Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Lips are Moving Mix

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All right. It's Friday....  saw Will Kimbrough and Tommy Womack doing their Daddy (duo)  thing last night at The Family Wash.  Lisa Oliver Gray joined them for a couple of songs.  Always great to see the two of them.  There are working on the third DADDY record and it is open to pre-orders now - through Will Kimbrough's PayPal account.

I'm going to jump right into the Featured Friday shuffle...


"Funny Feeling" by Luxury Mane

We start things off with the last track we have to feature from Lux Runnin Out - the 2016 album by this band from St. Petersburg, Florida.  I look forward to what's next from this band.

"Gluten Farmer" by Discount Ravioli

It's becoming a regular Friday thing to have a Discount Ravioli track or two or four as part of every Friday's shuffle. This is (apparently) a sequel to the classic Circus Propaganda song, "Gluten Farm" What is a Gluten Farmer?  Check out Discount Ravioli's Baby Arm Sessions and find out.  

"I Know" by The Maxx

Next up, we have another track from Funk Box - the latest album by this long-running 70s-style funk/soul band from Atlanta. Adding some groove to my Friday commute.  

"id" by Ugggy

This is the opening track from Ugggy's May 2017 release,  STŒND ALŒN (uncollected thots), (the third of seven so far this year).  It is a fifteen second introduction to the release. 

"Stagger Lee" by Taj Mahal

or "Stack-o-Lee". The first of two tracks from the Labor of Love album released in conjunction with the Music Maker Relief Foundation. Taj Mahal originally recorded a version of this song (which dates from 1911) on his De Ole Folks at Home album in 1969.

"Warning Sign" by Black Needle Noise  with Kendra Frost

Next up, we have another track from Black Needle Noise - which features John Fryer of This Mortal Coil.  The most recent album, called Lost in Reflections features a number of collaborations included this one with Kendra Frost. 

"News Blackout" by Tim Easton

Next, we have another cut from Strange Freedom: Songs of Love and Protest which Cafe Rooster put out recently. This track was originally released on Easton's 2008 album Ammunition. The words seem pretty appropriate today. 

"Song for Brenda" by Taj Mahal with Cool John Ferguson

Next, we have an instrumental - and a cool one at that  - from Labor of Love featuring Taj Mahal and Cool John Ferguson.  Ferguson is a frequent collaborator with Taj Mahal (and others).  Taj Mahal has said that Cool John Ferguson is among the top five guitar players in the world.  He is also the Director of Creative Development at Music Make Relief Foundation.

"Nedobity" by The Foresters

And we close out the shuffle with a track from the latest album (House Stories) by E2TG faves, The Foresters. There is some crossover between Discount Ravioli and The Foresters.   Near as I can tell, "Nedobity" is a reference to something or someone or somewhere in Connecticut.  In other words, it's a Connecticut thing. Follow E2TG on Facebook and maybe someone from The Foresters camp will explain what it means or not. 

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Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Dog on my Lap Mix

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The world and this country and many of my fellow humans having getting me down of late. I am trying to remember to find the beauty, to dance in the rain, to fight for the oppressed, to worry less about my own needs and wants, to be kind to strangers and friends alike, to bring light in whatever ways I am able, to find gratitude because I am a really lucky guy, to stop comparing myself to others, to stop worrying about what "they" have, to push myself to make the most of my good fortunes (and their are many), to be a better friend, a better family member, a better citizen, to remember that the best advice I've ever gotten sometimes took me years to fully absorb, to accept my own faults and limitations so that I better accept those in others.  

Okay - we continue shuffling from the New Music playlist... it's still wild enough for me!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - T-Rex Mix

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It seems like there was a time when we could disagree about many things, but there were certain basic truths that we could agree upon.  Like "The sky is blue and therefore we need to do ____. "  "No, the sky IS blue, but we should do ____."  Now, it seems like it is more... "The sky is blue and therefore we need to do ______."  "No!  It is the fake media that has you convinced that the sky is blue.  The sky is red and therefore we MUST do ______."

I am short of solutions right now.  It seems like all of us are so far apart.  Common ground seems to be a lost concept. I guess I am thinking about the Congressional testimony yesterday, and how differently people can view it. I always want to try to understand on some level how those who think differently than me see the world, and on some levels I can, but regardless of the circumstances and experiences that lead a person to hold a particular set of beliefs.  There SHOULD be some points on which almost all people can agree.  Shouldn't there?
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We have reached the end of a another week... time is a raging river... The Foresters new album is out today,  Listen for me twice on the radio tomorrow - Double Shot's 1 year anniversary show and then right after that I will be filling in out Nashville U.  Gina will be interviewing Rayvon Pettis who will be playing a few songs, and I will be spinning some Nashville tunes from the past and the present.

It is Friday, and on Friday, we bring you a shuffle from our "New Music Playlist".  We call it Featured Friday - as these "new music" tracks are artists, albums, or songs that we are featuring.

Shuffle!

Topical Thursday Morning Shuffle - Cape on the Floor Mix

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It's been a few days since I added any commentary to the current state of things in this country and in the world. Honestly, I am overwhelmed and exhausted by it all - but I am fighting to stay alert. In some ways, I see hope in the mounting investigation over Russia, but beyond and president or administration, I am deeply concerned about the ever-widening divide in this country.  I am also concerned about the potentially lasting damage being done to the environment, to basic human rights, to our country's reputation, and on and on. #Resist #Persist
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Well, it's a wrap!  Thanks again to everyone who came out last night for the finale of the E2TG Residency at The 5 Spot.  FuzzQueen rocked as expected and won over some new fans in Nashville and Amelia White was awesome with kick ass band - The Blue Souvenirs.

And thanks to everyone who came out, played, and/or played a part in making this month really special and something I will never forget.

Onward and Upward...  a couple of notes:  Sunday June 4 marks the One Year Anniversary of the beginning of broadcasting at WXNA.  They are celebrating at Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge from 3-8.  Everyone is invited - and you should come - this is YOUR community radio station.

Monday June 5 is the Jon Latham benefit at The Basement East - a pretty killed lineup will help raise some more money for Jon Latham who - as you may know - had some major health issues earlier in the month.

On Thursday's we shuffle songs around a topic.  Earlier this year, the topic was centered around the times in which we live.  For the 6th Anniversary, I began a new theme around a playlist of artists we have played/written about over the entire six years.  We will continue that for a while... Today's shuffle includes songs that span the years and diverse music styles we have featured.

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Strange Cars Mix

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I don't know anymore... I mean, I feel like the people who understand that what is going on with this administration is not okay, not normal, and horrible for this country - already know. Those who are know and who are in positions to do something about it and are not - they are complicit. Those who don't know - are willfully ignoring facts that are clear as a bell... Sometimes continuing to speak out seems fruitless, but I am not going to stop.
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May 17! I sure hope, if you are in Nashville, you will come out for a one of a kind experience. I am still pinching myself that David Olney and Sergio Webb are each playing full band sets as part of the Sixth Anniversary of Ear to the Ground.  Still not convinced? There will be more beer koozies to give away and I will be reading another short section of one of two novels-in-progress.  Although, seriously if the first part of this announcement did not convince you, but the second part did - you need to go do some research about Sergio Webb and David Olney.

It is Friday!  We've (almost) survived another week. It's time to see what the shuffle would have us feature today...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Smells Like Steel Reserve Mix

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Well... if you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a country with a delusional lunatic in charge, you don't have to wonder anymore... For those who cannot look past their biases and party loyalty to see the current situation for the insanity it is... you, too, will be remembered.
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Well! The E2TG 6th Anniversary May Residency at The 5 Spot is just a day away!  If you are in Nashville, I hope you can make it out.

It Tuesday, and that means "Trending Tuesday" here at E2TG. We spin songs from our "New Music" playlist  Let's see what comes up today!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Wind Together Mix

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Just for today, I need to find beauty in the world.  This is not to say that I am denying the ugliness or even to fail to acknowledge that my privilege plays a big part in my ability to "shut out" the ugliness and to focus on the beauty, But, just for today, for my own sanity and well-being, I feel the need to recognize and acknowledge all of the beauty.  Love is beautiful - no matter how it is expressed or by whom. Truth is beautiful - even when it is attacked and ignored. People are beautiful - no matter how society chooses to define them. Art is beautiful - regardless of its commercial potential. Clouds are beautiful - even gray and ominous ones. You are beautiful - regardless of what you see when you look in a mirror - not matter what anyone tells you, no matter how you feel.

In other (good) news, my line-up for the E2TG 6th Anniversary month-long residency in May at The 5 Spot has been finalized.  The final three shows will be announced very soon.  Don't forget:  Mark Robinson Band will be jamming on May 3, and Jon Latham (and his band) will be rocking the house on May 10.  A Music City legend will be headlining on May 17.  One of Nashville's newest record labels will be running the night on May 24.  And a local favorite and the current incarnation of a long-time E2TG favorite will be laying it down on May 31.  Stay Tuned and clear your calendar.

Okay - it is Tuesday. On Tuesday, we shuffle up songs from the "New Music" playlist and call it "Trending Tuesday" because "trending" is currently a trending word.

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Milky Way Mix

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Here we go... It is Friday...  and yes, a white supremacist is still holding a position of power in the White House - along with unqualified family members of President. This is somehow okay to people who believed this president would "drain the swamp".  If any swamp was drained, it was replaced with a cesspool.  Just saying.
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Ah, but music.  Last night - one of the most rewarding and well-done shows of the year (and in a while).  Richie Owens celebrated 25 years of his band Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau.  The show opened with a reunion Owens' 1980s band The Movement. They sounded wonderful and really seemed to be having a great time.  It definitely took me back to my 30 somewhat years.

Next, the history of The Farm Bureau was told beginning with the original line-up and then past and present members entered and exited the stage playing music from every era of the band, the most recent line-up performed a few songs and then everybody returned for one of the bands signature songs that has spanned the band's history. Throughout Richie Owens narrated the shifting tides and times. Just about perfect.   The Farm Bureau will be playing Muddy Roots this fall, but otherwise, Richie will be devoting his musical time to Smokey White Devils and an acoustic project that I can't remember the name of.  So, in some ways this was a farewell show for now at least.

After I left that show at The 5 Spot, I headed down Main Street to The Family Wash in time to catch Megan Palmer with Jonathan Beam and Paul Niehaus - sounding amazing, followed by Russell Thompson with Sergio Webb plus David Conrad and Rebecca Weiner-Tompkins  (of Conrad y Skordalia), and ending with Sergio Webb backed by David and Rebecca.

The bad storms spared Nashville, and so here we are...


Show alert:  Tomorrow night - April 1 is the CD Release and Art Show for the latest album by Nashville legend David Olney.  Brock Zeman (who produced the album) will open and be joined by his regular sideman Blair Hogan.   You really want to be at this show - whether you know it or not.


It's Friday, and that means a Featured Friday Shuffle...

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Sh*t Just Got Real Mix

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#Resist #Persist

Got to catch a solo set by Jon Latham last night followed by hanging with some friends and watching Aaron Lee Tasjan make his television debut on Conan.  It was great to see Brian Wright get some camera time.

It is Friday.  We have some "featured" selections shuffled from the "New Music" playlist...

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - More Fish Than You Mix

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Running short on time... Another awesome Nashville night of music.  First Allen Thompson and Brian Ritchey (backed by Sheriff Scott and the Deputies closing out Ritchey's month-long residency at The 5 Spot.  Then, it was off to the American Legion in Inglewood for Microwave Mountain (who proved worthy of the buzz they have been generating here in Nashville) and Buck N' Stuff (who closed out their own month-long residency in fine style).

Featured Friday is here and as I said, time is short... let's go!