Andy Peake (bottom left)
Big Shoes is a regular working ensemble of seven seasoned musicians from Nashville and Muscle Shoals led by their Music City bandleader/drummer/producer Andy Peake. With a sound that’ll make you think of Little Feat and The Band, a Big Shoes show is nothing short of a wild “blues and rhythm” bash. Making a name for themselves with packed shows at 3rd & Lindsley, Big Shoes takes the stage this Thursday, March 14 with special guest John Cowan. (Past guests with the band there have included Jimmy Hall and Lee Roy Parnell.)
The list of who these guys have played with is never-ending and includes Van Morrison, Etta James, Taj Mahal, Delbert McClinton, Bobby “Blue” Bland and Bonnie Raitt. Big Shoes second LP, “Step on It,” a solid collection of original songs, was released nationally in February 2018.
Big Shoes is: Will McFarlane on guitars & vocals, Mark T. Jordan on keyboards, Rick Huckaby on vocals and guitar, Kenne Cramer on guitars & vocals, Andy Peake on drums & backing vocals, Tom Szell on bass and Bryan Brock on percussion.
Thanks Andy for doing the 11 Questions, and we’ll see you at 3rd & Lindsley.
Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?
I was born in Warner-Robins, GA. My dad was an Air Force chaplain. Moved several times as a pre-teen but went to both high school and college in Maryville, MO. Moved to Nashville at the end of 1987 to accept a job as drummer for artist Nicolette Larson.
What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?
My first record purchase was a 45 of “North to Alaska” by Johnny Horton. My most recent purchase was a digital download of an album by my son, Drew Peake. He has an amazing indie band based out of Portland, ME called Sonic Libido.
First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?
My last five concerts were: Hailey Knox, Tower of Power, Doobie Brothers/Steely Dan, Leon Bridges and Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul.
Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?
The Fisk Jubilee Singers
Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?
Coffee at Bongo Java and pizza at DeSano Pizza
What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?
“Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” by Bob Dylan
Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?
The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.
Gary Burr, Rick Huckaby and Mark T. Jordan
What are your favorite music venues to play in town?
Ryman Auditorium, 3rd & Lindsley, Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar
Name a musician who you’d like to see move here?
Bonnie Raitt
Finally, what’s in your musical future?
Collectively, I would love to see the band I lead and produce, Big Shoes, get more national attention that would allow us to tour more major national venues, like the Ryman and get a Grammy nomination from our next album release, title TBA. Personally, I would love to continue to produce brilliant, talented artists.
Music City Mike 