I’ve surely been blessed by knowing Bill Lloyd since I moved to Nashville. As half of 90’s country hitmakers, Foster and Lloyd, today’s Americana community owes him a big debt of gratitude for making that genre what it is today. But, if you know Bill and have followed his now twenty-year plus solo career, its no secret that this man loves his Power Pop.

Released in late 2018, Bill’s latest Working the Long Game made it just I time to find itself on many of the year’s “Best Of” lists, and deservedly so. And even though it finds itself in strong company, this record may very well be the highlight of Bill’s solo work.

On this chilly late Saturday afternoon, Bill brought his Talleymen to Grimey’s new digs in East Nashville for an in-store celebration of the new CD and vinyl release on the Texas-based SpyderPop label. As expected, the room was packed with fans and so many musical friends that they could probably get a quorum and hold a Nashville Musician’s Union meeting! A small contingent from the label also honored Bill by winging it to town for his 40-minute set.

Part of the new record’s strength comes from the company Bill keeps that resulted in a collection of original co-writes with some of his musical friends. Likewise, his Talleymen featured the strong rhythm section of Mike Vargo and Keith Brogdon and the understated but stellar guitar licks of one of Music City’s finest, Pat Buchanan.

Save for the closing number from an older record, Bill stuck to the new release and an unplanned cover of The Beatles’ “Please Please Me” after he broke a string. Just a few seconds into “Til the Day I Break Down,” perhaps the best Power Pop song of the decade, a string popped, and Bill stopped. The Musician’s Union then came to his rescue with Dan Baird going to Bill’s car to get his other guitar while Bill fronted the harmonizing trio.

The band sounded so fine and Bill sang so well. These guys who are sometimes a part of Bill’s Long Players have a love for classic rock and couldn’t help but dropping in bits of Hendrix or Zeppelin when closing a number, all adding to the fun!

This afternoon was a Music City moment that you should not have missed. Bill Lloyd’s latest record is one that you can’t afford to overlook, and let’s hope there are some more shows around town. A big thanks to the SpyderPop folks for supporting Bill and for handing free t-shirts. Texans and Tennesseans sure work well together!

SETLIST:

1. Make That Face
2. Yesterday
3. Go-To-Girl
4. ‘Til the Day I Break Down
5. Please Please Me (The Beatles cover)
6. Miracle Mile
7. Interrupted
8. This is the Way / Shakin’ All Over (Johnny Kidd & the Pirates cover)

BAND:
Bill Lloyd – Lead Vocals and Electric Guitar
Pat Buchanan – Electric Guitar and Backing Vocals
Mike Vargo – Bass and Backing Vocals
Keith Brogdon – Drums