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*Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.
Still counting down to the E2TG Residency
September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia
October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo
October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie
October 16 - Week 4: Josh Gray + Meghan Hayes
October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb
Well, it's Americana Music Association Festival and Conference week in Nashville. I like to say that AMA week is like any other week in Nashville but on steroids. Or maybe, I need to be on steroids to make it through the week. But seriously, one fun thing is seeing friends from all over the world.
The festival has grown just in the last few years - adding tons of venues and official/unofficial events to the mix.
Americana represents part of what we play here on E2TG. The thing about Americana is that it is not really a genre. Practically speaking, Americana is whatever the Americana Music Association says it is. But, seriously, it is music of various genres which draws influence/inspiration from American roots based music (country, folk, blues, bluegrass etc.).
Anyway, there are several wonderful events that I want to catch and some great artists making rare Nashville appearances.
Meanwhile, it is Monday, and I am thrilled to bring back Music City Monday - after a few weeks off .It is my (usually) weekly celebration of the music of Music City - from those who lived or have lived here. We put it all together in a huge, ever growing playlist, hit shuffle, and let nature take its course.
"Back Then" by The Big Dumb
We start things off with The Big Dumb from their debut release, We Get Along Too Well. I am so excited to bring The Big Dumb and Microwave Mountain to The 5 Spot for an early show on October 23! It will be the culmination of 5 weeks of shows celebrating the 8th anniversary of this blog. Be there!
"Don't You Be Lonely" by Erica Blinn
Next up, we have one of my favorite songwriters and musicians, Erica Blinn with a track from her 2018 album Better Than Gold. Blinn has been kicking ass and taking names out of the road. I got to catch her back at $2 Tuesday a few weeks back.
"Meet the Wainwrights" (Live) by Loudon Wainwright III
A rather humorous song with a reminder of the great musical family that has descended from Loudon Wainwright III. My favorite lines are the one about Rufus being richer and more famous than the rest of the family, and the reference to Martha Wainwright's song about her father "Bloody Motherfucking Asshole" (she still keeps in touch). A good time to remember that Loudon spent some time and made some music here in Nashville in the early 70s.
"Don't Let Me Down" by Jon Byrd
Next up, we have Jon Byrd from his debut - Byrd's Auto Parts. Jon Byrd is one of Nashville's finest. This is a song written by Lennon and McCartney - I can't remember if they were classic country songwriters or legendary East Nashville figures who played the original Radio Cafe...."Can't Cut Loose" by Erin Rae
Erin Rae led by Erin Rae McKaskle is one of the brightest stars to emerge from East Nashville in the last decade. This is a track from her 2018 album Putting on Airs. She recently played the Live on the Green Festival in downtown Nashville.
"Horns and Halos" by Joshua Black Wilkins
Next up, we have one of the most talented people in East Nashville - songwriter, photographer, artist. Wilkins has been a vocal advocate for the need for this society to value creative artists - something we don't do very well. The problems are vast and complicated, but there are steps we can all take every day. Wilkins recently announced that he was giving up music, and while I understand his sentiment, I hope he will reconsider. This is a track from his Valentine Sessions album.
"Lesson in Loneliness" by Daryl Dasher
Daryl Dasher has long been an important figure in Nashville songwriting circles. This one goes back to his 2009 album Long Road Now.
"End of the Day" by Aaron Lee Tasjan
Aaron Lee Tasjan just released Karma for Cheap: Reincarnated - featuring stripped down versions of songs from his Karma for Cheap album. In the video playlist, we have the original Karma for Cheap version of this song and a video for "Heart Slows Down" from the Reincarnated album - featuring some of my favorite people - including Josh Gray - who will be bringing his band to the E2TG Residency on October 16. (I'm shameless I tell you).
"Just Between Us Lovers" by Stuffy Shmitt
Stuffy has recently been seen hunting rabbits in East Nashville, riding around with Stacie Huckeba's dog - Earl, and recording a new album. His song was first released on his 2000 album Nothing is Real. By the way, Stuffy recorded and worked with Aaron Lee Tasjan back in New York."Let's Get Happy" by The Smoking Flowers
We close things out with Kim and Scott Collins from their recent release Snowball Out of Hell. One of my favorite bands in town, and a good bridge been "old" and "new" Nashville.
VIDEO PLAYLIST
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