Sales of singer-songwriter's new CD to benefit Book'em

Photo courtesy of Martin Palmer

Nashville-based performing songwriter Shantell Ogden will release a new country and folk album, Stories Behind Songs, on Oct. 7, with 50 percent of sales from a CD release event to be donated to Book’em, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to children’s literacy.

The CD release celebration and live performances will be held at the Listening Room in Cummins Station from 7-11 p.m. Every CD sold that night will allow Book ‘em to donate a book to a local child.

“I’m so excited to be releasing Stories Behind Songs and helping children receive their own stories through Book’em,” Ogden said in a release. “I credit my songwriting roots to growing up with a love of books and music, and because every song has a story, it was a natural fit to support Book’em through CD sales.”

Ogden asked fans to participate in the album by sending her their stories to inspire the songs. As a result of the invitation, Ogden wrote “Love Always Finds a Way” based on the real-life love story of Louise and Laura Lee Sillay of Alpharetta, Ga., a couple who have been married for more than 65 years.

Ogden’s new album emphasizes her evolution as a songwriter and co-writer in the country market, while honoring her singer/songwriter roots.

“Whether I’m writing country, folk or alternative music, I am a big believer in keeping the characters real and the emotions honest,” said Shantell. “To me, a great song reveals something compelling or funny about who we are, and I love how that connects us.”

The album features the work of various Nashville-based session musicians and songwriters, including Thom Schuyler (has written songs recorded by Kenny Rogers, The Judds, Tanya Tucker and Lacy J. Dalton), Kevin Post (Blake Shelton, Terri Clark), Tigar Bell (Merle Haggard, Travis Tritt), Dave Smith (Lee Greenwood, Mel McDaniel) and Monty Parkey (Alan Jackson, Daryl Worley). Dave Smith produced the CD, which was recorded and mixed at his studio, Nashville Song Lab in Nashville; the album was mastered at Jimmy Dulin Productions.