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 - Lit Up Like a Halo Mix (Just a Glimmer 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 is underway - Next Show 10/16/2019!

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

Week 4 of the E2TG Residency is happening Wednesday night October 16 - with Josh Gray and Meghan Hayes providing the musical entertainment.  Gray and Hayes each released wonderful new albums in 2019.  Josh Gray's Songs of the Highway covers his move to Nashville in the context of these complex times in which we live.  Meghan Hayes' Seen Enough Leavers deals with heartbreak and loss in wonderfully artistic and healing way.   They will both be backed by full bands with come hot local players.   Don't miss it!

Now, it is time for another Music City Monday shuffle!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Let's Get Happy 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.


Still counting down to the E2TG Residency

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb


Well, it's Americana Music Association Festival and Conference week in Nashville. I like to say that AMA week is like any other week in Nashville but on steroids. Or maybe, I need to be on steroids to make it through the week. But seriously, one fun thing is seeing friends from all over the world. 

The festival has grown just in the last few years - adding tons of venues and official/unofficial events to the mix. 

Americana represents part of what we play here on E2TG. The thing about Americana is that it is not really a genre. Practically speaking, Americana is whatever the Americana Music Association says it is. But, seriously, it is music of various genres which draws influence/inspiration from American roots based music (country, folk, blues, bluegrass etc.).  

Anyway, there are several wonderful events that I want to catch and some great artists making rare Nashville appearances. 

Meanwhile, it is Monday, and I am thrilled to bring back Music City Monday - after a few weeks off .It is my (usually) weekly celebration of the music of Music City - from those who lived or have lived here. We put it all together in a huge, ever growing playlist, hit shuffle, and let nature take its course. 

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Back Then Mix

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Really rushed for time - but enjoy this shuffle (see the video playlist which closely mimics the songs I heard (some are not yet available).

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Daddy Issues Mix

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No philosophical rant today  - the shuffle is just to good, and I want to get right to it.  I added a bunch of new music to my playlist last night. I think only one of those new songs came up today, but expect much more in the days and weeks to come.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - She's Not There Mix

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Hey!  Right off, I just to warn you that this is going to be a crazy week.  So, apologies in advance if some of my content is lighter than usual. 

One thing  going on is the Spring 2019 Pledge Drive for WXNA!  We are in the process of moving into a new space and along with the general costs of operating the station, we rely on our community for support. The Pledge Drive is a great time to give - you can make one-time donations or set up a recurring donation. They have some great thank you premiums.  I know that some of the past gifts have been highly coveted, but they are almost always only available during the Pledge Drive. Many shows are having people provide matching donations, so be on the look at for that information to make your donation go further. 

I will be on the air with Sounds of the Bayou with DJ Cajun Mitch from 6-7pm tonight and working the phones from 7-8pm.   During the show, Fats Kaplin and Kristie Rose will be matching donations.

Saturday, I hung out at The 5 Spot all night.  First up, was Brett Ryan Stewart - who delivered a great set - backed by band that included his wife Rosemary, plus Anana Kaye and Irakli Gabriel. Up next, was Amelia White (who it was great seeing upon her return from a UK tour) backed by her Blue Souvenirs (Parker Hawkins, Paul Neihaus, Justin Amaral, Johnny Duke, plus Julie Christensen on bgv for a few songs). 

The late show was the Harvest Spoon benefit and Neil Young tribute. I don't have enough time to tell you all about this, but it was as good as I expected.  Bob Lewis, Meghan Hayes, Paul Neihaus (again), Rorey Carroll, and Bones (The 5 Spot co-owner) performed some classics from Neil Young's extensive catalog.  Then, host Jason "Shakes"delivered a very funny stand-up routine, followed by a ace band - led by Jay Rutherford and Aaron Mortsenson of Los Colognes performed Neil Young's album Harvest Moon from front to back - aided by great musicians and an all-star cast of singers.

The show ended with all performs from the show plus Lilly Hiatt and Allen Thompson - doing "Rockin' in the Free World"

Now - let's get to the Music City Monday shufffle - as I am almost out of time.

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Used High Heels Mix

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Nashville is changing rapidly.  It has been for several years now.  Cool old places are closing down and being replaced which much less cool places or being abandoned altogether.  It can be disheartening sometimes.

My roots here are deep, and I am not leaving anytime soon. So, what am I to do?

Fortunately, I am still reminded on a regular basis that Nashville is a great city for original, independent live music.  Take last night, I headed to Dee's in Madison - caught the tail-end of some fine world-class bluegrass (which happens every Monday), and then caught some awesome songwriters for this weeks edition of the Madison Guild Monday.

Hosted by Ryan Sobb, the night featured E2TG Artist of the Year (2017), Rayvon Pettis, the always amazing Jeremy Ivey, Bob Lewis and Megan Palmer - trading songs and backing each other, the wonderful Tommy Womack and Lisa Oliver Gray, Rayvon's talented sister Grace Pettis (filling in for the ailing Anna Joy Harris), and then Ryan Sobb.  Sobb's songs are witty and heartfelt - he is one of my favorite writers these days.  Then, Ryan did a  stunning cover of Tommy Womack's epic, classic "Alpha Male and the Canine Mystery Blood" - which knocked my socks off.

This was what Monday nights can look like in the Nashville area - if you know where to look.

On to the Trending Tuesday shuffle!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Pray Like Infidels Mix

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I didn't note it yesterday, but we are already rolling into May! 

I'm short on time - so let me jump right in!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - The Art of Drifting Mix

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It's getting real and it's getting really close!  The Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown IV is just a couple of days away.  Make you plans.  The 5 Spot in East Nashville is one of my favorite places in town, and it will be a great place to get away from all of madness going on around Nashville this weekend. You will find two nights of original music from 13 great acts, a silent auction, a great cause (The Ben Eyestone Fund of Music Health Alliance), a community canvas project, and much more.   It all kicks off at 9:00pm on Friday April 26.


Now, for today's Wild Wednesday Shuffle - I decided to use our "Trending"/new music playlist - just to make some more room in that playlist - because we have so much great music. Plus, I was off work last Friday and I likely won't be doing a regular shuffle this Friday. Still, as I said last week, thanks to the awesome variety of music I have been receiving, our this shuffle is pretty darn "wild".

Let's go!

E2TG 2018 Artists and Bands of the Year (Final 2018 Post)

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Here's a little truth for you: periodically, I have moments of doubt about continuing to do E2TG.  It usually gets worse toward the end of the year. Truth is, E2TG takes up a fair amount of my time, and I time is often in limited supply. So, when money gets tight or time gets tight or mercury is in retrograde or whatever, I find myself thinking, maybe now is the time to call it quits.

Then comes December and for the last three years the Earie Awards. To me it was just a silly idea and a way to recap the year, but I have found it means something to many of the recipients. and the responses I have gotten have been very affirming of what I do.

About the money thing: about four years ago, I took a look at if it would be possible to make E2TG a money-making endeavor. I came to the conclusion that I could not do it and have E2TG be what I want it to be.  This is not say that anyone doing what I do who makes money is doing something wrong. Some of my decision was based on my situation.  Anyway, the advantage about it not being about money means I can truly do what I want to do. Which is help bring attention to great music - much of which may fly under the radar.

Since 2014, there has been more of a local Nashville connection, but I have made a point of also featuring music from all over the world.  The fact is, there is likely enough music here in Nashville to sustain a blog, but to me, putting such a limitation would be constricting.

Prior to 2014, to be honest, I was not at all connected to the Nashville music community, and E2TG reflected that as the majority of my posts were about non-Nashville bands.

Which brings us to the Artists and Bands of the Year award - or like I have dubbed them - the Golden Earies.

Some history (skip if you know about the history of E2TG Band/Artist of the Year):

When  E2TG began in May 2011, I had to go out find bands to write about. I would pick one band every week to write about as our "Band of the Week". When the end of 2011 came, I had a list of 30 something Bands of the Week. I got this silly idea to run a "Readers Poll" to select a Band of the Year. It was silly because I honestly didn't have many "Readers" to poll.  So, I ran the poll, and people responded. My page views shot up, it was a tight race, but the poll software I used was pretty wide open and there was some definitely ballot stuffing. Anyway, a band from UK The Mobbs were the winner. 

The Band of the Year as so much fun, I got a better program for running a poll, and I started the Band of the Month poll - this ran for about a year. At the end of 2012, all 12 Bands of the Month plus some Wildcards competed for the Band of the Year.  A great Upstate New York band called Skeletons in the Piano won that award.  By early 2013, I was burned out on the polls. Basically, I didn't want bands expending energy trying to get fans to vote in a silly poll. So, I stopped the polls. For a while, I had Featured Artists every month.  And at the end of 2013, I named then Brooklyn band, The End Men as Band of the Year.

2014 was a year of upheaval in my life and a transition for E2TG. At the end of that year, there was no question that Darrin Bradbury would be Artist of the Year.  It was equally obvious in 2015 that Jon Latham was the choice for Artist of the Year. 

 E2TG continued to grow and expands. 2016 came and I simply could not select one Band or Artist. So, I decided to name 3 - Band of the Year and Artists of the Year - divided between Nashville and non-Nashville.  Brian Wright and Jason P. Krug were named Artists of the Year (Nashville and non-Nashville respectively). Valued Customer from Toronto won Band of the Year. d

Last year, I expanded the award again to 4 (Bands and Artists of the Year - Nashville and non):  Rayvon Pettis and Ladies Gun Club won for Nashville Artist and Band, and Ugggy (of Valued Customer) and The Foresters (won for non-Nashville).  

End of history lesson:

Which brings to the present (or recent past). 2018 was a year of unprecedented growth for E2TG in terms of the number of artists and bands we featured.  In keeping with our new tradition, for the second year in a row, we have four awards (in the categories explained above and below). There is not one factor that leads me to this decision - rather it is a combination of things.

So, without any more ado - here are the 2018 Golden Earie Awards:

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - The Devil Mix

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Okay - expect two posts over the weekend to wrap-up 2018.  I have one final Earie Award post - for all the ones that didn't come through during the eleven Earie posts I made in December.  Then, we have the highly anticipated 2018 "Golden Earie" Awards for Bands and Artists of the Year.  Who will it be?  Check back with us later this weekend.

Now, we wrap-up our first week of shuffles for 2019.  This is Featured Friday.  From today until further notice, Friday will be only day in which our shuffle comes from the large "Featured Music" playlist.  Essentially, this list will be all the music from the New Music playlist used last year, plus any new music submitted to E2TG, plus any other music acquired.

Let's get to it!