Your Country's Right Here: Lyle Lovett to Receive ASCAP Award as he Continues Tour behind "Release Me"

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Lyle Lovett doesn’t know what is next for him, but he finds that exciting.

After spending the bulk of his career with Curb/Universal Music Group, he’s now parted ways with the label. No hard feelings, said Lovett, just time to move on.

“My deal has been with the two companies for my career,” said Lovett. “It does feel like the end of an era in my life. A lot of things have changed in the record business since 1986, and I’m eager to be in the new world. I don’t know how it will work yet, but I know I will be able to make records. I’m just glad to have some options.”

For right now, though, the GRAMMY Award-winning musician is on the road, both as a solo performer and with his Acoustic Group, promoting his latest album Release Me.  That A-List acoustic group includes John Hagen (cello), Luke Bulla (fiddle, guitar), Keith Sewell (guitar, mandolin), Viktor Krauss (Alison’s brother plays bass), and Russ Kunkel (drums). Both in private conversations and throughout a recent concert, Lovett’s respect and affection for the members was clear. Not only did he introduce each member but often ceded the spotlight to them, moving into the shadows as he accompanied them on their solo songs.

Although Lovett dipped deep into his country, Americana, alt-country, jazz, blues catalog for one of his latest shows”a rollicking rendition of “That’s Right You’re Not From Texas,” was one of the many high points of the recent concert”he also played many of the 12 covers and two originals on his latest release. Like his back catalog, the new album ranges from songs about tragedy, including Dress of Laces, to the upbeat “Isn’t That So.” The bottom line is that Lovett’s latest album shows the breadth of his musical legacy and Texas roots. As the holiday’s approach, listen for him to work tunes from last year’s EP, Songs for the Season, into the mix.

“I’m really proud of this record,” said Lovett.

And, clearly, it resonates with fans and critics alike as evidenced by his sold-out shows and the honors he is receiving.

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) just announced that it will present Lovett with the ASCAP Creative Voice Award during the 50th Annual Country Music Awards on October 29 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville.

“Lyle Lovett has forged a decades-long, award-winning career by committing to his own unique creative vision: in his songwriting, in his roles in film and television, and as a performer,” said ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Paul Williams in a press statement. “His passions also extend to advocating on behalf of his fellow music creators, and Lyle has often journeyed to Washington, DC to talk with legislators to help protect copyright. He is a musical hero in more ways than one, and we are thrilled to present him with the ASCAP Creative Voice Award.”

Find out more about Lyle Lovett on his official website.