If you follow any recommendation that I make this year, please, please, please, make it “Tom T. Hall T-Shirt,” the opening track on the new EP, “The Great Inbetween” by Graham Bramblett. The song has more attitude in it than one could ever ask for. It also made me reach for a record by the man in the song who they call “The Storyteller.” Listen to Bramblett’s killer cut right here.

But, getting back to Bramblett, this EP marks his return to Music City after releasing two well-received LPs he made while living in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. And to set things straight, Graham’s music also has a more tender side to it in ballads like “Rain on the Roof.”  Here’s what he had to say about songwriting:

“I really enjoy recording and playing live shows, but at the end of the day, it all goes back to the song. That’s what really drives me- the process that begins with nothing and turns into something.”

My thanks to Graham for visiting the 11 Questions Quarantine Room during this pandemic mess. Watch his Facebook page for some occasional live-streaming and hopefully we can see him soon up close and personal in Music City.

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I was born in Dallas, TX and moved to Nashville in 2000 to write songs professionally. I left in 2010 and came back in 2018.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital? 

The first record if my memory serves was The Beatles 1962-1966 (the “red one”) on cassette tape. The last was Brandy Clark’s Your Life Is A Record via download.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

My first was John Denver and my last was To Nashville With Love which was a various artist benefit at Marathon Music Works for the tornado that hit Nashville.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

John Prine.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

For coffee it’s 8th and Roast and for pizza it’s Five Points. (Note: now both with second locations next to one another but named locational-inappropriate on Charlotte Avenue.)

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

Kim Richey: 1995 eponymous debut LP.

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

Waffle House.

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

Tony Lane, Bob McDill and Dean Dillon.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

Douglas Corner Cafe (closed in May) and the original Bobby’s Idle Hour (three locations ago).

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here?

Nick Salisbury.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

Writing and more writing.