Monthly Archives: April 2013
Billy Bragg @ The Belcourt Theatre / Nashville TN / April 17, 2013
The other night I went to hear a political dissertation, and a concert broke out. That is one way to describe a Billy Bragg show, but it certainly would pay a disservice to his splendid musical talents. Mr. Bragg’s politics are no secret. His views are so far left he makes Steve Earle seem like […]
Richard Thompson Electric Trio @ Third and Lindsley / Nashville TN / April 6, 2013
I have always had great respect for the talents of Richard Thompson; however, it has been difficult for me to fully relate to this venerable British folk singer-songwriter and guitarist. His songs seemed to come from another culture. His overall sound was simply too dark and brooding for my taste. Nonetheless, his reputation amongst the […]
BEYOND BELIEF: “No Stranger to this House” – Elvis Joins George Jones for Nashville Taping of Ricky Skaggs Monday Night Concerts
This article originally appeared in Beyond Belief #11 back in June 1997. R.I.P Possum! It’s not often in life that one gets a second chance at making amends for a less-than successful attempt at a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not unless of course you are Elvis Costello. In 1983, a possible combination of stage fright and a […]
The Lone Bellow @ Grimey’s New & Preloved Music / Nashville TN / April 6, 2013
A buzz of excitement filled the crowded room at Grimey’s for The Lone Bellow’s Saturday in-store performance. Everyone knew that The Lone Bellow would soon be added to the list of popular back-to-basics Americana bands such as The Avett Brothers, Mumford and Sons, The Civil Wars, and The Lumineers. Each of these bands has also […]
4 Pianos—16 Hands / Belmont University School of Music Piano Faculty: McAfee Concert Hall / Nashville TN / April 4, 2013
Music City generously offers many free musical events–all it takes to attend them is one’s ability to track them down. Thanks to a friend amongst the night’s performers, I was able to witness a brilliant display of talent in a truly remarkable setting. As a part of their Faculty Concert Series, the Belmont University School […]
TIN PAN SOUTH—JILL ANDREWS, MINDY SMITH, DANIEL TASHIAN & KATE YORK / The Listening Room Cafe / Nashville, TN / April 3, 2013
Tin Pan South is a somewhat under-the-radar Nashville songwriter festival now in its 21st year. Meant to showcase the writers behind the hits “past, present and future,” this event seems to bring more tourists to town than attract locals. The Listening Room, one of this year’s host venues, is a “wannabe” Bluebird, now in its […]
The Silver Seas Announce UK Tour and New LP
Noted British disc jockey Danny Baker and I share something in common: We both claim Nashville’s Silver Seas to be our favorite band. Their sophisticated and melodic pop songs never fail to satisfy and they are an exciting live act. Here is a recent announcement on their Facebook page: We can finally announce that the […]
DR. JOHN & THE NITE TRIPPERS: Franklin Theatre / Franklin TN / March 29, 2013
The Doctor was in! Last Friday night, Dr. John came to downtown Franklin to medicate a sold-out crowd with a healing potion of New Orleans-flavored jazz and R&B in a soothing 100-minute set. In the process, seeing the 72-year old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer (Class of 2011) knocked another classic artist off my […]
Mike’s Music Lists: John Hiatt’s “Memphis in the Meantime”
Many great songs have been written about the city of Memphis. This list however deals with only one of them: John Hiatt’s “Memphis in the Meantime.” Hiatt is an American songwriting treasure, releasing 21 fine long players over a brilliant career dating back to 1974. His ode to the home of Elvis, Sun Studios and […]
Music City Mike 