Wednesday, March 26, 2014

March 25, 2014 - The Basement - Nashville



One is tempted to draw conclusions....


I don't get out to see live music as often as I would like.  So lacking adequate empirical evidence, I can only offer anecdotal proof of my theorem that on any given night at any given venue in Nashville (and probably elsewhere, but I don't even have first hand anecdotal evidence of that), there is a ton of great music to be had - played by people you've heard of and people you are hearing for the first time.

Case in point:  The Basement New Faces Night - Tuesday March 25, 2014. 

I went out to see my friends and E2TG faves, Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray make a triumphant return to The Basement, celebrate their recent nuptials, and celebrate the release of their brand spanking new and awesome album Lean Into the Wind.




There were six artists on the bill, and each brought a unique and ultimately satisfying set of music to the stage.

I wish I had time for a full review, but I've created a handy You Tube playlist of all the artists.



Included:  Owen Danoff of Washington DC, Regan Lorraine from Nashville by way of Indiana, Kyle Adem from Knoxville, Geoff Koch from Nashville by way of St. Louis (which I must point out in my head I am pronouncing like the French do), Keelan Donovan from Nashville by way of Portland Maine, and the aforementioned Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray from California and DC. 

Just a couple of notes in lieu of a full review:

Owen Danoff sounded like he was going to start of with a cover of John Mayer's "The Real World" and then actually said, "This is not a John Mayer song", and it wasn't.  Combining a variety of styles into a sound that his own - a bit a of trivia - Danoff is the son of the writer(s) of "Afternoon Delight" and "Take Me Home Country Roads".

Regan Lorraine was joined by Jason Goforth, whose name was so familiar I had to look him up, and I saw where he played with Angel Snow - so I'm thinking that's where I heard of him.  For the last song, Regan spent a lot of time tuning her guitar (and imploring the audience to talk while she did it).  The tuning was worth it as the song sounded amazing and Goforth played a harmonica through a modified old telephone receiver (forgive my ignorance if this is a common thing) which sounded otherworldly and amazing.

Kyle Adem writes really great songs and has a unique and very listenable voice.  I wanted to hear more.

Geoff Koch I really liked a lot and only wish I had something cool to say. Good songs, nice sound. It's not faint praise, I'm just lacking an interesting factoid.  Maybe if he had fallen of the stage.... but I'm glad he didn't. Oh yeah! He closed with and epic song that was really cool!

Keelan Donovan was backed by a great sounding band, has a great charming stage presence, and he writes some evocative and at times humorous and human lyrics. It sounds like music you will be hearing everywhere sometime soon.  I will definitely keep my eye out for other shows around town.

Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray.  What to say?  With awesome change of pace songs, powerful in both the quieter stanzas and when they blow out your eardrums and the walls. They are true road warriors and the near constant touring has served coalesced this bi-coastal band into a tight unit.  Ace drummer Ben Tufts and bassist Derek Evry (a talented singer-songwriter in his own right) provide the rhythm for newlyweds Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray (Erin and Chris) who play and sing with power, passion, and purpose.   They are also two really kind and generous people, and I'm glad I've gotten the chance to get to know them.  They are touring and if (when) they come to your town, I urge (nay implore) you to go and see them.






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