Jerry Butler & John Wade "Haulin' Grass" (Blue Circle Records)

Jerry Butler & John Wade have announced the release of their new project, “Haulin’ Grass” on Blue Circle Records. “Haulin’ Grass” is a collection of trucker songs from the classic country of Del Reeves to new songs written by Tom T. and Miss Dixie Hall, Steve Thomas & Dale Pyatt, and Robert Evans. Guest artists appearing on the new CD include Kenny Ingram, Steve Gulley and Ron Stewart.

With the release of the project, Butler is actively seeking bookings for the 2010 festival season, with his new group, The Blu-J’s. Jerry has been entertaining bluegrass audiences for over a decade in his travels with such bands as Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, Pine Mountain Railroad and Lynwood Lunsford & The Misty Valley Boys.

The Blu-J’s came about last February as something that John Wade and Jerry came up with as they were passing away the miles in the back of the bus. At one of the festivals there was an open mike night and they decided to sign up. Lorraine heard what they did and suggested they do more of that and create a new project to sell at the record table. Jerry and John decided she might be on to something and decided to pursue this.

After recording their project with Blue Circle Records and having the opportunity to perform at a couple of festivals it became apparent that the bluegrass world was ready for an entertaining stage show and refreshing new sound. Fans will hear a combination of traditional bluegrass, some old country tunes and some gospel as well. The Blu-J’s want audiences to have a good time, laugh, cry, sing along, whatever they’re feeling at the time.

Jerry has been the lead singer/guitar player with Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road for the past three years. After recording this project options were discussed and it was agreed that with the release of “Haulin’ Grass” it was time for Jerry to pursue a new endeavor. Jerry says “that he is thankful for the opportunities that he was given with Carolina Road and wishes them the best in their new endeavors as well.”

As Carolina Road undergoes a transformation this year, Lorraine is wishing Butler much success. “The past three years of Carolina Road was filled with excitement and adventure. The vocal trio with Jerry Butler on lead produced one of the finest combinations on the bluegrass circuit in the 2000’s….Jerry is a great vocalist and puts on a great stage show. It would not be fair for him to not be able to give 110% to this new project he has out now…I wish Jerry much success with his music and will be one of his biggest fans.”

For more information about the new CD or to book Jerry Butler & The Blu-J’s for your festival visit JerryButlerOnline.com.

Jerry Butler & The Blu-J’s will be appearing at the Dare to be Different showcase in Bell Buckle, Tenn. on September 27.

“Haulin Grass” Track Listing:

1. Movin’ On
2. Forty Years of Lonesome
3. Shorty is Forty
4. Backing to Birmingham
5. Legend of the Highway
6. The Road I’m On
7. Looking at the World Through a Windshield
8. Worth the Ride
9. Wheels
10. Be Glad
11. Back Home Again
12. Daddy’s Girl
13. Backing to Birmingham