E2TG 9/7/2021 - Tuesday After the Holiday - It's Alright Mix (Happy Endings Remix)

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Late posting after a busy and eventful day.... 

Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 2 - We're Back) (songs 14-20):

14. "Ghosts of New York State" by Star Rover

First up, we have the first single from the forthcoming self-titled album from the New York City based avant-pop duo Star Rover. 

15. "Signify" by Tachys

Next up, we have the second single from Tachys which is an offshoot of the band Mew. 

16. "Hey Nora" by The Jukebox Romantics

Next up, we have a track from the forthcoming Fires Forming EP (due in December) from downstate New York band The Jukebox Romantics.

17. "Transmission" by Leonardo Das Cabrio

Next up, we have the latest single from the duo of Luis Da Silva & Lenny De Luca. Their music combines r&B, jazz, and experimental house music. 

18. "Steel Militia" by Erik Lunde

As we approach the twentieth anniversary of 9/11 - we have a track from Denver based Americana artist Erik Lunde - which deals with that horrific day and it's aftermath which is still being felt to this day. 

19. "Restore Us" by Permafrost

Next up, we have the new single from the post-punk band that formed in Norway in 1982. A great sounding song. 

20. "What's Up?" by baby chemist

Next up, we have a new cover of NYC indie-duo baby chemist.  It is a cover of the 4 Non Blondes classic "What's Up?"   A great cover to close out this segment of music. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 8/10/2021- Bad for Busyness - Never Die Mix (Cut Remix)

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Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 3) (songs 19-23):

19. "Porbander" by Hans Deville (feat. Andrew J. Davis)

The new solo album Prophesies of the Lost by Hans Deville of King Prawn is out now. 

20. "Wichita Lineman" by Colin Hay

Former Men at Work front man Colin Hay with a Jimmy Webb cover from his covers album I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself.

21. "Hotel Bar" by Whiskey in the Pines

Next, the new single from Tallahassee band Whiskey in the Pines. 

22. "LAX" by Jackson Capps

A new single from Nashville singer-songwriter Jackson Capps.

23. "Stoned on My Own" by Matthew James Adkins

And, we close this segment of music with the title track from the forthcoming debut album from this Michigan based singer-songwriter.  A great way to close out this part of the Playlist recap. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 4/08/2020 - Rest Easy Mr. Prine - Happy Enchilada Mix (Old Rodeo Remix)

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It seems like almost my entire Facebook timeline is about John Prine, which would indicate that I follow my kinds of people.

John Prine's death at the hands of COVID-19 hit hard in my community and for me personally. First of all my thoughts go out to his family and close friends. For the rest of us, this was a hard loss in season of hard losses.

One thing I have learned about grief over the past nearly four months is that grief comes in waves and that subsequent losses aren't measured by a comparison of how close you were to the person who you lose. Rather, each loss is a ripple that compounds with the previous losses and sometimes the emotions of one loss (which may seem out of proportion to your relationship) are actually reflections and amplifications of other losses.

I don't know if that made sense, but I know what I am trying to say, but what I am trying to convey is that we all need to prepare for more losses over the next few weeks and to be prepared losses which hit harder than you might otherwise expect.

Stay safe everyone. We are getting through this and we will get through this.

The other certainty is that we will all be changed by this experience. It seems like a lot of out of our control. But, we can effect change on our new world. Will that new world reflect love and compassion and a priority on things that bring joy and newly honed commitment to priorities which match our values and greater self-sufficiency combined with a renewed understanding of our interdependence on each other. 

It is all too much to take in all at once. So take it all one at a time and breath and focus on your breath and be gentle with yourself. Productivity within this crisis is admirable perhaps but it is not a competition and it is not mandatory.  Stay connected even as you are keeping a safe distance and self-isolating.

As John Prine didn't sing, "It's a Happy Enchilada and you think your gonna drown..."

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/10/2020 - David Olney (The Artist with a "Big A") - Make Do and Mend Mix (Peace of Mind Remix)

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The Artist with a "Big A"

Last night's Celebration of Life for David Olney was a  "not exactly somber"/"not exactly light-hearted" affair.  In many ways, the event was a perfect fit for the man.

Here are my impressions as they are coming to me as I write this.  The first word that came to mind as I arrived at the Belcourt Theater was community - that word has been on the fore-front of my mind lately anyway. But, I was struck by all the familiar faces I recognized waiting in line to enter, and that sense only increased as the night wore on. 

There were definitely some heavy-hitting in attendance.  Emmylou Harris arrived with The Road Mangler Phil Kaufman, Hayes Caryl showed up, Mary Gauthier and more. It was a packed house. 

The first thing I noticed was Olney's guitar with his trademark fedora balanced on top. The house band was David's band - Ward Stout, Sergio Webb, Daniel Seymour, and Justin Amaral.  They took the stage and played some of David's music as instrumentals - which was an emotional moment. 

(An aside - one recurring theme of the night was that David Olney was an Artist (with a capital "A").  Watching his band - both during the waiting period and during the celebration proper, I was struck with the feeling that not only was David Olney an Artist, but he surrounded himself with Artists. I have had the opportunity to witness Sergio Webb's guitar playing up close, and while I am not a musician, even I could recognize that there was something extraordinary about the way he coaxed sounds from his guitar. I have also had the chance to see Justin Amaral in various settings, and his talent and artistry is unquestioned - see him with The Fats Kaplin Gang if you need proof. Daniel Seymour, too have seen in a variety of settings, and seeing him play stand-up bass is treat no matter the style of music.  As far as I recall, I have only ever seen Ward Stout play with David Olney - but I recall when David first added him and how quickly he established himself as part of David's sound.  Nashville is filled with incredibly talented musicians, but it was clear to me last night that these artists where something special - and I sure hope they find many opportunities to play together in the future.  

The night was filled with performances and speakers.  The stories shared were a reminder of the way David Olmey touched peoples' lives. The musical performances were a testament to the greatest of his songs and to the way he inspired other artists. 

The musical guests were all amazing in their own way.  I feel like if I try to name some that I will forget another. 

I've run out of time - so there will be more later. Suffice it to say, that the event was yet another gift from the man who gave us all so much of himself. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Dixie Boo Mix

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In a bit of a reflective mood.  Which I say just to indicate that in the words that follow, I am addressing my self and my tendencies - not anyone else.  One thing that E2TG has helped me with is a sense of insecurity about forming original and even unique opinions about music. I remember when I was young and first getting into music - in a major way - I would hear a band I had never heard before and really like what I heard, but then I would feel a need to get reassurance from someone else that it was really "good" music. I don't think I am totally unique in this and I don't think writing E2TG has 100% "cured" me of this tendency (it is still nice to have an opinion validated by someone whose opinion I trust), but I think it has improved things.  The bottom line, as far as I am concerned, is that my opinion (and yours for that matter) is not contingent on what anyone else thinks. I guess that is why I am not a fan of trashing a band or artist just because I don't like them.

An extreme example:  When Jon Landau famously declared, "I saw rock and roll's future and its name is Bruce Springsteen," (ignoring for a moment the influence the statement had on Springsteen's early popularity) he was stating an opinion. And certainly, some people have a keener ability to spot talent and potential, but it was an opinion nonetheless. What if Springsteen's first album had flopped and he had given up music and disappeared into obscurity. If that had happened, Landau's quote would have been forgotten and perhaps rightfully be seen as a mistake. BUT - it would not change the feeling that spurred the statement in the first place. I have seen bands that struck a chord with me  (maybe not the future of rock n roll - but a great show) whose careers by some measure would sooner or later fizzle.  That does not mean that the feeling I initially experienced was wrong.

In terms of E2TG, I always write about music that I like or love. Always. Over the years, I some of the people whose music I love - have thrived in music (as much as any artist  can thrive these days) while others have (seemingly) mostly given up music to pursue other opportunities (and everywhere in between those two extremes).  One reason, I don't really look back but rather keep moving forward is that knowing the outcome shouldn't and for me doesn't  affect the veracity of my initial impression. I have written about bands or singer-songwriters whose music moved me deeply and who I believed should be known by a wider audience. I trust that initial feeling to be true - regardless of where that band/artist ended up.   (This is not say that my opinions may not change over time - there is music I loved in college that I don't really want to listen to now, however, that change is not in any way a reflection or result of the relative success or lack therein of the band).   (I will leave the moral/ethical questions about what to do or not do when an artist ends up being a serial killer or whatever - for another discussion).

I have to move on.  After catching Jon Byrd and Paul Niehaus at their weekly show at Dee's, I made the decision to go to $2 - where other than Derek Hoke - the line-up was mostly artists I didn't know (or at least configurations I didn't know).  Surrounding an extended set from Derek Hoke (with Paul Niehaus again and his usual band of Mark Robertson and Steve Latanation)  I saw two singer-songwriters named Mike. Mike Frazier from Virginia did a solo set and Mike Lynch - relatively new to town did a set backed by Mark Robertson (again) and I drummer whose name I missed). Great sets by both Mikes.  The late night slot was MASS - a relatively new project (drum and keyboards) featuring Jimmy Matt Rowland (who I most recently saw playing with Brian Wright) and Jon Radford - who it seems I keep running into - playing in many great combos. MASS was incredible - loungey instrumentals (but that description is lacking). 

On to the shuffle!  Wild Wednesday gets wilder!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Horse and Carriage Mix

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Well... the state of the world and all has me a little down and anxious, and quite frankly pissed off.

And, as I always do, I seek out solace in music. 

Last night it was the final show of Bill Lloyd's 3 out of 4 week November residency. I was captivated as ever by his grasp of the nuances of what makes a great pop song. And his choices of covers were fun.  The audience was treated to a couple of songs by songwriting great Buddy Mondlock.

Tonight, I am making the drive down to Franklin for Music City Roots. 2014 E2TG Artist of the Year Darrin Bradbury will be making his second appearance on that program.  If you can't get to Franklin you can listen and watch on-line.   Also on the bill is Cordovas - one of my favorite bands to see live.

By the way, Darrin's band will include Cameron Carrus on bass, Megan Palmer on fiddle, and Laur Joamets on guitar.

By the way, if I can make it back in time, Maynard and the Musties (who I have been playing quite a bit recently) are playing at Springwater tonight with Nashville Non Prophets (featuring members of St. Luke's Drifters), and singer-songwriter Steven Knudson.

The shuffle today - as we do on Wednesday's comes from a random shuffle of all of the songs saved to my phone currently.  We call it "Wild Wednesday" not just 'cause the results are often wild, but because the shuffle is like a wildcard - it can be anything.

Let's shuffle!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Happiest Corpse Mix

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Okay... still busy, busy, but I will really need to refocus my attention on somethings.

As the days and weeks go by in this new American regime, it is frightening to see people (myself included) falling into the illusion that what is happening is somehow normal or "politics as usual",  A foreign government meddling in and (at least) attempting to influence the results of a US Presidential Election is not normal.  A US President who tries to discredit the press is not normal. A US President who uses his position to boost the profits of his business while refusing to release his tax returns is not normal.  An Administration that repeated lies and then doubles down when the lies are exposed is not normal.  A President who gets his information from fringe websites and conspiracy driven television shows is not normal. White supremacists in the White House is not normal.

I just needed to say that...
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Last night, I got to visit the Cafe Rooster compound and get a listen to what I think will be one of the best albums of the year  (Rayvon Pettis') new album produced by Matt Haeck.  Surrounded by the some of the best of Nashville music, I was blown away by the songs and musicianship and production of this record.  Stay tuned!

Speaking of Cafe Rooster Records, I am absolutely thrilled to announce that E2TG is teaming with Cafe Rooster for the 4th Week of the E2TG May Residency on May 24 at The 5 Spot.  Listen to this lineup:  Sally Jaye, Brian Wright, Darrin Bradbury, and Jon Latham.  $5 and you will be home by nine o'clock!

Speaking of the May Residency, I cannot believe that the kickoff show is just two weeks away!  Wow!  Mark Robinson Band will kick things off on May 3. If you've never seen Mark Robinson Band live, you are in for a treat, if you haven't seen this band recently, you are in for a treat, if you've seen them recently, then you already know you are in for a treat.  Either way, do not miss this one!

Today is Wednesday... Always a very weird mix of songs... today not being an exception to that rule....

Theme Thursday Morning Shuffle - That Son of a Gun Mix

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So, I was thinking - I tend to do that quite a bit... These days so many of us are angry or scared or outraged or appalled or depressed or otherwise distressed... basically anyone who cares about: people with disabilities, the education of our children, healthcare, the environment, people of color, people who look different, the LGBT (etc.) community, the free press,  this country, the world... is likely feeling any one or more or all of those emotions just about every day.

And we are - and we are spurned to actions - however much or little we are able to do... but in the midst of calling our leaders and signing petitions and writing letters and protesting and creating art and writing about things we normally don't write about... take the time to love.  Love everyone. Love generously, love without limits, love yourselves...

It is okay to be afraid.  Fear is not the problem.  Acting based upon fear is the problem.  So if you are afraid - try taking some action of love - however small.  It helps.  (This self-reminder is a public service announcement from me)...

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I had a blast at the final edition of Brian Langlinais' residency at The 5 Spot. Brian is awesome and he put together a killer band.  Adrian + Meredith and Fifth and Main provided support. The Gumbo and King Cake were incredible. The company was great.

Tonight, it is the 10th Anniversary of Jon Byrd's album, Byrd's Auto Parts at The Family Wash.  Should be a blast. Jon Byrd "Doesn't Rock Ever" but he does what he does better than anyone else.

It is Thursday - we continue our "Theme Thursday" series.  Songs loosely connected to an unstated central theme (even if the connection is all in my head).  Let's go!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Be Easy and Free Mix

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I need to be a little brief... my "new" phone came in, so the transition process has begun. The good news is that it will solve some of the issues I have been having.  It may just take a bit to get the music all squared away... deciding if I do a straight dump of everything or do some culling of older "remainders" from albums I featured a long time ago... Either way, the time consuming part will be rebuilding the playlists. Wish those were my biggest problems...

Tonight, the finale of the Crackerboots residency.  If you haven't made it out to this point, you would make an effort. You will not be disappointed. If you have made it out, I don't need to tell you...   Peter Cooper opens.  The late show features several bands including the always amazing Don Gallardo!

Wednesday, we get wild and free with some music from covering all sorts of genres, eras, geographic locations, and more...

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle - Kingston Springs Mix

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Sorry for the inconsistency of posts the last couple of weeks... things will smooth out, but life sometimes gets all lifey...

I have been fighting with a cold all week (constantly changing weather -winter to spring and back -  doesn't help), and as a result, I have been mostly laying low this week, but I did manage to venture out (in a cold dreary rain) to The Basement (the original one) for some music.  As if the case most nights in Nashville there was awesome music going on all over town, but I just didn't feel up to venue hopping.  In fact, the Basement hosted an early show with Erin Rae and Kelsey Waldron that I totally missed, but I did get to see three awesome sets of music from three of Nashville's best "on-the-cusp" artists. 

Andrew Leahey and the Homestead played their last local show for a bit as they gear up for the release of their new album (on Thirty Tigers) in May. As they have every time I have seen them, they played earnest heartland rock and roll and did not hold back.

Michaela Anne also has an album due out in May.  Backed by her awesome band, she played her solid and gorgeous country songs. A highlight was her performance of "Me and Willie" (a CD bonus track from Emmylou Harris' 1976 album Luxury Liner) which Michaela Anne introduced by recognizing the song's writer, Laurie Hyde-Smith, who had come to Nashville from North Carolina for the show.

Darrin Bradbury closed the night with his first? full band show since his January Basement East residency (with the band that played with him for those shows).  This was an extremely fun set which included an impromptu vocal assist (from the crowd) by Jon Latham. (Do I need to mention that Darrin and Jon are the current and most recently past E2TG Artists of the Year? No? Okay, I won't then).  It was fun seeing so many familiar faces (and awesome musicians/songwriters) in the crowd.

To the shuffle: