Neal McCoy is busier than ever as he nears the quarter-century mark of his recording career.

The next few months will see a flurry of activity from the veteran country star, including a live CD/DVD project and his 12th studio album, ‘XII,’ which was co-produced by his famous friends Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert

For the live project, McCoy joined Les Brown Jr. and His Band of Renown, contributing to the all-star celebration titled ‘Music of Your Life with Les Brown Jr. and His Band of Renown, Starring Neal McCoy, and Special Guests Charley Pride and Janie Fricke.’ The track listing for the package will be as long as the title, boasting a hefty 13 tracks for the CD and 21 for the DVD.

The project took McCoy back to his early days fronting a small jazz combo, and he recalled those memories, saying, “My DPTV project with Les Brown gave me the opportunity to do something I always wanted to do, sing with horns and a Big Band, and I’d like to do more of that,” he said.

Reflecting on the music’s timeless appeal, he noted, “I grew up on pop music and Great American Songbook, and I love melody and good phrasing in whatever I’m singing. As I established my cred in country, I started putting songs like ‘Sentimental Journey’ and ‘I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face’ back in the shows. People love the old songs because it’s just great writing all around.”

As for the highly anticipated ‘XII,’ McCoy is suitably eager to share the new music with his fans. “Having Miranda and Blake involved in ‘XII’, the first project at my new label, Blaster Records, is huge for me,” he said. “Not only do they have great vision, but they know when to have fun and when to get serious along with being fantastic musicians. I’m so excited about everything that’s coming up.”

[GAC]

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