Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Nylon Kisses Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

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!

Week 1:  Clark Paterson, The Big Dumb, Rayvon Pettis
Week 2: The End Men, Ted Drozdowski's Psychedelic Circus, Ben de la Cour
Week 3:  Brian Milligram, Microwave Mountain, The Coal Men
Week 4: Joanna Barbera, Bee Taylor, Eli Cook

Last night, I caught the Bruce Springsteen tribute at The Basement East. A suburb band performed Born in the USA and a ton of other songs.  Singers included Charles Esten (Nashville, Whose Line is It Anyway?), Smooth Hound Smith, J. Marco, Andrew Leheay, Bill Eberle, and many more).  Jon Latham closed the show and as per usual brought down the house.  Fun show!

Tonight is night three of the Darrin Bradbury, Jon Latham, and Nick Nace residency at The 5 Spot.  The first two weeks were awesome, and I expect nothing less than awesome tonight.  It's an early show so you have plenty of time to catch other shows after or get home if you need to call it a night early.

It is Wednesday - and that is the day when we shuffle through all the songs on my phone memory. Anything can happen and usually does... let's go!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Bad Hombre Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Time to reveal our guests for Week 2 of the E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency at The 5 Spot. This one will be held Thursday June 14, 2018. That's Flag Day, so if you bring a gently used flag, you can get in for just $5.00.  Otherwise, the admission is $5.00.

Ted Drozdowski has been a favorite of mine, since the first time I saw him leave the stage, use a wine glass as a slide, and generally take Hill Country blues into the stratosphere.  I once saw him walk off the stage at the old Family Wash, do the aforementioned wine glass trick, walk out the front door, come back in the side door and get back on stage will playing the whole time. He has a new configuration called Ted Drozdowski's Psychedelic Circus, and I am thrilled to have them for my show!

The End Men. If you have been following E2TG for awhile, you will recognize the name The End Men. Led by Matthew Hendershot and Livia Ranalli, Brooklyn, New York band The End Men have their own unique and rocking take on blues music. In late 2011, early 2012 - when Ear to the Ground was just an infant music blog, I was introduced to their music. Getting to know them and their music was a key factor in my continuing to press on through those early days. They were the E2TG Band of the Year in 2013 (the first Band of the Year that I selected myself). The End Men last played Nashville (I believe) was in September 2014 (at The Basement for the all-day post-Americana show that The Basement put on.  It is high time they came back! You do not want to miss this!

Opening the show is TBA! I've seen TBA several times, and every time it is a completely different experience. Kind of like Sour Du Jour.  Seriously, I can't tell you yet who the opener is going to be, but I guarantee it will be good!  Plan to get there early!

On to the Wild Wednesday Shuffle!  Remember, on Wednesday, our shuffle comes from all the songs I have stored on my phone. So, it can be new music, classics, from the E2TG archives etc.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Armor Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

After a wonderful weekend with family (and an exhausting drive back to Nashville), it is back to the daily grind.

I really want E2TG to stay completely focused on music, and I look forward to those days; however, as I have said before and will say again, we are living in extraordinary times. My concerns are not solely based upon the fact that I ideologically do not agree with decisions being made (although I do not), it is more about the manner they are being made, the malice and darker motives which seem to be at work, and the unmistakable parallels between the first week of this presidency and what history tells us about fascist regimes.  It is encouraging to see the mass protests (my word to all who oppose what is happening is, pace yourselves and take care of yourselves. It is also encouraging to see the party leaders of the president's own party beginning to speak out. There is a ton of information out there - factual information - unbiased... groups of people are being attacked and put at risk. The time to fight that is now - not just when you are part of one of the groups under attack.

I realize that some who read this blog may not agree with me on any or all points above. To those who don't, I don't ask you to leave or stop reading... I say simply - keep an open mind, don't follow blindly, look at yourself and be willingly to speak up even against those on your "side". This is the same advice I give to those who do happen to agree with me.

In the end, I believe in love and truth. I do not condone violence. Love in an action. So, go out in love today.

Meanwhile, I do have some Monday tunes from the Music City...

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Lusty Lad Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!



 Getting settled into this new year...  

Saturday night: Got to see some "Earie"award winners perform:  First Josh Morris at The Country, then Renee Wahl and The Sworn Secrets at The Family Wash and finally Tommy Womack, also at The Family Wash.

Well, it's my first full work week of the new year, and thus our first Music City Monday in a about three weeks.  Let's do it!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - On the Road to Alcohol Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


The Heartbreaker Tribute show at The Basement East last night was pretty darn amazing.  I had engaged in a philosophical discussion with Jon Latham about what I perceived to be a large number of tribute shows of late.  He made some really good points. Hell, maybe I was just jealous because I had missed some good ones.  In any case, just remember all those people on-stage killing it covering your favorite classic songs, are all making original music that you need to check out.

Anyway, speaking of Jon Latham - serving as the band leader/emcee/stage manager, he totally owned the moment, and boy he made me proud to have named him my Artist of the Year at the end of 2015. As I told a couple of people last night, and which I will put in writing here, Jon has been getting some amazing opportunities of late, and it seems as if he has been training his whole life to be ready for this moment, and he is making the most of it. Way to go, Jon!  Now that I have embarrassed him enough, I will say everyone was amazing.  (Joseph Robert Krauss, Emma Swift, Peyton Parker, Taylor Cole, Lauren Farrah, Joshua Wilkins Black, Hugh Masterson (who was backed by The Lone Bellow), Allen Thompson, Josh Farrow, Tim George, Larrisa Maestro, Andrew Leahey, Megan Palmer, and Joseph Robert Aaskov - plus whoever else I missed). Hats off to The Basement East and Terry Rickards for putting on a great show.

Tune in to WXNA-LP Nashville (101.5FM) or streaming at WXNAFM.Org this weekend to hear previews of all of the shows which will begin debuting on Monday June 6.  Sue and I will be in the studio at 2:00pm Sunday to preview Double Shot with Joe and Sue.


Now, believe it or not, it is Wednesday already, and that means we get a little wild...

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Eight to the Bar Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Mid-week has arrived. 

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!
Consider this a great big SAVE THE DATE!!!!!  May 18, 2016 9:00p.m.  The 5 Spot.  The E2TG 5th Anniversary Party with some awesome performances (to be announced soon) and a good time to be had by all.  This will be right after the R.B. Morris Residency show so you should plan on making a night of it.  MORE TO COME!!!!!


Tonight is another awesome Coverfest at The Basement East. 

The lineup:

Matt Haeck as Tom Waits
Sarah Potenza as Gillian Welch
Friendship as Bright Eyes
Darrin Bradbury as Modest Mouse
Ri¢hie as Ghostfinger
Tesla Rossa as Beck
Tin Fist Pony as Sone Temple Pilots
Doors at 8:30 Music at 9:00 

Should be a fun night!

Wednesday is the day when anything can happen here at E2TG... well any day is kind of like that, but Wednesdays are called "Wild" taken from the term "wildcard" meaning that all bets are off*... enjoy....

*E2TG and its affiliates do not advocate gambling. Void where prohibited by law. Gamble responsibly. Don't Bet and Drive. 

Throwback Thursday Morning Shuffle - No Secrets To Reveal Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

As I predicted, last night was fun.  Tim Carroll, Tommy Womack, Jon Byrd, Joe Nolan, and Andrew Adkins put on one of the best and most diverse songwriter events I have seen in a long time - at The Country.  They are all excellent songwriters coming from different backgrounds and working in and out of different genres or styles of music, and together they represented well the rich tapestry of Music City.

In a rare moment of perfect timing, I had just enough time to say my goodbyes at The Country, and I made my way to The 5 Spot for Sara Syms, Carrie Welling, and Lindsay Ellyn.  Sara Syms sounded fantastic as always with her excellent band. 

Carrie Welling (who I had seen once before) has some great songs and an amazing voice. She was backed by a guitar player. 

It has been a little while since I had seen Lindsay Ellyn doing a full band show, and it was every bit as good as I remember it.  Her song, "Glory, Glory" became a joyous sing-a-long.

Beyond all the hype, the truth remains that there is a ton of great music going on just about every night in Nashville.

Tonight , I recommend Darrin Bradbury at Little Harpeth Taproom, Fats Kaplin with guest Paul Burch at The 5 Spot, Beet Root Revival at The Basement,  and The Cordovas at The Family Wash.  While, it is logistically impossible to hit all of these shows, I highly recommend any of them.


Well, it is Thursday - let's throw it back...

Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Another Planet Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Sad to hear the news yesterday that Billy Zoom the legendary guitarist of Los Angeles band X was diagnosed with bladder cancer.  Happy, though, to report that a GoFundMe campaign to help him out has almost been completely funded after just one day.  If you want to help push it over the top, here is
the link.
We reached the end of another work week, and we have a pretty interesting shuffle to close things out...

By the way, a couple of songs in the shuffle today prompt me to issue the reminder that I repeat every so often.  Each morning's shuffle is randomly selected by my music player from a Playlist that I create and maintain. 

Monday Evening Music Shuffle - Iced In Mix

Tweet #E2TG

No work today due to President's Day.  Didn't leave home today due to Nashville Ice Storm 2015.  Got bored this evening due to cabin fever, and so I'm doing a rare evening shuffle for you and for me...

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - Waters Part Mix

Tweet #E2TG

First off, sending love to the family and friends of Faye Hunter original bassist with Let's Active on her recent passing. Several Facebook friends knew and worked with her and are hurting.   If you are not familiar with Let's Active - get caught up.

Mouth by JWM 7/21/2013

Friday - we listened to our usual morning mix, even created a YouTube playlist and then the day got crazy and we never wrote a post. So, I've made an executive decision (as this blog is one of the few places I am allowed to make executive decisions.  All the songs from Friday are back in the mix (some even showed up today).
 

Consider this the lost E2TG Playlist

Today's mix is after the jump

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - Beat the Drum Mix

Tweet #E2TG

I had the opportunity to add tons of songs to the active playlist from whence we draw the daily mixes which we present to you, loyal reader. As always, I try to get a good healthy mix of new stuff, rare old stuff, classic old stuff and random oldish/newish stuff or whatever strikes my fancy.  This morning's Pre-Shuffle and Shuffle Shuffle strikes a not-so-delicate balance between genres and eras.  Give the people what they want... I don't know if I did that.  Give the people what I want? Probably closer to the truth (with the capriciousness of the random shuffle function).

Pre-Shuffle - which covers my morning drive... 

"Until the Led" by Vic Chesnutt (backed by the Nashville band Lambchop)
"Pinhead" by Ramones
"Lulay" by The Choir at Your Door
"Indian Giver" by Ramones (covering 1910 Fruitgum Company)
"Marrow" by Joshua Worden
"Ain't My Year" by Todd Farrell Jr. and the Dirty Birds
"Last Thing I Needed First Thing in the Morning" by Willie Nelson
"The Fall" by Ben Shive

  Shuffle after the JUMP

JUMP

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - Dr. Dr., Give Me the News Mix

Reminder: Voting for the March Band of the Month ends at 8:00pm Central Time on Friday April 13.  Vote now.  The poll is on the sidebar to the left.  Here are the details.

Where is the Band of the Week?  Due to the holiday, the Band of the Month, a top secret project and general laziness. I made an executive decision to forgo the Band of the Week post for this past week.  It's certainly not from lack on great bands.  I just wanted to be sure to give the selected band the attention they deserve.  Look for a Band of the Week post after the Band of the Month poll closes.

Record Store Day is now just 10 days away.  Go here to find the participating location near you.  Here in Nashville Grimey's New and Pre-Loved Music has a pretty killer line-up of live music.  JEFF the Brotherhood, PUJOL, Langhorne Slim, The Grenadines, Kansas Bible Company and Lovedrug have been announced so far.

To the songs for today:

First up, POP ETC is Morning Benders. Got that?  We posted a link to the Morning Benders up top.  The first album as POP ETC is due out later this year, but right now, you can grab a free download of a Mixtape from the band's website.  The song we have today is from that mixtape and it is called Halfway to Heaven.

After that, we have two rather interesting cover songs.

The first song is a cover of Willie Nelson's Time of the Preacher a track from the Red Headed Stranger album.  The cover is by the late, great Johnny Cash from the Twisted Willie tribute album.

Finally, a cover of one of the "lost" songs by the Velvet Underground which was finally released in the mid 80s on VU (which was when I had my mind opened and blown by Lou Reed and company). Foggy Notion is covered by Echo & the Bunnymen on volume 2 of the Heaven & Hell Velvet Underground tribute series. The Heaven & Hell series of albums was compiled as Unpiecing the Jigsaw.

=======================================================================
Affiliated Links:

Lemonade [feat. 88-keys, Chris Chu of The Morning Benders, and Bernie Worrell] - Single Lemonade [feat. 88-keys, Chris Chu of The Morning Benders, and Bernie Worrell] - Single

Willie Nelson American Rebel Baby Doll Tee Willie Nelson American Rebel Music Baby Tee This is an officially licensed Willie Nelson Baby Tee in which this girls shirt has been screen printed with a Willie Nelson design on the front of this cotton junior fitted babydoll tee shirt. These Willie Nelson Baby Tee shirts are usually made from a softer 5oz. stretchy cotton baby doll tee shirts. These Willie Nelson Baby Tees are designed to be fitted babydoll style shirts for someone who likes to wear form fitted style of a shirt. Check back often for some of our new Willie Nelson clothing and other Willie Nelson Merchandise at great prices only at - www.StylinOnline.com .

The Velvet Underground: New York Art The Velvet Underground is an astonishing assembly of rare objects and artworks and the first book of its scale to document the formative years of the band Time Out magazine named the greatest New York musicians of all time. From never-before-seen photographs of the band's first live show in New York to Andy Warhol's cover and poster designs, Lou Reed's handwritten music and lyrics, underground press clippings and controversial reviews, flyers, handbills, and posters, the materials here comprise a uniquely comprehensive survey of the first rock group ever to transcend the genre and embrace underground popular culture. Including a conversation recorded especially for the book between founding members Lou Reed and John Cale, and contributions from drummer Maureen Tucker, this beautifully illustrated book is the first to present a definitive picture of the band's genesis and development in the extraordinary New York scene of the mid- to late-1960s.