Wariner, Morgan Find Inspiration In The Past

Artists are looking to the past for inspiration for their new albums. Steve Wariner salutes Chet Atkins with his release out tomorrow (11/10) and Lorrie Morgan revisits Country classics for her new project.

Wariner’s My Tribute to Chet Atkins, is a self-produced ode to the legendary guitarist and producer who was also his friend, mentor, producer and former employer. For the album, Wariner took a unique approach and did more than simply play Atkins’ songs. As he has repeatedly stated, “You can’t out-Chet Chet.” Instead, Wariner arranged the album as a rough timeline of Atkins’ life, from his early days playing the mountain music of his native Luttrell, Tennessee, to swing, rockabilly, pop, folk and jazz. Wariner includes his versions of some of the songs that Atkins recorded or performed—“Back Home Again in Indiana,” “John Henry” and “Blue Angel, as well as “Producer’s Medley,” but the bulk of the album consists of original songs Steve wrote in the various styles that Atkins made famous. The album is available on Wariner’s own SelecTone Records, distributed by Allegro Media Group. This week Wariner visits GAC Nights, Kix Brooks on American Country Countdown, Eddie Stubbs’ on 650 AM WSM (11/16), and RFD’s Ralph Emery Live (11/23). On Friday, Nov. 13, he will sign copies of the CD at Opry Originals, the Opry store in downtown Nashville, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., prior to his Opry at the Ryman appearance.

Lorrie Morgan’s latest, A Moment In Time, is her interpretation of classic country songs such as “Leavin’ On Your Mind,” “Cry” and “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” Available through Country Crossing Records, the album was recorded live and produced by Wally Wilson and Chip Voorhis. The album also features duets with Raul Malo (“Easy Lovin’”) and Tracy Lawrence (“After The Fire Is Gone”). Her promotional appearances include GAC, CMT, The Daily Buzz, Sirius/XM, Fox News, HLN’s and the Food Network’s Iron Chef.

Early next year, Morgan will return to New York to begin rehearsals for the Broadway adaptation of Pure Country, the 1992 film starring George Strait. Morgan will star as “Lula,” in the role originally played in the movie by Lesley Ann Warren. Playing opposite Morgan is fellow country star Joe Nichols in the role of “Dusty.”