Photo by Amy Westney

Wow! After hearing the debut LP, “All the Birds Sing,” from in-demand Nashville guitarist, Adam Shoenfeld, your reaction will likely be the same as mine. Why did he wait so long to show us what he could do on his own?  Adam’s impressive resume includes time in the studio (Jason Aldean) on the road (Tim McGraw) and as a writer (Faith Hill). Those names however are just a drop in the bucket however for what he had done. As a youngster, Shoenfeld was a part of a local rock band called LuvjOi with Big Kenny that you may remember.

The new record finds a sweet spot somewhere in between smooth pop and jangly rock. Check out the first single, “The Sky is Falling Down.”  The record also features a cover of “Norwegian Wood” in which Adam plays some mighty fine acoustic guitar.

Well, Adam is currently out on the road with Tim, but the record is available now on all streaming platforms. Thank you, Adam, for this fine record and for taking the time out to stop by 11 Questions.

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

I grew up in a town called Blairstown, NJ. A manager in Nashville heard the band I was in and signed us to a management deal. We all moved into a house in East Nashville. The band broke up after just four months if I recall correctly.

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 that belonged to me in my childhood home was Van Halen’s 1984 on vinyl. The last music I downloaded was Elvis Costello’s The Boy Named If.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

My first big outdoor concert was The Beach Boys (with John Stamos on drums), and my first theatre concert experience was Chuck Berry. The last concert I went to was Harry Styles. That dude is so good.

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

Michael Grimes (a/k/a “Grimey”). He’s done so much for music in Nashville. He’s an amazing guy.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

Boy I miss Nick’s Italian Deli for Pizza, but Manny’s always does the trick when I need some. Even though I worked at the OG and Gulch Portland Brews, I have to go with 8th & Roast. They also have THE best biscuit in town to my knowledge.

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

Patty Griffin’s Flaming Red. I heard some of this record being made through the walls when I was a kid. Such an inspiring body of work; from the songwriting to the performance, and the production.

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

The Hermitage was always my go-to. It hasn’t been replaced in my heart yet.

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

I’d have to go with Will Kimbrough and Radney Foster

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

Any that will have me! We’re lucky to have so many great venues here! Historically speaking, anytime I can get on the stage at Exit/In, I’m a happy dude.

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

Neil Finn from Crowded House.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

I’ve been so lucky to get to make music for a living. I hope I can continue to do that while making more of my own records. Maybe eventually I’ll just do my own stuff.