Travis Tritt books a new wave of "Storm" dates

Country star Travis Tritt is getting ready to jump into his 2009 touring schedule, which currently includes scattered US dates through the fall.

The singer will kick things off Thursday (2/5) in St. Charles, MO, and play five shows around the Midwest and East Coast through mid-month. So far, he's got a handful of engagements across the country in March and April, and one-off performances in May, June, July and August. Tritt is scheduled to visit a wide array of venues including theaters, casinos and sheds, and play fair and festival dates including Wilkesboro, NC's Merle Fest. Details are listed below.

The Grammy winner's itinerary includes a few "acoustic evening" shows and several performances with dobro master Jerry Douglas. Tritt recently joined Douglas to record the song "Marriage Made in Hollywood" for the dobro player's latest solo release, "Glide."

Tritt continues to support to his 2007 release, "The Storm," despite a legal battle with his label, Category 5 Records. The singer sued the upstart company last year, alleging it failed to promote the album and pay him royalties, among other things.

"The Storm" marked Tritt's first new set of material in three years. Following 2004's highly acclaimed "My Honky Tonk History," he parted ways with Columbia Records due to differing opinions on that project's direction, according to a previous posting at his website.

"The Storm," which reached No. 3 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart, was co-produced by noted bass player and "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson. It showcases Tritt's brand of blue-eyed country soul and features special guest performers including Charlie Daniels and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

The record scored a country hit with the Richard Marx-penned song "You Never Take Me Dancing," which is Tritt's 40th Top 40 single.

During his career, the country singer has sold more than 25 million records and racked up two Grammys and three Country Music Association Awards.