Perigon Music will release Dianne Davidson’s “Perigon: Fill Circle” this Friday, August 28, 2020. It’s her sixth release, and her first new recording in more than three decades. “Perigon: Full Circle:” was co-produced by Davidson and Larry Chaney and recorded at Sun Dog Studio here in Nashville. This record comes quickly off the heals of “1974,” an LP she recorded back in that golden year of music but didn’t make it available until earlier this month.

1974 was the year of great albums by Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, Little Feat and Randy Newman. Dianne’ record sure fits right in with the intimate California singer-songwriter style of that day. Davidson would later serve tenure as a member of Ronstadt’s touring band.

The new record carries on in this tradition with ten originals and two covers, including a dazzling cello-based arrangement of Bob Dylan’s “To Make You Feel My Love.” You will also dig the bluesy duet with Ruthie Foster, “Subtle Touch.” It’s so good and gritty!

Thank you, Dianne for visiting the 11 Questions’ desk. BTW, Dianne is also a part of the new feature length documentary film “Invisible,” that explores the lives of a group of LGBTQ singer-songwriters and how they persevered in their private and professional lives.

And this news is just in, Dianne will be doing a virtual record release show this Friday, August 28 at 7pm. The details for this “Bongo After Hours Theatre” presentation can be found here: Dianne Davidson Virtual CD Release Party.

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

I grew up in West Tennessee so I’m a Tennessee gal. I moved to Nashville on my 17th birthday in order to pursue my career. I already had a publishing deal and at 17 made my first album.

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 I think I actually purchased was the song “Corrine, Corrina” by Ray Peterson. My Dad actually brought it to me from his drugstore. I played that record until it absolutely was a blank piece of vinyl. I got almost all my records from my Dad’s drugstore when I was a kid. I think the last entire album I bought was from Ben Rector. It was a download from Amazon, but I do love to hold a record in my hands.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

Hmm. Either The Beatles or Peter, Paul, and Mary. I think my last was Ruthie Foster at Franklin Theatre where I opened for her.

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

Kye Fleming. Definition of Nashville hit songwriter.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

Well, I live out of town a bit, but I love Portland Brew in East Nashville and Pizza Perfect for Sicilian, in Bellevue.

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

The first Barefoot Jerry album. Lots of other greats.

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

When I was a kid, and played live music, it was the train depot in Bruceton, TN. Then, when I was a young adult in Nashville, it was Mack’s. Now, it’s home. I have a teenager, and I have to get home and make sure he hasn’t burned the house down.

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

Gretchen Peters, Jess Leary and Matraca Berg.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

Of course, The Bluebird. Also love 3rd & Lindsley, City Winery, and Douglas Corner, may it rest in peace.

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

Hmm. My friend, singer-songwriter, Deidre McCalla.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

Another album! Larry Chaney and I are already working on it. I’d to be able to tour again and I’m also looking forward to doing some work around the documentary Invisible, in which my story is featured. The premiere was another COVID delay.