Alan's Mellow Mood

I think Alan Jackson will win a Grammy for his new CD, "Red Like a Rose." It's a work of art -- commercial art that is meant to be seen. It's not a toe-tapping kind of A.J. work. It's thoughtful, romantic, impressive, a mood piece -- maybe a chicks-only piece. He is a talent, and this CD shows that off maybe better than anything he has come up with before. He's also the upcoming cover story in Country Weekly.

George Strait has a new CD coming October 3rd, as does the young "Nashville Star" winner Chris Young.

Fall is my favorite time of the year, as the cool air starts to blow through the changing leaves. And it's always a busy time in Nashville, as the industry gears up for fourth-quarter sales. Tennessee is pretty in the fall.

Rascal Flatts are a fascinating country-music subject. They play tonight (9/22) at the Nashville GEC. I like them personally, and I like their music, but some folks do NOT! Rascal Flatts push the Country envelope, but they are selling concert tickets and making good music. They do good charity work, and their press access is good. Most could learn from how they do it.

Brad Paisley keeps ramping it up. He has a bigger show. He duets with his opening act, Carrie Underwood. He's going higher and higher. Now his wife is pregnant. Life is good for that West Virginia boy!

Kenny Chesney is building his 2007 show on paper right now; March is all we know.

"CMT Crossroads" is the best show on CMT. It's a great idea with mostly excellent results. Now it's going to feature Lindsey Buckingham and Little Big Town. There are obvious story parallels, so this should be good.

I just watched Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers again on "CMT Crossroads," and that was really good. Kenny has a new DVD out this week called "Journey," which looks back at his entire career using good archive footage and lots more.

Sara Evans is still dancing on ABC-TV's "Dancing With the Stars" -- and getting a lot of publicity from it. Let's see if they can convert it to sales. She was drop-dead beautiful gliding around that dance floor last week.

Check out Keith Urban's interview in Interview magazine. The reporter was Elton John! Keith shoots straight, and Elton knows his subject.

Danielle Peck is still climbing with her song "Findin a Good Man." 2006 continues to be her dream year, as she had an Opry debut this week.

The Dixie Chicks were on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," and they sound even better with time. Their music is just great. What could have been for the three girls if the Victor Chavez of country music knew how to stay cool? The girls are off now to Australia. Very sad. I've said it once and will again: a lose-lose for each side, regardless of the spin.