Archives for category: Music

The Four Patron Saints of Music City

November 17, 2012 //

photo – Brad Hardisty

After much thought, I really wanted to salute a few key individuals for perpetuating Nashville as Music City. I could have written about 100 individuals both musicians and business people that make things happen and gone into Classical Music, Christian Music and Gospel Music, but, in the end, I needed to break this down to four people from different directions musically that make Nashville “Music City” and give way more than they take from the community.

For those that live here, you may understand what I am talking about, but, for those from all over the world, maybe I will open a few eyes and ears.

For any number of reasons, I could have written about Little Jimmy Dickens, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Jim Lauderdale, Charlie Daniels, Ricky Skaggs, Little Richard, Elizabeth Cook, Taylor Swift, Vince Gill, okay I could go on. You may agree with my list or you may not. These are whom I call four essential pillars that hold up through thick and thin and inspire others to create and grow in the Nashville community.

Marty Stuart supporting band member Kenny Vaughan at Ernest Tubb’s Music Store CD Release Party, photo – Brad Hardisty

Marty Stuart, born September 30, 1958 in Philadelphia, PA, has been one of country music‘s most eclectic artists, performing and recording diverse types of country music.

He is of French, English, Choctaw, and Colombian descent.

In 1979, when Lester Flatt died. Stuart pushed forward and worked with fiddler Vassar Clements. He also worked with guitarist Doc Watson. In 1980, he joined Johnny Cash‘s backing band. The previous year, Stuart made his first solo album, With a Little Help From My Friends, on Ridge Runner Records

In 1985, Stuart accompanied Johnny Cash to Memphis and played on the “Class of ’55” album that also featured Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, and Jerry Lee Lewis. At the end of the session Perkins presented him with his guitar.

When does Marty become a Patron Saint? I believe it started when he had a heated run-in with Columbia Records when they dropped Johnny Cash from their roster. When he stuck up for the “Man in Black” it cost Marty his own album, Let There Be Country which Columbia decided not to release at that point. With Marty, principal comes before dollar signs.

Marty has performed with the best of the best, Johnny Cash, Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs, Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard and Travis Tritt to name a few. Marty saw his first solo success with Hillbilly Rock on MCA Records.

Marty contributed to the AIDS benefit album, Red Hot + County.

Marty’s interest in the heritage of Country Music lead to the showing of his private collection of music memorabilia at the Tennessee State Museum in 2007 as “ Sparkle & Twang : Marty Stuart’s American Musical Odyssey” in 2008.

Marty Stuart has published two books of photographs he has taken of some of Country Music’s most historic Artists including, “Country Music: The Masters” with some of the final photos of Johnny Cash.

Lately, Marty has been the touchstone to Neo-Country proudly wearing the badge of Nashville past bringing classic country into the future with his last two recordings, Ghost Train (The Studio B Sessions) and Nashville Vol. 1: Tear The Woodpile Down.

Marty’s vast knowledge of the history of Country Music and support of classic artists such as Porter Wagoner despite the lack of Nashville label interest has helped to perpetuate what the outside world considers to be true blue Nashville Country.

Buddy Miller stands at the crossroads of the past and the future as the Godfather of what is now known as Americana, which encompasses everything from old time gospel music to red dirt Country.

Buddy has managed to put a canons worth of Gospel, Country tinged rock, and the most original of tracks out of his own living room with his wife, Julie Miller. Buddy is a great musician, songwriter, producer and collaborator. I believe that last skill is what makes Buddy one of the four patron saints. A great collaborator where all are welcome under his tent that bring something to this new idiom described as Americana.

Buddy is the house band leader for The Americana Music Awards every year, able to play with just about every artist including Robert Plant who when he decided to put together his Band of Joy project, Buddy Miller was his only choice for bandleader. Buddy put together a band of Nashville all-stars that included Darrell Scott as the utility man on everything from fretless banjo to pedal steel.

Last year’s Majestic Silver Strings featured guitarists Bill Frisell, Marc Ribot and Greg Leisz, with guest vocalists including Emmylou Harris.

To top that, Buddy is releasing on Black Friday, a new album with Jim Lauderdale, Buddy and Jim.

Buddy’s ability to reinterpret with a working knowledge all things country, rock, old time gospel and folk has singularly help to build a new arm of music radio and business with a firm avenue for those outside the box.

Artists such as The Avett Brothers and Mumford and Sons in some way owe some credit to Buddy Miller in helping to define a way to market this new indie branch of the music tree.

Marion James

Marion James may be the most constant and longest lasting member of the Music City Patron Saints. Marion has been a longtime performer and resident living nearby what used to be the hot bed of Blues, Soul, Rhythm and Blues on Jefferson Street. Marion’s biggest hit was The Top 10 Billboard Hit, “That’s My Man.”

Marion James at 30th Annual Musicians Reunion and Benefit, photo- Brad Hardisty

Marion James, known as Nashville’s “Queen of The Blues” was playing on Jefferson Street back in the day with a young Jimi Hendrix who had just gotten out of the military. As a former member of Fort Campbell’s Screaming Eagles, Jimi Hendrix and his new best friend Billy Cox had their own band The King Kasuals but also played with Marion James and others.

The musicians on Jefferson Street, Johnny Jones, Christine Kittrell, Little Richard, Ray Charles and many others were featured on one of the biggest Rhythm and Blues stations of the day, Nashville’s own WLAC.

Marion was featured prominently in The Country Music Hall of Fame’s exhibit Night Train To Nashville. A photo of one of her live performances with Billy Cox on bass is featured on Volume Two of the Night Train To Nashville Collection.

Several years ago, Marion James started the Musician’s Reunion shows that featured the stars from back in the day on Nashville’s Northside to benefit the Marion James Musicians Aid Society, that she started to help aging musicians with medical costs as well as support the American Cancer Society and the Nashville Rescue Mission.

Marion James continues to perform today. Marion James recorded in the 80’s a blues landmark album with The Hypnotics that lead to sold out shows in Europe and also released a solo album called Essence that featured Nashville guitarist Jack Pearson as well as session bassist Bob Babbitt.

Recently, Marion released Northside Soul on Ellersoul Records which reached #10 on the Living Blues Charts.

Marion James, not only is an accomplished vocalist, but, writes many of her owns songs. Marion James is The Queen of The South when it comes to the Blues.

Marion continues to support the North Nashville community through her organization as well as efforts to get out the history of Jefferson Street to the rest of the world.

Jack White is probably the newest patron saint as one of the four cornerstones of the Nashville Music Community. I’m not sure what the tipping point was when Jack decided to move to Nashville, but, I imagine meeting Loretta Lynn and asking if he could produce her must have been a big nod in that direction.

The White Stripes started performing “ Jolene” long before Jack moved to Nashville, but, Van Lear Rose, the album that brought a Grammy nod as well as new ears to listen to Loretta Lynn was a huge milestone.

Wanda Jackson and Jack White (Associated Press Photo)

Since working with Loretta Lynn, Jack has gone onto record with Ricky Skaggs, Produce “The Queen of Rockabilly”, Wanda Jackson, invite Porter Wagoner to open for The White Stripes at Madison Square Garden shortly before his passing and worked with many of Nashville’s Rock and Roll Community while spotlighting its heritage.

Jack represents what Rock and Roll is all about with a balance between the blues, rock and roll and country. Jack and his record company, Third Man Records solidify Music City’s Rock and Roll Community which has seen tremendous growth in the last three to four years.

Nashville, whose first real travelling stars, The Fisk Jubilee Singers, has seen a lot of changes over the years. Lower Broad almost turned into a dangerous ghost town when Opryland took over the Grand Ole Opry and most of what downtown had left musically in the late 70’s.

It took many starts and stops before seeing a permanent positive growth record with the opening of today’s Country Music Hall of Fame and numerous new projects downtown.

Nashville is about to see a new golden age for the “Athens of the South.” Nashville has probably one of the biggest collections of colleges and universities in America. Now, just about every genre of American music has a piece of the pie and venues grow by leaps and bounds.

Peter Frampton may have moved here to early, it definitely spurred him on to return to the guitar in a big way, but, sadly he decided to move before Nashville really started to realize its potential as one of the coolest cities in America.

If you are a musician, especially a guitarist or a songwriter, there is no better place to be in the world today no matter what style you play.

– Brad Hardisty, Nashville, TN thenashvillebridge@hotmail.com

Tags Music City, Nashville, The Four Patron Saints of Music City

Categories Buddy Miller, Fisk Jubilee Singers, Guitar, Jack White, Jimi Hendrix, Loretta Lynn, Lower Broad Nashville, Marion James, Marty Stuart, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Music, Music City, Music Row, Nashville, Night Train To Nashville, Rock Music, Third Man Records, Uncategorized, Wanda Jackson

Jeron Blind Boy Paxton Makes Cover of Living Blues

November 17, 2012 //

Jeron Blind Boy Paxton may be one of the greatest multi-instrumentalists of this generation that you have not heard of yet. Jeron just made the cover of the current print edition of Living Blues Magazine without even releasing a single official recording in the United States.

“The idea for this issue has been coming together for quite a while now. It started last year when Corey Harris turned me on to Jeff Scott, the Virginia acoustic bluesman and nephew of the great John Jackson. But what really made the idea take off was when photographer/writer Bill Steber turned me on to the young bluesman Jeron “Blind Boy” Paxton. Paxton is an amazing young musician who can play most anything with strings and play it exceedingly well. He is easily the most talented young acoustic bluesman to come along in many, many years. He is the closest thing to a living “prewar” bluesman I’ve heard since Alvin “Youngblood” Hart’s first record came out in 1996.” – Brett J. Bonner, Editor, Living Blues Magazine

The issue features photographs of Jeron produced in the a way that fits the time period of his chosen music expression. Blind Boy appears like somebody being discovered from the past for a new generation. “The tintype images produced by Bill Steber for this issue are printed in their original form—as reversed images. The optics of all ground-glass lenses render a scene upside-down and backwards. Modern cameras correct for this by the use of mirrors or digital electronics, but cameras in the 19th century, when the wet-plate collodion process was in use, could only render a scene as the lens projected it. Hence all non-negative images from the 19th century are backwards. In keeping with the integrity of the wet-plate collodion process, LB has chosen to publish Steber’s tintypes in their original form.” – Brett J. Bonner, Editor, Living Blues Magazine

Jeron Blind Boy Paxton, Memphis 2010, photo – Brad Hardisty

I first met Jeron at the Folk Alliance in Memphis, Tennessee in late 2010. Jeron had come to the conference with friends, The Carolina Chocolate Drops that included newest member, Hubby Jenkins.

Jeron Blind Boy Paxton, Memphis, 2010, photo – Brad Hardisty

I actually talked shop with Jeron sitting in some chairs on the second level of the Hotel. Jeron’s interest in early 1900’s music and knowledge of particular styles was way beyond my own comprehension and I enjoyed getting his perspective on that time period speaking as if he was visiting 2010 from that time via “Back To The Future”.

When I finally heard Jeron play, it was actually playing some banjo after finding that a grand piano in an enclave was locked up. After hearing Jeron explain and play some rare songs from an era almost 100 years ago, I asked if he had recordings I could get, but, found out that he had not recorded yet.

I asked Jeron if he would be interested in doing some recordings while in Memphis. Jeron had some kind of flu or cold and was not feeling that well, but, said he would see how he felt later.

Dom Flemons playing bones, Jeron, banjo, Hubby Jenkins, Memphis Folk Alliance, 2010, photo – Brad Hardisty

I contacted one of my best friends, Brad Dunn (nephew of Donald “Duck” Dunn, Booker T. & The MG’s as well as son of Bobby Dunn who ran the King Records, home of James Brown, office in Memphis back in the 60’s). Brad was Vice- President of recording studio, Leeway Music and had several recent recordings done at Leeway in recent history. Brad was definitely interested in working some kind of deal if Jeron wanted to record while in Memphis.

Unfortunately, Jeron was not feeling well for the duration of the Folk Alliance Conference and that did not happen.

Dom Flemons, Jeron listening in, Memphis Folk Alliance 2010, photo – Brad Hardisty

What did happen was Jeron Blind Boy Paxton got some serious respect as he was involved with a forum talking about the earliest forms of folk music both American as well as Irish, Welsh and other forms by some of the most respected musicians and professors in each genre.

Jeron at Memphis Folk Alliance 2010, photo – Brad Hardisty

Dom Flemons and Hubby Jenkins of The Carolina Chocolate Drops participated playing “bones” during the forum.

Jeron Blind Boy Paxton, Uncle Dave Macon Days, Murfreesboro, TN 2012, photo – Brad Hardisty

Recently, this last summer, while attending Uncle Dave Macon Days in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, I found Jeron entertaining and jamming with local musicians as he continued to spread some old time music played with unusual depth.

Jeron Blind Boy Paxton, Uncle Dave Macon Days, Murfreesboro, TN – photo – Brad Hardisty

Jeron said he had recorded a 78 record in England, but, that was the extent so far. Living Blues Magazine’s great spotlight piece will continue to build some momentum till Jeron decides what to do beyond attending folk and blues festivals.

In a way, he is like Jimi Hendrix in the early days jamming and meeting everybody he can along the way before getting out to the world in general.

– Brad Hardisty, Nashville, TN thenashvillebridge@hotmail.com

Tags Carolina Chocolate Drops, Jeron Blind Boy Paxton, Living Blues Magazine

Categories Folk Alliance, Folk Music, Jeron Blind Boy Paxton, Music, Uncategorized, Uncle Dave Macon, Uncle Dave Macon Days, Uncle Dave Macon Days 2012

George Jones Final Show Will Be In Nashville

November 15, 2012 //

George Jones Final Show at Bridgestone Arena

Outback Concerts in association with Country Music Hall of Fame member George Jones announce the final Nashville show as part of The Grand Tour to be held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN on Friday, November 22, 2013.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, November 16, 2012.

Special guest Tanya Tucker will be on hand for the Nashville concert amongst other friends of The Possum, yet to be announced.

“The Grand Tour will have surprises throughout the shows – you never know who may show up! The Possum has lots of friends so it is going to be the most exciting thing to see who shows up during the final show. You should come too – and we can be surprised together!” said Jones.

George Jones, often referred to as the “the greatest living country singer” will mark the end of an era with 2013’s farewell tour titled “The Grand Tour”. The tour is expected to make approximately 60 stops next year. “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair”, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes”, “White Lightning” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today” will surely be part of each night’s set list, along with plenty of guests and surprises.

Tickets for the Nashville show go on-sale Friday, November 16th at 10am at all Ticketmaster locations.

Fans of ‘The Possum’ can see him at his upcoming concerts listed below or at www.georgejones.com.

George Jones on Tour (2012-2013)
11/09 – Branson, MO – The Mansion Theatre
11/10 – Morton, MN – Jackpot Junction Casino
11/16 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center
11/17 – Hiawassee, GA – Anderson Music Hall
11/23 – Winnie, TX – Nutty Jerry’s Winnie Arena
11/24 – Bossier City, LA – Horseshoe Casino
12/01 – Elizabeth, IN – Horseshoe Casino
12/15 – Jackson, TN – Carl Perkins Civic Center
02/02 – Tunica, MS – Sam’s Town
02/07 – Lakeland, FL – Youkey Theater
02/22 – Greenville, TX – Greenville Memorial Auditorium
02/23 – Forrest City, AR – East Arkansas Community College
03/15 – Joliet, IL – Realto Square Theater
03/16 – Muncie, IN – Emens Auditorium
03/22 – Chattanooga, TN – Memorial Auditorium
04/05 – Fairfax, VA – Patriot Center
04/06 – Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Coliseum
04/19 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theater
04/20 – Salem, VA – Salem Civic Center
04/27 – Huntsville, AL – Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
05/17 – Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena
05/18 – Spartanburg, SC – Memorial Auditorium
06/01 – North Tonawanda, NY – Riviera Theater
06/02 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theater
11/09 – Grant, OK – Choctaw Event Center

George Jones is the #2 best-charting country artist of all time, with a staggering list of hit singles in every decade since the ’50s. The Beaumont, Texas native also has 143 Top 40 hits to his name, has received two Grammy Awards, was a 2008 Kennedy Center Honor recipient, is a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, was presented with a GRAMMY(r) Lifetime Achievement Award this year and holds a National Medal of Arts. At 80, Jones continues to be an active country music superstar, headlining dozens of concerts each year.

– Brad Hardisty, Nashville, TN thenashvillebridge@hotmail.com

Tags George Jones, Nashville, Tanya Tucker

Categories Bridgestone Arena, Country Music, George Jones, Music, Nashville, Tanya Tucker, Uncategorized

The Marshall Tucker Band Deploys Tour Truck to Aid Hurricane Sandy Victims

November 9, 2012 //

Yesterday in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the legendary southern rock group The Marshall Tucker Band dispatched its tour truck to collect donations that will be transported to hurricane victims. The Marshall Tucker Band tour truck was stationed outside of the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. Additional trucks are also in the works for donation collections in Anderson and Chesnee, South Carolina.

Lead singer Doug Gray, along with other members of The Marshall Tucker Band, were on hand to thank those wishing to help.

“People in that part of the country have supported The Marshall Tucker Band for over 40 years,” says Gray. “We’ve made a lot of friends up there, have watched people’s families grow and have grown with them. So, on a personal level, I know a lot of their pain.”

“Palmetto Sound Works in Spartanburg has been kind enough to help with aiding the hurricane victims … they will also be sending several trucks.” Gray notes. “One wonderful couple from New Port Richey, Florida has already donated 4,000 blankets.”

The band asks that people not bring cash donations.

Gray adds, “If you want to contribute cash, please contact the American Red Cross. We’re primarily looking to collect coats and blankets since it’s starting to get cold up there.”

UltimateClassicRock.com recently crowned the MTB’s “Can’t You See” the #1 Greatest Southern Rock song ever recorded.

-(from official press release) Brad Hardisty, Nashville, TN thenashvillebridge@hotmail.com

Tags Marshall Tucker Band

Categories Music, Rock Music, Southern Rock, Uncategorized

Marion James Celebrates Birthday at Jefferson Street Sound

November 4, 2012 //

Marion James at Jefferson Street Sound B-Day Party, photo – Brad Hardisty

Marion James, Nashville’s “Queen of The Blues” celebrated her birthday at Jefferson Street Sound during what has been a busy year, with the release of Northside Soul on Ellersoul Records as well as the 30^th Annual Musicians Reunion at Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar to benefit The Marion James Musicians Aid Society.

A group of friends enjoyed the music of The John Richards Trio while enjoying Fried Chicken, Shrimp Gumbo and a special cake for the occasion.

Marion let the group know that the discussion has begun to erect two statues on Jefferson Street of Jimi Hendrix and Little Richard where it all began. It was important to get the support of the music community as benefits may be needed in the future to help raise the funds for the commemorative statues that will further enhance the heritage of Music City.

John Richards and Jerry Stockard at Marion James Birthday Party 2012, photo – Brad Hardisty

Marion James finally, thrilled friends as she joined John Richards on guitar and Jerry Stockard on drums, singing “Candy” from her recent release as well as a “you-had-to-be-there” performance of “Someday.” It was a special night for a special lady.

– Brad Hardisty, Nashville, TN thenashvillebridge@hotmail.com

Categories Jefferson Street, Jimi Hendrix, John Richards Group, Marion James, Music, Nashville, Uncategorized

Good Morning CMA!

November 1, 2012 //

Bridgestone Arena, photo – Brad Hardisty

First shots of the new rising sun, CMA morning in Nashville where the day will be invaded by Country Music fans from all over the world looking for show hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley as well as big radio stars Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town.

GMA Stage after Reba, CMA 2012, 9AM, photo – Brad Hardisty

Today started off with the announcement that Taylor Swift’s new album, Red, is on pace for the biggest first week sales in a decade with 1.208 million copies moved.

Ryman, CMA 2012, 9AM – photo – Brad Hardisty

Early winners were announced on Good Morning America, with Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw winning Musical Event of The Year for ”Feel Like A Rock Star.” Although that may have been the mainstream duet, the real reach was Snoop Dogg’s collaboration with Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Jamey Johnson called “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” that was up for an award in the same category.

Tootsies, CMA 2012 – 9AM, photo – Brad Hardisty

Toby Keith and director Michael Salomon won the Music Video of the Year category for their viral video smash “Red Solo Cup.”

Tear down at Bridgestone, CMA 2012, photo – Brad Hardisty

Reba McEntire performed bright and early just an hour ago from in front of tonight’s awards venue, The Bridgestone Arena which was simulcast on ABC’s Good Morning America.

Legends Corner, CMA 2012, early morning, photo – Brad Hardisty

After the quick set and early award announcements, the stage outside the arena was quickly tore down with roadies moving road cases and setting up for the next free set.

Lower Broad, CMA 2012 early morning, photo – Brad Hardisty

Nashville is a town that almost never sleeps with live music down Broadway almost 24 hours a day.

Just across the street from Bridgestone, there were Chevy trucks with wraps celebrating the show out in front of Tootsie’s while right around the side of Legends Corner, Big & Rich was bigger than life with a special mural for the show celebrating their return.

The day has just begun.

– Brad Hardisty, Nashville, TN thenashvillebridge@hotmail.com

Categories Big & Rich, CMA Awards 2012, Country Music, Country Radio, Music, Nashville, Snoop Dogg, Uncategorized

Ryan Bingham at Marathon with La Santa Cecilia

October 24, 2012 //

Ryan Bingham at Marathon, photo – Brad Hardisty

Ryan Bingham received a warm welcome in Nashville on October 9^th at the recently opened Marathon Music Works, an old industrial space revamped into a room about twice the size of The Cannery Ballroom with the stage exactly where it needs to be; right in the middle of the eastern wall, with a great view and sound from just about anywhere.

Ryan is out on tour with a Nashvillian band in support of Tomorrowland on his own imprint Axster Bingham Records, which is an even bigger turn in tone from the T-Bone Burnett produced Junky Star.

It can be said that Ryan was anxious for the show with the new band, having left on his twitter page, “NASHVILLE! Just got in & ready for the show at Marathon Music Works tomorrow. Come party with us! Tuesday Funday!!!” @RyanBingham.

As far as the band goes, they sounded big; there would be something to his set that a fan of The Black Crowes, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, The Wallflowers or anything in that vicinity would like.

Ryan Bingham in Nashville, photo – Brad Hardisty

Even though he got an Oscar for “The Weary Kind,” Ryan avoided that like Jack White avoids, “Fell In Love With A Girl.”

The set was heavy on the new album starting out with the new single, “Guess Who’s Knocking.” The good size crowd was into the set early on, but, if there was a “Honky Tonk Women” for Ryan, it would be “Hard Times” from the 2007 Lost Highway release Mescalito.

In fact, it seemed like Mescalito hung heavy in the room, since it appeared that the Nashville crowd made it known that it is the favorite so far, with the crowd almost drowning out Ryan in a sing-along to “Hard Times” as well as “Southside of Heaven.” In fact although the set continued to build in enthusiasm, for the crowd “Hard Times” was the peak coming in at song number three in the set.

It would have been more appropriate if “Hard Times” had been the closer.

It was interesting to see what was in the set. It was either brand new or before 2008 except for “Hallelujah” off of Junky Star.

Ryan made reference to living in Houston at one time, which gives that link to the Texas-Red Dirt scene as well as remembering living in a van down by the river before going into a solo number as part of the encore.

Ryan Bingham, photo – Brad Hardisty

Ryan’s voice really is John Kay from Steppenwolf, but with the poetics of modern day Hayes Carll and Justin Townes Earle coming to mind with the rock band sensibilities now of The Wallflowers.

Ryan is probably the strongest of the new crowd of writers, he could be the one that continues to grow crowds of followers and be around ten years from now. The challenge may be that while he continues to broaden his approach with albums like Tomorrowland is to come up with an album in the future that connects as well as Mescalito did.

Ryan Bingham with La Santa Cecilia in Nashville, photo – Brad Hardisty

All around it was a strong show that included a rendition of “Boracho Station” with members of opening act, La Santa Cecilia, featuring Jose Carlos on accordion and singer Marisoul, with her strong thick voice was a good mix with Ryan. It would be interesting see a future recorded duet.

After a couple of acoustic numbers, the rest of the band came out to finish off the crowd with another strong cut from Mescalito, “Bread and Water.”

La Santa Cecilia in Nashville, photo – Brad Hardisty

La Santa Cecilia opened up mixing Spanish with English as much as they mixed Conjunto and Tejano with Jazz and the nineties rock classic, “Tainted Love.”

I don’t think Nashville has seen quite anything like them. They would be an interesting group in East L.A.; they were mind opening in Nashville. Marisoul had a great voice with traditional conjunto and bossa nova inflections and the depth of Roberta Flack, “Tainted Love” was like an Alfa Romeo taco truck driving through Gwen Stefani’s teenage bedroom in Anaheim.

If No Doubt was a conjunto band, they might be La Santa Cecilia. La Santa Cecilia, named after the patron saint of musicians, basically took everything they like having grown up on the West Coast and rolled it into an “everything but the kitchen sink” burrito.

Three members of La Santa Cecilia after the opening set, photo – Brad Hardisty

They kept the crowd captivated with the mainly acoustic instrument interplay and the strong vocals, everything even a bluegrasser could love. Hopefully, La Santa Cecilia will be back sooner than later.

Ryan Bingham set list:

Guess Who’s Knocking
Heart of Rhythm
Hard Times
Sunrise
Keep It Together
Heard’Em Say
Southside of Heaven
Beg For Broken Legs
Western Shore
Dollar A day
Day Is Done
Never Far Behind

Encore

Boracho Station (Ryan acoustic w/ members of La Santa Cecilia)
Tell My Mother I Miss Her So
Hallelujah
Ever Wonder Why
Sunshine
Bread and Water

– Brad Hardisty, Nashville, TN thenashvillebridge@hotmail.com

Categories Americana Music, La Santa Cecilia, Marathon Music Works, Music, Nashville, Rock Music, Ryan Bingham, Uncategorized

Emanuel Cook and Joe Patti’s: Pensacola Gold

October 20, 2012 //

Emanuel Cook, photo – Brad Hardisty

Taking a break from the Nashville nightlife, I headed south through Alabama to Pensacola, Florida where the summer crowds had died down and the weather was a perfect 80 degrees during the day and a crisp 70 at night. Pensacola comes alive for its every other month art gallery crawl on Friday night where local artists show their latest creations in and around old town Pensacola on Palafox with musicians playing music in clubs, on overhanging porches and the city parks.

Emanuel Cook was jamming by the park near the end of the action. Emanuel is a guitarist who once played with Miami, Florida native Betty Wright. Emanuel easily moves between Jazz and Blues with eclectic taste. One of his favorites is Gino Vanellis’, “ I Just Wanna Stop” that Emanuel just throws in like its nothing at all, between a cover of Muddy Waters’, “Hoochie Coochie Man” and “ Black Water,” by The Doobie Brothers.

Emanuel Cook is a local Pensacola treasure mixing up jazz chords, open blues configurations and singing with a warm, rich resonant voice.

Emanuel is a little hard to find on the web, but, look him up playing somewhere along Palafox if you are ever down by the gulf. Tell Emanuel you read about him on The Nashville Bridge.

I jammed with him for a while and got a picture of Emanuel playing my Luna Dobro hybrid.

Down the street, Vinyl Music Hall is the club that brings the bands down by the bay.

Joe Patti’s, photo – Brad Hardisty

When you are down in Pensacola, you got to get yourself some fish! Joe Patti’s is the place to get it fresh. For over 75 years, Joe Patti’s has existed down on Pensacola Bay. During the 1960’s, Joe Patti’s Seafood was sought after up and down the Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast by the finest restaurants.

photo – Brad Hardisty

Nowadays, the retail operation is world class, where not only do they have fresh seafood, where you can find all the panhandle favorites such as grouper, pompano and redfish, but, also Florida lobster, Gulf shrimp and even catfish.

photo – Brad Hardisty

The store also includes fresh sushi, a wine shop and a delicatessen, with everything from fresh baked Italian bread, homemade Gelato to all kinds of seafood salads and the largest collection of imported olive oil that I have ever seen in my travels.

Lobster Salad from Joe Patti’s Deli, photo – Brad Hardisty

I opted for an early lunch of Lobster Salad which contained full lobster claw pieces, some shrimp in lime juice with a little salt, cilantro and red and green onions. It was great straight out of the half pound size plastic container, but, may have been even better on a hot sourdough baguette with some of their fresh roasted garlic spread.

Backside pier area of Joe Patti’s Seafood, photo – Brad Hardisty

While there was plenty of great food to bag and eat out by the pier, Joe Patti’s has a restaurant around the corner mainly catering to the lunch crowd from Tuesday thru Saturday. It’s called Captain Joey Patti’s Seafood and Deli on C Street.

fresh Florida lobster at Joe Patti’s in Pensacola, photo – Brad Hardisty

The fish is fresh from the dock, with Grouper and the catch of the day fried in their own seasoned cornmeal batter. A big shrimp basket with fries is less than $13, while the catch of the day is less than $10.

The food is like the best home cooked seafood you could imagine, nothing fancy, but, everything will bring you back for more.

I ate their twice trying their seafood gumbo with chunks of shrimp and crab one day and the catch of the day with cheese grits and cole slaw on the side the next.

The fish with two sides was less than $10. The cole slaw was another thing. It was some of the best creamy cole slaw I ever had. I detected some tang with the sweet, possibly a little pickle juice. I was unable to find out the secret from the waitress. You’ll have to try it and see what you think.

photo – Brad Hardisty

Everything was so good at Joe Patti’s that I plan on getting a Styrofoam cooler from Dollar General on Monday and loading up some fresh catch for Tennessee before I head back.

Key Lime Pie at The Fish House, Pensacola, Florida, photo – Brad Hardisty

One more thing you need to try in Pensacola. Key Lime Pie is a Florida trademark. I have seen shows that claim they found the best or so and so has always been considered the best in Key West. Well, The Fish House right on the bay makes the best Key Lime Pie in the world. It is natural yellow instead of tinted with food coloring to make it green. It melts in your mouth along with the mile high fresh meringue on top toasted to a nice brown.

You gotta have some Key Lime Pie when you’re in Florida. Music, food, white sand beaches, beautiful women and a nice small downtown nightlife make Pensacola one of the greatest escapes south of Nashville.

– Brad Hardisty, on location in Pensacola, Florida thenashvillebridge@hotmail.com

Categories Emanuel Cook, Joe Patti's Seafood, Key Lime Pie, Music, Pensacola Beach, The Fish House Pensacola Florida, Uncategorized

Third Man Records Renovation Nears Completion

October 14, 2012 //

Jack White Blunderbuss Tour – Nashville Teletalkin’ Style

Jack White has increased the size of his dominion behind the Homeless shelter near Cannery Row. The Third Man Records location has expanded to almost an entire city block just south of the new Convention Center.

Black and Yellow gumballs by the front door. photo – Brad Hardisty

The timing couldn’t be better since the tourist destination is just a short brisk walk from the modern rolling roof of the Convention Center that is set to open next year with a brand new gargantuan Omni Hotel attached.

Inside the Third Man Records Store, photo – Brad Hardisty

The Third Man Records catalog of releases is in an ever-increasing stream much like hot lava leaking out of an active volcano.

The original and current store front. photo – Brad Hardisty

Third Man has not only exposed Nashville Artists, such as Pujol and Jeff The Brotherhood to the rest of the world, but, spurred a renewed interest in Rockabilly Queen, Wanda Jackson and found some great regional acts, such as Birmingham, Alabama’s Dan Sartain and Japan’s classic garage rock all-girl band The 5678’s.

Remodel, used to be an alley way, leading to back door to enter the venue for special events. Now – modern take on Art Deco style entrance door. Note the handrails. photo – Brad Hardisty

Third Man Records has hosted many live events, just about all of which are recorded and released on vinyl.

Probably the most historic recording was Jerry Lee Lewis, which had so much demand that it turned into an outdoor festival with an all-star band featuring Memphis alumni, Steve Cropper on guitar. The Third Man Records release of the event being one of the label’s finest moments.

Looking onto the new addition. photo – Brad Hardisty

Other notable artists who have Third Man Records releases include Tom Jones, Beck, Flat Duo Jets and Insane Clown Posse.

Dumpster still in place while finishing the addition. photo – Brad Hardisty

It seems that Jack is really flexible on his taste and has been a real asset in developing Nashville into Music City.

Third Man Monkey Band by the front window. photo – Brad Hardisty

Most items that are available on the website are available at the Third Man Record Store. If you are local and have not stopped by, you have really missed something, especially, the monkey band playing unreleased cuts from Blunderbuss.

If you are truly “died-in-the-wool” modern country, you probably still have relatives that wouldn’t mind a unique Christmas gift such as a Third Man Records turntable slip mat or box of six Third Man Records designed Guitar Picks.

Looking south towards original store front. photo – Brad Hardisty

The Nashville Bridge congratulates Third Man Records on their expanded Nashville operations.

Store Hours are Mon-Sat 12-6 pm and Sun 1-4 pm. You can call Third Man Records at (615) 891-4393.

Third Man Records is located at 623 7^th Avenue South, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203.

– Brad Hardisty, Nashville, TN thenashvillebridge@hotmail.com

Categories Jack White, Jeff the Brotherhood, Jerry Lee Lewis, Music, Nashville, Pujol, Rock Music, Steve Cropper, Third Mam Monkey Band, Third Man Records, Third Man Rolling Records Store, Tom Jones

Here Comes Nashville

October 7, 2012 //

Cast of Nashville looking at Bridgestone Arena across the street from Legend’s Corner and The Ryman in the background.

ABC has pulled out all the stops for Nashville, which airs this Wednesday, in believing that a Dallas style soap, with none of the quirky comedy of Desperate Housewives and with the basic plot of Country Strong that starred Gwyneth Paltrow, is ready for prime time.

Nashville’s writer and creative executive producer Callie Kouri says that beyond the familiar landmarks, she wants to capture with absolute authenticity, Music City’s modern identity.

T-Bone Burnett, modern heavyweight of

T-Bone Burnett, Music Director

Americana Music production, with credits that range from the movie Crazy Heart to the Robert Plant / Allison Krauss collaboration is the music director of the show. This leads to possibilities like appearances by Elizabeth Cook, Jim Lauderdale or maybe a Todd Snider scene.

Where television fantasy and reality meet will be an interesting thought.

The 5 Spot – East Nashville, photo – Brad Hardisty

In the second episode, indie – rocker, Avery Barkley, played by General Hospital’s Jonathan Jackson, is playing on the small stage of beer soaked, The 5 Spot in East Nashville, known for hosting East Nashville local rockers as well as annual Jonathan Richman three night stands.

This is a TV drama about the Country music machine, so there probably won’t be an invite to a secret show at Third Man Records or the latest Belmont crowd band playing a gig at John Danzig’s House.

It would be safe to say that the show is not after my demographic, but, I will probably watch it to see what venue or artist pops up in the show.

Each episode brings a $4 million budget to the city. A successful series could mean a lot of business for Nashville. I guess that could be good and bad if a hit TV show starts to become the tastemaker of what outsiders believe about Nashville and what we do with our time.

One thing is for sure, Hayden Panettiere needs to get fitted for a pair of jeans at Imogene + Willie and stop in for some Hot Chicken at Prince’s while she is in town.

– Brad Hardisty, Nashville, TN thenashvillebridge@hotmal.com

Categories ABC TV, Hayden Panettiere, Music, Nashville, Nashville TV Drama, T Bone Burnett, The 5 Spot, The 5 Spot Nashville, Todd Snider, Uncategorized