Topical Thursday Morning Shuffle - With Exceptions of Course Mix

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Farce: a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations.

I will just leave the definition here... and only add that farce is far more fun to watch than it is to live.
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It was really great to drag myself out of my air conditioning to check out Ben de la Cour and Tommy Womack at The 5 Spot last night.  Ben de la Cour (who I first discovered through Couch by Couch West) is a relative newcomer to Nashville (well with the rapid influx of people, he maybe not be considered a newcomer) and Tommy Womack is a long-standing member of the Nashville music community.  I love it when the best of "old" and "new" Nashville share a bill.  As a bonus, I got to hang some with Too Much Country - a fellow music blogger/fan (who also writes about NASCAR and Schaefer Beer.

Tonight, a full-plate.  Kristen Englenz and Sean Quinn are at The 5 Spot early along with Lady HD from Philly.  I managed to snag a ticket to the Sold Out Oh Boy Records presents The Songs of John Prine at the Basement East.  If you didn't get tickets to that event, worry not, Jon Latham and Andrew Leahey are wrapping up their residency at The Family Wash - beginning around 9.

Don't forget Mark Robinson is having his CD Release Party at The 5 Spot on Saturday.

Well... we've sweltered through this hot week and made it to Thursday.  We call it Topical Thursday, and of late, that has meant that we delve into the music that has made E2TG what it is over the past six years.  We have a great mixed bag today, so let us dig in...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle- Sacred Cows Mix

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You know, I keep saying this is not political, but until some more G.O.P. people grow a spine and speak up against the insanity, it does feel political.... And by insanity, I specifically mean gross incompetence, flagrant and unabashed corruption, just to name a couple.
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Yesterday was an eighteen plus hour day that left me more energized than tired (we shall see how I feel after lunch today) After work, I headed to Madison to record a future Double Shot show (to air May 6), then I went to Dee's where Tim Easton hosted Madison Guild Monday.  Emma Berkey, Matt Haeck, Rayvon Pettis, Ariel Bui, Megan Palmer, Jon Latham, and more. Tim Easton closed the night joined by Aaron Lee Tasjan - before ALT performed two songs to close the night. (I know I left somebody out, too.  Sorry.)  I really fun hang. For those deep into the E2TG mythology, the first time I saw Aaron Lee Tasjan (and Tim Easton - I think) was back in 2014 at a 5 Spot Residency that Tim Easton was hosting.  That was also the fateful day that I first met Darrin Bradbury in person.

It is Tuesday.... let's see what is Trending at E2TG according to the random shuffle function....

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - The Swirlies Mix

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First of all a quick check-in:  Almost two months in to this nightmare. A white supremacist is still holding a major position of power in the current administration.  Programs that benefit the most vulnerable of our citizens are being cut, the billionaire first family is costing the taxpayers exorbitant amounts of money, the proposed Republidontcare plan will give tax breaks to the wealthy while forcing the most vulnerable to choose between eating and healthcare - if that even is a choice for many.  The administration believes it is okay to make wild accusations without a shred of proof. I could go on.... I haven't even touched on Russia.  How long will this go on, and how much more damage will be done?
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Moving on.  I headed to The 5 Spot last night for the Smoky White Devils' residency show. Cody Brooks and Bee Taylor opened the show.  As I have written, I saw Bee Taylor last week, and I was blown away.  Cody Brooks played guitar with her for that show, but this was my first time seeing him do his own songs. I am a very big fan of these two.  Most excellent - rocking, soulful stuff.  A great start.

Smoky White Devils - well last week I mentioned the incredible combined experience of the members of this budding supergroup. Never mind all that, the fact is this guys rock! The music has elements of southern rock, roots music, blues, country and who knows what else.  What could be a clash of egos instead is a delightful combination of experienced and talented players.  Richie Owens, Peter Keys, Nick Kane with the rhythm section of John Reed and Shakey Fowlkes brought it hard and had The 5 Spot moving more than I've seen in a while at a live show. Word is they have been recording, so hopefully we will have some recorded music soon!  They close out their residency next week, and in two weeks is the anniversary show for Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau. Make Thursday at The 5 Spot part of your plans for the remainder of March.
 
Tonight is St. Patrick's Day.  Be safe and have fun.  If  you find yourself in East Nashville, consider The 5 Spot:  Tim Carroll's usual gig followed by a St,. Patrick's Day show featuring a few E2TG faces - (St.) Patrick Kinsley and a Fistful of Dollars, Clark Paterson, and Ben de la Cour plus The Eskimo Brothers.  Also, Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers will be at The Family Wash.  Everyone else is in Austin - I think.

We have some Featured Friday music that starts now!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Sh*t Just Got Real Mix

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#Resist #Persist

Got to catch a solo set by Jon Latham last night followed by hanging with some friends and watching Aaron Lee Tasjan make his television debut on Conan.  It was great to see Brian Wright get some camera time.

It is Friday.  We have some "featured" selections shuffled from the "New Music" playlist...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Make it Through Mix

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A windy morning here in Nashville...  This evening,  I will be recording a Double Shot show which will air this coming Saturday - the theme: "Play a Train Song"....

After that, it is the first $2.00 Tuesday and Earie Award winners Adrian + Meredith are on the bill.  Lots of other good stuff happening.  Amelia White and Sergio Webb at The Family Wash 8:30-9:00 (which I will try to catch if I can get from Madison soon enough).

We have a Trending Tuesday Shuffle - let's go!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Lusty Lad Mix

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 Getting settled into this new year...  

Saturday night: Got to see some "Earie"award winners perform:  First Josh Morris at The Country, then Renee Wahl and The Sworn Secrets at The Family Wash and finally Tommy Womack, also at The Family Wash.

Well, it's my first full work week of the new year, and thus our first Music City Monday in a about three weeks.  Let's do it!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Lovin' Me Again Mix

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Blargh... nothing like a nasty stomach bug to put the kibosh in plans... I'm feeling better... just a little queasy sometimes.. but I will push on and no details will be offered.

Jumping into the new week just some random tidbits... I am going to be getting a new phone soon and will eventually be moving all the songs to it and recreating playlists. Fortunately, the old phone is still functional, so I can continue to use it during the transition. Also, I am plotting a vacation, and I am hoping to post some missives from the road. More to come...

It is Monday in Music City (and other places)... here are some tunes with a Nashville connection...

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - A Hole in the Heart Mix

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Well... it hasn't been an easy week, but it is Friday and cooler temperatures have descended upon our fair Music City.  Look for the Athens of the South Festival coming up tomorrow in East Park with great music and art and stuff.  Darrin Bradbury, Adrian + Meredith and more will be there.

A bunch of other things that I can't remember right now.  Get out and see some music, enjoy the weather, be good to each other.. I think that is enough for right now.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Road and a Flash of Lightning Mix

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Welcome to the working week...   here is a musical recap of my weekend.  Friday, enjoyed another Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour show at The 5 Spot.  Saturday, did a live show of Double Shot with Joe and Sue.  Then, I listened to Gina Frary Bacon and Gregory Riggle's interview with Tim Carroll on Nashville U.  Then, I headed to the Southern Festival of Books just in time to catch Tomi Lunsford's set. Then to Beared Iris Brewery in Germantown to catch a bunch of cool songwriters hosted by Tom Schreck.  Saw some old friends, including Schreck, Ariel Bui, Kiely Schlesinger (back by Drew Kohl), and finally got to see Ben Douglas.  Then, I headed to Douglas Corner Cafe to catch a round with Tom House, RB Morris, and Michael "Supe" Granda.  David Olney was supposed to be a part of this, but he had to sit out under doctor's orders. It was a fine night, nonetheless, with three very distinct songwriters and some great stories.

Sunday night, after a kind of lazy day, I got the exact show I needed to energize my spirit. One of those incredible, unlikely Nashville nights. At the (still unofficial) reincarnation of one of Nashville's storied venues (Radio Cafe), I caught a set by local legend Greg Garing, plus a lively and fun set of punk rock from The Buddies.  The Buddies are made up of two members of Black Vincent (including front man Coley Kennedy) from Michigan plus Nashvillian's Justin, Scott, and Kim Collins (Justin and the Cosmics, Smoking Flowers). And the night ended, it superb raucous style by a band billed as World's Greatest Eagle Scouts, but who reminded me a whole lot of Blackfoot Gypsies - I guess because it was...  It was amazing seeing this band in such an intimate setting. At one point, the Collins' brothers brought a table and chairs on stage and sat and smoked and drank. Later, the whole bar was rolled up to the front of the stage. Beer cans were flying, people were dancing.  It was a great way to end a Sunday night.

Now, we roll into Monday. Here at E2TG, that means we feature songs from the Music City Monday playlist - songs/artists/albums with some connection to Nashville. Let's go!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Shake Shake Shake Like a Rattlesnake Mix

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Okay... trying to catch my breath after Americana Fest... here is a quick wrap up.  Friday, I did get off work around 2:00 and made it to Drifter's in time to catch the end of Marvin Etzioni's set - which was wonderful.  Next up was Brian Langlinais who absolutely killed it was an amazing band that included Jim Hoke, Jonell Mosser, and Ron Eoff among others. Great swampy - Louisiana/Tennessee music...

After a quick trip to Fanny's House of Music with Jill Kettles and Alexander Wright (2Ton Bridge), I made my way to The 5 Spot to catch the first hour of Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour - which started early for AMA.  Off to WNXA to pick up the banner and fliers and ran into my friend Karen and Gabrielle Louise - who I have been posting about - great to get to meet her.   Off to The Station Inn for a magical night - of introducing bands and telling people about WXNA.  My highlight was getting to meet and introduce Syd Straw and to hear her sing some of my favorite songs of hers. "Think Too Hard", "Chasing Vapor Trails", "String of Pearls", and "Golden Dreams"... Another big highlight was hearing Tyler Childers and wondering why I was just discovering this incredible songwriter????  He brought the house down.  Great playing from 10 String Symphony, Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, and The Lonely Heartstring Band.

Saturday, I had a nice breakfast/brunch with a bunch of fine folks and then made to the Cafe Rooster launch party at Little Harpeth - and to catch some of the festival's MVPs like Darrin Bradbury, Jon Latham, Aaron Lee Tasjan etc. before I had to scoot.  Sad that I was prevented from seeing Jon Latham, but happy of the reports of a packed house and an (as expected) kick ass set.

Final reflections:  The term Americana music  may bring to mind bad pop/rock bands that add a banjitar and don Western wear... Or some other loathsome thing... but my take for this year is that the Americana Music Association opened their doors to some of my favorite people (who also happen to be the best musicially - in my opinion)... The big umbrella seemed a little bit bigger this year, and I had an amazing time - even while missing out on ton of things due to lack of cloning and stuff.. As I posted last week - the festival started with covers of The Who, Blondie, and The Pogues - as it turned out - that beginning did seem to set the tone for a festival with some memorable and rocking moments.

With Americana Fest over, I headed back to The 5 Spot for a more typical East Nashville night at my favorite watering hole... caught the tail end of Sunday Night Soul (which I had heard good things about) and was blown away. Next up, a party put on my the good folks at Cosmic Thug Records (a label formed by super-producers Adam Landry and Justin Collins along with long time E2TG favorite Pony Boy.  In typical East Nashville fashion, the show featured Carey Kotsionis, Lilly Hiatt, Pony Boy, Emma Swift and Robyn Hitchcock, T. Hardy Morris, Tristan, Justin and the Cosmics, and Smoking Flowers.  Everyone was incredible.  Pony Boy and Emma and Robyn each did Dylan covers. Lilly Hiatt was amazing as always, Tristan was next level good plus brought up Caitlin Rose. T. Hardy Morris was incredible guest John McCauley (Deer Tick)... Robbie from Deer Tick played a variety of instruments (keys, bass, drums) with several different artists. Justin and the Cosmics left nothing on or off the stage in an electrifying performance.   Among the people who crowded the club were Bobby Bare Jr., Lucinda Williams, and many more great artists.  Yep - pretty normal night on the East side.

Whew!  On to the shuffle: Music City style!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - The Sun's Alive Mix

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Well - about seven and half hours of live music last night...  Mark Robinson Showband and Rhythm Revue with guests David Olney and RB Morris was as spectacular as I expected.  With bullhorns, Robinson's always amazing guitar playing, and the whole company doing "Stagger Lee"  duet style with Olney (with bullhorn) and Morris trading vocals.

After studying the schedule and weighing the options some of which involved multiple trips across the river and back, I decided to just set down roots at The Basement East for AMA night. I had a little time before that, so I joined some friends to catch Tim Carroll, Luella, Cameron Carrus, with David Strayer on drums.  It was like a partial reunion of the old Fran's Eastside days.

When I finally made my way to The Beast, I ran into more friends and got to meet the one and only Mojo Nixon!  I have heard at Americana to enjoy what you decide to do and not overthink the things you are passing up.. so in that spirit.... Bottle Rockets were incredible and they brought out special guest Eric Ambel for a couple of songs.  Next up was Grant Lee Phillips who I had never seen live before.  I really dug his set.   Next was John Paul White with special guests The Secret Sisters.  I have not really had the chance to dig into White's recent work, but I was really impressed by this set.  I was starting to fade a bit during his set, but it did not have anything to do with the music.

I managed to drink some water and move a little and then moved closer to the stage for Brian Wright's night closing set.  He had Aaron Lee Tasjan playing guitar and a great band backing  him, and it was every bit as good a set as I could ever imagine. His special guests were Ladie Gun Club, and the sit included the band gathered around one mic - like they do on the Opry...  Wright's set closing, "Glory Hallelujah" was everything you want a closing number to be.

So, tonight... I am trying to wrap up things at work - so the shuffle post may be quick... Jill Kettles and Rodney Metroyer are hosting  an unofficial AMA event this afternoon with Marvin Etzioni, Brian Langlinais (remember that name as the shuffle proceeds) and more.  Bloodshot Records is throwing a party in the back yard of The Groove record store - with Lydia Loveless, Bottle Rockets, Robbie Fulks, and Cory Branan.  Plus, Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour has been moved up one hour.  But, my night will be centered on The Station Inn. WXNA is hosting tonight's AMA showcases (and tomorrow night, too). Tonight, I will be hanging out with Richie Owens and Howard Yearwood from Wagon Wheel, and one of my tasks is to get to introduce Syd Straw! and talk about WXNA!

Also, Aaron Lee Tasjan is at Cannery Ballroom, Zach Schmidt is at ACME, and and and....

Featured Friday shuffle ahead...