E2TG 5/24/2021 - Music City Monday Maybe - Marisol Mix (Continuum Remix)

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I had a dental procedure this morning and have been recovering so forgive the late post...

Part 2 of our Featured Friday Recap (songs 11-16):

11. "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" by Molly Tuttle & Nathaniel Rateliff

A great cover from Molly Tuttle's surprise new collaborative covers EP.

12. "Hungover" by Goldwoman

Next up, a great song from this Brooklyn based singer-songwriter from a forthcoming album. The song is a true story of the morning after seeing an ex at a gig. 

13. "Ain't It a Shame (When Your Horse Goes Lame)" by Wild Earp &  The Free for Alls

The next album from Chicago based Wild Earp & The Free for Alls is due out in July.  This is the first single. A fun song. 

14. "Train Don't Stop" by Magnolia Bayou

We previously featured this band from southern Mississippi last year with the release of their album Strange Place.  Swampy hard rock - great stuff. 

15. "Wine" by Simone

Next up, we have the new single from this 16 year old singer-songwriter from New York. 

16. "Your Shit" by Tesla Shamans
 

Electric Storm  - the debut album from this hard rocking Italian band is out now. We previously featured their single "Shamans."  In case you are wondering, I will not be playing this track on the radio. :-)

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/29/2021 - Music City Monday - Walking Wounded Mix (Better Now Remix)

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We are back after a much needed week off... 

A lot going on in the world, in our nation, and locally.  I think there are issues that are way too big for any person or administration or party to solve. I think there is a lot of evil in the world - evil in this case being defined as greed, selfishness, a lack of compassion, a lack of empathy.  I see it infecting and infesting many elements in our society and I think we can all fall victim to it from time to time, but I think it is especially insidious in certain situations. 

I also know that there are many kind, generous, compassionate and empathetic people in the world. I think ultimately, the solution has to come from those people coming together, putting aside petty differences and standing up for goodness.  

It will come when we embrace the things that unite us and try not to focus on the things that divide us. I have no idea how or if this is going to happen but I know that unless it does - the evil will continue to win. 

Please note, I use evil not in a religious or even supernatural sense - but rather as I defined it above. I also don't think anyone is all good or all evil - but I think the insidious nature of evil can be hard to resist. 

And, it cannot always been one side compromising and there will be points over which we cannot compromise - but if that is the case - let's move on to another point - while tabling the point where no agreement can be reached. I believe that while revolutionary change may be the most preferred and worth fighting for in some instances - incremental change is better than no change at all. 

Anyway, let's get on to the music for today... 

 

We pick up where we left off - a week ago Friday - a continue our recap of the Featured Friday Playlist with songs 12-17:

12. "El Camino" by Stephen Flatt

The album Cumberland Bones is due out April 16.  Today, we have the second single we have featured from Nashville singer-songwriter (and great nephew of Lester Flatt).  Really great tune. 

13. "Tumbling" by DL Rossi

Also due April 16 is Lonesome Kind by singer-songwriter DL Rossi. The album was recorded in Nashville where Rossi lived before returning to his native Michigan to help with an ailing family member.  

14. "Black Rose" by Shannon McNally; Buddy Miller

Next up, we have Shannon McNally and Buddy Miller doing a Waylon Jennings classic from McNally's forthcoming (May 28) album The Waylon Sessions. I feel like that last sentence says enough to highly recommend this listen. 

15. "America" by Sylvan Paul

Next up, we have the title track from the debut EP from NYC artist Sylvan Paul.  The song is unfortunately as timely as it was when it was written in 2018 - especially in the week of recent gun violence. 

16. "Crocodile" by Arrows to Fire

Next up, our second track to feature from this US/French collaboration (co-produced by Tim Palmer) and this is straight up one of the funnest songs we have featured in a while. 

17. "It's Ok Not to Be Ok" by The Rude Awakening

And we close with a timely message for these times from this UK synthpop act. Some cool music and good words to take us out of this segment of music.
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/28/2020 - Music City Monday, Music City Strong - High Feeling Mix (Always Will Remix)

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The 2020 hits keep coming - and not in the good sense of hits.  By now, most of you not from Nashville have read or heard about the Christmas morning bombing in downtown Nashville. The good news is that I and everyone I know is okay. The bad news is the damage and destruction to historical buildings and buildings where people live and work. Temporarily, a lot of people were cut off from technology and communications.  

There is a lot not known. It appears to be the work of one man. His motive is the stuff of speculation but regardless - the city must once again try to come together and get through this.  

Now, we return to our recap of the Featured Friday Shuffle with songs 41-47:

41. "The Infinity Line" by of1000faces

of1000faces returns to the E2TG playlist with the title track from the new album. This is the solo recording project of Chicago based Matt Walker (drummer and producer) whose credits include Morrissey, Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, and Filter. 

42. "Can't Let It Go" by No Trombones (feat. Sakari)

Next up, we have the new single from Montreal based No Trombones featuring vocals by Chicago native and L.A. based Sakari. A great addition to the playlist.

43. "Our Year" by Jane and John

Next up, we have a single from this UK based duo that formed during quarantine. Jane and John are the middle names of C.J. Wadsworth who had never been in a band before and M.J. Hibbett who claims to be an "international rock star" who is best known for "Hey Hey 16K" which was a number one hit in IT departments if not on the charts. 

44. "Shame" by Tristan Wood

Next up, we have the title track from the new EP from this emerging singer-songwriter based in Seattle. Tristan was part of the HIGHSCHOOL Nation tour in 2018.

45. "it's u not me" by Dafna

Next up, we have opening track from I LOVE YOU - the new album from this Boulder, Colorado based singer-songwriter. I dig the sound.

46. "The Power of Love" by The Autumn Killers

How about a cover?  Up next, we have a cover of the Frankie Goes to Hollywood hit via this rock band from South Wales. The  track is included in Acoustic and Autumnised - the new EP which features new arrangements of all the songs from the band's debut EP Dance Floor Mayhem plus this track. 

47. "Blue" by Fellow Hollow 

And, we close this segment of music with the opening track from Violet Paper Wings by this Columbus, Ohio based duo of Andrew Gavin Williams and Luke Elliot Fleeman.  A great tune to close out this part of our Playlist. 

Tomorrow - our penultimate recap post for this week songs 48-54
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 1/27/2020 - Music City Monday - Show preview and more - I'm Okay Mix (One Dead Peckerhead Remix)

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Show alert:

Chicago’s Joe Policastro Trio will be headlining the 9:30 PM show at The SpringWater tonight. More information at  http://www.thespringwater.com/events 

Hailed by Downbeat for its “deft analysis of choice repertoire” and by the Chicago Reader for its “diversity of approaches to all kinds of source material,” the JPT is a Chicago-based alternative jazz trio led by bassist Joe Policastro and features guitarist Dave Miller and drummer Mikel Avery. While firmly rooted in jazz, the band’s open-minded, inclusive nature draws upon a wide array of musical styles and sources while still keeping the aesthetic of an acoustic trio intact. Their fourth album, Nothing Here Belongs, focuses on the band’s original music, whereas previous releases, West Side Story Suite (2013), POPS! (2016), and Screen Sounds (2017), highlighted the trio’s ability to remake unlikely songs in its own raw, highly idiosyncratic fashion.  

Random Notes:

A quick behind the curtain (pay not attention to the man) - I am still experimenting with the new features of E2TG.  Expect some changes periodically has I fine-tune things. 

Featured Friday Playlist  (It is called Featured Friday because that is when the list for the week updates and the name is a homage to our Featured Friday Shuffle). It is available every day on E2TG for viewing and playing. Thanks to those who have followed the playlist.   The way I have been managing the list is by creating a private playlist called E2TG on-deck. As I hear about releases, I add them to that playlist. Then on Thursday night/early Friday, I check for new releases and tweak the on-deck list. I delete out the songs from the  current Featured Friday playlist and add the songs from the on-deck playing to that one. Then I delete out the songs from the on-deck playlist and start over. I try to keep the list around an hour - but I don't have a fixed number of songs. 

As with all of E2TG, I try to heavily weigh the list to "under the radar" picks, but depending on the week - so better known artists of interest may appear. 

The new release listing is and will always be a work-in-progress. I mostly add from e-mail submissions - sometimes if I see a social media post, I will sent the link to myself to add later. Please feel free to send me new release information (singles, EPs and LPs) to e2tgmusic@gmail.com.  

In the current world, the release date can be tricky. I add to the list as it is reported to me, I know sometimes albums will be added to Spotify before or after the announced date. 

I will working on adding some links and some more "First Impressions". Time is still a challenge, but I will keep plugging away. 

Today, we have a great Music City Monday shuffle - please check that out below!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Rambunctious Mix

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Friday night, I took in some live local music, and once again, had my faith in this town bolstered.

First was my regular Tim Carroll Rock n Roll Happy Hour. Although it may seem obligatory or routine, it is worth reflecting on what Tim Carroll and The 5 Spot offer each week. 2 1/2 hours of original rock and roll music with no cover in a wonderfully welcoming setting.

Carroll is a prolific songwriter who is constantly adding new songs to his already impressive line-up, meaning that no two shows is alike. 

Next, I headed over to the Mercy Lounge for Blackfoot Gypsies, Lady Couch, and The Hollow Roots. That night, I reflected on the fact that it had been approximately 32-33 years since I first saw live music in that building (The Cannery complex). Back then, I often saw local or regional bands like Walk the West the West, Questionnaires, or Guadalcanal Diary play to enthusiastic audiences.

Some highlights worth noting:  I was not familiar with The Hollow Roots, but they had a great sound and a great energy. I would love to see them again. 

Lady Couch (as they do) absolutely tore it up.  They are one of my favorite local bands and it was great to see a significant number of people experiencing their music for the first time (and in many cases falling in love with it).   The Band comes immediately to mind when seeing them.  So many talented people on one stage, pulling off this massive, seamless sound. Maybe this was a paired down Lady Couch? with just ten-eleven people on stage.

Blackfoot Gypsies have definitely paid their local dues, and it was great to see them headlining at a larger venue to a large and enthusiastic crowd.  The band is so tight and so fearless, even an equipment malfunction is handled with grace and bass/drum groove that kept everyone moving. It was a truly Nashville night of music, and I, for one, was impressed.

Speaking of Nashville, it is Monday and time dive night into the Music City Monday shuffle.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Drunk and Unknown Mix

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As promised, I am going to kick into a higher gear in telling you about the Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown IV - coming at the end of this month.

The show runs two consecutive nights at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.  I am thrilled to be a part of this and to work with the awesome Magnolia Roads! 

Both nights are a benefit for the Ben Eyestone Fund at the Musician's Health Alliance. There are some incredible silent auction items.

I will you to the Facebook event for all the details. 

Today, I wanted to focus in on Friday night April 26 (right after Tim Carroll Rock n Roll Happy Hour)

The lineup for the first night includes FunkyJenn and the Fringe Benefits, Don Gallardo and How Far West, Chris Wilson and The Heresy, and The Truehearts!

Tomorrow, we will focus on Saturday April 27 - which will begin at 6:00pm and go until late. The night two headliner is the one and only Lady Couch!

Event details HERE.

Now, it is Monday and we have another top-notch Music City Monday shuffle.  Let's hit it!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Say it With Flowers Mix

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Hey!  I'm back!  I almost forgot how to do one of these shuffles...

We have an exciting week coming up - culminating in a really awesome video premiere on Friday. So stay tuned. 

To kick things off, we have a spectacular Music City Monday - all songs with some connection to Nashville (aka Music City USA).

Let's get right to it!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Tip of the Iceberg 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 three - January - May 2018.  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 NEW


Time to dive headlong back into another work week... Although, I generally don't look forward to Mondays, I do look forward to Music City Monday here at E2TG when we features a shuffle from a playlist that covers a broad cross-section of the musical past and present of Nashville (as filtered through my sensibilities).

We have some cool stuff to feature today, so let's dive in....

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Bye Bye Baby Bye Bye Mix

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Continuing to have Texas on my mind.  If you want to help and are in Middle Tennessee - here is a local resource to consider.  https://www.cfmt.org/story/hurricane-harvey/

The so-called "Nashville Statement" does not represent the city I love.

I am disgusted daily by the behavior, actions, and words of the current occupant of the White House.

I am back after being sick yesterday.  I did take the down time to watch the 2016 documentary, Gimme Danger, about The Stooges (directed by one of my faves, Jim Jarmusch).  It brought me back to the feeling I had when I first encountered the music of The Stooges.  I think Fun House was the first album I heard, and it was one of those watershed musical moments for me.  It was interesting to see the kind of haphazard way the band came together and how the chemistry of all the pieces seemed to elevate the others.

It's Wednesday, and I'm just going to jump right into the "Wild Wednesday Shuffle" now...

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Have a Nice Flight Mix

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Much on my mind, as we muddle through this post-fact, post-truth, post-decorum, post-civility, post-shared humanity, post-(you-name-it) world. Look, corrupt politicians are  nothing new. But, it does seem like in the past, there was at least some effort to conceal that corruption and often when it was exposed, it had real consequences. Nowadays, it seems like corruption is worn like a badge of honor, and it is at best denied or at worst accepted.

Also thinking about social media and Facebook in particular.  People tend to use this platform in many different ways. I still contend that all technology is neutral, that is only through man's use of the technology that it becomes good or evil. That being said, I have friends who use Facebook solely to share political posts, those who use it (almost) exclusively to promote their music, those who post humorous posts, those who post pictures of children, grandchildren, or pets, etc.  I think all of those are fine. There is, though, one phenomenon that I just don't get....   There are some people who feel th need to chime in and comment on things that really don't have any thing to do with them. I'll give a hypothetical example:  A friend posts something on my wall that is basically on inside joke or a reference that makes sense to only a small group of people.  Some people will jump in and make irrelevant comments. Another example, a celebrity passes away, and people are posting remembrances of that person and what they and/or their work meant to them. There is always that person who feels the need to add either by comment or post, "Eh, I never was a fan" or "I don't know who that is but...."  I guess it's a pet peeve of mine, but if a post doesn't directly address you or you have nothing meaningful to add, then just let it go.

To be honest, the only time I have "un-friended" AND blocked someone was for this very thing.  They were a friend who I had not really interacted with at all for several years. Someone important to me made a heartfelt post about something and this person (who did not know the original poster at all) jumped in and made a totally insensitive comment basically discounting the original poster's experience. Since I was the only link between the original poster and the person making the comment, I felt responsible for their behavior and so I deleted them as a friend and blocked them.

There is something maybe important in all my ranting, but I'm not sure what it is... something about how divided we are as a nation and the amount of incivility that exists in that divide....

Well, it's Monday when we jump in with our Music City Monday shuffle - songs with some connection to Nashville, Tennessee....

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - 7 Hours Away Mix

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So, the illegitimate president's illegitimate supreme court nominee has been sworn in.  Great.. just great...  Feeling pretty disgusted with the whole thing.
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Diving into Monday - a four-day work week for me... let's get this going.  Monday means time for our "Music City" shuffle. Let's go!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Lincoln Won the War-Weary World Mix

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Today on my mind is balance. It's something I very strongly believe in, and something I am shitty at practicing.  Work/play, political engagement/creating and cultivating beauty, pride/shame, spending/saving... I tend to live in extremes, and based upon my observations, I do not think I am necessarily unique in that regard.  To those on the front line of the resistance, my wish and hope for you is to find balance. To those consumed with fear and vitriol,   my wish for you is to experience the beauty and wonder that is around us and to find love and compassion within that wonder and beauty. To myself, my wish is to figure all of this out - even if it is just for a moment.
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Whenever I allow myself to think about these things, I wonder if my diverse taste in music is off-putting to some people. I know, in the end, it really doesn't matter, but I do think about it.  Fact is, as much as I love certain styles/genres of music, the thought of limiting myself to a single style/genre is wholly unimaginable.

Wild Wednesday shuffles often showcase the diversity of my musical interests, and today is actually a pretty decent example of that.  The good thing about this format is that it is relatively easy to move past what doesn't interest you. My challenge, though, is to step outside of your comfort zone - even if just for a second and give something radically different a try.  This is something I have been trying to do myself - because in spite of my diverse taste in music, I am aware that I have blind spots and long-held biases around certain artists and genres. But, if I give something a legitimate shot - at worst the nature of my bias will be confirmed, and at best, I may expand my tastes into a whole new arena.

Let's shuffle...

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Wild Cat a Pet Mix

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It's funny, really... (I like starting blog posts in the middle of a thought).  People will say, "It's been a good year." or "It's been a sucky year." or whatever, but for me if I really think about, most years are a little bit of both. Even years that I look upon as my worst, had moments of transcendent joy.

For many people, 2016 is being chalked up on the "bad year" side of the ledger, and it is understandable.  In music, we lost some of the all-time greats in 2016. From Bowie to Cohen and so many more. For many in my closest circle of friends, the election did not know as we would have like, and we are worried about what this will mean in the short and long term for the world.  Personally, the last half of the year has brought on a series of (ultimately) minor health issues that took the wind out of my sails for a time.  And yet, it was also the year, I began doing Double Shot with Sue Havlish on WXNA - which has proven to be one of the great joys of my life. It was also a year of "discovering" lots of new (to me) music and forging some new friendships while building on some older ones. Could it have been better? Could I have done better? Sure. Same with every previous year and likely every future year.

Before we jump into a "Wild Wednesday" shuffle - I have an "EARIE" Award to hand out.  Thinking about "new to me music" and new friendships....

I remember seeing Clark Paterson around East Nashville, and I remember hearing people talk about his music.  To me, he was kind of intimidating. Really tall with a big beard. A few months back, he contacted me and sent me a copy of his latest album, The Final Tradition.  The album features two of my favorite East Nashville musicians - Tim Carroll and Paul Niehaus - so I was intrigued. And when listened, I was impressed.  I jotted down a few words....

With The Final Tradition, East Nashville singer-songwriter Clark Paterson has made a gritty and earthy rock and roll record. Backed by some of Nashville’s finest musicians including Tim Carroll and Paul Niehaus, Paterson weaves no holds barred tales of real people living real lives. 

It is not easy to write about the kind of characters that inhabit Paterson’s songs while avoiding slipping into cliche and sterotypes, but Patersons does so. The secret to his ability to walk that fine line can be found in his bio which reveals a complex and diverse set of experiences which have provided the inspiration to write these songs that ring with a authencity that is refreshing.

Standout tracks include “This Dog’s Gonna Hunt”, “Kansas Saturday Night”, and “Hillbilly Shit”. These songs reveal a confident swagger that belies a rough-hewn vulnerability.  It is this honest to god vulnerability presented as strength not weakness that sets The Final Tradition apart from most other roots oriented records being made in recent years. 

Of course, with life being what it is, I never posted this words until now.. but, with out more ado, I am awarding Clark Paterson the "Rough-hewn Vulnerability" Award for 2016.

On to the shuflle...

Throwback Thursday Morning Shuffle - Old Broken Bottle Mix

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I have been laying pretty low this week - trying to work on somethings, but I did manage to get out early last night to see the kick off of the Crackerboots residency at The 5 Spot. Luella and Bill DeMain backed by an amazing band delivered some gorgeous jazz-influenced music. Singer-songwriter Cletus Carr opened, and I dug him.  The residency continues every Wednesday through the end of October.

It is Thursday and throw it back to some music from previous decades... enjoy.

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!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Gabba Gabba Hey! Mix

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And so it begins... you know, if my Americana 2016 experience ended last night, I think I would be pretty darn satisfied...

I decided not to risk getting shut out of the venue, so I drove straight from work to the Pub at The Basement East and hung out with friends and listened to Terry Rickards and Darrin Bradbury play music by East Nashville musicians.  Then, we joined the line to get into The Basement East.   Caught part of a set by a talented group of students from Nashville School for the Arts.

Later, Chuck Mead led a pretty amazing band with special guests through set that included Mead singing The Who's "Can't Explain", Sarah Gayle Meech singing Blondie's "Heart of Glass", and a cover of a song by The Pogues - plus Patrick Sweany... plus, plus... And that was the "opening act"!

So, I knew that Aaron Lee Tasjan and Friends was going to be epic... I mean, it's ALT and last year's set was epic so...   2014 E2TG Artist of the Year Darrin Bradbury kicked things off with a rocking rendition of his classic "Life is Hard (The Ballad of Jack Kerouac, Lenny Bruce, and Daffy Duck)"... Zach Schmidt - one of my favorites - was up next with one of my favorite songs of his, "Company Man", 2015 E2TG Artist of the Year Jon Latham did his song, "Waitressing Sucks" and there were suddenly a bunch of new Jon Latham fans in the house. Brian Wright did a face-meltingly good performance of "Glory Hallelujah" - I mean...  Brian Wright always blows me away, but this was next level good.  He and Aaron Lee have been playing together quite a bit and it really shows because they were incredibly tight throughout the set.  ALT did "Made in America" and "Ready to Die" which were both amazing. There was more, but I'm running short on time... Then, Jon Latham returned to the stage with the great Dan Baird (Georgia Satellites, Dan Baird and Homemade Sin, The Bluefields) and my mind was blown.  I could have just gone home right then and have been satisfied... but I didn't.

Lee Ann Womack was next with an incredible band and a bunch of friends... like Waylon Payne, Brent Cobb, Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller, Amanda Shires, Jason Isbell (who sang Todd Snider's "Play a Train Song"), Patty Griffin, and more.

Kind of sort of as we speak, Darrin Bradbury is joining Margo Price, Aaron Lee Tasjan and others for an NPR segment at The Country Music Hall of Fame.  I don't know if you can even imagine how it feels to have watch the ascension of Darrin Bradbury over the last two plus years. I am beyond proud of him and glad to know him.  I am at work and not able to be at the Hall of Fame, but I will be there when he takes the stage at The City Winery for his official showcase performance before James McMurtry takes the stage.  Other recommendations for tonight: Allen Thompson Band at ACME Feed and Seed at 11pm and Tim Easton at The 5 Spot at midnight.  My night will be begin at The 5 Spot for Amelia White's Residency show with guest Renee Wahl and the Sworn Secrets and an appearance by Jon Byrd. It will be nice to be back in the friendly comfines of The 5 Spot.

Let's get to the shuffle while I still have a few minutes to write... It is Wild Wednesday - let's get Wild!

Throwback Thursday Morning Shuffle - Ride Sally Ride Mix

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Okay! I have a lot of ground to cover, and I am really, really tired... so let's get to it!

Last night, I spent almost exactly seven hours at The 5 Spot listening to live music, and what a night it was.  David Olney wrapped up his August Residency in fine fashion.  Drawing from his immense catalog of songs, Olney - backed by a great band (Daniel Seymour, Justin Amaral, and Ward Stout) - was fiery, passionate, and powerful.  Great moments: his song, "Titanic" (told from the point of view of the iceberg flowed into a Dylan Thomas poem.  "Deeper Well" flowed into "Kubla Khan" and then "Who Do You Love?" (Bo Diddly) before finding its way back home.

Later, The Burning Peppermints, from Birmingham, Alabama tore up the stage with a high energy, high volume sonic assault.  Next, Jon Latham reminded once again why I named him Artist of the Year for 2015. Playing a mixture of old and new songs, Latham goes to some higher plane when he performs, and he takes the audience with him.  If you think this is hyperbole, then you have never seen Jon Latham perform.  Following Jon Latham is not easy, but Don Gallardo and How Far West came armed with incredible songs and the ability to play them very well. It is always a treat to see Gallardo play. Last night was no exception.  The night ended in the early hours of this morning with Stuffy Shmitt and an awesome band that included Sergio Webb on guitar. Shmitt moved to Nashville from New York a while back, and this was my first opportunity to see him live.  It was a wonderful set of music - quirky lyrics, solid music, humor, courageousness. I hope to see him play again really soon!

Tonight:  Well, tonight. First of all there is a ton of amazing live music going on tonight (and every night) in Nashville. I could probably write a daily blog just on the live music scene, and I still couldn't cover everything.  Tonight alone, I can off the top of my head think of five or six shows that I could attend - everything from a huge free downtown outdoor festival to a more intimate house show.  Where I will be: Starting at 6:00p.m., Mark Robinson begins his month-long Showband Residency with a stacked deck of incredible guitar players - Richie Owens, Ted Drozdowski, and Nick Kane sharing a stage with Mark Robinson is a sight I cannot wait to see. In about 5 and 1/2 hours (as I am writing this), I will be able to experience it. Nashville is known as guitar town and this quartet of players are the cream of the crop.

After that show, a bunch of us will be headed to The Basement East for an star-studded tribute/benefit for Louisiana flood victims. Proceeds from the show which features folks like Kevin Gordon, Will Kimbrough, Grimey, members of Better Than Ezra, and certain Red Dirt Girl will go to the Better Than Ezra Foundation and go toward supplies for victims of the devastating floods.  Great music will also be happening at The 5 Spot and The Basement - both those shows featuring artists I love. Oh for a cloning machine or a time machine...

One last thing before we get to the Throwback Shuffle... and certainly not the least!!!!!!!

I am so happy to announce the upcoming release (September 9) of the long awaited Darrin Bradbury album, Elmwood Park: A Slightly Melodic Audiobook  presented by Cafe Rooster Records.  Here is the best news, as of this morning. you can pre-order the album and receive new recordings of two classic Darrin Bradbury tunes: "Life is Hard" and "True Love".  If you pre-order, the rest of the album will magically appear in your inbox on September 9.  The album was recorded at Eastside Manor Studios and produced by Gabe Masterson. It features an impressive list of players adding their musical magic to Bradbury's funny, tragic, sad, and uplifting songs.  Musicians include, Laur Joamets (Sturgill Simpson's band), Tim Easton, Brian Wright, Megan Palmer, Jay Rutherford (Los Colognes), and many more.   If you want to pre-order (and yes, you do want to pre-order), you can do so via the embedded widget thingy below. And then, after the jump, you can read about today's shuffle...

Throwback Thursday Morning Shuffle - Some Sign of Pursuit Mix

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It was one of those early shows at The 5 Spot in East Nashville where you could have put together one hell of an all-star band just from the people in attendance. But, truth be told, there was no need for that because David Olney was on the stage, and he was, as I have come to expect, out of this world. Where else could you hear The Bee Gees and Samuel Taylor Coleridge in the same set? Backed by Ward Stout, Justin Amaral, and Daniel Seymour, it was captivating and amazing.  Olney has one more Wednesday to go in his month long residency, and I highly recommend your attendence next week if at all possible.

The week rolls on, and suddenly, we find ourselves at Thursday.  This week we throw things back with an interesting collection of songs... check it out...

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Better Angels Mix

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Uggggg! Is the weekend over already?  The only good thing is that it is Monday and time for another Music City Monday shuffle - we have a good one today, and I was able to find YouTube videos for all of the actual songs from the shuffle.

Last night, I had the good fortune of being able to help my friend Gina celebrate her birthday and at the same time take in the always amazingly awesome Chris Scruggs and the Stone Fox Five.

Anyway, here is that shuffle:

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - No More Drama Mix

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Robyn Hitchcock and Bobby Bare Jr. walk into a bar, and the best damned Booker T and the MGs cover band you ever heard is on stage... what? No, it's not the set up for a joke... it is just Tuesday night in East Nashville. Specifically $2 Tuesday at The 5 Spot.  As per usual, it was a great night of music up and down the bill that included Henry Wagons, Allen Thompson (who filled in for Derek Hoke who is on tour), Francis and the Foundation, Amber Farris with the late night slot filled by the the aforementioned Booker T cover band - Time is Tight lead by drummer Jerry Pendecost. $2 admission, $2 Yazoo drafts all night!

Oh and a big shout out to Eric who hosts Gilded Splinters on WXNA.  He plays really awesome New Orleans music every Tuesday from 7-9pm.  Eric filled in for Sue and I this past Saturday and he kind of dedicated his show to us by making musical connections. I don't know if they were aided by cocktails, but if so, I am assuming it was Hurricanes.  (but not on the air on in the studio...) :-)

It is mid-week... when things get wild here at E2TG. Let's see where the shuffle takes us...