E2TG - 3/2/2020 - Magnolia Roads Hoedown Update - Music City Monday - Airwaves Mix (Happiness Remix)

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Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown V - April 25 (Hoedown Preparty April 24)

Super-excited for the Fifth Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown. This year will be an all-day affair at The 5 Spot on Saturday April 25, and a Hoedown Pre-party on Friday April 24 at Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge.  There have been some changes since the last time I teased this event. Check out the posters below - lots of E2TG favorites in the line-up this year. I am going to be co-emceeing on Saturday. 

Much more to come!

Music City Monday Shuffle: 

Today's shuffle - down below, is our weekly Music City Monday Shuffle.  The idea for this shuffle sprung from the same place as my new radio show - Greetings from Nashville - which can be heard Thursday's at 6am on WXNA- Nashville. 

    Featured Friday Playlist
In case you missed it on Friday, we have a new Featured Friday Playlist up on Spotify.  Follow, listen, buy the music if you dig it. 

E2TG 2/10/2020 - Music City Monday - Pray for Rain Mix (Double Trouble Remix)

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Some random notes for a rainy Monday:

Great to catch Darrin Bradbury last night at 3rd and Lindsley.  Molly Martin opened, and she was fantastic.

Darrin played some new songs - which I dug plus some newer and older favorite.  He played an unplugged set (with a microphone stand he created with the help of Brian Milligram. No wires to the guitars ("because it is bad for the environment" so he said). It was a top-notch Darrin Bradbury set - he was engaged and engaging and as he often does - he had the audience's attention throughout.

I also got to hear some rough mixes of the next album. I can't tell you much, but... oh my, it is gonna be good.

I am preparing for Thursday's debut of Greeting from Nashville. I have the playlist nailed down and ready to go. I am excited because I have managed to have every band that played the first ever Nashville rock show that I attended (nearly 35 years ago) represented in some way on the show. Plus some newer favorites.  If you are up bright and early Thursday (at 6AM Central) you can catch me live on WXNA 101.5FM or wxnafm.org.  If you aren't awake at that time, you can catch it on the archive (also at wxnafm.org).

    Featured Friday Playlist

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Half Acre of Rock Mix (Trust Fund Hobo Remix)

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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.

First of all, a huge thanks for making the 2019 WXNA Fall Pledge Drive a rousing success!  We met and exceeded our goal!

It is Thanksgiving Week.  I will be posting shuffles through Wednesday and then taking the rest of the week off for the holiday. 

Let's get right into the shuffle.  I think this week will be pretty laid back, but as always great music...

On Monday we shuffle tracks from the Music City Monday Spotify Playlist...

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Calvary Hill Mix (Teenage Bliss Remix)

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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.

The E2TG 8th Anniversary Residency is almost over!

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia (SUCCESS!)

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo (Album Release Show)  
(SUCCESS!)
October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie (SUCCESS!)

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes (SUCCESS!)

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb (Two Days Away!)


We are gearing up for the grand finale of the E2TG 8th Anniversary Residency.  I am very excited for this one.  I hope you can make it out!

I got to see one of my musical heroes last night. Mike Watt brought his Missingmen  to the legendary Exit/In.   It was a very fun show - lots of Minutemen song plus some choice covers.   Great night overall - with Nashville band Look What I Did  opening, followed by Memphis band Joecephus and the George Jonestown Massacre.

We have a Music City Monday shuffle - so let's get to it!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - On the Village Green Mix

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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.

Wild Wednesday is here!  On Monday, we feature Nashville music- past and present.  On Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, we feature new music - mostly music submitted to us for featuring.  Wednesday, all bets are off. These are just cool tunes and sounds that have somehow made there way onto my phone memory card.  There may be some new music, but there will also be... well, show not tell - let's shuffle!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Jesus and Jim Morrison Mix

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Greetings from Nashville!  It is Monday and time for Music City Monday.  Exploring all things Nashville - Past and Present!

Let's get right to it!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Counting Roaches Mix

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It is time for another Music City Monday!  What I love about this particular weekly shuffle is that it serves as a reminder of just how much awesome music has and does emanate from Nashville. It is always a cool combination of friends and legends (and legends who have become friends and friends who are becoming legends).

Another reminder of how cool Nashville is:  The WXNA Spring Pledge Drive just finished up, and we thanks to the generous support of the community, we will continue to bring great radio to Nashville.

Another reminder: I took my daughter to Dee's yesterday, we caught the end of Jon Worthy and the Bends playing a very early show (Adelai loves loud rock and roll!)  and then we stuck around for a good portion of the Sunday Brunch hosted by Megan Palmer - with Bob Lewis, Jason Quicksall, Annie McCue, Jon Latham, and more.

Let's get right into the shuffle!

Music City Monday Shuffle - Thankful for the Small Things Today Mix

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Back in the early 1990s, before blogs and social media, I used to change my outgoing answering machine message every day.  On January 14, 1993, I used a portion of this song from the self-titled debut album by Cracker. Since then, it has become a (not exactly annual) tradition.  Twenty six years after the first time I used this song, here is "Happy Birthday to Me" by Cracker.  I remain, "Thankful for the Small Things Today".

I will be celebrating tonight at the Radio Cafe with a show featuring Ryan Sobb, Jeremy Ivey, and Darrin Bradbury.  Three of Nashville's finest - a great way to spend the evening.


We have our weekly Music City Monday shuffle.  This is a good one!  Let's get to it!

E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency Preview Shuffle - Month of Thursdays Mix Pt.4

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TOMORROW!  It's getting closer!  The Grand Finale of the E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency will take over The 5 Spot beginning promptly at Six O'Clock.  Here is the line-up in order of appearance:

Shane Tutmarc will open with a short set of songs promptly at six. Tutmarc is now an East Nashville institution, but he got his start in the Pacific Northwest - leading the band Dolour. whose membership included Robin Pecknold later of Fleet Foxes and members of Portugal the Man and other bands.   Tutmarc moved to Nashville in 2010. He has opened for Wanda Jackson. Most recently, he has been performing under the moniker Solar Twin. 

Joanna Barbera: A native of New Jersey, Barbera's spirit has lead her all over the world before arriving in Nashville. Her music reflects her exploration of spiritual paths.  Her latest release Imago is a favorite of mine from last year. A song from that release, "When the Rain Comes" was prominently featured in the CBS series Criminal Minds. Her music is emotive with a great sound and wonderful songs, if you have not heard Joanna Barbera live, you want to make it The 5 Spot tomorrow, 

Eli Cook:  Eli Cook took up the guitar as a teenager in the Blue Ridge foothills of Virginia.  He cut is teeth playing and singing in churches and at revivals. His music takes a firm foundation of blues greats like John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Fred McDowell and others and updates it with influences from bands like Soundgarden, Clutch, and Rage Against the Machine.  His latest album is called High Dollar Gospel. It is another favorite of mine from 2017.  Cook has shared stages with the likes of B.B. King, Johnny Winters, Robert Cray, Gary Clark Jr, and most recently Robin Trower. He is in town from his home in Charlottesville, Virginia home, and you do not want to miss this rare opportunity to see him live in the intimate confines of The 5 Spot.


Bee Taylor: I was first recommended to Bee Taylor's music a couple of years ago.  When I went out to see her live, I wondered why he had taken me so long to catch on to her. Possessing a powerful voice and an intense spirit, Taylor's music has been described as a combination of Tom Waits and Amy Winehouse. Bee Taylor's incredible band features the immeasurable talented Cody Brooks  (Taylor is also a part of Brook's band).  Her set promises to be an all-out throw-down to help close out this awesome month of music.

I hope you will be there if you can!

We have our final "Month of Thursdays" shuffle - featuring artists from tomorrow's show.

E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency Preview Shuffle - Month of Thursdays Mix Pt.3

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Okay - I have been keeping quiet over here recently about things going on in the world and our nation. AND, I NEVER wanted or intended E2TG to be a place for me to express my "political" opinions.  HOWEVER, I feel the need to speak up on somethings. To me, this is not political.  As I have said many times, it is fine to disagree about policies and philosophies around solving real or imagined "issues".  Despite my beliefs placing me firmly on the left of many political issues, I do believe our system works best when people of all political stripes can work together to arrive best solutions. (Unfortunately, that idea seems quaint and idealistic in today's climate).  Strong, principled conservatives and liberal/progressives are important to us as a society.

All that being said, there are things being done which I feel transcend political ideologies and partisan differences. It is possible to have any number of opinions about immigration and border security AND have compassion for the fate of families and children.  It is possible to lean to the right on social and economic issues and speak out against vile and inhumane words and actions from those who (theoretically) share your political beliefs.

I am prompted to write today - when I would much rather be talking about music and events - by last nights actions by the former Trump campaign manager (I am not going to even mention his name).  On television, while a story was being shared about a child with Down's Syndrome, this vile creatur said, "Wah-Wah" (reported as "Womp-womp" but whatever).  Keep in mind, he was campaign manager for someone who openly mocked a disabled reporter. Someone whose Attorney General opposed the principles of IDEA - a federal law that provides for children with all sorts of disabilities to have the best education possible in the least restrictive environment.  Prior to this law, many of these children were either denied education or "warehoused" in substandard, hidden rooms.  This same person's Sec. of Education nominee could not answer basic questions about IDEA in her confirmation hearing (and was still confirmed) and has rescinded 72 guidance documents related to children with disabilities.

I am the parent of a child with disabilities, and while that makes these issues more on the forefront for me - it is not the reason the actions above are repulsive to me - that is because I a person with compassion (or at least I try to be).  Because of my daughters disabilities, I have had the pleasure to meet many children with disabilities and their families. They are, in many cases, the most refreshingly honest and warm and kind people I have ever met. Children with Down's Syndrome, children with many different conditions and diagnoses, often possess a spirit and vitality that should be a lesson to all of us. Despite the hardships, the stares, the subtle or not subtle cruelty, they often possess unconditional love. Anyone - who mocks and otherwise harms  - these children should be called out and defended by everyone with a heart. Unfortunately, even these cruelties are framed as a left vs. right debate.  They are not. They are simply put a wrong vs. right debit.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

TOMORROW NIGHT!  The E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency continues.

We have a great line-up:  Brian Milligram, Darrin Bradbury, and The Coal Men will present some of Nashville's best music.  It is an early show at The 5 Spot, so you will have time to get to some of the later events of the night or to get home before dark.

One week from tomorrow, we close out the month of shows with our finale - featuring Eli Cook, Bee Taylor, and Joanna Barbera. 

I would also like to remind you that my new novel, The Drift is available via Amazon.com.  I will have a couple of copies of the novel for sale (more are ordered but will not arrive in time for tomorrow.  I will have a sign-up sheet if you would like to be notified when books are available for sale.   I can also have books shipped directly to you for a small shipping fee. 


Every Wednesday in June, we have been shuffling up songs from a special playlist featuring artists still to come at the E2TG Show. Let's jump!

E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency Preview Shuffle - Month of Thursdays Mix Pt.2

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The Ear to the Ground Residency at The 5 Spot continues tomorrow night and every Thursday in June. 

This week:

Come on out!  I am so excited about this line-up.  Ben de la Cour is an amazing songwriter.  The End Men are flat out one of my all-time favorite bands and I am so excited to have them in Nashville for the night!  Ted Drozdowski has a 40 year career as a journalist.  He is currently a senior editor at Premier Guitar magazine. A brilliant man and gifted musician - he knows the blues better than anyone I know.  He brings a unique vision to his version of psychedelic blues music - with a brand new power trio - he calls Ted Drozdowski's Psychedelic Circus.

I have created a special playlist - to highlight some of the great music still to come this month.  Here is a taste.

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Spaghetti Mix

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Okey dokey, I'm back after a long holiday weekend.  Had a good time at Field Day 2017 - with WXNA competing against teams from The Nashville Scene, Fort Houston, Duke's, Third Man Records, and the Belcourt. It was a a true Nashville experience - with Pete Finney playing the National Anthem on pedal steel and Jack White showing up to support the Third Man team and everyone pretending to be blase about it. ;-)

Tomorrow night is the grand finale of the E2TG Residency!!  FuzzQueen opens, to be followed by Amelia White and The Blue Souvenirs!  Looking forward to this show! Doors at 5:30, $5 cover, 21+ only!

It is Tuesday - which means we have our "Trending" shuffle today.  Several Nashville artists to make up for not having a Music City Monday post!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Apathy and Sentiment Mix

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Whew! I am kind of exhausted, and I am behind on about everything, but I am mostly having the time of my life.  So, excited for the May Residency at The 5 Spot which kicks off Wednesday May 3 with The Mark Robinson Band!  This is going to be a great month of music, and I know I will have a blast, and I think you will too.  If you are reading this, and you are in or will be in Nashville on any given Wednesday in May, I hope you will come on out and say hey.

It's our final shuffle of April - where did the time go!

It's Feature Friday time....

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Armor Mix

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After a wonderful weekend with family (and an exhausting drive back to Nashville), it is back to the daily grind.

I really want E2TG to stay completely focused on music, and I look forward to those days; however, as I have said before and will say again, we are living in extraordinary times. My concerns are not solely based upon the fact that I ideologically do not agree with decisions being made (although I do not), it is more about the manner they are being made, the malice and darker motives which seem to be at work, and the unmistakable parallels between the first week of this presidency and what history tells us about fascist regimes.  It is encouraging to see the mass protests (my word to all who oppose what is happening is, pace yourselves and take care of yourselves. It is also encouraging to see the party leaders of the president's own party beginning to speak out. There is a ton of information out there - factual information - unbiased... groups of people are being attacked and put at risk. The time to fight that is now - not just when you are part of one of the groups under attack.

I realize that some who read this blog may not agree with me on any or all points above. To those who don't, I don't ask you to leave or stop reading... I say simply - keep an open mind, don't follow blindly, look at yourself and be willingly to speak up even against those on your "side". This is the same advice I give to those who do happen to agree with me.

In the end, I believe in love and truth. I do not condone violence. Love in an action. So, go out in love today.

Meanwhile, I do have some Monday tunes from the Music City...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - The Whole Picture Stank Mix

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Running a little behind today.

How about some outside the shuffle "Earie" Awards

1.  The "Strong Spine"Award goes to Zachariah Red who released his album Backbone back at the beginning of the year.  He won a preemptive "Earie" in 2015 on the basis of "40 Miles" the first single. The album was most excellent and deserving of an "Earie" all it's own.

2. Backbone was mastered by Timothy Ryssemus who released his own album under the Ricca Vita name. Ricca Vita - the album - was one of the freshest and most unique-sounding records of 2016. It is electronic music - but what struck me about it (and I think maybe Ryssemus benefited from working with singer-songwriters like Zach Red in this regard) was the focus. Electronic music can tend to lose me sometimes, but that was not the case with this record.  So, I will give Ricca Vita the "Breath of Fresh Electronic Air" Award.

3.  The "These Days" Award for 2016 goes to Charlie Hager. Yeah, it is the title of one of his songs (of which we premiered the video), but these days, America needs a voice like Charlie Hager.  Plain spoken, honest, songwriting of the highest caliber. If you are looking for bells and whistles - go elsewhere. But, before you go, take a good honest listen to Charlie Hager's songs. His album American Saga is one you may not have heard, but it is one you really need to hear.

4. Our final "Earie" of the day is the "Happenstance Award" (you do know I just make these award names up off the top of my head don't you?). The award goes to Dingzui - a Nashville band who released Analogue in 2016. If not for a chance encounter at a David Olney show at Bobby's Idle Hour, there is a chance, I might would have missed out on hearing this album, and that would have been a shame. You have to hand it any band who titles songs "Graceland" and "The Tennessee Waltz" (neither of these are cover songs) and manages to pull it off which a couple of really excellent songs. The album is great, and since you may not have been at that David Olney show, I'm giving you a chance to not miss out.

To the shuffle:

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Five Minutes Mix

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I had a moment of panic last night when I realized that I only have 7 or 8 more shuffles to post in 2016. (I haven't decided if I am working Wednesday of next week so...).  I have handed 32 "Earie" Awards so far in 2017, but there are a bunch of awards still to go...   I am going to start with four more:

1.  "The Dirty Rice" Award (year 2).  Last year, I handed out this award (dedicated to the State of Louisiana where my roots are deep) to D.L. Duncan and Kevin Gordon.  The award this year goes to two more gentlemen whose music I have come to know this past year.  1st: Brian Langlinais.  Brian has been in Nashville almost as long as I have, but his Louisiana roots are strong. His latest album Right Hand Road was at least partially recorded in Lafayette, Louisiana and produced by D.L. Duncan himself.  The album includes many Nashville and Louisiana musicians. 2nd:  Chris Watts. Watts is a native of Pineville, Louisiana and makes Nashville his home now. His album, The God's Own Truth was released earlier this year.

2.  The "This will Make Me Look Really Smart Next Year" award goes to Rayvon Pettis. 2014 E2TG Artist of the Year has been telling me about Rayvon Pettis for months and months, but it wasn't until very recently that I finally got to see him live, and I'm a believer. I am not alone. Word is that an album is on the way in 2017. I expect by this time next year a whole lot more people will be buzzing about this guy.

3.  The "Please, Please, Please, Please..." award goes to the one and only Buck 'N' Stuff.  If 2015 Artist of the Year, Jon Latham and I have our way (and why shouldn't we have our way), 2017 will be the Year of Buck 'n' Stuff.  Buck 'n' Stuff are simply put the most exciting musical idea to emerge in the last decade (or maybe ever).  On the surface, they are a Buck Owens tribute band - which is pretty cool on it's own. But, I don't normally hand out "Earies" to tribute bands not matter how good they are.  But, when it comes to Buck 'n' Stuff, "Normal" is not even a real word. I can't explain their awesomeness right now... go look up some videos on You Tube.  They will be playing NYE at The 5 Spot - kicking off the Year of Buck 'n' Stuff.

4.  The "Cheese Chronicler" award goes to Tommy Womack.  Womack was a member of the legendary Government Cheese (and he chronicled their adventures and misadventures in Cheese Chronicles: the True Story of a Rock Band You've Never Heard Of.  Since moving to Nashville, he has been/is a member of The Bisquits and Daddy. He's played with Todd Snider and released several well received solo albums including Namaste which came out in 2016.  He is a fellow DJ on WXNA, and I am happy to have been able to see him perform several times in 2016, and I even got to dance with my daughter to one of his best known songs, "Nice Day".


Now on to the Music City Monday shuffle:

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Gardens of Stone Mix

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Here we go.  I have a few more "Earies" to give away embedded below.  Remember, just because I do not award an "Earie" in one post does not necessarily mean the artist/band will not win one. Just saying. 

Also, a note.  For the first time in recent memory, there is some lobbying/interest in the Artist of the Year Award. What I can tell you is that I have not reached a decision about that yet. Some names are being thrown around by myself and others, and for sure, there are several worthy candidates - including some dark horses.  Stay tuned.

Monday brings out Music City Monday shuffle - let's do it!