strengths, let our weaknesses be strengths, and believe in ourselves. We are all works in progress (even Barbra Streisand said that).

         * Share your expertise in the form of a blog. It will help others while boosting your credibility as an artist.

         * Finally... on the PR/publicity front, be sure that your process is professional, presenting a "tried and true" representation of you. Be original, and try to do what the reporters do. Find a strong, newsworthy hook; present your information clearly; follow the Associated Press Stylebook (to make it easier for reporters); and send your press releases out to a host of targeted news media operations. It may not happen at first, but in time the editors and producers will start to notice you. As I said above, baby steps lead to bigger things. Do nothing, and something rarely happens. Do something professionally in earnest (without overwhelming others), and success comes sooner than later.

         Thanks for reading this! There are many more tips I could share... stay tuned for more. In the meantime, please connect with me (and share your good arts news) at http://www.Facebook.com/MusicCityArts or Twitter @MusicCityArts... and check out my blog at http://www.MusicCityArtsUpdate.com.

Artistically,

Chuck

Chuck Whiting is a long-time publicist and journalist who runs the monthly event "Tunesmithing" at the Aloft Hotel on West End.Visit his PR website at www.WhitingPublicity.com.

'Tunesmithing' to Celebrate 10th Anniversary on May 30, 2013

           NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 2013) -- "Tunesmithing" will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a special show from 7-10 p.m. May 30 (Thursday) at the Best Western Music Row, 1407 Division St. in Nashville. 

           Performers will include singer-songwriters Amy Allen, Lisa Aschmann, Everette Brown, Wil Comstock, Bryan Cumming, Leslie Ellis, Chris Floyd, Dar Frantz, Casey Kelly, Diane King, Denny Martin, Crystal Miller, Mirka, Steve Morley, Laurie O'Shea, Sean O'Shea, Candy Paull, Randi Perkins, Rick Perry, Laura Powers, Betsy Warren, Brian Wright and Chuck Whiting. Poet Butterfly will read selections from her new book, "Grandma Butterfly's Dirty Dishes". Comedian Paulina Combow and publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show.

(Photo: Singer-songwriter Casey Kelly)

          Admission is free. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. "Tunesmithing" is sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions, Music City Arts Update, and Shine Time Records and Books.

           "Tunesmithing" was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters. The monthly show features an "open mic" and 25-minute solo sets that enable songwriters to share more of their songs. An emphasis is placed on mentoring, career growth and networking. 

           "We have a wonderful lineup of songwriters for the anniversary show," said show founder Chuck Whiting. "Most of the performers have performed on various 'Tunesmithing' stages over the past 10 years. We plan to return to a regular monthly schedule at a new venue sometime this summer."

(Photo: Songwriters celebrate after the "Tunesmithing" anniversary show in 2012.)

           For more information about the event, call (615) 423-9857, write Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com .

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'Tunesmithing' Ninth Anniversary Show to Occur on Oct. 3

     NASHVILLE -- "Tunesmithing" will celebrate its ninth anniversary from 7-10 p.m. Oct. 3 (Wednesday) at the Best Western Music Row, 1407 Division St. in Nashville.

     The special show will help kick off the "Independent Music Fest".  Performers will include singer-songwriters Amy Allen, Lisa Aschmann, Joel Atkins, Meredith Blis, Everette Brown, Butterfly, Wil Comstock, Bryan Cumming, Ashley Helms, Lance Hoppen, Les Kerr, Mirka, Nancy Moran & Fett, Max Niederle, Candy Paull, Cornelius "Popcorn" Robertson, Michael Snellenberg, Steve Trinward, Betsy Warren, and Chuck Whiting.

     Comedian Paulina Combow will emcee the show.  Admission is free. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. "Tunesmithing" is sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions, Music City Arts Update, and Shine Time Books & Music.

     For more information about the event, call (615) 242-9857, write Tunesmithing@Earthlink.net , or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com .

(Photo: Lance Hoppen)

The WannaBeatles to Honor Betty White with Song and Video

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 2012) – The WannaBeatles didn't win a Grammy for their CD "Fab Fan Memories -- The Beatles Bond", but they still love Betty White.

            To prove that, the Nashville band plans to release a song and video honoring the ever-popular 90-year-old actress (the one who beat them out for a Grammy in the "Best Spoken Word Album" category).

            The fun-filled "Oh Betty (The Betty White Song)" will be released this fall to pay tribute to the wisecracking lady who has brought laughter to billions of fans around the world. A video of the song featuring a Betty White look-alike and dozens of silver-haired wannabes will be shot on Aug. 9 at the Palace Theater in Gallatin, Tenn., near Nashville.

            "We're taking the Betty White craze to a new level," said WannaBeatles guitarist/trumpeter Bryan Cumming. "This is the first time a tribute song has been written and recorded for the actress. Our song is a fun little love letter put to music."

            The WannaBeatles worked hard to craft a song that exudes the true spirit of what Betty White is all about.  The toe-tapping, hook-driven tune is reminiscent of clever, song-along hits from the 1950s and '60s.  The star said she was "very flattered" after listening to the song.

            The Beatles tribute band has launched a "Calling All Bettys!" contest in an effort to find the best Betty White look-alike.  The first-place winner will take center stage in the "Oh Betty" video at the Palace Theater in Gallatin, receive a cash prize, and enjoy a complimentary dinner for two at The Whippoorwill. Contest runners-up will be invited to fill the venue with a sea of Bettys.  To enter the competition, individuals should send two photos (one close-up and one full-length) of themselves dressed in the most creative Betty attire to dsmusic1@me.com.  All entries must be received by July 16.  To learn more about the contest and hear a clip of the song, visit http://www.thewannabeatles.com/betty.htm.

            "Although we lost, there's a wonderful Grammy connection between The WannaBeatles and Betty White," said WannaBeatles singer-guitarist Dennis Scott.  "The WannaBeatles hold the unique honor of being the only group to lose a Grammy to the beloved star.  But now during the 50th anniversary of the Beatles, we have the opportunity to be part of a new craze -- BettyMania!"

            The WannaBeatles (Bryan Cumming, Nathan Burbank, Dennis Scott and David Toledo) received their first Grammy nomination in December as the producers of "Fab Fan Memories - The Beatles Bond", a CD featuring songs, stories, recollections and fond thoughts about The Beatles from celebrities and everyday fans.  The project was nominated in the "Best Spoken Word Album" category.  The other nominees included Tina Fey, Betty White, and Val Kilmer. The audio book features narration by George Harrison's older sister, Louise Harrison, with performances by The Liverpool Legends of Branson, Mo., and The WannaBeatles in Music City.

            The WannaBeatles performed original Beatles-flavored songs on the CD. Heartfelt and amusing introspections were provided by fans, including special guests such as Nancy Lee Andrews, Janis Ian, Phil Keaggy, Melissa Manchester, Ken Mansfield, Alan Menken, Wesley Orbison, Bruce Spizer, Billy Swan, and Rod Davis of The Quarrymen.

            Shortly after earning a Grammy nomination, The WannaBeatles launched a spirited campaign to meet Sir Paul McCartney at the awards show in Hollywood on Feb. 12.  The campaign included the release of a new song and video, "We Wanna Meet Paul".

            "Although we didn't get to meet Paul at the Grammy's, we haven't given up," said WannaBeatles percussionist David Toledo. "Betty and Beatles are an unbeatable combination.  Maybe Betty can make the introduction for us.  It ain't over till the funny lady sings!"           

           To learn more about The WannaBeatles or "Oh Betty! (The Betty White Song)", visit http://www.TheWannaBeatles.com or send an email inquiry to dsmusic1@me.com.

'Tunesmithing' to Celebrate Bayou Blues and Jazz on June 20

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 2012) -- "Tunesmithing Off Music Row" will spotlight nine professional and emerging songwriters with a special Bayou Blues and Jazz Night from 7-10 p.m. June 20 (Wednesday) at Taps, 2117 Belcourt Ave. in Hillsboro Village. 

Taking the stage for professional songwriter spotlights from 8-10 p.m. will be singer-songwriters Bryan Cumming (Grammy nominee/"Fab Fan Memories" by The WannaBeatles); Ted Drozdowski (DVD/CD "BIG SHOES: Walking and Talking the Blues"/number five on XM/Sirius Radio's "B.B. King's Bluesville"); Les Kerr ("Mackinac Blues"/NPR's "All Things Considered"); and Mark Robinson ("Quit Your Job -- Play Guitar" CD).  

(Photo: Les Kerr)

An opening guests segment from 7-8 p.m. will feature songwriters Zophia Amey, Julie Delgado, Rocky Dimmick, Haley Georgia, and Kristen Voorhies.  

Publicist-educator-author- songwriter Chuck Whiting and comedian Paulina Combow will emcee the show.  Admission is free. "Tunesmithing" is sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions, Music City Arts Update, and Shine Time Books & Music.  

For more information about the event, call (615) 242-9857, write Tunesmithing@Earthlink.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com .