Location: Corner of Fifth Avenue North and Union Street Before legendary guitarist and music producer Chet Atkins passed away in June 2001, every serious guitar picker wanted the chance to play alongside him. Over the years, the list of greats who got that opportunity included Les Paul, Paul McCartney, Mark Knopfler, Merle Travis, Doc Watson, […]
I once said to Josh Rouse “You are my favorite artist younger than me.” Despite a string of recent records that weren’t totally to my liking, his latest LP, The Happiness Waltz, and his recent live Nashville appearances have reaffirmed the truth of that statement. The native Nebraskan, currently living in Spain, returned to his […]
The other night I went to hear a political dissertation, and a concert broke out. That is one way to describe a Billy Bragg show, but it certainly would pay a disservice to his splendid musical talents. Mr. Bragg’s politics are no secret. His views are so far left he makes Steve Earle seem like […]
I have always had great respect for the talents of Richard Thompson; however, it has been difficult for me to fully relate to this venerable British folk singer-songwriter and guitarist. His songs seemed to come from another culture. His overall sound was simply too dark and brooding for my taste. Nonetheless, his reputation amongst the […]
This article originally appeared in Beyond Belief #11 back in June 1997. R.I.P Possum! It’s not often in life that one gets a second chance at making amends for a less-than successful attempt at a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not unless of course you are Elvis Costello. In 1983, a possible combination of stage fright and a […]
A buzz of excitement filled the crowded room at Grimey’s for The Lone Bellow’s Saturday in-store performance. Everyone knew that The Lone Bellow would soon be added to the list of popular back-to-basics Americana bands such as The Avett Brothers, Mumford and Sons, The Civil Wars, and The Lumineers. Each of these bands has also […]
Music City generously offers many free musical events–all it takes to attend them is one’s ability to track them down. Thanks to a friend amongst the night’s performers, I was able to witness a brilliant display of talent in a truly remarkable setting. As a part of their Faculty Concert Series, the Belmont University School […]
Tin Pan South is a somewhat under-the-radar Nashville songwriter festival now in its 21st year. Meant to showcase the writers behind the hits “past, present and future,” this event seems to bring more tourists to town than attract locals. The Listening Room, one of this year’s host venues, is a “wannabe” Bluebird, now in its […]
Noted British disc jockey Danny Baker and I share something in common: We both claim Nashville’s Silver Seas to be our favorite band. Their sophisticated and melodic pop songs never fail to satisfy and they are an exciting live act. Here is a recent announcement on their Facebook page: We can finally announce that the […]
The Doctor was in! Last Friday night, Dr. John came to downtown Franklin to medicate a sold-out crowd with a healing potion of New Orleans-flavored jazz and R&B in a soothing 100-minute set. In the process, seeing the 72-year old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer (Class of 2011) knocked another classic artist off my […]
Music City Mike 