Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Unconventional Mix

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Well.... Americana Fest 2017 is in the books... I feel kind of overwhelmed about what to write about the last two days (for me) of the conference. I think I got some sort of post-AMA drip thing going- runny nose and scratchy throat.... but I'm carrying on...

Look for some more detailed analysis forthcoming...  overall, I have to say, although I am probably not the best person to explain what Americana music is... as evidenced my attempts this past week to explain it to people... what I can say without any hesitation is that any festival that can find a place for as diverse a set of artists I saw (and missed) last week is okay in my book.  From Robyn Hitchcock to the Blackfoot Gypsies, from Dave Alvin to Brian Wright, from North Mississippi All-Stars to Darrin Bradbury... etc. etc. etc.

The other thing I want to say today is that I am super proud about the performances of the three E2TG Artists of the Year who played AMA Fest.  

2014 Artist of the Year Darrin Bradbury:  From his raucous single-song performance on Tuesday night - which ended with him leaping off the stage and disappearing into the crowd to his utterly charming and arresting performance at his official showcase Saturday night at The Anchor. The Saturday night show was probably among the five or six best Darrin Bradbury shows I have ever seen. (And I've seen a bunch).  Playing to a crowd - many of whom were there to see the nights final act - The Secret Sisters (who were phenomenal by the way) - Darrin pulled a good mix of his classics with some brand new songs and he utterly won over the crowd - as he has the amazing ability to do.

2015 Artist of the Year Jon Latham: For someone who did not have an official showcase (a glaring oversight in my opinion) - Latham managed to stay extremely busy all week.  He, too, was awesome on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, I missed a couple of his other performances during the week, but his closing set at the Cafe Rooster party on Saturday at Little Harpeth was among my favorite moments of the festival. Backed by his killer band, Jon commanded the stage in a way that he does better than most.  He took us, the audience, on an emotional ride.  His introduction to "Lifers" - the title track from his latest album - which he dedicated to the late Ben Eyestone, Jessi Zazu, and Chris Porter literally drove me to tears.

2016 Artist of the Year Brian Wright: Along with Aaron Lee Tasjan - Wright was one of busiest performers at the festival.  I saw him three times - all were spectacular, but his Friday night official showcase was nothing short of brilliant.  Wright is one of the few artists who can be equally captivating solo acoustic as he is playing full-on rock and roll with his amazing band.  He flat out gives his all to every performance and I for one cannot look away when he is playing.


So much more to write about but not enough time...

In case you missed it, please check out the latest Guest blog post from Collins de la Cour.  It is her review of Gaelynn Lea's utterly captivating performance at the American Legion on Friday night.  Check it out HERE.

Meanwhile, it Monday and we have another Music City Monday shuffle of songs somehow connected to the city of music...