E2TG 3/3/2022 - Third Time... - Way Home Mix (disclaimer Remix)

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Today's  Greetings from Nashville is up on the archive - celebrating Nashville artists with Louisiana connections.  Access the WXNA archive here...

6:00am Greetings from Nashville by Jason and The Scorchers on Still Standing (EMI/EMI Records (USA))

6:02am Boudreau’s Candy by Jimmy C. Newman on Louisiana Love (Playback Records)

6:04am Lake Charles by Lucinda Williams on Car Wheels On a Gravel Road (Island Mercury)

6:10am Louisiana Man by Doug Kershaw on The Cajun Way (Rhino)

6:15am Lous’iana Law by Will Rambeaux and the Delta Hurricanes on City Without a Subway (Neo)

6:19am Old Fashioned Two Step by Wayne Toups on Back to the Bayou (feat. Zydecajun) (Swallow Records)

6:22am Crowville by Kevin Gordon on Long Gone Time (Crowville Media)

6:24am Sing Me To the Other Side by Steve Conn on Flesh and Bone (Not Really Records)

6:31am Jubilee Britches by Les Kerr on Bay Street (O.N.U. Records)

6:35am Tucumcari Tonight by Brian Langlinais on Right Hand Road (Patoutville Records)

6:38am The Boy’s Gotta Go by Dirt Reynolds on Scalawag (Independent)

6:42am Paper Mills & Pine by Will Payne Harrison on Living with Ghosts (Will Payne Harrison)

6:49am Face Down Penny by Ben de la Cour on The High Cost of Living Strange (Flour Sack Cape)

6:52am Je Ne M’en Souviens Pas by Better Than Ezra on How Does Your Garden Grow (Elektra Records)

6:58am Passionola (feat. Eric Johnson) by Sonny Landreth on Elemental Journey (Landfall Records)

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 7/6/2021 - Heart of the Summer - Creole Angel Mix (Paint it Green Remix)

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According to my phone it is now 62 days until Labor Day.  To my way of thinking, we are heading into the heart of the summer.  Summer unofficially begins with Memorial Day and unofficially ends with Labor Day.  The technical boundaries are the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox - I guess. Either way, to my mind, once we get past Independence Day in the US, we have entered the heart of the summer, and Labor Day marks the end of that period.  For sure - especially lately - the hot weather can and often does linger long past that date, but after that - there is, at least, the possibility of some reprieves. 

I don't really have a point to all this - except we are now officially half way through this year of change and transition. There was at least a inkling of an idea that somehow, magically, all of the bad of 2020 would just fly away on January 1 and we could look back.  We were quickly dissuaded from such ideas. Even now, as things seems to be returning to normal (or at least a facsimile of normal), one cannot help but wonder what the future holds....

Featured Friday Playlist recap (Part 2) (songs 14-21):

14. "Dreamlike" by Electric Kif (feat. Aaron Parks)

Latest single from the Miami based jazz band featuring pianist Aaron Parks. 

15. "S.O.S." by ilo ilo

Latest single from the L.A. based alt-electronic duo. 

16. "Treading Water" by Tom Sless

Next up, we have the new single from Fort Worth, Texas based Americana rock artist Tom Sless. 

17. "Wait" by Aaron J Trumm

New Mexico based singer-songwriter and label owner Aaron J Trumm with his "obligatory" COVID single. A great message and a great song. 

18. "Heidio Mae'r Locustiaid" by BOI

Welsh band BOI with a track from their new album Coron O Chwinc.  

19. "Hot Sweaty South" by Tenth Mountain Division

This was my introduction to Denver based Tenth Mountain Division and their brand new Butte La Rose album which was produced by Railroad Earth's Tim Carbone, and I am a fan.

20. "Good Day Sunshine" by Kate Taylor

James Taylor's "kid sister" reunites with legendary producer Peter Asher 50 years after her debut album for this stunning Beatles cover. 

21. "A Little More" by Jennifer Tefft

And we close this segment of music with our second single for feature from Boston-area singer-songwriter Jennifer Tefft. A great tune to take us out for this part of the Playlist. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 1/10/2020 - Band of the Year - Featured Friday - Mr. Pepper Mix (Happy Remix)

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WELCOME TO E2TG V3.0

I guess call this the soft launch - trial run - pilot program for E2TG v3.0.  Today, we are introducing two new features.  First is the Featured Friday Playlist from Spotify.  It is a playlist of recent and current music that has our attention. The list will "refresh" every Friday (give or take), so place Follow the playlist or check in here. The embed will be posted every day in case you miss it.

Next, we have our listing of Recent, Current and Upcoming Releases (singles, EPs, and LPs).  This will be our primary means of spotlighting new releases. Expect some commentary to be added periodically.  Please note: this is a work-in-progress.  I went through e-mail submissions to compile this list then added some others that I learned about from other sources.  This listing will be posted daily and updated regularly.  So, if you don't see your release listed, please let me know and I will add. it.

The Shuffle has always and will always be a centerpiece of the E2TG experience. I am no longer using it has the primary means of featuring new releases. Tuesday-Friday will be akin to the old "Wild Wednesday" shuffle. New music received will be added to my phone and I will shuffle from all of the saved music.  Monday will continue to be shuffled from the Music City Monday Spotify Playlist. 

Whew!  Don't try to remember. Just enjoy.


INTRODUCING THE 2019 E2TG BAND OF THE YEAR!

As we prepare to rush headlong into the new frontier of 2020 and E2TG V3.0, we have one last piece of unfinished business from 2019.  Yesterday, we name Darrin Bradbury as our Artist of the Year. For a time, I had someone else in mind for that award, however, fortunately, that individual gave his band a name, and so made them eligible (according to my non-existent rules) for the Band of the Year honors. It is appropriate.

From the first time, I saw Ryan Sobb, I was blown away by his songwriting.  Smart, funny, deep, and unlike anything I had heard.  Eventually, he started playing with a band and putting some amazing songs into a high energy, power popish package. Over the course of 2019, the band has gotten better and better.  They are a tight unit, but still manage to feel slightly out of control and loose (in the best way possible).  They are a true power trio in the long and storied history of that combination.  Chase Ballenger and Preston Cochran make a wonderful rhythm section that give further grounding to Sobb's songs that didn't seem to need grounding.

When singer-songwriters form a band, sometimes, the intimacy of the songs can get lost, but that never seems to happen with this band. Credit goes to Ryan Sobb whose delivery keeps the song at the forefront, and to Ballenger and Cochran who find their groove within the context of the song.

Ryan Sobb released a single, and a split "live" album with one-time E2TG Artist of the Year Rayvon Pettis.  Word is that he has an EP coming in 2020.

And so, it is with great pleasure and high hopes, that I officially name, Ryan Sobb and The Dead Mall as E2TG's 2019 Band of the Year!

    Featured Friday Playlist

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Mixed Emotions Mix

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All of this happened a long time ago when the world was a very different place. Of course, none of us knew that at the time.
(From The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres) Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

If you have read The Drift, please consider writing a review on Amazon. If you haven't read it, you can get your own copy through Amazon or if you are in Nashville, you can get them from me.

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)
E2TG September 2018  (coming soon!)

SAVE THE DATE!!!!!  Thursday, November 15, 2018 - We have a pretty cool event in the works.  More to come! I can tell you this isn't really an E2TG event.  It is connected to my novel, The Drift, and we have some super cool guests lined up.  Announcement soon!


It is Tuesday. We are marching toward the end of the month and toward election day. I honestly go back and forth between hope and despair. Mostly, I have a great sadness for this divisiveness of these times. This an issue that has been brewing for years, but it has reached critical mass. I think the 24 hour news cycle and social media and extremism are all part and parcel of the problem, but ultimately it is the collective "US" that owns the majority of the responsibility. Collectively, we have the power to reject what is happening.  It is us that fall for the Russian interference that share and post - unreliable "news" stories - that watch highly partisan "news" programs that merely provide confirmation for our beliefs.  It is "US" that disapproves of Congress but keeps re-electing the most egregious members again and again. 

The problem is that "We the People" have shirked our responsibilities. Voting rates have been shamefully low, we allow ourselves to be distracted from the things that matter by manufactured divisive "issues" created by special interests who pay off the politicians we keep re-electing.  The problem isn't "conservatives or liberals" - there is room in this country for all sides of the political prism. We don't seek out common ground as a place to begin to hear and see one another.  And neither do our elected officials.

I wish I had solutions and the power to carry out those solutions, but I don't. The fact is, though, no matter the outcome of the mid-term elections (and I know the outcome I want), the fundamental problems of our society will still exist.  And until, we find a way to deal with those issues, our democracy will continue to be in danger.  Practically, I think ending Citizen's United is the most important first step. Then, comprehensive campaign finance reform. 

I wish our country had a history of more than two parties. I think the binary notion of beliefs is so limiting for us. Not every one who votes "Blue" or who votes "Red" believes all of the same things. Unfortunately, until changes are made, a third party candidate will only steal votes from the "side" that they most closely fit. A strong left-leaning third party will split the "blue" vote and a strong right-leaning third party will split the "red" vote.  "Blue or Red" should not be the only choices but until something vital changes in our systems, that is the reality.

For the reasons I enumerated yesterday, I plan to vote straight blue. Not because I think the Democrats are perfect or that they 100% represent my values. For the alternative has become toxic. There was a time when I would have considered voting for a moderate right-leaning candidate if the left-leaning candidate was not favorable to me. But, not this time. Not even a slight hesitation.


Music though!  We have a cool, diverse mix of songs to carry us through another day....

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - 50,000 Watts Mix

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All of this happened a long time ago when the world was a very different place. Of course, none of us knew that at the time.
(From The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres) Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

If you have read The Drift, please consider writing a review on Amazon. If you haven't read it, you can get your own copy through Amazon or if you are in Nashville, you can get them from me.

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)
E2TG September 2018  (coming soon!)


Busy day, and I am a little short on time, so I won't blather on - we'll just jump straight into the Wild Wednesday Shuffle. New songs, old songs, red songs, blue songs, on a train, in the rain....

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Addicted to the Rhythm Mix

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All of this happened a long time ago when the world was a very different place. Of course, none of us knew that at the time.
(From The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres) Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)


I am a bit overwhelmed with everything going on the world and in my more narrow world and in my life personally.  There always seems like there is too much that must, should, and/or could be done. I get overwhelmed when I see all these things around me and I don't know where or how to begin.  The thing is, I know it always just starts with doing one good, just, kind thing and then one more and so on.

I am trying to prepare for a move, in just over a month.  Last night, I looked at everything that needs to be done before I move, and I was overwhelmed.  But then I just started doing something. It might not be the best or most important thing, but it was something that needed to be done.

I didn't write E2TG for seven plus years all at once, I did it one day at a time.

Just some thoughts on this dreary Wednesday in Nashville.

Now, because it is Wednesday - we have a shuffle that comes from all of the songs saved to my phone's memory card.

Let's go!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Wimpy Whine Mix

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All of this happened a long time ago when the world was a very different place. Of course, none of us knew that at the time.
(From The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres) Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)


Well, I guess Americana Fest is officially and unofficially underway.  Had a blast last night, emceeing a show at Radio Cafe with the always delightful Amelia White and her Blue Souvenirs (Sergio Webb, Parker Hawkins, and Justin Amaral - plus Dave Coleman sitting in for a few songs, Mark Huff - who I think is sounding the best I have ever heard him lately. His great band including the twin guitar attack for Dave Coleman and Braden Land. I've been a fan of Dave Coleman for years. I've only recently "discovered" Braden Land - but I have been impressed.  I don't know and didn't catch the name of Huff's rhythm section, but they were great.

In addition, the show featured two U.K. up and comers. Robbie Kavanagh and Demi Marriner. who were both wonderful. They have several dates during Americana Fest, and I'm hoping to catch them again.  This show met two of my criteria for my hopes for AMA 2018 - I heard new music, and I saw some out of town friends. I am grateful beyond words for Amelia White and Mark Huff for letting me be a part of this event.

After that show, I headed to The Basement East to join the Better Together show already in progress.  This was my fourth year in a row attending this event - which somehow manages to top itself. Even though I missed several things/people I would have loved to have seen, the time I was there was worthwhile.  I got to hang with some out of town friends, meet some people - including Amilia K. Spicer whose music we have featured here. And Great Music - as usual - Chuck Mead and his Grassy Knoll Boys - stretch the definition of Americana to its breaking point - backing guests like Drivin' n Cryin' doing The Clash, Steve Poltz doing "Sympathy for the Devil", Allen Thompson doing "Get Up, Stand Up", and Mead himself doing "Peace Love & Understanding".  But the musical highlight was Aaron Lee Tasjan - looking fabulous by the way - doing a solid rendition of Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman". The crowd was initially stunned but then totally into it. 

Whiskey Wolves of the West closed the night with lots of guests and more great music.  Plus, the guy who plays Blaze Foley in the new movie did a couple of great songs backed by the one and only Charlie Sexton.

More to come.  By the way, this will likely be the last shuffle of the week, I am taking the rest of the week off for AMA, but look for some special posts. Tomorrow, I will tell you all about some of the great stuff going on this weekend - specifically we have some details about the all day party going on at Dee's Saturday - by our friends at Magnolia Road.

Meanwhile, we have a "Wild Wednesday" shuffle - so let's get wild!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - A Multitude of Nostrils Mix

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THE DRIFT (A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres - creator of E2TG) is available now!)



Well, we are back after a mid-week Fourth of July holiday. It has been insanely hot around here (and other places I know). If you have to be out: stay hydrated, find shade, and be careful.

With the holiday, we are back with another "Trending" shuffle - this for a Thursday.  We have a couple of first listens and some other goodies... let's shuffle!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Daisy Shotgun Mix

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This is just a couple of days away!   Make your plans now!

Check out Rayvon Pettis on Spotify
Check out Clark Paterson on Spotify 
Check out Griffin Winton (of The Big Dumb) on Spotify


Once your plans for June 7 are set - go ahead and mark your calendar for the rest of the E2TG Residency!

June 14 - We have Ben de la Cour opening, plus The End (Brooklyn) making a rare Nashville appearance, and Ted Drozdowski's Psychedelic Circus. 

June 21 - Brian Milligram will open for Microwave Mountain and The Coalmen. 

June 28 - Joanna Barbera opens for Eli Cook (Virginia) and Bee Taylor.  

These shows will be the most fun you are legally allowed to have before the sun goes down!  

I plan to have copies of my novel, The Drift, available for sale, and I will be reading short passages each week. 

$5.00 21+ (bring a valid ID - even if you are old like me). The 5 Spot is located in East Nashville at 1006 Forrest Avenue.  Doors should be open by 5:45pm or so.  Come early - we are jam packed with great stuff so we will aim to get started by 6:15 or so. 



Now, let's jump into this Trending Tuesday shuffle and see what it has in store for us!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Wide-Eyed Fishing Mix

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In case you missed the last two posts, E2TG will be celebrating our first 7 years with a Residency every Thursday in June at The 5 Spot.  These EARLY shows kick off at 6:00pm, and we have stacked line-ups every week, so you will want to get there early.

Week 1:  Rayvon Pettis, The Big Dumb, and Clark Paterson
Week 2: The End Men, Ted Drozdowski's Psychedelic Circus, plus a special guest opener TBA

Onto Week 3!  I am stoked to get the opportunity to present two of my favorite bands and one of my favorite songwriters in one incredible night.  I am especially excited to be able to showcase the diversity of talent making music in this city.

Microwave Mountain: With raucous energy and rocking good vibes, Microwave Mountain are red hot right now.  On the heels of the 4/20 - release show for Sick Licks, Jamie Timm and company will be playing a pretty rare early show. You will not want to miss this.

The Coal Men:  Led by guitarist, songwriter, producer extraordinaire Dave Coleman, The Coal Men have been making music together since 1999.  Their latest album is called Pushed to the Side. They are definitely one of my favorite local bands - great songs and a great sound. Editors note: The Poster above erroneously lists "The Coal Men" has "The Coalmen" - I apologize for the error and will be fixing the graphic as soon as I am able.

Brian Milligram:  Opening the night will be one of my favorite songwriters here in town, and one that many of you may be seeing for the first time. Be sure to get their early - Milligram brings a punk spirit to his songs.  His sometimes caustic nature belies a tenderness that comes through his lyrics.


Tomorrow, we will reveal our guests for the 4th and final week.  Stay tuned!


On to our shuffle for this Thursday!

I'm not sure if I have ever been as excited about the line-up of artists in my "New Music" playlist as I am right now. So much new music from new artists and veteran performers - covering just about every genre and style of music imaginable.  Today's shuffle is a good cross-section of that diversity!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Exotic Calls Mix

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A little over a year ago, I first began posting an occasional "political" commentary on E2TG. As I stated then, it was not something I wanted to do and that I did not really consider most of what I wrote as "political" (although it can be a fine line sometimes). As I intimated then, and still feel strongly today, there should be room at the table for people who hold a wide variety of political and social positions. At it's ideal and best, the United States (and our leaders) should be a shining example of lively debate and measured compromise.  Where we find ourselves now is embroiled and entrenched in hyper-partisanship and obstruction. Our elections are compromised in so many ways. The effects of Citizen's United (an Orwellian named law) are devastating to democracy and harmful to the republic. Voter suppression, gerrymandering, and unchecked foreign influences are the nails in the coffin.

I am cautiously hopeful about the mid-term elections, and I still cannot imagine that the current president will last his full term - but even if everything goes the way I want it to, we will still have miles to go...

I try not to let it get me down.  I do what I can, but the results are mostly not within my control. Life can still be a beautiful thing. Friendships and family and the beauty of the world. The mysteries of science and time and space surround us.

For me, music remains a source of strength. Songs that comfort, songs that excite, songs that motivate action, songs that inspire....

E2TG has provided me with an incredible opportunity to hear a ton of music that I might otherwise never hear, and to meet talented people who are pushing against long odds and seeming disinterest at times - to do what they feel compelled to do....

So, I push on - as I approach seven years of E2TG - offering my small contribution by putting music out there hopefully in an interesting way.

Let's shuffle the "New Music" playlist on this Trending Tuesday.

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Salvation with Horns Mix

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Guess what, I'm running short on time again. It's been a rough week at the old day job.

It was great seeing Patrick Kinsley and a Fistful of Dollars last night at Dee's.  Also great seeing Lynn Taylor and the Barflies  and also Daniel Walker. Just a  fun night of music. I realized that over the course of the evening I got to see and talk to at least seven people who have performed at an E2TG Anniversary Show over the last two years.  The 7th Anniversary shows are coming in June, and the E2TG elves are hard at work getting ready to make the announcements.

Tonight is the Buck N Stuff CD Release show at the American Legion in Inglewood. This will be one for the book!

On to the Trending Thursday Shuffle.... strap yourself in because this one promises to be a wild ride.

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Nice Italian Dinner Mix

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Well, this is my last work day of the week - as we head into Easter weekend.  Not expecting to post tomorrow, but you never know.

I added some new music to the "New Music" playlist.  It was up to almost 590 songs before today's post. We knocked out 11 today, and we have some cool music in the shuffle...so let's rock!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Shake 'n' Bake Mix

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My spirits were lifted a bit by a fun evening.  Recorded a future Double Shot show with Sue and Mark. Then, headed to Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge for another awesome Madison Guild Monday. This time hosted by E2TG favorite Andrew Adkins.  In addition to Adkins, the night saw a great performance by Daryl Dasher - who I had seen before, and  a few folks I had a not seen Ariana Hodes, Mike Wheeler, and Bri Murphy.  A couple of performers were unable to be there, so in typical Nashville/Madison fashion, some special guests helped fill the bill. Bryant Carter (who I saw for the first time) and three E2TG favorites (including two past E2TG Artists of the Year (Nick Nace, Jon Latham, and Darrin Bradbury).  All that and I great hang with some awesome folks.

I have a ton of music that I need to get added to my new music playlist, I will hopefully get to that tonight.  In the meantime, let's clear some space.

It's Tuesday. Here's what trending today!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Life's a Joke Mix

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Okay... I'm getting closer to making some big announcements about the upcoming June Residency at The 5 Spot to celebrate the 7th Anniversary of this blog. Just tying up some loose ends. Stay tuned! We have some great music lined up!

So, the last two times now that I added music to my memory card on my phone, my "New Music" playlist has been wiped out. It didn't happen before. In any event, I had to recreate the playlist - which means I might have added some older stuff or whatever... In any event, the playlist started at 553 tracks before today's post.

Let's shuffle!

Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Runnin' and Tryin' Mix

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Last night's Music City Roots: On the Road was a total East Nashville experience. Held at The Basement East - with special guest host Derek Hoke, and featuring four of the best artists/bands in on that side of the Cumberland River.

Little Bandit opened the show. Led by Alex Caress, Little Bandit has quickly become one of my favorite bands. I was admittedly late to the party, but I'm happy to be here. Alex's voice and the wit and heart in his songs shines. My friend, Jamie Timm (of Microwave Mountain) joined on guitar and sounded fantastic.

Next up was Elise Davis. This was, I believe, my first time seeing Davis (at least outside of a tribute show), and I was impressed by her songs and her voice. I definitely want to hear more.

Next up was E2TG Artist of Eternity - Darrin Bradbury making his third appearance as a guest (fourth overall appearance - he did an original and hilarious take on the Vietti Chili song his first time there) used the occasion to give MCR listeners/viewers a peek into his loud music past. With an awesome band - Laur Joamets on guitar, Cameron Carrus on bass, and Matty Apples on drums - Bradbury played a solid mix of older and newer songs with an a markedly rock approach. Songs like "Exile on Myrtle Beach" and "New Ownership Blues" were given new arrangements which made me think of Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue era.

Finally, Allen Thompson closed out the night with a very large band  (I think I counted twelve people on stage) including a horn section and backup singers. It was a rollicking set that garnered a standing ovation.

Everyone joined ATB on stage for the jam of the Stones "You Can't Always Get What You Want".

All in all a wonderful night of music. There was decent crowd which I can't help thinking would have been bigger but for the fact that half of East Nashville is in Austin for SXSW.

Tonight, I'm heading to The 5 Spot for Tim Carroll's weekly throw-down and then sticking around for Maxwell Putnam's CD release show for his new album Ode to a Tinhorn with guests Justin and the Cosmics (who we played earlier in the week) and Mark Fredson.

By the way, I don't do a whole lot of cross promotion, but in case any E2TG readers don't know, I co-host a weekly two-hour radio show called Double Shot with Joe and Sue (me being Joe and my dear friend Sue Havlish being Sue) on WXNA - Nashville's Community Radio Station. It's on 101.5FM in Nashville and can be streamed world-wide at wxnafm.org or via the TuneIn app. Double Shot hits at 11am Central Time (currently Daylight Savings Time)  on Saturday.

Well... it is Friday and let's see what we have to feature today!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Square Boy Mix

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In my job, I am expected to know what I am talking about, and to ask questions to find out what I do not know. If I routinely made up answers, I would likely lose my job.  I assume this is true of other people I know who have jobs. So, my honest question is, why should the "leader of the free world" be held to a lower standard?

That's all I have for now... I could say a bunch more, but let's get  to the music....
*******************************************************************************

I headed to Dee's last night and caught great sets from Adrian + Meredith and Adrew Adkins and his great band.  They are two of my favorites.  Dee's is such a cozy and friendly spot to hang.

It is Thursday - finally - and we jump back into a couple of days of shuffles from the "New Music" playlist to round out the week.  We have a few first listens today - including some new and forthcoming releases that I am super excited about...

Let's shuffle!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - I Begin to Roll Mix

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Man this sure is an interesting time to be alive.  Interesting is a good word because it is kind of neutral. Things being interesting may be good or they maybe bad or maybe just interesting. The thing is, I am of the philosophy that we cannot really ever know in the moment if something is good or bad. Meaning that we don't know the bigger picture.  Something happens which we view as bad, but as a result of that thing - something else happens (or doesn't happen) which we then interpret to be a good thing.  But even then, we don't really know...

All that to say, that for today, I am choosing to just take in all of the "interesting" things, to act and/or speak when I feel I must, but to stop trying to pretend I know everything or actually much of anything...

I will hopefully have some exciting announcements soon. Ironing out the final details of the June Anniversary Residency at The 5 Spot, and I hope to have a show announcement soon for April.  And who knows what else.

Meanwhile, it is Wednesday - the day we get "Wild" at E2TG.  Actually, we get wild everyday, but Wednesday, we shuffle from all the songs on my phone - so you never know what will come up... so it's like a wildcard. Thus, Wild Wednesday!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Self Confidence Mix

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Well, after talking about all of the consecutive nights I went out to hear live music, it all kind of caught up with me... I started feeling a little not great, so I decided to stay in last night and just rest. But, it did give me time to reflect on the incredible place in time and life and the world where I find myself.  The incredible talented people I interact with on a regular basis - some well-known, some not, but all talented. As a long-time fan of music, I am beyond grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded.

Well, it is Tuesday and time to dig back into the New Music playlist and see what is "Trending" on E2TG....

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - The Nothing Party Mix

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My two cents... actual value may vary... End Citizen's United (doublespeak if I've ever heard doublespeak - and I have).   Vote against any candidate who accepts money from the NRA or the gun lobby. Pass and enforce common-sense gun control.  Increase funding for our children. More teachers, more counselors.  Begin to have conversations about the role of guns in our society. The change in culture will take time and it will not be easy.

If you want to offer "thoughts and prayers" for the victims and their families, that is fine, but add some thoughts and prayers for effective and meaningful change in law and attitudes.

These are just ideas. What we are (and are not) doing is clearly not working. Shouting at each other on social media every time there is a mass shooting is clearly not working.   Protecting the lives of our children should not be partisan or divisive issue. How we go about doing that may be, but surely there is common ground.

I don't know... I'm once again heartbroken and numb and angry and frustrated. I've read that 80% of Americans - across party lines - support some kind of reform of gun laws. But our lawmakers ignore the 80% in favor of large donors who represent the gun lobby. That's why I think electoral reform - beginning with an end to Citizen's United is the place to start. Corporations are not people. People are people.  People are fallible, flawed entities, but in the end, I think most people want to keep our children safe. Corporations, by definition, only want to increase the profits of the corporation. That is their purpose.

Okay I'm done....
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It's Thursday - Let's see what's "Trending" at E2TG. As I left for work, I hit shuffle on the "New Music" playlist of my phone's music player. Here is what happened next...