Bo Bice who just played the Opry for the fourth time in the last year is in the studio working on a country record. This is the first time ever that he’s made a full blown country record that will be worked at country radio.

He will be appearing in a documentary about the historic Nashville flood that includes Charlie Daniels and Lee Ann Rimes, and he is wrapping up shooting for a new reality show, Demented Cycles (Orange County Choppers meets Nashville) with Montgomery Gentry.

I kind of thought 3 was Bo’s first country album. But whatever – it does sound like he’s got a lot going on, and it’s only January. I’m eager to see how all these projects shake out. In the meantime, he’s a video of that Everything performance that I can embed. I think I enjoy hearing Bo’s voice bouncing off the studio walls even more than the mic’d up verison.

Andrea met Bo through D. Scott Miller a couple of years ago. She’s recorded some of her own music at Bo’s studio, and also performed with him at least once before:

That’s Andrea at Rockhound on the left, Kady Malloy on the right.

Here’s Bo and Andrea hooking up on Can’t You See at the Country Cares Flood Relief benefit in 2010.

I’d love to hear these two collaborate again. Their voices blend so well, and it’s all the more impressive knowing how quickly this came together. Andrea posted on December 8th that she’d “Just finished up a session for Bo Bice- my god, what a voice he has!” and the song was up in bandbox the next day. And while I’m at it, I also say great work on the arrangement and production, D. Scott. This is one of Bo’s best recordings. Of all time!

Better Man by Bo Bice, Victoria Shaw, and Peter Sallis

Why Can’t I? by unknown

These are a return to Bo’s more soulful side, in contrast to the breezy feel of the songs he’s recently added to his concert setlist, Everything and Summertime. I think some fans are going to be reassured to hear them. Bo’s indicated that he’s recorded all 4 songs and hopes to have them on his next album.

I’m going throw up the video of Summertime too. Bootlegs of this one have been floating around for a while, but this is the first time we can understand the lyrics.

Summertime by Matt Ramsey

This one’s been a little contentious among the peeps – it’s catchy, it’s current, and it’s radio-friendly. But it’s also poppy, it’s a cover (Billy Currington), and lyrically it just doesn’t sound like Bo. I’m on the fence. It’s not the growly, bluesy sound that Bo does best, and I think he hasn’t really made the song his own. That said, it is a fun little thing, and it has to be good for Bo to push his boundaries now and then. Having the band along makes it a lot more interesting, and I really like the way Bo plays with the dynamics in the last verse. So I guess it’s growing on me.

What say you?

Sennheiser, maker of fine microphones, is launching a new contest as part of their Recording Sound Academy. Budding sound engineers and producers can join up, download tracks from “a very special session performed by a top artist” and make their own song mix. Guess who that top artist is?

Oh yeah. (Congratulations, Bo!) And guess what he gave them?

Individual instrument and vocal tracks of three yet to be released original songs by Bo Bice

Three new songs?!?!! Oh man. I’m not ready to pony up the $129 fee quite yet, but it’s going to be a long cold winter….

When Bo sang In A Dream on American Idol six years ago, it was a defining moment for him and for the show. No performance before or since stopped the audience in its tracks like it did. I fell a little in love listening to that voice.

Since that night, IAD has been the holy grail for Bo fans. We’ve begged pleaded groveled asked nicely to hear it again, but only a lucky few have caught it drifting out of a soundcheck. But today, the wait is over and the dream comes true. In A Dream is now available for download (as part of the I Love The Road live album/video project).

I warn you, you’ll be taken aback. This version of In A Dream isn’t a repeat of Bo’s Idol performance, it’s a nod to the original Badlands’ version. There’s a guitar, new phrasing, and a very different feel. But above all, there’s that voice. That voice! I’m in love again.

Last May Bo sang in a PBS documentary on the music of the Civil War (see him up there in the corner?). Although he put a stream of Bonnie Blue Flag on Bobice.com for a while, the program was only shown in Tennessee. If you missed out, the soundtrack and DVD of Civil War Songs and Stories are now available. You can get them both for a donation to Nashville Public Television, or buy just the dvd from PBS. Here’s a little something we didn’t know about the track:

Bonnie Blue Flag
Performed by Bo Bice with musicians Bart Walker and Jeff Bradshaw

That was Bart playing backup – cool!

Maybe I’m overdoing it a bit, but damn it, I’m excited! Bo’s just released the details on I Love the Road.

Since 2008, Bo has been working on a new project. The road has been long, but “I Love The Road” will be available November 1st! Pre-order your digital copy today.

The new “I Love the Road” digital download card will feature access to download the entire I Love The Road album, including the a capella version of “In a Dream” never available until now along with 10 other songs. Also included is an exclusive video documentary and never before seen photos. As an added bonus, you will get a free one-year membership to the Bo Bice Official Online fan club. *Restrictions apply

Included with each purchase is a ticket to Bo’s ONLINE Birthday Bash and Album Release party! You’ll be able to enjoy the show via computer from the comfort of your own home! **More details to follow.

Pre-order your limited-edition digital copy of “I Love The Road,” included in our special packages before November 1st and your numbered card will also be hand-signed by Bo.

I have to post this bit again -

including the a capella version of “In a Dream”

Oh my. I have been wanting and waiting and wanting that song for so, so long. I think I’m having the vapors. I’m going to be here breathing into a paper bag for a while, so the rest of you may as well get yourselves over to the Bobice.com store and pick your package.