Two of the three Dixie Chicks, sisters Emily Robison and Martie Maguire, have formed a new group called the Court Yard Hounds and produced an album that is available for pre-sale now on the group’s website, and will be released in its entirety by Columbia Records on May 4, 2010.
Missing from Court Yard Hounds: Natalie Maines
The new group sprang from Robison and Maguire’s desire to write and perform music at a time when Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines wasn’t ready to return to the recording studio. The Dixie Chicks have been on hiatus since 2006.
“We are an extension of who we were, and we’re still the Chicks, but at the same time, it’s fun and exciting be doing something new,” said Emily Robison in a video released on the new group’s website. “We had that itch to make music again.” Martie Maguire agreed. “It’s healthy to keep playing and follow the inspiration when it comes,” she said, “and we were definitely feeling inspired.” Robison’s divorce from country singer/songwriter Charlie Robison provided material for many of the songs on the new album.
Asked how the Dixie Chicks’ fans would react to the new group, Robison said, “I think the fans will be curious if nothing else, and will at least give the music a listen, so it’s a great beginning.”
The sisters acknowledged that taking center stage instead of singing harmony to back up lead singer Maines had been a big change for both of them. While Robison sings lead vocals in most of the songs on the new album, Maguire also fronts for the band on a song she wrote, Gracefully.
Four Tracks from Album Available Now with Pre-orders
While the complete Court Yard Hounds album won’t be available until May of 2010, four tracks are available through the group’s website as instant downloads with an advance purchase of the whole album. The downloadable tracks are: Ain’t No Son, Delight (Something New Under the Sun) The Coast, and Fear of Wasted Time. The same four tracks are also streamed for listening on the website and have been sent to radio stations as a sampler.
Courtyard Hounds Tour Kicks off March 18 in Austin, Texas
Robison and Maguire will appear at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas on March 18th for their first live concert as Court Yard Hounds. Future shows have yet to be announced, but the group plans to perform at intimate venues in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Latest Musical Venture in a Long Country Music Career
Emily Robison and Martie Maguire started performing bluegrass music before they reached their teens. They founded the Dixie Chicks in 1989, and hit the big time when they brought on lead singer Maines in 1998 and released the album Wide Open Spaces. Since then, the Dixie Chicks have sold more than 30 million albums and won 13 Grammy awards.
Christine Mann - Christine Mann writes about quilting, home decor sewing, and creativity in daily life.
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