AMERICAN ROOTS SATURDAY NASHVILLE

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Well, Americana Fest 2018 is going strong, and I will have a full report once it is over and I have processed everything.  There is a ton of stuff going on - some amazing shows and performances by a ton of great artists. Some are official, some are sanctioned, and some are unofficial. I cannot even begin to advise what to see - I am barely deciding for myself.  Whether you are a festival registrant or wristband holder or not, there is even more great music going on all over Nashville than usual.  If you are here - make sure you catch some of it. 

I did want to alert you to one event which you may have missed.  You may recall earlier in the year, we helped spread the word about the Magnolia Road events. Well, the wonderful people behind that event have something special planned for Saturday (all day) at one of my favorite hangs - Dee's County Cocktail Lounge in Madison. It features some of the great artists from the earlier show - plus other incredible artists - including some E2TG favorites.  Details after the jump:

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Wimpy Whine Mix

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

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)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)


Well, I guess Americana Fest is officially and unofficially underway.  Had a blast last night, emceeing a show at Radio Cafe with the always delightful Amelia White and her Blue Souvenirs (Sergio Webb, Parker Hawkins, and Justin Amaral - plus Dave Coleman sitting in for a few songs, Mark Huff - who I think is sounding the best I have ever heard him lately. His great band including the twin guitar attack for Dave Coleman and Braden Land. I've been a fan of Dave Coleman for years. I've only recently "discovered" Braden Land - but I have been impressed.  I don't know and didn't catch the name of Huff's rhythm section, but they were great.

In addition, the show featured two U.K. up and comers. Robbie Kavanagh and Demi Marriner. who were both wonderful. They have several dates during Americana Fest, and I'm hoping to catch them again.  This show met two of my criteria for my hopes for AMA 2018 - I heard new music, and I saw some out of town friends. I am grateful beyond words for Amelia White and Mark Huff for letting me be a part of this event.

After that show, I headed to The Basement East to join the Better Together show already in progress.  This was my fourth year in a row attending this event - which somehow manages to top itself. Even though I missed several things/people I would have loved to have seen, the time I was there was worthwhile.  I got to hang with some out of town friends, meet some people - including Amilia K. Spicer whose music we have featured here. And Great Music - as usual - Chuck Mead and his Grassy Knoll Boys - stretch the definition of Americana to its breaking point - backing guests like Drivin' n Cryin' doing The Clash, Steve Poltz doing "Sympathy for the Devil", Allen Thompson doing "Get Up, Stand Up", and Mead himself doing "Peace Love & Understanding".  But the musical highlight was Aaron Lee Tasjan - looking fabulous by the way - doing a solid rendition of Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman". The crowd was initially stunned but then totally into it. 

Whiskey Wolves of the West closed the night with lots of guests and more great music.  Plus, the guy who plays Blaze Foley in the new movie did a couple of great songs backed by the one and only Charlie Sexton.

More to come.  By the way, this will likely be the last shuffle of the week, I am taking the rest of the week off for AMA, but look for some special posts. Tomorrow, I will tell you all about some of the great stuff going on this weekend - specifically we have some details about the all day party going on at Dee's Saturday - by our friends at Magnolia Road.

Meanwhile, we have a "Wild Wednesday" shuffle - so let's get wild!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Black Blue and Gold Mix

Tweet #E2TG

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

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)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)

I am grateful to have been asked to emcee this awesome event TONIGHT at the Radio Cafe in East Nashville.  Amelia White, Mark Huff - both backed by great bands, plus a couple of red hot UK singer-songwriters. All that and you get to hear my witty repartee. The Radio Cafe is a casual, laid back, comfortable room. Doors open at 7:00 and the cover is just $5.00. 

My Americana week got off to a great start. First Sue and I recorded a future Double Shot - with the incredible Mark Robinson behind the boards. Next, I headed to Dee's for Madison Guild Monday hosted by Nick Nace.  Jaimee Harris opened the night - with great songs and a great voice, Mercy Bell was next, followed by Nace, Chris Moyse, VOLK, and special surprise guest Darrin Bradbury.  It was a wonderful night of great music and hanging with great friends. Jaimee Harris and Mercy Bell were "new to me" (I am pretty sure), and a got to see a couple of out of town friends - so my plan for Americana is going peachy so far...

Today is also the 17th Anniversary of the attacks on New York and Washington. My over -riding memory of that day was the feeling of fear and uncertainty. Waiting for/dreading what was going to happen next. I'm convinced that this nation has been suffering from PTSD since 9/11/2001.

It is Tuesday - and we have a sweet shuffle from our "New Music" playlist. Let's go!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Blame it on Midnight Mix

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

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)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)


Whew!  It feels like the calm before the Americana storm.  This is Americana Fest week in Nashville. I got to bed early last night - for likely the last time this week. I am working on keeping a positive attitude.  The things that don't matter: 1. missing something 2. somebody thinking I'm not going to the "cool" events 3.  Trying to outdo other people or myself with endurance. 

Things that matter:  1.  Seeing as many out of town friends (including those I've never met in person)  2. Discovering "new to me" music.  3.  Supporting friends - when I'm able. 4. Having a good time 5. Not making myself sick (like last year).

Announcement:  I will helping to host an event coming up tomorrow night at The Radio Cafe featuring E2TG favorites Amelia White and Mark Huff - plus a couple of up and coming UK artists. Doors at 7 - music at 7:30 - $5.00 cover.


What better way to start the week in Nashville that is just like any other week in Nashville - except more intense - than with a "Music City Monday" shuffle. Covering music both new and old by a cross-section of the talented folks who have and/or do call Nashville home.

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle- Big Damn Baby Mix

Tweet #E2TG

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

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)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)


Well, it's the end of another, albeit short, week of work.  Heading into the weekend (aka the calm before the American Fest storm).  My final bit of advice for anyone coming to AMA for the best time is to pace yourself. Also, if there is something you REALLY want to see at a smaller venue like The Basement or Station Inn (for example) - than plan to get to that venue early and stick it out. Otherwise, there is a good chance you won't get in - especially if it is a really popular artist (or there is a really popular artist after the show you want to see). Have fun, hit up the parties, and say hello if you see me around.

We close with our usual Featured Friday shuffle. A few first listens today. Let's shuffle!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - I Feel Off Mix

Tweet #E2TG

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

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)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018 
E2TG July 2018 
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)


Well Americana Madness is coming next week!  For those not in the know, Americana is not really a musical genre - rather it is a way of marketing music that is a development of one of several types of roots music that originated in the United States. At least, that is my take on it.  If a group tells me they are "Americana" - I don't think I know anymore about the band's sound or influences - except that they might have influences of country, folk, blues, bluegrass, and/or soul (or some combination of those).

As for the Americana Music Festival - it is a fairly diverse music festival (it is also a conference with many workshops and panels) - I mean you likely won't hear hip-hop or speed metal (but you might hear bands who include those genres in their background/influences). The festival itself has grown exponentially over the last several years.  It has come to incorporate almost all of the major music venues in town, and it has spawned many unofficial and official parties and events featuring many musicians - including many who are regularly featured on E2TG. With this growth, it has become impossible to see everyone one may want  to see, and problematic to navigate between venues to catch as many faves a possible.  The other day, I posted on Facebook that my goals were to see as many out of town friends and possible and to hear as much "new to me music" as possible.  Fortunately, in attempting to meet these goals, I will also get to hang with some of my favorite local people and hear some of my already favorite acts.

Thinking about all of this has made me think about "success" - First of all, I think the concept of a successful musician/artist is different for everyone, however, in thinking about this from a "fan" perspective - at E2TG - my goal has always been to listen to and talk about music that is meaningful to me. I want my friends and favorite bands to find success (however they define that), but that success is never really the focus of what I am doing. I mean this not to diminish the hard work and sacrifice of those who have achieve some measure of mainstream "success" - rather it is meant to acknowledge the hard work and sacrifice of those for whom such success has been more elusive, but who still produce meaningful and wonderful art.

All of that to say, American Fest will - as always - feature artists who are at every marker on the imaginary continuum of success. My personal advice to anyone attending AMA week - is to not limit yourself to artists who have heard of. Do some research and try to see some artists that are new to you.

Finally, Americana week is basically like a "normal" week of live music in Nashville  - on steroids.


It's shuffle time - as we close out the last two days of the week - delving into the "New Music" playlist.

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - AndaBuckNStuffToYouAsWell Mix

Tweet #E2TG

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


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)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018 
E2TG July 2018 
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)


Life sure is crazy.  I feel like I am constantly busy and never seem to get anything done.  I did manage to get some music added to my "New Music" playlist. Some of that new music shows up today - along with some older stuff - because this is Wednesday - which we call "Wild Wednesday"  It's a shuffle of all 2,500+ songs stored on my phone memory card. 

I am desperately trying to get things done this week because next week is Americana Fest week, and I know from experience I don't get much done that week.  More on that later.