The C.R. Ecker Band (Behind the Wall)

  In the Starliners "Artist of the Year" competition in Europe, Final Four has gone to Top Two. Two female vocalists, K'Sandra from Los Angeles, a superb dance music performer who is on the verge of explosive stardom, and Sonja Perenda, an Opera/Rock singer from Austria, have advanced to the finals of The Starliners Radio Network competition. With MacAdoo-Perkins of Missouri and The C.R. Ecker Band of L.A. in a week-long tie for third, both become co-honorees as "Top Country Artists of the Year." Also was pleased that we led the voting for four of the first four weeks of te elimination rounds. Pretty good for our first competition.

So now that the final round with completely new voting has begun, The C.R. Ecker Band is asking you to vote for a fantastic entertainer and sister Angeleno, K'Sandra. You can vote for her this week until about 6 a.m. next Sunday, Pacific Time, at http://www.starliners.comule.com/

We knew it would be very time consuming to enter the Top Ten, and boy it was, competing with some of the finest new musical talents in the world. But to get as far as we did, with the fantastic support of family, friends and well-wishers - what a ride! Ironically, we were invited Thursday to take part in another competition here in the U.S. but are declining. There is just too much work to do within our small publishing company concentrating on The C.R. Ecker Band.

A special thank you to those who have pulled through for us with Facebook rolls on their own pages, spreading the word about our band and encouraging others to vote in this competition. Our “support team” includes my loving wife, Linda; my adorable sister Linda; Michele Varacalli-Shoemake, North Carolina’s The Flattened Squirrels and their ‘Squirrel Nation,’; Queensland, Australia rocker Andrew Mann; Kim Smith and Dale Meltzer, my high school classmates; Sylkie Monoff, music publisher John Vitz; Diane Potheir and Tom Jasper of the Dutch Cowboy Club, Meg Wittner-Krings, Judy Kentile, Dan Westerman, Tony Ashlin, Colzi Paolo and Ellen Chen.

And an extra, extra special acknowledgement to Cheryl Nye, Montreal’s #1 rated Pop vocalist who put out six Facebook endorsements for me; and my Swedish nieces Johanna Aslund, now in school in Australia; and Jessica Bornstrom, both responding with Linda and Linda with Facebook rolls at strategic times.

An additional nod to Chris Hawk and Jody Dickey, both announcers for stations in Scotland and the U.S., respectively, who encouraged people to vote by directing them to our band website rather than their competitor’s URL address. They perhaps went out on a limb for me a little bit and I truly appreciate their faith in us and our music.

Last but not least, I would like to give a shout- out to several colleagues who went to the trouble of sharing Facebook posts in November, along with Linda, Linda, Johanna and Jessica, to help us win the monthly voting that put us in the finals. They are Dann Rogers, Maureen Johnson, Gary Amiroff and Crys Quimby

Got more to cover....

   First off, I had the opportunity to appear on Global Talk Radio to discuss the history of the band and the evolution of our "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke song. Here is the link: http://www.globaltalkradio.com/shows/inthenews/ This is the second radio interview about that song, the first on The New 99ers Radio, an internet station devoted to news about American unemployment issues.

   Big, big news out of Music City. Our first fully-produced single was completed at our new Nashville recording studio and released to the public on April 25th, to coincide with the 25th Wedding Anniversary of C.R. and Linda. In 1987, as a wedding present to Linda, our main "band man" wrote a soft R&B ballad, separate from the band playlist, called "Your Smile Says it All." Both the original, the new version, and instrumentals of both will be available through the digital download services under the umbrella E.P title "Your Smile Says it All."  Due to clearance considerations, these songs will not be available for free downloading although the country vocal version sung by Nashville's Amber Rose will be posted on this website and our new Android and iPhone Apps, for streaming.  Stayed tuned!

On February 8th, we released five new songs on cdBaby, iTunes and so forth, including “I Believe in You,” what I consider to be the other best love song I have written to date by myself, sung by the wonderful Susie Stevens, who appeared earlier in January on “Heartless,” co-written with Tim Horrigan and a finalist in the Music City Song Festival, and the Christian song, “A Bright Tomorrow,” that now has held a Top 5 position on The Spotlight Zone Christian charts for two months. ( A well- deserved nod to Tim, a brilliant composer, musician and arranger in his own right, as I never could have gone so far in the music bid'ness without him.)

"Heartless" marks the first song we recorded using a woman to lead us in the music, paving the way for others to follow, including Roxanne Rialito and Buck Young teaming up on a Traditional Country favorite - "A Lotta Love." And a big shout out to Buck, our Eagle Rock "teenage heartthrob" who sang in all but one of the songs from the first album. We are so happy that Susie and Buck have has been able to bring their incredible talents to The C.R. Ecker Band. And let me add that "I Believe in You" is a transitional song for us as we move our production to Nashville, as Susie sang the lead tracks here in Los Angeles with additional instrumentation added at our new production studio facility in Music City.

Also from Februaru is a four-song mostly Traditional Country set sung by the incomparable Michael Stanton, that includes the love song that my wife considers her favorite - “When God Created You.” Michael certainly was the absolutely best man for the job on this collection that also includes “California Cowboy,” “What Can I Do?” and last, but not least, “My Boss” with the unforgettable line --“My Boss is a Pothole in the Road of Life.”

Michael has played a major part in the sound of The C.R. Ecker Band and for his efforts, we will always be thankful. The "Along the Trail" E.P. is as much a tribute to him as it is my efforts to compose a wide variety of traditional and contemporary songs, with thoughful lyrics and memorable melodies. An iTunes reviewer, Jonathan WInthrop, wrote comments that give a good overview of this E.P. as well as "I Believe in You." Well worth reading in our 'News" section!

"Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke)" was the first album lead/title song out of the gate last summer and prompted a writer for the Michigan-based website "MLive" to proclaim it "A Song to Love" because of its message to those down on their luck. Because of that tune, at the "Country Site" and "Voices to Hear" country video websites, you can see some music videos, spotlights, interview with me and even a point-of-view column. Couple of references to the song in the 99ers website (http://www.99ers.net) that covers the hard-core unemployed who have seen their unemployment benefits expire, not to be confused with the 99%ers protestors. Lots more about this song and others on Google and Yahoo too! All you need to do is click on The C.R. Ecker Band in the search box.

To me, the plight of the down-and-out makes up the heart of this non-political song. They hear it, they get it and some have called it a personal "pep rally" song. Gotta' think many others who are not in the same situation are certainly sympathizing with Bushwacked song. And this is not just an American thing. The Bushwacked Song was first played on a traditional FM station, of all places, in Sweden, and then Australia! And if that's not all, it is goin' out this month to 400 AM and FM stations in 26 countries now on a syndicated show called "Future Legends of Country Music" where its ranking, just announced February 10th, sits at #1 in the Top 20!

And then there's "I Just Wanna' Meet Girls" which is the first song to make the "Future Legends..." program. This slap-happy little traditional country tune has been burning up the digital cable wires in 26 countries lately, including a small but growing group of FM stations here and abroad, including a small over-the-air radio station in Nevada where mixin' and minglin' with girls is perfectly legal, if you know what I mean. It started the year at #27 on the French Country Music Top 40 just ahead of my favorite male country singer, Alan Jackson. Now how about that! And in the giftshop, "..Girls" represents the favorite clothing by a mile as 'ole C.R. is doing all he can to help shy guys with a fantastic "ice breaker" with the women. Just supporting the contention that this song is a "Tribute to Testosterone". If the shirts can act like "wingmen," so be it!

We have 20 songs out now that we are really proud of, and they include, from the first album, "Green Eyes," a rowdy road-house rocker with a few slightly naughty lines. We got word February 7th that it's got picked up by a rock station, that's right, rock station, in Queensland, Australia, what a kick. The first album also includesa lament about returning to a simpler life in "My White Collar (Makes My Red Neck Itch)", 'where did love go?' ballads such as "One More Night with You" and the beautifully acoustic "Our Fence Needs Mendin,'" complete and instrumental versions of "Up on My Luck" which is all about bein' so lucky to be married to my wonderful wife, and "Get on My Back," a simple song about friendship.

Changin' pace for a minute, I want to make special note of my heart-felt tribute to a departed little pet in the song, "I'm Thinkin' of an Old Friend Today." It has not gotten much attention in the news media but it should. It is a very, very special song for me since I wrote it after the loss of my wonderful little labrador/shepard mix -- Chubbie. It has been released off the album as a single now and my wife and I hope this song will sell well (same hope for all others) as we were thinking of it when we selected D.E.L.T.A. animal rescue center north of Los Angeles as a charity for 5% of all our net sales. If you have lost a little furry loved one, you will readily indentify with this song.

All for now, plenty more to come. We just know it!

iTUNES: LOVE SONG FOR ALL WITH QUITE A BACKSTORY

I can't say if I have heard a more interesting history of a song than this one described in an interview with C.R. Ecker. As the tale is told, Ecker, before forming the origins of his group in the mid-80s, wrote the Pop version of 'Your Smile Says it All' as a wedding present for his bride in early Spring, 1987. During the reception after the April wedding ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Ecker took to the ballroom floor for the traditional 'first dance.' But as the beaming bride was expecting 'The Wedding Song'," a band, retained for the event, led by the superb L.A. vocalist Tina Meeks, (left) performed 'Your Smile Says it All' much to Mrs. Ecker's surprise and delight.

The Best Man and the Maid of Honor passed out to attendees vocal and instrumental versions of the song on cassettes (recorded by a core group that went on in years to come to become The C.R. Ecker Band.) But 'Your Smile Says it All' never was put out to the public in that pre-digital music age so the rest of us not there for the wedding are hearing it for the first time.

A compelling question finally answered after all these years is why C.R. wrote the song for his new wife with a female performer at center stage, and now once again, clearly singing to a man. He said that "while the emotion certainly comes from a woman to a man in the performance of the song, it is a feeling I held deep inside me about my soon-to-be wife when I wrote the lyrics. It just seemed that the overall sensibility of the song was perhaps more impactful sung by a woman using a key phrase such as 'the look you give me lifts me up on a pedestal.' But that should not diminish the feelings that any man can feel inside, certainly about the one he loves, perhaps not in the exact words I wrote.

When I first met her, through an introduction at a daytime business conference, her smile was the first thing I noticed, beaming, bright and beautiful."

So we fast-forward 25 years from the wedding day with the couple thinking how best to observe their Diamond Anniversary in a meaningful and lasting way. The idea of re-creating 'Your Smile Says it All' as a country ballad took hold very quickly with The C.R. Ecker Band quickly establishing itself to rave reviews in the world of country music. Mrs. Ecker did not look far for a performing group. (And she knew the band leader on a first-name basis, athough he couldn't use it professionally because someone else took it first!)

Now finally in their new Nashville production studios, the band, led by the blessedly talented Amber Rose (left) behind the microphone with her own emotional interpretation of the melody, recorded the new version of the song. And digital release was tied to the anniversary date.

The icing on the cake was the global debut of the country song, thanks to three sentimental program directors, three major Internet stations on three continents. -- one in the U.S., one in Japan and the other in the U.K., timed to the exact hour the couple was married one-quarter century ago. The presenter on the British-based sttion was so moved he played the 1987 and 2012 versions back-to-back.

I believe "Your Smile Says it All' will be a classic love song for all time, most certainly for weddings and other special occasions where the smiles of loving couples in attenance say it all! Enjoy the music whether in country or Pop versions, or both, and reflect on the beauty and wonder that can be spoken with a smile!"

Jonathan Winthrop, iTunes Review 04/27/2012

INTRODUCING C.R. ECKER

Songwriter C.R. Ecker came to country music from a news background in New York and L.A. Not a usual musical career route. “I knew to write with clarity and feeling about my own experiences, match melodies that listeners would remember, make every word count and sung as pronounced, and not waste a note –all advice from my songwriting coach Sam Brown, who also mentored a very young Michael Jackson.

You’ll hear of hope, deep love and true heartbreak in The C.R. Ecker Band’s 20 released songs, all on the major digital download services. But the one he hopes will be his legacy is “Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke) sung by the band’s Buck Young. “In less than six months after its release last summer, it’s been adopted on websites of the two major groups devoted to the long-term unemployed in America – www.99ers.net and ‘Help the 99ers’. I think that says a lot about the media comparisons being drawn to “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime.” Now, my song, originally written and recorded in 1991, is becoming timelier each day as a true ‘Anthem of American Angst.’”

Another ‘message’ song relates to infidelity, and ‘Dixie Lee’ is a sobering account of a tragic love triangle in Texas in the early 1950s. “It is not an easy song to listen to, quite graphic in places, but I consider it the country song equivalent of the movie ‘Fatal Attraction.’ It’s an important song, with a PA label, for our ‘anything goes’ times.”

Then there is “I’m Thinkin’ of an Old Friend Today,” an emotional tribute based on the loss of Ecker’s dog, his long-time best buddy. “It reflects the deep sorrow of loss and the happiness of sharing a loving connection between a human and an animal.”

You’ll find entertainment aplenty too as the band fronts outstanding lead vocalists such as Hollywood’s Susie Stevens in “I Believe in You,” “Heartless” (co-written) and “A Bright Tomorrow” (Christian) as well as L.A. powerhouse performer Michael Stanton, with “California Cowboy” and “When God Created You.”

Ecker has moved production from L.A. to Nashville. The first song off the new front porch is a country re-cast of a Pop ballad he wrote for his new bride in 1987 as a wedding present, “Your Smile Says it All.” It’s sung, majestically, by one of the most promising young vocalists coming out of Music City, Amber Rose.

James McQuiston, April 23, 2012

A REVIEW HEAVEN SENT!

THE C.R. ECKER BAND

There are times when I come across a group that really impresses me with not only their passion in the music they write but how genuine they are with the contact I receive from them. It not only shows that they truly ‘get it’ when it comes to what getting their music out to the masses means but it also makes reviews like this one easy for the author. Out of the Los Angeles area in California “The C.R. Ecker Band” is a country group with a message in every one of their songs that reaches out to you to express the thoughts of not only the band but also on the journey some encounter going through life. Their journey has not been easy, as many indie groups have found over the years.

Getting into the music industry is about as hard sometimes as getting oil and water to mix together, with some of the favoritism and certain dealings that some of the “Top Record Labels” add to the long list of struggles for them to just get noticed. Starting out over 25 years ago C.R. Ecker experimented with several different styles of country and are recognized for among many their song “Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke)” which sends a message deep in to the heart of society. Expressing the struggles that some have to go through with unemployment, the economy and just plain dealing with life. The band itself has dealt with these exact issues, trying to keep the group together, spreading their message and trying to get noticed all while still dealing with standard the trials of life. Another one that I have to say is a must listen would be “California Cowboy” which expresses the culture shock of moving from a quiet Texas area to the bustling metropolis of LA, California. I found it to be quite comical how they describe the area and have listened to it personally over and over, just to get a laugh when something on the site is not cooperating (which tends to happen often) or have dealt with a difficult artist.

Their musics style is riddled with a catchy sound and excellent technique that if you are a musician will understand and appreciate all the experience and work which has led them to their current incredible level of ability. With the new media revolution and dropping production costs groups like “The C.R. Ecker Band” are finally able to get noticed in a whole new way than ever before. Advances in technology and a more open way of thinking in society has led to their music being all over the internet on review sites as well as internet and terrestrial radio stations instead of getting recognition and backing from some of the select underhanded dealings of certain record labels. Of course their music was also featured on 2 editions of “American Thunder” an independent music show which airs on Splash Radio which is gearing up for a 2nd network affiliation starting Friday March 9th, 2012.

Due to their hard work and dedication along with some of the smaller outlets like internet radio “The C.R. Ecker Band” is finally starting to get the recognition they deserve! With several new songs out just in February alone it is clear that they have worked extremely hard towards their dream and I for one salute them for such a quest! This will by no means be the last we hear about “The C.R. Ecker Band”, their message and pure dedication will be taking them right to the top of the list in country music. One of the things that has also helped them rise through the ranks has been flooding the market with their content, taking advantage of every asset possible to get their music better exposure. It is extremely important to saturate the market and I can attest to the difficulty that the reviewers of sites like IMR Online as well as hosts of radio programs have, trying to get content for their purpose. Every extra outlet is another opportunity for an artist and should be viewed as such! If you don’t put yourself out there how are people going to fall in love with your music? Through osmosis? I hate to be the bearer of bad news but that’s not going to happen! So as you finish reading this review on one of the best independent country acts I have ever heard and that’s no lie, remember to pass the information along to those bands, singers and songwriters you come across to heed the advice of utilizing the amazing resources available to them, and while you’re at it tell them to fill out a complete bio as well! There is nothing worse than coming across an amazing artist and the description simply saying “A great infusing rockin’ sound out of this area”. That tells us nothing and will usually get them passed up without a second look because they didn’t take that extra time and effort to expose their message!

Chris Hawk (Program Host) March 6, 2012

NINE NEW SONGS OUT SO FAR IN 2012!

This new year is turning out to be very productive for us, a lotta' songs with a lotta' fantastic lead vocalists, the most recent Amber Rose leading the band in the country re-cast of "Your Smile Says it All. " All of our songs are now on iTunes, Amazon mp3, cdBaby and about one dozen other download music services. In 2012, we started the year with Susie Stevens' at the microphone with "I Believe in You," "Heartless," co-written with Tim Horrigan, and "A Bright Tomorrow." Then there is Michael Stanton gently singing "When God Created You" then cranking up the volume with "California Cowboy," "My Boss" and "What Can I Do?" capped by a traditional country happy tune - "A Lotta' Love" - featuring Buck Young and Roxanne Rialito. ,And don't forget Buck's moving treatment of "Dixie Lee" last fall and the eleven songs from last summer's first album, ""Bushwacked (Bewildered,Beat-up Bad and Broke.) Life is good in our neighborhood!

THE C.R. ECKER BAND IS IN THE BUILDIN'

"I believe that "Your Smile Says it All" will be a classic love song for all time. Enjoy the music, whether country or Pop, or both, and reflect on the beauty and wonder of the spoken smile!" - Jonathan Winthrop, iTunes Reviews (April 25, 2012)

"There's a group of cowboys breaking out of the smoggy morning sun of LA, spreading their thoughts of leaving the country roads for a metropolis filled with beach blondes and congested roads. It's The C.R. Ecker Band sprinting into the spotlight, with a truly unique sound and genius lyrics like in "California Cowboy". Lookout LA and the rest of the world because that "Gold Mercedes" armed with a CB and rebel flags is rolling in to take the big stage, I for one cannot wait and will be airing their music with pride!" Chris Hawk, founder of IMR Online and host for American Thunder on SplashRadio (Feb. 1, 2012)

The C. R. Ecker band is like my best favorite band of all time, like a country version of Sha Na Na's serious side. (Referring to "Bushwacked song.") (To that extent) I have determined to expose you through my station as ‘Real Country’ Radio’s” all-time favorite band." Tom Kawai, Real Country Radio, Inbagun, Chibaken, Japan (Feb. 28, 2012)

“Along the Trail” -- The C.R. Ecker Band scores big with this compilation of country songs featuring one of the most distinguished country singers in The Golden State, Michael Stanton. No two tunes, all written by C.R. Ecker, are alike and shimmer with vitality, beginning with “California Cowboy,” which pokes fun at California affectations like “blondes who mix martinis on Malibu beach.” “When God Created You” is an absolutely wonderful harmonic love song sung by Stanton with tenderness and emotion, and should reign as a classic country ballad of devotion to a mate for a long time to come. “My Boss” with the memorable first line in the chorus, “My boss is a pothole in the road of life,” is as cantankerous yet clever as they come, and should appeal to anyone who “strains to do the work of two.” And “What Can I Do?” What can I say? It’s cute and cuddly like a soft puppy and the closing chorus is a hoot, that’s for sure. Great fun, all! Jonathan Winthrop, iTunes  (Feb 8, 2012)

"In our coverage area of Nevada,'I Just Wanna' Meet Girls' has gotten fantastic feedback from our listeners as it has a title that sums up the pure joy of being a teenage guy, with a bouncy melody that lingers long in your memory. I would even go so far as to say this song should be required listening for every little guy once he turns thirteen and made to memorize, it's so cute!"  DJ Harvey, KQLN Radio, Southern Nevada (Jan 6, 2012)

“I Just Wanna' Meet Girls is a brand new release by The C.R. Ecker Band that is doing really well on the international airwaves, garnering airplay in 26 countries. For any guy that has gone through those teen years when girls finally become 'interesting', this song will have you laughing and singing along. So pick up a copy today. ” Dixie McCorkell, Program Hostess, "Country Legends in the Making" (Dec, 2011)

"Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke") has garnered much media notice around the world for its message that seems to build in timeliness each and every day. Another song is capturing attention in a happy, giddy, cute way. And goodness knows we need more of that in the world today. Ecker calls ‘ I Just Wanna' Meet Girls’ a "tribute to teenage testosterone, pure and simple." ...Some traditional radio stations in the U.S. are starting to take notice. Said one PD, "this song is loopy enough to be a hit!" Other songs include the catchy “My White Collar” (Makes My Red Neck Itch), the love re-affirming songs “Up on My Luck” and "Get on My Back," the soulful “I’m Thinking of an Old Friend Today” about the loss of a pet, and the Saturday night roadhouse rocker “Green Eyes. "One More Night with You," "Our Fence Needs Mendin'" and "When I Walked with You" are pleas to return to love lost. RadioSubmit (Nov 02, 2011)

"A moving song of love, and trust, delivered by one of the most famous singers in T.V. and motion pictures, Susie Stevens, adding an impactful and harmonious voice to The C.R. Ecker Band country music mix. Enjoy 'I Believe in You.' "
- Tradebit (Feb 08, 2012)

Charles Ecker is an awesome artist/ songwriter. - Jody Dickey, Program Hostess, Musiciansmusic.net (April 13, 2012)

"The C.R. Ecker Band releases another wonderful Country single, "I Just Wanna Meet Girls." This song is the second single from their album, "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke)," and has a delightful classic Country sound. The instruments are dynamically balanced as they keep a bouncy rhythm to this enchanting melody. The lyrics, and you would expect this from reading the title, are fun and quite witty as they are a tribute to the ups and downs of being a teenage boy meeting girls. The vocals are charming and capture the free spirited feeling this song has to offer. This band proves they can have fun with music in a creative, toe tapping Country style. If you like Hank Williams or Buck Owens then you will really enjoy the fantastic single, "I Just Wanna Meet Girls." RADIOINDY INTERNET RADIO (Nov 01, 2011)

"The C.R. Ecker Band launches an album this week with a lead song band leader and composer Charles Ecker calls "An Anthem for American Angst." The album, "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-Up Bad and Broke)" features eleven country songs in a variety of styles. "The title song is kind of like 'Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?' in the 30s," says Ecker. "It speaks for millions now experiencing the malaise of our economy, 'sung simple and straight-forward, matter-of-fact, certainly not cute and with a shot of hope.'" "
Top 40 Charts.com (Aug 02, 2011)

"Our organization is supporting you because you are putting something out there with focus and meaning. It takes guts to do what you're doing as one of those within our organization who is not afraid of saying you are struggling in this economy. With songs on the extreme left and right advocating hate and anger, your beautifully simple song, the Bushwacked song, also gaining attention as "the Jobless Song," shows all of us of most all political persuasions, and those who sympathize with us, that we are not alone and should not be looked at as 'lesser' individuals. And to carry the concept of balanced reason forward with the apolitical “Solidify Main Street (TM) informational campaign you conceived on the World Wide Web leading up to the 2012 general election, which you are willing to do voluntarily, is just another reason to say on behalf of all us, a loud and sincere 'thank you.'"   Editorial Review Board, www.99ers.net (Dec 10, 2011)

"The C.R. Ecker Band has something to offer all country music fans in this sampler, from the fun and happy "I Just Wanna' Meet Girls" to the emotional and insightful "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke). The title song reflects an anthem of American angst, given the economic challenges of the modern day...Also featured in this compilation is what the composer describes as a head-bangin' and just plain fun roadhouse rocker, "Green Eyes," inspired by his beautiful wife, and "My White Collar (Makes My Red Neck Itch), a song for those in high rise buildings wanting to return to a simpler life. The full C.R. Ecker Band compilation, available through all major digital music download services worldwide, includes an ode to a long, lost pet who was the composer's pride and joy titled "I'm Thinking' of an Old Friend Today," and straight-up affirmations of love and hope with "Up on My Luck," and "Get on My Back." Art of the Mix.org (Sept. 14, 2011)

"Released as the lead/title song of The C.R. Ecker Band album this summer, Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke) is a simple, straight forward song the composer, C.R. Ecker, calls "an Anthem of American Angst" and just recently described as "a song to love" by MLive.com, a Michigan website devoted to employment issues. Also known now as the jobless song, this song, copyrighted by C.R. Ecker, who is also the publisher, is posted under its formal title on a number of country music video websites but most importantly, on the 99ers.net website, dedicated to persons who have suffered tremendously since their unemployment benefits expired. Bushwacked Song is not a criticism of former President G.W. Bush but rather an apolitical song that ironically was written in 1991 but only came to public attention at the time of the country album's release August 1. " CNN iReport (Oct 28, 2011)

“I Believe in You” -- I suppose in the country music genre alone, there have been a few thousand ‘make up or break-up’ songs over the years, but “I Believe in You” is in a category with few competitors. With this song, Susie Stevens, a long-time star performer in television and film circles, leads The C.R. Ecker Band and shows her ability to hold the listener’s interest with force and emotion. This song, composed by the man whose band bears his name, is about absolute love, and absolute trust, expressed by an adoring woman to her man. “Stand by Your Man” brought out the same feelings decades ago, and “I Believe in You” conveys love in its purest form the same way, but with an entirely different melodic style and lyrical shine. This is a musical Valentine for sure, and I predict it is going to be a standard song at weddings too because of its unflinching focus on pure love. Count on “I Believe in You” to be heard for years and years. Instant classic! Jonathan Winthrop, iTunes (Feb 8, 2012)

"Bright, uptempo tune done in a most traditional country style by Buck Young and Roxanne Rialito of The C.R. Ecker Band.
'Whole Lotta' Love' filling the room when this song is played." cdBaby Music Review, Mar . 12, 2012

"The C.R. Ecker Band, fresh from its summer introduction of its hit "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke)" lamenting the financial failures of America and their impact on the common man, now travels an entirely different direction with the launch of a single that is one of only a handful of country songs ever to carry a Parental Guidance label. “Dixie Lee” (with an Explicit Lyrics Warning Label for sexual and violent themes but no profanity or explicit sexual descriptions) is not an easy song to listen to for those with cheating on their mind or, for that matter, for those that have strayed. " Times of India (Oct 27, 2011)

"So the man who leads the C.R. Ecker Band offers(with the Bushwacked song and Solidify Main Street) a theme, an identity and a consistent apolitical theme song for what he calls “independent-thinking individual Americans, many who are bushwacked, bewildered, beat-up bad and broke themselves, who believe in fixing our country, not tearing it down.” You are encouraged to listen, and buy! " cdBaby Music Review (Nov 21, 2011)

"The most pertinent song from the new album by the C.R. Ecker Band is "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke.") The song, written 20 years ago but never made public until the digital music age allowed for its release, is a simple, straight forward lament on financial struggles facing America. And its apolitical message just gets stronger and stronger each day with no finger pointing, but plenty of woe. In fact, "Bushwacked Song," for short, has been selected by the folks at www.99ers.net to appear on that website, which deals with issues facing those Americans whose 99 week unemployment benefits have expired. Finally, the band has released separately "Dixie Lee," what is one of only a handful of mainstream country songs assigned a 'Parental Advisory' label because of its recounting of lust and violence as the result of a (fictional) love triangle tragedy from mid-20th Century Texas. (And the name is not based on any person living or deceased, we should add.) " eFolkMusic.org (Nov 01, 2011)

"C.R. Ecker has sought to explore a wide variety of country styles. In addition to the down-home, matter-of-fact delivery of "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke)", the album features what the band leader calls "a tribute to teenage testosterone -- "I Just Wanna' Meet Girls, about as traditional country as you can get short of Roy Acuff."  Voices to Hear (Oct 14, 2011)

"This is "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke)" by The C .R. Ecker Band creating an unwarranted stir, around America, for the composer by people incorrectly thinking the song is a knock against former President George Bush. General feeling from people who hear the song and watch the video (on YouTube) is that it takes some of the edge off, a little bit during these troubled times. For C.R. Ecker, maybe that is worth his efforts to write and record this song 20 years ago when times were tough then, trying for all these years to get it heard when our economy is in deeper trouble." Squidoo.com (Nov 02, 2011)

"“Ever since its official launch with a Times Square electronic billboard lighting ceremony August 1, The C.R. Ecker Band country music compilation has landed on all major American digital music download platforms. What had been planned as a second single, "I Just Wanna' Meet Girls," caught up in popularity to the Bushwacked song single in three short weeks. Both songs, joined by "Green Eyes" and "Up on My Luck", are being heard by thousands of Internet radio listeners beyond the borders of the U.S. -- from Australia to here in Sweden, Germany to India and Great Britain to the Philippines. Expanding to the visual medium, the BBBuB&B and "I Just Wanna' Meet Girls" music "cartoon" videos are now on YouTube. A karaoke version of "Up on My Luck" was just added to the YouTube collection.” Nöjesradion Enköping (Entertainment Radio), Vasteras, Sweden (Oct 17, 2011)

"I have a feeling there are a lot of people these days who can identify with the lyrics for this new one from The C.R. Ecker Band called "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke)." COUNTRYSITE MUSIC VIDEO (Sep 12, 2011)

"Bushwacked, Bewildered, Beat-Up Bad and Broke" -- a song you got to love... a song for our times." MLIVE WEBSITE - State of Michican Unemployment News Website (Sep 20, 2011)

"Terrific group. In the tradition of Creedence Clearwater Revival with its hit "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke)! Great lyrics, good balance of instruments doesn't cover up the songs." Jango Internet Radio (Nov 14, 2011)

Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke)" is so spot on at every level - what I'm going through, what my listeners are going through, what all of America is going through. It's a damned funny song with a damned serious message!"
- Mr. Ashwad, The New 99ers Radio (Mar 05, 2012)

"POWERFUL PORTFOLIO OF MUSIC: The C.R. Ecker Band has tremendous traditional and contemporary country tunes in its collection, plus one of the most vivid inspirational songs I have ever heard – 'A Bright Tomorrow.' I predict C.R. Ecker’s songs will be remembered for years to come, either in their original band mixes and through covers by current major label artists. Just you wait and see!"  The Music Buzz Reviewlog (February 22, 2012)

"We are going to talk (today) about how one particular song of our times (Bushwacked, Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke) is moving people to think, feel and act about its message." Kevin Dawson, Global Talk Radio (Mar 20, 2012)

A couple of other notes, "I Just Wanna' Meet Girls," exceeding so many expectations about its popularity world-wide, started the year out at #27 just ahead of Alan Jackson on the French Top 40 Country Music Charts, based on ratings from the European Country Music Association. And lastly, let's take a look at the Country Music Top 10 ratings so far from The Spotlight Zone Internet Music Service at different points between December, 2011 and January, 2012, based on five star perfect ratings and its top chart position noted with a number in a black circle --  I Just Wanna’ Meet Girls ☆☆☆☆☆ ❶;  I Believe in You ☆☆☆☆☆ ❶; Dixie Lee ☆☆☆☆☆ ❶; Heartless ☆☆☆☆☆ ❶;   Bushwacked Song ☆☆☆☆☆ ❹; I'm Thinkin' of an Old Friend, Today ☆☆☆☆☆ ❹;   Get on My Back ☆☆☆☆☆ ❼; A Lotta' Love ☆☆☆☆☆ ❼.   Separately, on the Top 10 Christian chart -- A Bright Tomorrow ☆☆☆☆☆ ❶ ..

Outstanding band! The level of songwriting, craftmanship,vocals, and production are spectacular! The C.R. Ecker Band is the best of the best, and should be #1 on any chart. Cheryl Nye, Revernation's #1 Pop Vocalist, Montreal (April 21, 2012)

We know there's more to come, and we'll keep ya' posted!

If you listen to any "traditional" AM or FM country station, anywhere, you will hear some 25 "major label artists" singing in about three hour rotations each day.. Others listen to music by playin' Compact Discs and many are set in their ways disbelievin' that CDs won't be around much longer. If you don't believe me, stop by a Best Buy or Costco these days and try to find many of 'em.

If you are going to buy our music, which we really hope you do so we can go onward and upward, please purchase mp3 files through cdBaby unless you are fully a fan of iTunes, which also will bring all our songs purchased through that service int

o your system smooth as butter. (You can convert mp3 files to iTunes, but not the other way around, unless you buy a special software package. But I digress.)

I have a fondness for cdBaby for several reasons. First, the founder of the company invented the digital music download process, about five years before iTunes came on the scene. Second, his company has been super-easy to work with from its Portland, Oregon base and helped our band through the initial launch of the Bushwacked compilation. The "babies," as the associates call themselves, are always there to help us -- just a good old American company.

So regardin' cdBaby, All you need to do is go to http://www.cdbaby.com/ then type in The C.R. Ecker Band in the search box. There you will see our page and all our music ready for on-line retailing! For iTunes. simply go to the iTunes on-line store, type in The C.R. Ecker Band in the upper right search box, and we magically appear. And for both buying through the Big Guy, or any other music downloaders that allow such as Amazon mp3, Nokia and about one dozen others around the world, please write up a comment for others to read, hopefully saying how much you like the song or songs you just purchased.

But we seem to learn more each day, and we completed the "widget" section of this site with a bunch of links to Facebook, Twitter, music download sites and so forth to make things even easier for you as you read on! And don't forget we have free band apps now for Android and iPhone devices.

Also, we suggest you go to http://www.cafepress.com/charlesecker It has got lots of stuff from the music and a little bit from an apolitical 'Solidify Main Street" website I researched, voluntarily, to try to counter all the yellin' and shoutin' going on these days. Simply a voter education site for the November elections. Nuthin' more to it. I don't take sides on this site.

And by the way, we are taking no profits from the sale of stuff. Any of it. For us, it's a way to promote our music. So the money we get after CafePress takes its cut goes to The Wounded Warrior Project and D.E.L.T.A animal rescue shelter, as does 10% of anything we make on song sales.

"BUSHWACKED..." COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASED SUMMER 2011

1. Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke)   (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

2. I Just Wanna' Meet Girls    (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

3. My White Collar (Makes My Red Neck Itch) (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker, D. Rogers and P. Earhart)

4. Up on My Luck   (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

5. Get on My Back   (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

6. I'm Thinkin' of an Old Friend Today (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

7. Green Eyes   (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

8. When I Walked with You (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

9. Our Fence Needs Mendin'   (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

10. One More Night with You (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

11. Up on My Luck (Instrumental)   (Music by C.R. Ecker)

COUNTRY SINGLES RELEASED OCTOBER 2011

1.  Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke) -Solidify Main Street Tie-in (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

2. I Just Wanna' Meet Girls (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

3. Dixie Lee (Parental Advisory)  (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

COUNTRY SINGLES RELEASED JANUARY 2012

1. Heartless (featuring Susie Stevens) (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker and Tim Horrigan)

2. I'm Thinkin' of an Old Friend Today (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

CHRISTIAN SINGLE RELEASED JANUARY 2012

1. A Bright Tomorrow (featuring Susie Stevens) (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

"ALONG THE TRAIL" E.P. ALBUM RELEASED FEBRUARY 2012

1. California Cowboy (featuring Michael Stanton) (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

2. When God Created You... (featuring Michael Stanton) (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

3. My Boss is a Pothole in the Road of Life (featuring Michael Stanton) (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

4. What Can I Do? (featuring Michael Stanton) (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

COUNTRY SINGLE RELEASED FEBRUARY 2012

1. I Believe in You (featuring Susie Stevens) (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

2. A Lotta' Love (featuring Buck Young and Roxanne Rialito) (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

COMBO COUNTRY/POP E.P. OF ECKER WEDDING SONG  (April 25th RELEASE)

1. Your Smile Says it All (Country) (featuring Amber Rose, recorded March 2012)

2. Country Instrumental Cover

3. Your Smile Says it All (Pop) (featuring Tina Meeks, recorded March 1987)

4. Pop Instrumental Cover

COUNTRY SINGLES TO BE RELEASED FALL 2012

1. Whisper Sweet Nothin's (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

2.. Good Ole' Days (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

COUNTRY SINGLES TO BE RELEASED SPRING 2012

1. The Very First Night (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

2 Our Separate Ways (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

'WE ARE FREE' AMERICANA EXTENDED TRILOGY TO BE RELEASED SUMMER 2013

Part One - We Are Free - Fife 'n Drum Musical Signature with Spoken Word Intro (Music and  Words by C.R. Ecker)

Part Two - We Are Free (Duckworth Cadence)   (Words by C.R. Ecker)

Part Three - We Are Free (Thanks to Our Heroes) (Words and Music by C.R. Ecker)

NOTE: DONATIONS AMOUNTING TO $4,000 ARE REQUESTED FOR THIS COPYRIGHTED SONG TRIAD WITH THOSE CONTRIBUTING TO RECEIVE SUPPORTER'S CREDIT IN THE ALBUM NOTES. WHILE THIS SONG WILL BE REGISTERED FOR COMMERCIAL USE, IT WILL BE OFFERED, AT THE COMPOSER'S PREFERENCE AND AT NO CHARGE, TO ALL NATIONAL MUSIC DIRECTORS OF THE ARMED SERVICES OF THE UNITED STATES FOR RECORDING AND LIVE PERFORMANCE PURPOSES IN PERPETUITY. (FOR DETAILS, CONTACT C.R. ECKER at crepdrca7@yahoo.com)

schedule subject to change

Less than six weeks after the launch of the Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke) album, an American website for new and emerging artists - Voices to Hear, was quick to realize the creative musical talents of C.R. Ecker and the work he was doing as a composer and band leader. As a result, three spotlights were published in quick succession, beginning with this special feature by Editor John Holland.

SPOTLIGHT: THE C.R. ECKER BAND

The C.R. Ecker Band has something to offer all country music fans in this sampler, from the fun and happy "I Just Wanna' Meet Girls" to the emotional and insightful "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke).

The "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke" album features a title song that reflects an anthem of American angst, given the economic challenges of the modern day. But this apolitical ballad was written twenty years ago, in an era that also was driven by a bad economy, a time when a candidate, campaigning on the platform "It's the Economy, Stupid," went on to become a two-term President. During its initial summer 2011 release by The C.R. Ecker Band, some refused to even listen to the song thinking it was a knock on George W. Bush. The publishing company was forced to do a PR campaign in mid-August noting the song was written and recorded well before the former President took office. Once people heard the song, says C.R. Ecker, they got it and its acceptance is rising at a rapid pace, both in the U.S. and Canada as well as abroad.

Ecker has sought to explore a wide variety of country styles. In addition to the down-home, matter-of-fact delivery of "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke)", the album features what the band leader calls "a tribute to teenage testosterone -- "I Just Wanna' Meet Girls, about as traditional country as you can get short of Roy Acuff. He notes that as we head into the fall, 'Girls' is receiving heavy airplay on Internet Radio with an extremely high listenership outside of North America in the Philippines, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. Also featured in this compilation is what the composer describes as a head-bangin' and just plain fun roadhouse rocker, "Green Eyes," inspired by his beautiful wife, and "My White Collar (Makes My Red Neck Itch), a song for those in high rise buildings wanting to return to a simpler life.

The full C.R. Ecker Band compilation, available through all major digital music download servces worldwide, includes an ode to a long, lost pet who was the composer's pride and joy titled "I'm Thinking' of an Old Friend Today," and straight-up affirmations of love and hope with "Up on My Luck," and "Get on My Back." Then there are pleas to return to a love lost in “When I Walked with You" and "One More Night with You." For good measure, an instrumental version of the upbeat "Up on My Luck" concludes the compilation and is now on YouTube as a karaoke video, complimenting videos already there for "Bushwacked... and "Girls...".

An important posting on musicSubmit is just the latest key step in the rollout of the "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke) album. Ever since its official launch with a Times Square electronic billboard lighting ceremony August 1, The C.R. Ecker Band country music compilation has landed on all major American digital music download platforms. What had been planned as a second single, "I Just Wanna' Meet Girls," caught up in popularity to the BBBuB&B single in three short weeks here and abroad. Both songs, joined by "Green Eyes" and "Up on My Luck", are being heard by thousands of Internet radio listeners beyond the borders of the U.S. -- from Australia to Sweden, Germany to India and Great Britain to the Philippines. Expanding to the visual medium, the BBBuB&B and "I Just Wanna' Meet Girls" music "cartoon" videos are now on YouTube and can be accessed by typing in the full album title. A karaoke version of "Up on My Luck" was just added to the YouTube collection. For additional information, go to http://bushwackedalbum.blogspot.com/

Next up, a simple six question and answer format by John Holland for those artists selection to take part:

Simply Six: C.R. Ecker

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed
Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

Ecker: As a songwriter, it would be The Beach Boys, at least at the beginning. I had never heard such harmonies fit so perfectly with words crafted to match so seamlessly, all from Brian Wilson alone in his room less than ten miles from the ocean. So I joined our high school glee club and a four-kid group called The Informal Vocal Culture Society. (I was the Josh Turner-type voice.) In my 20s, when my interest turned to country, I suppose the crafting of words and music inherent in that genre drew me to composing in that style? Great way to tell stories and the words really do count for something!

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

Ecker: For someone who has written mostly country, I really like Brad Paisley, the Zac Brown Band and Keith Urban, currently. Long-time favorites include Kenny Rogers, Kentucky Headhunters, and, most of all by a mile, Waylon Jennings. And in the summer, at a live performance in Simi Valley, California, I saw Jamestown Revival for the first time. These two guys from Texas will end up in the Country Music Hall of Fame someday, you wait and see! Texas country at its coolest. But I gotta’ tell you, the Beatles had a big impact in my musical direction. You can hear it in two of the album cuts – “One More Night with You” and “When I Walked with You.”

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

Ecker: The greatest moment is from idea generation to hearing the end result. Since I composed the songs and produced them working closely with a top-notch arranger I met at The Los Angeles Songwriters Showcase, it’s when I would hear the master tape for the first time after all the production elements were put together into the mix that the public would hear. No more changes because none were needed!

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

Ecker: I can’t think of any songs that have changed the world, but John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance” was certainly the musical benchmark of my generation and still gives me pause when I hear it. I really do hope that “Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke) will become more than just a song, but will rally people to be more active in demanding change in government and finance to fix our economy. I would like listeners to think and act. This thoughtful, simply sung composition is not entertainment, by any stretch of the imagination. It’s kind of like when “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” made people listen in the Great Depression and know they were not alone being down and out. The most touching reaction from a listener to BBBuB&B has been – “I feel this song is written for me and all the others on the ropes and when I listen to it, each time it helps to take the edge off, even if just for a little while.” We must have done something right in the early stages of the album launch as BBBuB&B now sits in the website devoted to the song made famous so many years ago by Al Jolson. From my point-of-view as the songwriter, that says a lot.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Ecker: Thankfully, it has been a game-changer for songwriters and performers. No need for publishers or labels now. We do that. No need for fronting heavy CD, jewel case and packaging expenses either. Thanks to Internet radio, we are being played in 25 countries in just four short weeks. The big challenge that still remains for Indies like us is getting airplay on traditional AM/FM stations. But I think that will change when listeners catch on that, no matter the station format, they are hearing the same 15 or 20 performers in rotation, over and over and over again, with commercials all or most of the time. So now, all our music, in this album and hopefully another in 2012, will be heard around the world. Wow!

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes wpuld you be?

Ecker: Deck shoes. Easy to put on, pretty wear resistant, comfortable and just right for where I live in Los Angeles, near Marina del Rey. If I ever walk along the docks in cowboy boats, my wife assures me you will be the first to get a photo of me falling in the water!

In the next appearance on Voices to Hear, the man whose band bears his name was asked by John Hollard for his views on how there are times it takes more twists and turns than Mulholland Drive for a song to finally break from behind the wall, which gave Ecker the idea for the name of this "Behind the Wall" band website. Here is his commentary.

POV: C.R. Ecker

LIKE SONGWRITERS AND PERFORMERS, EVEN SONGS
HAVE TO BE PATIENT SOMETIMES TO MAKE MONEY

By C.R. Ecker

Sometimes you hear a song that seems to have been written right now, just for you. But other times, the song that provides what you think is right smack in your time worked its way to you through a series of twists and turns more pronounced than those on Mulholland Drive, in a creative journey starting long before you heard it.
Let’s begin with the song “As Time Goes by,” named the Number 2 film song of the 20th Century by the American Film Institute. It was written by an “add-on” songwriter supplementing the main songwriting duo doing the score of an early 30s Broadway musical called “Everybody’s Welcome.” (It lasted just 139 performances over a 3 ½ month period beginning in October, 1931.)

So the musical wasn’t a hit, nor was the song. It got picked up by the then well-known singer Rudy Vallee, but was not a chart breaker for the ages.

Fast forward to 1942, when the movie “Casablanca,” set in war’s shadows, was made. The song was sung on celluloid by Dooley Wilson with a simple piano accompaniment then heard as background in and out of the film. (There was a musician’s strike going on at the time so Wilson could not release a single of the song.)
So the studio dusted off Vallee’s eleven year- old recording and it became the Number 1 song of 1942 at a time when the phrase “As Time Goes By” presented a special meaning during the beginning of World War II, at a time nobody was sure how much time would go by until war’s end.

Since then, “As Time Goes By,” originally an add-on for an unsuccessful play has been covered by 31 artists, most recently Rod Stewart! Over the years, it’s made millions.
Let’s move on to Mel Tillis and his song “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town.” In the late 60s, I heard more than one DJ relay the story that the song was not written about a war-damaged soldier’s sorrow over his girl’s cheating ways during the Vietnam War, but rather the lament of a fighting man disabled by combat some 15 years earlier in Korea. I swear I heard the radio DJs correctly because I was one of a few living in the 60s who actually remembers everything. Today’s website sources I reviewed do not take this point of timing on.

But to reinforce this timing and I take this phrase word-for-word from a web source -- “hit covers” were done by country singer Johnny Darnell in 1967 and Kenny Rogers, making his transition from rock to country, two years later. By this reasoning, there had to be an original artist somewhere. (See what I have learned by watching CSI Miami too much.)

So it would appear Tillis wrote that song way before it became a hit although I can’t find conclusive proof other than what I heard from the likes of the New York City DJs I listened to attentively. And being a teenager back then, I knew Boss Jocks were rock solid bastions of truth, freedom and the American way!
The end result -- the Darnell “cover” of “Ruby…” reached #9 in the country charts then faded. And Rogers’s cross-over version sold some seven million copies in ten years and has been covered by 15 other performers over the years.

There are other examples that come to mind too -- Dolly Parton singing “I Will Always Love You” with Whitney Houston years later making a memorable cover chart buster that is still played today, and The Animals recording “House of the Rising Sun” traced to a 16th Century British folk tune put onto a record in 1933 by two Appalachian folk singers, Clarence Ashley and Gwen Foster. All these songs identified with a certain time, but written previously. And I would say that the song brought millions to the songwriter, but nobody knows who the songwriter was!

And now for the capper, and I know this story first hand from start to finish!

There was a group of musicians in 1991 in Los Angeles, looking to hit the stage and strike it rich with a bunch of country songs, one summing up the economic challenges of the big recession of that time, so bad where they lived that the Los Angeles Times called it a “pocket depression” in that city.

That last song of about 18 written for The C.R. Ecker Band was called “Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke.) But with no funds, any stage show was “no go”.
That meant it sat in a box for twenty years until C.R. (me) brought the songs out and put together an album for digital distribution from various studio sessions.

Now this song is probably going to be something like “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” was during the Depression. Maybe that is why it is featured on the increasingly important 99ers.net website set up for jobless people who have run out of their unemployment benefits and with many facing serious financial challenges. (It even sat as a link on a “Brother…” website for two months after its introduction but can’t find it anymore.)

That song was the hit record of 1932 with versions by Vallee and Bing Crosby being played on Victrolas all over the land. Don’t know how many copies were sold but the songwriter was glad for what he could get during those days.

I hope my song is not going to be played any longer than the time this economic mess ends. And maybe 100 years later, people can read about the two songs in a “Great Tunes from Crummy Times” website. But it sure provides a musical background for our current economic challenges. One listener called it his “personal pep rally,” there when he needed it. That’s all I can ask for.

So if you download it for a buck, you will hear a song that never made it to the public until the new digital music revolution made it possible for thousands upon thousands of Indies to be heard. Not a word changed over 20 years!

Artistic freedom wins out. Now to figure out how to make money…

John Holland's Note: The C.R. Ecker Band album “Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke)” is available on iTunes and all other major mp3 aggregators here and abroad. Also, the songs are featured on Spotify and two upbeat cuts, “I Just Wanna’ Meet Girls” and “My White Collar (Makes My Red Neck Itch)” appear on The Starliners Radio Network, which broadcasts throughout Western Europe. The author composed words and music to all the songs save “White Collar…” which he co-wrote with two others. And if all goes well, the man whose band bears his name says there will be a second album in the spring. For more information, Google -The C.R. Ecker Band.