E2TG 7/14/2020 - In Praise of The 5 Spot - The Charm Mix (Arrows of Time Remix)

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I am a bit short on time, but here goes. For the last several years, The 5 Spot in East Nashville has been my home away from home. It is simply put, my "Cheers" where everybody knows my name and they are always glad I came... or whatever. The best people, the best music. It is my place, and I am not alone in feeling that,

Back in March, before the mandatory shutdowns and before PPP, The 5 Spot voluntarily decided that to close was in the best interest of their patrons and employees. It was, I am sure, not an easy decision. I contrast this to the venues who are suing the city for being ordered to close and who have operated contrary to current regulations with no regard for the safety of their customers and employees.

Recently, The 5 Spot has unveiled a (in my opinion) top-notched live streaming system. Tim Carroll's Rock n Roll Happy Hour was one of the first.  Last week, they added a liquid light show to the mix. Derek Hoke played a Tuesday set with band - a much needed balm - as I have missed $2 Tuesday so much.

Afton Wolfe also had his release show virtually from The 5 Spot.

To me, the work The 5 Spot has done shows their commitment to the music and to finding a way forward into this uncertain future. Kudos to Todd Sherwood and everyone at The 5 Spot.


Our review of the Featured Friday Playlist continues now with songs 11-15

11. "Summer Road" by Mighty Brother

From the recently released double album The Rabbit. The Owl. Mighty Brother are a indie rock band from New Orleans. This songs has an Avett Brothers feel to it, but the band's music covers a lot of ground. I really like this song. 

12. "Iztac" by Joseph C. Krause

Not to be confused with our old friend, Joseph R. Krauss, Joseph C. Krause is a collaborative media artist from Detroit. This is the title track from his latest EP, and it is about a dreaming snow leopard from the Mexico City Zoo. The EP is filled with electronic music, sound design, and poetry. It is whimsical and fun. Joseph C. Krause is legally blind and gay, and I am a brand new and very big fan. 

13. "The Fever" by Slump Test

Another track from the self-titled debut album album by Nashville punks Slump Test. Ryan Dishen handles the lead vocals on this track. While there has been plenty to be bummed about these last several months, I am sad that we have missed the last three (soon to be four) Decline of Southern Civilization shows. I am very glad, though, that I caught the March show - which ended up being the last in-person The 5 Spot show before the shutdown. 

14. "Wander Feeler" by Easy Love

I love this song so much!  Easy Love is the solo project of Summer Twins drummer Justine Brown. This is the title track to her new album which was recorded in one week in January 2019.

15. "Master of Flow" by Glife

And why not do a sonic 180, and close this segment of music with a veteran hip hop artist from Salt Lake City. I don't know enough about hip hop to vouch for the song title, but this track does seem to flow extremely well.  

I think we covered sufficient musical ground today. Tomorrow Songs 16-20

    Featured Friday Playlist

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Night Swimming Mix (Godflower 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.

Fun night at The 5 Spot - with an early show featuring Sally Jaye, Stuffy Shmitt, and Bob Lewis and Megan Palmer. Some of the finest songwriters Nashville has to offer.  Then, $2 Tuesday with Grady Spencer, John Dennis, Derek Hoke, Mercury Blonde, and  Palm Palm.

Let's jump into the shuffle. It's Wednesday - time for a Wild Wednesday shuffle!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Going to a Show Mix

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Moving right along! 

Another fun $2 Tuesday hosted by Derek Hoke at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.  There are always a variety of wonderful musical choices in Nashville any given night, but if you ever find yourself in Nashville on a Tuesday, I can heartily recommend $2 Tuesday.  $2 cover, $2 draft beer from local brewery Yazoo. Always a great line-up of music (including host Derek Hoke - who is always fantastic), DJ Tim Hibbs spinning tunes between sets.  Last night, I caught the $2 Tuesday debut of local songwriter Bobby Corbin and his band The Corduroy Boys (at least for last night). I met Corbin several months back - I think at a $2 Tuesday maybe????, and I have seen him play solo before. I was really impressed.

Asheville band Dyado were next, and I dug their sound.

Derek Hoke was next with his regular band of Steve Latanation and Mark Robertson.

In the late spot, it was The Caprice Classics - who I think qualify as an East Nashville supergroup.  Led by Joe V. McMahan, whose name we have been mentioning quite a bit lately - most recently in association with Josh Hyde's new album, with Paul Niehaus, Jon Radford, and Adam Bednarik (The last two were part of the band Luella and the Sun with McMahan and singer Luella).  The band tore through a fiery set of obscure blues tunes and originals.

Now - on to the Wild Wednesday Shuffle!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Trouble in Transit Mix

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Wow!  So much to talk about, and so little time.  The finale of the Brian Wright and the Sneakups residency was nothing short of spectacular.  A large crowd filled with so many amazing musicians and songwriters. All of the shows were amazing. Brian Wright is an incredible songwriter and performer. His album Lapse of Luxury is guaranteed to be in the top tier. When I named him E2TG Artist of the Year a couple of years back, he already had a long and successful career behind him.  In some ways, he didn't fit the mold of my usual artists of the year (if I even have a mold), but I did it because at that point, he was busy backing other people and working behind the scenes at Cafe Rooster Records, and yet every time he played his own music (either solo or with a band), I was completely blown away.  I am glad to see him working on his own music.  Special guests last night were Nikki Barber of The Minks who performed one of her own songs, and Aaron Lee Tasjan who covered a classic Brian Wright song.

After that, I had the unexpected but wonderful opportunity to go to the Bluebird Cafe for a round featuring Stacey Earle, Mark Stuart (who is her husband), and two people represented in yesterday's shuffle (Jason Ringenberg and Peter Cooper).  I feel compelled to point out that my shuffles are all random, so it was pure coincidence that they were in the shuffle and that I got to go to the show.  Turns out, it was Jason's first time playing the storied venue.  Kind of hard to believe that one of Nashville music's most iconic figures had never played one of Nashville's most iconic rooms.  It was also a super rare chance to see Jason play while sitting down (you could tell it took effort for him not to bounce around).  Peter Cooper demonstrated not only his incredible skills as a songwriter but also his deep understanding and appreciation for Nashville music.  Stacey Earle is a name I've been following for decades in the Nashville music world. She is an wonderful songwriter, has a lovely voice, and is - as Jason said - one of the best rhythm guitar players around.  I wasn't familiar with Mark Stuart's music before last night, but now I want to be.

One final note, I was a huge Atlanta Brave's fan back in the 1980s and early 90s.  I watched almost every game on TBS and knew all the players. Turns out that the daughter of the Braves' centerfield and base stealing phenom from those days - Brett Butler - was working the door at the Bluebird.  Peter Cooper announced that and then did a song he wrote that mentioned the double play combination of Ramirez to Hubbard to Chambliss.   He also performed possible my all time favorite baseball song - "Opening Day".

Onward into the shuffle!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Little Things People Do 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)

"If I can just get though this work week, without getting killed or caught..."  (with apologies to Guy Clark.)

Last night, a great night of music at The 5 Spot.  I saw Mike Cullison and his relatively new band The Lucky Dogs. Mike is a great songwriter - we have featured his music here at E2TG. The Lucky Dogs are a great band featuring Michael Ross, Bobby Kent, and more. Great selection of covers and original tunes - including a few written with Mark Robinson. 

After that, I hung around for part of the 2nd ever Pizza Collective showcase. The Pizza Collective is a group of songwriters who meet once a week, eat pizza, and bring in a new song to play for the group. I loved what I heard, and wish I could have stuck around for the rest, but I was way too tired.  Did get to see J.R. Wyatt, Becca Richardson, a great cello player named Zan Berry.  I look forward to catching more of their shows.

I need to tell you about an event coming up Saturday - also at The 5 Spot.  After The Fats Kaplin Gang, stick around for Spoons of Diamond.  It is a tribute to Neil Diamond - feat. the one and only Black Diamond (Nashville's own Neil Diamond impersonator). More importantly, this is a fundraiser - organized by Jason - an employee of The 5 Spot.  I'll let him tell you about it:

"Neil Diamond was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease this year.
Liftware.com is a company that has developed “smart spoons”
that allow people with Parkinson's Disease, Cerebral Palsy and, many other disabilities, the independence of feeding themselves with more confidence.
These spoons, with accessories, cost around $300-$350, depending on the particular disability and, spoon handle needed. They're not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or, majority of private insurance. 
The funds raised will be used to purchase more of these “smart spoons.”
If this device will improve your quality of life, you should have one, no matter your ability to afford one. As someone with Cerebral Palsy, I know firsthand that life with a disability comes with added struggles and, expenses. Also, as a guy who is so completely comfortable with having CP that I go by the nickname of “Shakes,” I can say that the first time to use this spoon was a life changing moment. I can't imagine how it would affect someone who isn't as comfortable with their own disability! Therefore, I find people who would benefit from this technology and,
simply give them one, with accessories.
After all, there's already enough “red tape” and “hoops to jump through” in today's world...and, who doesn't enjoy a nice bowl of soup?
Your friend,
Shakes
gofundme.com/shakes37206"
Shakes gave my daughter, whose diagnoses includes CP, one of the "smart spoons".   This should be a great night for a great cause.

Now, we jump back into the "New Music" playlist.  I am now way, way behind in adding new music to the list, but there is still a ton of music already added. Let's shuffle!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Violent Fog 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)

Tomorrow night is one of those crazy Nashville night's for music. Crazy good that is... Starting with the Mark Robinson Band at The 5 Spot at 6pm.  It's Mark's birthday so you know it's going to be fun one.  Later, George Terry McDonald (aka George Trouble) and Megan Palmer will be playing at Radio Cafe.  This is one you do not want to miss. The action shifts to The Basement East for a cool tribute show to Drive-by Truckers which benefits Nuçi’s Space.  Jon Latham and his band will be the house band covering Decoration Day while The Big Dumb will be the house band for the "greatest hits" part of the show.  The special guests are really pretty special.  Whew! I'm tired already.


Whew!  This week has been rather brutal for me. But it is Friday.  On Friday, we have the Featured Friday shuffle which is a shuffle of our "New Music" playlist which consists mainly of music submitted to E2TG is various ways relatively recently.


Let's just right to it...

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Dreaming of Snakes Mix

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My novel, The Drift is out now!  Paperback or Kindle (Buy the paperback and get a Kindle version for just $.99)

E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency is coming in June to The 5 Spot! The first night is LESS THAN ONE WEEK away.  Come early for Clark Paterson, Rayvon Pettis, and The Big Dumb. 

Week 1 June 7:  Clark Paterson, The Big Dumb, Rayvon Pettis (LESS THAN ONE WEEK AWAY)

Week 2 June 14: The End Men, Ted Drozdowski's Psychedelic Circus, Ben de la Cour

Week 3 June 21:  Brian Milligram, Microwave Mountain, The Coal Men

Week 4 June 28: Joanna Barbera, Bee Taylor, Eli Cook

As you may be aware, for the past two years, I have been fortunate enough to co-host a radio show (Double Shot with Joe and Sue) along with my good friend Sue Havlish on WXNA-LP Nashville. This experience has been one of the most wonderful of my life. 

WXNA went on the air just under two years ago. It is a low-power, all-volunteer community, non-profit radio station, and it has taken this city by storm. I am so proud to be a part of it. It is time for the Spring Pledge Drive.  WXNA is People Powered Radio and relies on the generous support of the community to keep things going.  You investment (small or large) pays off everyday - by helping the station to keep on providing a home for independently programmed shows covering a variety of musical genres and topics of interest and benefit to the community.  The drive runs through Saturday at midnight. You can donate at wxnafm.org or by calling 615-933-WXNA (9962). 

Also, WXNA is throwing a huge birthday bash Sunday at The Basement on 8th Avenue from 3-6pm.  I don't know many details yet, but I will share them when I do. Nevertheless, I hope folks in Nashville will come out - this is a celebration of what YOU have helped to make happen. 

It is FRIDAY!  It has been a very weird week - holiday on Monday, working from home Tuesday, plus other things... I'm ready for a bit of reset - and then next week - I can hop back in... lot's going on!

I loved today's shuffle- a couple of first listens plus some other new and relatively new things... a wide variety of music from all over the world - in other words everything a good music shuffle needs.  Let's do it!