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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.
