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Here Comes Nashville

October 7, 2012 //
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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

The Drop Zone in Northern Arkansas

October 3, 2012 //
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Courseys Smoked Meats, Leslie, Arkansas photo- Brad Hardisty

On a recent road trip traveling south from Kansas City, heading south to Branson, and then dropping down into the Ozarks, I planned a stop at Courseys Smoked Meats in St. Joe, Arkansas for one of my top 5 sandwiches in the world. All it contains is a pile of the best smoked turkey this side of Sonoma County, California, sliced razor thin, piled high with homemade smoked cheddar cheese, a little mayo and mustard on white bread.

After consuming one of the treasures of The Ozarks, it was hard to keep traveling too long after a meeting in Branson at 8AM and a smoke turkey sandwich at lunch, it was time to find an antique store or something.

The Drop Zone, Leslie, Arkansas photo – Brad Hardisty

A sign came up on HWY 65: turn left here to old downtown Leslie, Arkansas. After crossing a narrow bridge and about 100 yards off the main highway, I came face to face with a sign that looked like one of The Blues Brothers playing guitar (but turned out to be Thomas) that read The Drop Zone.

Oak Street Station – connected to The Drop Zone, photo – Brad Hardisty

I had to enter by another store that had some vintage vinyl upfront, I ended up picking up a King Record 45 and started talking to Thomas about The Drop Zone and what has been going on in Northern Arkansas. It was like stumbling onto a juke joint in the Mississippi Delta. A great little venue that holds about 85 people, where there are couches, tables, chairs and some room to dance up front.

The Drop Zone opened in Leslie, Arkansas on September 9th, 2011.  Sandra Chidester is the owner while Thomas Anderson manages and books all of the entertainment.  Thomas is also President and Sandra is Secretary/Treasurer of the Buffalo River Blues Society that uses the Drop Zone as its local venue.

Leslie, Arkansas is a small town of around 450 residents located in the North Central part of the state.

Thomas Anderson, The Drop Zone, photo – Brad Hardisty

The venue is totally non-alcoholic, non-smoking, all ages and is ranked as one of the best venues of its kind in Northern Arkansas.  The Drop Zone has been referred to as “like having a juke joint in your living room”.

Thomas is an experienced musician having played in an Iowa band in the 60’s called The Nomads for a couple of years before the Vietnam draft caused The Nomads to disband.

Cee Cee James at The Drop Zone, photo courtesy Thomas Anderson

The Drop Zone normally books Blues and Classic Rock bands from all over the Central United States but has had bands from as far away as New York and Canada.

Brenda Meyer at The Drop Zone, photo courtesy – Thomas Anderson

The first concert was on the 9th of September, 2011 with 79 inside and another 30 outside dancing in the street.  Thomas says, “Clover Blue, a two time competitor at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis just brought the house down that night!”  The Drop Zone First Anniversary party featured Arkansas favorites, the Joe Pitts Band.

“We have been very picky in finding quality bands and artists who have performed at the Drop Zone.  Like Joe Pitts, Cee Cee James, Brenda Meyers, Smooth Down Under, R.B. Stone, Danny Brooks,  Tyrannosaurus Chicken and many more. Voodoo Highway from New York, NY will be here for our Halloween party.   Our dreams are to someday to be able to afford having the bigger names here:  Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, and Johnny Lang.  But, that will be a long time coming,” Thomas muses.

Thomas has something to say about starting a venue in the middle of the Ozarks, ”The residents of Leslie are mostly divided to our being here with some loving what we are trying to bring here, to others not wanting the town to change at all.  But, I think that is the way most small towns are.  What many don’t understand is without new businesses that employ people, there might not be many small towns left today; so many are fading away.  The Drop Zone employs 5 during live entertainment. Leslie would be very lucky with more music venues like the Drop Zone moving here.  It would greatly improve the economy by bringing more people into town to enjoy great music while providing more jobs.  An RV park or motel would be nice to have.”

The best place to eat, locally, is the Leslie Cafe.  Located on Main Street, the cafe has great owners, great service, and the best home cooking anywhere.  Bread and pastries are all made from scratch.  The Drop Zone normally takes all the bands there to eat.

Lodging is another story.  The Marshall Motel is located in Marshall, 8 miles North of Leslie on Highway 65.  Nice rooms for those on a budget.  Twenty miles to the South is the Best Western located in Clinton.  Rooms are nice and loaded with all the amenities.  Tell them you would like the Drop Zone rate if you ever get out this way.

Thomas has some more plans, “We are planning on expanding in the future.  Possibly getting the adjacent building and making another venue, even adding rooms to house the bands.  We are currently working with the Leslie Cafe into establishing a live music venue by bringing in the bands the Drop Zone has had in the past.  The new venue is being built with lighting and a sound system being added.  There will be a different menu for weekend nights when they have live entertainment.  The Grand Opening of this new music venue is scheduled for the 13th of October with the blues band Smooth Down Under from Branson taking the stage.”

Interstate Buffalo at The Drop Zone, photo courtesy – Thomas Anderson

Thomas says, “I think the hardest thing is just trying to continue finding all those great bands and artists out there, bringing them to the Drop Zone, and just hoping you can make enough to break even.  Music and the devotion of the bands and our great support from our friends is what keeps us going.”

1/2 of Tyrannosaurus Chicken at The Drop Zone, photo courtesy – Thomas Anderson

Some of the comments that the team has heard about The Drop Zone are:

“Don’t bother going to Kansas City to hear good Blues, just take yourself down to the Drop Zone in Leslie”

“If you think your band is “all that” stop in and play the Drop Zone.  They are a bands proving ground”

“Best venue. Best bands. Best owners. Best patrons”

“This venue knows how to do it right”.

“Now, let me tell you,” Thomas goes on, “after those comments, you just can’t stop bringing in the best.  It’s in our blood.”

For information about the Drop Zone or the Leslie Cafe or for booking these venues, call and talk with Thomas at 501-253-6373.

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

Categories Blues Music, Buffalo River Blues Society, Cee Cee James, Classic Rock, Courseys Smoked Meats, Interstate Buffalo, Leslie Arkansas, Music, Rock Music, The Drop Zone Leslie Arkansas, Tyrannosaurus Chicken, Uncategorized, Voodoo Highway

Dolly Parton Pulls Out Of Nashville Waterpark

September 28, 2012 //
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Nashville, TN – Dolly Parton – Iconic singer, songwriter, musician, actress and philanthropist – announced today that she will no longer be associated with the previously planned water park in Nashville.

“Gaylord makes decisions that they feel are good for their company and their stockholders and I have to make decisions based on what is best for me and the Dollywood Company,” said Parton. “Governor Haslam, Mayor Dean, and all the folks in government have been great to work with. I really appreciate their support through this process.”

“I think everyone knows I love Nashville and I hope the work we’ve already done will spark more family entertainment in Nashville,” Parton added.

For those that are long time Nashville residence, the Opryland theme park which was featured on television and the movie, Nashville, has been sorely missed and many have felt that this planned water park would be the start of a Renaissance nearby to the original park.

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

Categories Country Music, Dolly Parton, Music, Uncategorized

New Rick Rubin Produced ZZ Top La Futura

September 22, 2012 //
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Rick Rubin has just produced another watershed masterpiece; ZZ Top’s best recording since Deguello. La Futura , out on American Recordings, simmers like Hot Chorizo Texas Chili with a layer of pure Agave Tequila set on fire bruja ja rising into the air.

This is what a career is suppose to be, a band that just keeps getting better and better and comes up with a crowning achievement decades later.  La Futura literally sits with The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Blood Sugar Sex Magic and the Johnny Cash American Recordings as Producer Rick Rubin’s current best of the best.

Billy Gibbons voice is all “Whiskey and Gravel” kicking off with a Lightnin’ Malcolm meets Billy at the crossroads groove “Gotsta Get Paid”, just a double call and response to their own “Just Got Paid,” and the rap hit “25 Lighters.” No easy task, being a prequel to “Just got paid today, got me a pocket full of change,” and a current rap tune. Let’s call it, multi-tasking.

La Futura inset photo- credit- ZZ Top.com

The second cut is what made me go out and get a copy. I heard “Chartreuse’” all “Tush” all over the place on Elizabeth Cook’s Outlaw Country radio show on Sirius Radio the other day and I said “Whoa man, this isn’t just another ZZ Top album for a tour, this is choice grade T-Bone!”

Elizabeth has the best radio show on the air or internet right now. You can call it country, but, she is all over the place, a real tastemaker, literally the “Rodney Bingenheimer” of Americana. Elizabeth just may be the one person that cleans out the fuel injectors of what is now Country music.

Recorded at Foam Box Recording in Houston, Texas, ZZ Top take it back to the old neighborhood, even showing a little of those early day influences like “Over You” with its “Whiter Shade of Pale” late 60’s vibe, Mellotron strings even coming in.

Just when you think the album is going towards Eliminator without any electronic drums, Billy throws down some clean loud Les Paul talking to Mr. Marshall blues on “I Don’t Wanna Lose, Lose, You.”

The best way to describe the album is being back down to the bone dry boogie three piece, with decades of guitar tone knowledge that puts the microphone in the paper speaker cone and will cause instant goose bumps for all those guitar tone dogs that sit for hours in new and used amplifier shops looking for the Holy Grail, an old Park 50 Watt head, Brown Tolex Fenders, original Orange amp, a pre Mesa Boogie’d Fender Deluxe, a Hendrix era Marshall Plexi and then compare them to maybe a Dr. Z, Divided by 13 or Samamp. If you like Electric Guitar that just shreds with fuzzy warmth and revs like a 65 Corvette or six-pack Barracuda, this is it Brotha!

Photo – ZZ Top.com

La Futura deserves to be heard while driving in your El Camino, windows rolled down, the 350 double 4 barrel carbs just kicking a jet blast out the twin tailpipes and the 400 Watt Fosgate with an EQ Booster rolling the 8 track through the spindle.

The Eliminator car is on the back cover as a current day “Rat Rod” ready to roll in what looks like a vintage photo. I’ll leave the rest to your imagination and, no, I wasn’t paid by a publicist to write this, I just got to say it’s good for ZZ Top to be back for more than just a tour stop! Pica Talcon! Andale! Rapido! Man, I need a plate of spicy Texas Enchiladas covered in grated sharp cheddar and Queso Blanco; I’ll have to settle for Pepperfire’s Hot Chicken!

I have a couple of suggestions; U2, where are those Rick Rubin Produced tracks you should have put out? And …Eddie, next time take Roth and the Van Halen brood down to this Houston, Texas studio and let Rick Rubin Produce the dang thing.

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

Categories Billy Gibbons, Dr. Z Amplifiers, Elizabeth Cook, Music, Rick Rubin, Rock, Rock Music, Uncategorized, ZZ Top

When IBMA Americana and Soundland Collide

September 10, 2012 //
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2010, Corb Lund, Hayes Carll, Lucinda Willianms, Hayes’ parents.

September used to be back to school month, now that school starts early, September is not only when the CMA’s hit Nashville, but, when the world comes for Americana, Bluegrass and where Next Big Nashville morphed into Soundland and moved to October.

While Nashville may be known for the CMA’s , Eric Church and Taylor Swift, it is also known for what Rolling Stone called the “coolest music festival in the world”, The Americana Music Festival hits the city for the ultimate pub crawl from September 12th-15th.

Dan Baird with Brad, 2010, Cannery Ballroom, Stones Tribute

Past years have seen everybody from Don Was to Robert Plant to Nashville’s Own, Justin Townes Earle put on some great showcases.  Last years’ awards show mashed up Gregg Allman, Robert Plant with The Avett Brothers, The Civil Wars and Mumford and Sons (sorry, the name reminds me of Sanford and Son). In fact, it seemed like a hybrid MTV awards show where music mattered and all sugar pop was left at the end caps in Wal Mart.

This year proves to be no exception, some notable sets will be Memphis night at The Rutledge featuring sets by Jim Lauderdale and the Mississippi All-Stars, okay, yes, I’ll say it again, Jim Lauderdale and The Mississippi All-Stars also a late set featuring an all-star jam playing the music of Big Star.

For those with a traditional view of what is “Americana”, Corb Lund will be at Mercy Lounge this Wednesday followed by a tribute to the late Levon Helm. In fact the line-up seems to be all inclusive with The Wallflowers, Mindy Smith, Chris Scruggs, Rodney Crowell among others playing all over the place for several nights.

As far as Americana goes, the easiest party route is to hang between Mercy Lounge and The Cannery Ballroom with an occasional run to The Basement for some harder to find sets.

Don Was, photo – Brad Hardisty

The problem is, this year, there are some great line-ups at The Rutledge and the Station Inn that will make that shuttle route a little difficult and may necessitate borrowing somebody’s 20-speed bike to get around each night.

Peelander-Z at Exit/In, NBN 2010 – photo – Brad Hardisty

The awards show at the end of the event, always proves to be a magical evening at The Ryman. This year should be no different. I am rooting for Alabama Shakes in the Emerging Artist category as well as Jason Isbell (Alabama represent!) & The 400 Unit with Album of the Year, Here We Rest.

The Dillards, IBMA 2010, photo – Brad Hardisty

Not to be outdone, IBMA’s World of Bluegrass Week runs from 24th-30th at, for convenience, The Nashville Convention Center and Renaissance Hotel. The IBMA Convention is not just about showcases, but, people are encouraged to carry around their guitars, fiddles, mandolins  and join in the jam sessions that run almost till the sun comes up every night.

You could say Ricky Skaggs is our local Bluegrass patron Saint, with yearly residencies at The Ryman and a new album, Music to My Ears coming out this month, but, there are many new young artists playing traditional bluegrass as well as pulling in some modern ideas and pre-war non-bluegrass styles.

This is the real rebellion. While the music industry is finding a million ways to make computers sing and dance and auto-tune any Disney character into stardom, both the Americana Music Festival and the IBMA World of Bluegrass celebrate real musicianship, communal collaboration and a reason for a Luthier to keep honing his skills in search of the perfect tone wood.

This recipe continues to build both communities with younger generations every year.

After all, how many times can the music business reinvent the 70’s and the 80’s?

Mike Farris hanging at Mercy Lounge, Americana 2010, photo – Brad Hardisty

So, while commercial Country is now going to be shown every week in the night time soap, Nashville, basically re-spinning the movie Country Strong, “Americana,” which can claim anything from pre-war anthems to Red Dirt scene country and Bluegrass, New Grass and all its modern heirs are really the new cool. These two celebrations are really the underground cool.

As far as Soundland? What happened? Well, it’s now on October 6th and after a peak year three years ago that featured major music business players talking about the next generation of music delivery and several days of new music, it is now one day down by the river with bands that already play Lollapalooza and other big festivals.

Wanda Jackson signing autographs at Mercy Lounge after Jack White produced album showcase, Americana 2010.

There are only a few locals, when Nashville could really do a Next Big Nashville with such a burgeoning Indie Rock and other type Music Scene, we get Soundland with just a couple of token Nashvillians, PUJOL and Nikki Lane.  I guess we are going for national respect and now start-ups like Secret Stages in Birmingham are filling in the gap. Can I just say…huh?

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

Categories Alabama, Alabama Shakes, Alternative Music, Americana Music, Americana Music Festival, Americana Music Festival 2012, Ardent Studios, Band of Joy, Big Star, Birmingham Alabama, Bluegrass Music, Buddy Miller, Cannery Ballroom, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Chris Scruggs, Corb Lund, Country Music, Country Strong, Dailey & Vincent, Gregg Allman, Guitar, Gwyneth Paltrow, Hayes Carll, IBMA World of Bluegrass 2012, Indie Music, Indie Rock, Jack White, Jason Isbell, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, Jim Lauderdale, Justin Townes Earle, Lucinda Williams, Memphis, Mike Farris, Mindy Smith, Music, Nashville, Nikki Lane, Pujol, Ricky Skaggs, Rock Music, Rodney Crowell, Soundland 2012, The Avett Brothers, The Basement Nashville, The Civil Wars, The Mississippi All Stars, The Rutledge Nashville, The Ryman Auditorium, The Wallflowers, Uncategorized, Wanda Jackson

Save Nashville Street Musicians!

August 18, 2012 //
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David Andersen photo-davidandersenmusic.com

While the Honky Tonks beckon tourists from all over the world, there are two ambassadors that get right at eye level and can play with skill, discuss and share the heritage of Nashville. That is David Andersen in the lobby of The Country Music Hall of Fame, whose recordings are available in the gift shop and “ Mandolin Mike” Slusser with his weathered mandolin usually somewhere near Gruhn Guitars down on Lower Broad.

Both are top quality musicians. Both tell the story of Nashville through their playing, their interaction and approachability.

“Mandolin Mike” Slusser photo- Brad Hardisty

The difference is Mike is no longer allowed to sell CD’s out of his guitar case when he plays. Never mind the fact that the bands that play in the Honky Tonks, who also play for tips, sell their CD’s at the foot of the stage in the same manner.

Slowly but surely, the true Street Musicians have almost disappeared.  

Just four years ago, prior to the recession, a musician could survive on tips while connecting with tourists, other local musicians and figure out how to make it in Nashville.

Townes Van Zandt once commented that he made more money playing for tips on Lower Broad than gigging around town.

J D Simo at Robert’s photo- Collings Guitars

In the last few years, J D Simo did some street gigging before landing a spot with the Don Kelley Band at Robert’s. J.D. has gained notoriety for some great guitar playing and is now seen in ads for Collings Guitars in guitar magazines.

Years ago, Lower Broad attracted tourists because that is where the hit songwriters and musicians hung out. Lower Broad has continued to develop as a tourist playground while the street ambassadors, The Nashville Street Musicians are dwindling and getting no support from City Hall.

The ability to make it as a street musician has been severely affected by The Contributor vendors (not to put down a unique effort), the economic downturn and the fact that more and more tourists and locals do not carry cash.

There has to be a way to support and develop a healthy community of street musicians.

It is possible to develop a hybrid vendor license similar to the system used in Memphis on Beale Street.

“Mandolin Mike” Slusser with tourists Andrew and Rachel Downs from Birmingham, AL – photo – Brad Hardisty

It could be quite simple either by utilizing the downtown ambassadors or a non-profit street musicians union that collects license fees either monthly or yearly for specific locations. The fee needs to be low, as an example maybe $75 per year since musicians earn about 1/3 of what they used to.

The musician or group would receive a license that could be worn like a badge with a strap like a trade show or be displayed in the guitar or instrument case and be assigned to a specific spot like Beale Street in Memphis. A committee could get the spots cleared with the approval of local businesses where they would not be blocking any doors or foot traffic.

There could also be a few spots for weekenders that would need to stop in and get a weekend license and claim the spot.

This would stop random musicians from showing up and creating a nuisance without understanding local ordinances.  Musicians would also need to audition to show some sort of musical viability that honors the traditions of Nashville or shows strong performance, songwriting or playing ability.

I feel this could actually help to build on a great Nashville tradition without throwing musicians into the same category as panhandlers and vagrants.

My 1936 Gibson Electric Hawaiian, Soldano cabinet and Custom handmade early Samamp 45 watt all tube head made in Birmingham, Alabama by Sam Timberlake.

When I first came to Nashville, I got out on the block for fun, usually playing in front of Lawrence Record Shop, because, I wanted the experience and it was a way to develop chops and make a little money. One of my personal high points was when Little Jimmy Dickens stood and watched me play my 1936 Gibson Electric Hawaiian (that I purchased at Gruhn Guitars in 2007)through a little Roland Street amp and after about ten minutes, threw a $20 bill in the case and said, smiling,”Keep it up.”

Tristan Dunn at Cash Wall, sometime street musician, sit in with local bands. photo – Brad Hardisty

Their needs to be an advocate for the street musicians, true musicians that bring music up close and can discuss what it is all about with tourists and locals. It could be a benefit to downtown Nashville in the Lower Broad Entertainment District.

While Homeless Photographers and Writers are able to develop talents and abilities through The Contributor, homeless musicians and true troubadours are made to feel unwelcome and have all but disappeared.

Somebody start the discussion! We need to make it possible for musicians to be safe and able to ply their trade, making tips, selling CD’s, photos and buttons (making available, not verbally asking to buy) in the Lower Broad District. It can be tough surviving as a musician even with talent and ability.

It would be simple to kick out random wanderers if we had a vendor’s badge system and there were assigned areas along the route. Police would not have to make it rough for everybody, only those operating outside the guidelines.

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

Categories Americana Music, Country Music, Country Music Hall of Fame, David Andersen, Gruhn Guitars, Guitar, Indie Music, J D Simo, Lower Broad, Lower Broad Nashville, Mandolin Mike Slusser, Music, Music Row, Nashville, Nashville Street Musicians, Robert's Western World, Rock, Uncategorized

Gary Rossington To Be Inducted in Georgia Hall

August 1, 2012 //
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LYNYRD SKYNYRD’S GARY ROSSINGTON
TO BE HONORED IN SONGWRITING CATEGORY
AT THE 34TH ANNUAL GEORGIA MUSIC
HALL OF FAME AWARDS
 
Show and Concert Scheduled for Sunday, October 14
On-Stage at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
and Live GPB Broadcast

 
 Lynyrd Skynyrd founding member Gary Rossington will join a distinguished roster of Georgia performing artists and music industry leaders in accepting awards on-stage at the 34th Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards Concert and Show, scheduled for Sunday, October 14 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Rossington will be honored in the Songwriter Category having written well over 120 songs throughout his career including classic iconic songs like “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Simple Man,” and “What’s Your Name.”

Lynyrd Skynyrd release their new album, Last of a Dyin’ Breed, on August 21, 2012.

 Gary Rossington has contributed to the group’s 30 million+ worldwide album sales, three double Platinum records and a position among the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine.  He has created songs that cement him as a cultural icon.

The Nashville music machine today has defined a sound closer to Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, AC/DC and Fleetwood Mac then Classic Country itself. Things have really changed.

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

Categories Alabama, Gary Rossington, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rock Music, Southern Rock, Uncategorized

Infinity Cat 10th 2nd Day at Zombie Shop with Heavy Cream

July 22, 2012 //
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Infinity Cat 10th Anniversary, Night 2 at The Zombie Shop – all photos / Brad Hardisty

At Exit/In, the night before, night one of the Infinity Cat Records 10th  Anniversary celebration , it was announced that things would start at The Zombie Shop,  Saturday night at 5PM. When I got there, some of the crew was heading out to eat instead of loading in. I stopped them and asked if it was still on. They said it would definitely start by 9 because there were several bands lined up.

This was definitely a casual 5PM start.  I headed over to Panera near Vanderbilt to check my email and chill for a while. I took them at their word and didn’t get back till after 10PM.

I didn’t get home till 3PM from the Exit/In show and I was low on body and mind fuel. This was not going to be an all-nighter when I got back to The Zombie Shop.  The Zombie Shop sits in an area where any pre-2011 buildings’ days are numbered. Just ask the Musicians Hall of Fame (or once was but now is not).

The Zombie Shop, Mopeds all over the back

The Zombie Shop sits directly south of the new Music City Center, with all its curves and gargantuan size, looking somewhat like a super- sized version of the Experience Music Project (home of Jimi Hendrix memorabilia). In the renderings of the new center, the area that comprises the Zombie Shop, looks like it is either new “swanky” office and mixed use (outrageously expensive) space or a new tree-lined boulevard.

One can only hope that the owners of the Zombie Shop get what this large warehouse style workshop with enough open area outside for about 50 cars get what it’s worth and not the shaft like the Musicians Hall of Fame.

To give you an idea, this area of town sits between the homeless shelter (a converted Sears store), Third Man Records on the backside of that and what used to be older cheap use industrial buildings slinking north towards the bright lights, big city of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Bridgestone Arena and Lower Broad Honky-Tonks.

This has been essentially no-man’s land where homeless, vagabonds of the western world and punk and metal bands attracting local non-tourists who dare to venture. It was an area where you could be left alone.

Now, the city fathers have decided all things must be come new. So, like the Station Inn that now sits like an old RCA Victrola squashed by all the new zippity doo dah Gulch pricy lofts and swanky shops, this area is quickly being lost to development.

The Zombie Shop has been an all ages venue/hang out for a while and this was perfect for Infinity Cat.  This lineup included the more fast, loud, punk rock side of the label, like Cy Barkley and Heavy Cream along with Breast Massage, Slammers, Denney and The Jets, No Regrets Coyote and Dirty Dreams.

It was an all ages celebration with skateboards, broke down mopeds in the back, young kids, older punk mainstays and label supporters from all over the country.  Saturday saw an even larger crowd than at the Exit/In show.  This is the future of the label. There are a lot of kids buying Infinity Cat stuff that were not old enough to make it into the Exit/In 18+ show.

Cy Barkley & The Wayoutsiders

Cy Barkley & The Wayoutsiders were finishing their set when I got there.

Taking a look at the T-Shirts, I really wanted one of the sky blue T’s with a print of a cat with JEFF The Brotherhood underneath, but none in 2X. In fact, no 2X T’s! Man I can’t help it. I know I need to lose some weight, but, can’t get a 2X? There are more of us than just me.

Thinking about the Skyblazer album, I thought, I want it on CD so I can listen to the long jams while cruising along 65 at night when I head to Birmingham or Florida. It’s only on vinyl for now. Hey, I totally understand. Maybe, I’ll just have to get the vinyl. I still think MP3’s are wannabes. The only time I get MP3’s are when friends send them to me. I like my music to not sound like a BLT without the bacon and extra lettuce.

I ran into a lot of the Infinity Cat strays from Exit/In plus another 200 friends in one of the best house party style gatherings. Enjoy it while it lasts. This type of party might end up having to move out near Little Hamilton or something within five years.  I guess progress means jobs and I can’t fault that part of the equation.

Heavy Cream load in time!

The last time I saw Heavy Cream was almost two years ago, Jessica was in the catsuit and they played at Third Man during Next Big Nashville. That was almost a manic call during those times. The future of Nashville is anybody’s guess with all the “for sale” signs going up on Music Row. Alternative and Punk may not fully take the place of what the music business is losing, but, it makes the Nashville Music Scene more balanced where everybody is welcome.

Heavy Cream kick out the jams at The Zombie Shop, 7/21/2012

This may be Heavy Cream Mach II or III, with a new bass player and drummer, Tiffany Minton, providing a solid ticking away of the timing, not missing a beat. They were locked perfectly. I noticed I’m not the only one who thinks that. I read some reviews online from other shows this morning and they give the same green light. It seemed like the early Heavy Cream version was a group fighting against itself, timing and rhythm wise, which is an easy mistake playing very fast straightforward punk.

Underneath the Infinity Cat banner!

Heavy Cream reminds me of the loud raw energy of Raw Power era Iggy Pop & The Stooges with the comedic lyrical bent of really early Donnas or even pre-Donnas’ Ragady Anne.

Hit the floor!

Jessica has got that “Iggy Pop glare” going on where you don’t know what she is going to do next. If the crowd aint doing enough, Jessica gets in the crowd and starts egging them on. She wants a reaction. I can’t see her smearing peanut butter all over herself, but, she has that “Iggy style front girl bully pulpit” thing better than anybody else in town. Watch out, she can stare you down without blinking.

Everybody was in the cavernous garage when the girls hit the stage. Heavy Cream ripped through a lot of new material from Super Treatment, like “Louise,”recorded in San Francisco with Producer, Ty Segall. The new songs have that raw, loud tightness of other bay area punkers like the Dead Kennedys– “California Uber Alles” and the original MX-80 Sound “Someday You’ll Be King “ that was on The Residents, Ralph Records back in 1979.

Jessica McFarland / Heavy Cream / The Zombie Shop 7/12/2012

Super Treatment, with its almost other worldliness relation to the cover of The Cramps’ Bad Music for Bad People may be the defining Nashville Punk album, much in the same way as Justin Townes Earle’s, The Good Life when it set off true Nashville Americana edge. Super Treatment fits within the true family tree bridging the Nashville Punk scene with West Coast and East Coast Bad Brains grit and swagger.

Jessica

Heavy Cream closed their set with Alice Cooper’s, “Is It My Body” done more in a “what-are-you-staring-at-leave-me-alone” kind of way and finally their biggest song to date, “Watusi” which got the frontline in a friendly Nashville style  slam dance frenzy.

Heavy Cream do the Watusi!

Infinity Cat hung on the back wall, overseeing the crowd as they exited into the dark streets with the new Gotham City Music Center hanging like a dark cloud over the night.

Infinity and beyond!

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

Categories Alternative Music, Americana Music, Country Music Hall of Fame, Cy Barkley & The Wayoutsiders, Exit/In Nashville, Guitar, Heavy Cream, Iggy Pop & The Stooges, Indie Music, Infinity Cat Records, Jessica McFarland, Lower Broad Nashville, Music, Nashville, Nashville Music Center, Punk Rock, Rock Music, The Donnas, The Zombie Shop Nashville, Uncategorized

Infinity Cat Celebrate 10th at Exit In

July 21, 2012 //
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Free Infinity Cat Cheese Sandwich!

Friday night in Nashville, as a deluge began about 9:15, the Rock Block turned into a creek with water almost to Restaurant and guitar store doors across the street when Psychic Hotline took to the stage at Exit/In to kick-off a ten year Birthday Bash for Infinity Cat Records, the ”for-real” Nashville Punk Rock label home to JEFF The Brotherhood, Heavy Cream, Diarrhea Planet and other Nashville originals.

Psychic Hotline / Exit/In -all photos – Brad Hardisty

Psychic Hotline, fronted by Jessica McFarland ( Heavy Cream), not to be confused with the Ontario, Canada band, opened with a tight deadpan Buzzcocks / L7 set  like a rapid fire Tommy gun. 

Deluxin’ at Infinity Cat 10th Celebration Show

People were drying out and soaking up the sounds of Deluxin’, another Buzzcocks/ Television / Voidoids (Dad bands) with a somewhat Zach De La Rocha approach at the microphone-style unit fronted by Nathan Vasquez (former Be Your Own Pet) who knows how to put his scream on.

Tristen at Exit/In – Photo/Brad Hardisty

Tristen (Gaspadarek)brought things into a more mellow mood with an Indie take on Americana which may be more attributed to what is coming out of East Nashville, sans-drummer Americana with a drum machine was interesting, but all things aside, Tristen has a great voice, great songs, great bass player (kind of real classic country walking style going on like Merle’s band, The Strangers) and has had some wonderful things said about her in Rolling Stone and American Songwriter. Tristen rocked the house in green sequined sixties style short shorts, doin’ a little dance-get down tonight style. This was ladies night for vocals.

All I got was this cheese sandwich, Jessica’s Psychic Hotline setlist and Diarrhea Planet’s setlist. What’s it worth to you?

Before Diarrhea Planet took over Exit/In, Robert Orrall, Jake and Jamin’s Dad (JEFF The Brotherhood) brought out a huge box of cheese sandwiches in plastic sandwich bags with Green Infinity Cat Logo stickers affixed and began throwing them out into the audience, this in turn, lead to spinning plastic bags being thrown around with the hefty sideways Frisbee-bean bag style tosses whizzing by everywhere.

Diarrhea Planet pelted by sandwiches!

When Diarrhea Planet hit the stage, the sandwiches started being aimed at the band with drummer, Casey, drumming like a sonic hedgehog with two Louisville Sluggers, taking some head and crotch shots. Casey could only laugh when it’s sandwiches. The 50 sandwich-filled plastic bags ended up back onstage when the  four guitar (yeah, four, that’s one more than Lynyrd Skynyrd in a “Spinal Tap” my band is louder than yours kind of way) assault started.

Stack-O-Sandwiches! No cats were harmed.

One of the guitarists started stacking up the sandwiches on the side, only to hurl all of them back at the audience toward the end of the set.

Diarrhea Planet originally started as a two-piece noise band out of Belmont University and is now kind of the Valiant Thorr of Indie Punk, throwing out all kinds of styles at the same time with a wall of Johnny Ramone, Randy Rhoads, John Frusciante and Malcom Young all hitting at once, with leads and interlocking rhythm going every which way.  There were no lead breaks since any two might be playing lead at the same time. This is fun party music that kind of goes down like a Peelander-Z set meets the Beastie Boys. If you play guitar and you don’t have a good time at a Diarrhea Planet show, something is definitely wrong with you. Okay, I think this is one of my favorite Nashville bands now.

Robert Orrall, Nashville City Council member, Infinity Cat Records staff, Jake Orrall

Before the final set of the night, Ronny Steine, Nashville Councilman-at-large, was joined onstage by Robert “Bob” Orrall, Jake Orrall (JEFF The Brotherhood, Skyblazer, Infinity Cat Records) and members of the Infinity Cat team to accept a plaque from the Nashville Metro Council with a lot of important “whereas” clauses, Resolution No. RS2012-339, “honoring Infinity Cat Recordings on its Tenth Anniversary as one of Nashville’s best independent labels.”  A really unique turn of events; a Nashville Homegrown Indie Punk label turning ten years old that is on most every writer and magazine in the states Top 10 best Indie label list, having their very own day, July 20th, 2012, Infinity Cat Record Day, Nashville, Represent!

Skyblazer returns!

For the final big one of the evening, Jake and Jamin Orrall (JEFF The Brotherhood, if you don’t know by now) put back together a mid-2000 project, Skyblazer (possibly named for the early Nineties Sony video game?), that they had with Lindsay (Cake Bake Betty) Powell. Skyblazer also released (never before released) the 2006 recording on Infinity Cat and it was available for the first time at the show on 12 inch vinyl.

Jake and Jamim Orrall looking Through the Past darkly!

Jake’s guitar tone was nice and fat with trippy wha going into that Sunn Lead Concert head.  The four piece band did plenty of long stoner jams in the veins of early Hawkwind or Black Mountain (who were quite new in 2006)… especially like Black Mountain with the almost Jefferson Plane-ish twin harmonies of Jake and Lindsay.

It was a fun set, plenty of heavy “Iommi” guitar, with some almost Hendrix channeling, Jake is really a soul surfer of a player.

If Skyblazer had become the dominant thing, Jake and Jamin would have been on Jagjaguwar and touring with Black Mountain or even Swedish band, Graveyard nowadays. Funny how life is; the Orrall family is really helping to turn Nashville into Music City one great band at a time.  

The Infinity Cat Records 10th Anniversary celebration continues Saturday Night in the shadow of the new convention center skyline at The Zombie Shop with Heavy Cream and Cy Barkley as two of the featured artists.

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

Categories Black Mountain, Deluxin', Diarrhea Planet, Exit/In Nashville, Heavy Cream, Indie Music, Indie Rock, Infinity Cat Records, Jake Orrall, Jamin Orrall, Jeff the Brotherhood, Music, Nashville, Psychic Hotline, Punk Rock, Robert Orrall, Rock Music, Skyblazer, Tristen, Uncategorized

Uncle Dave Macon Days Celebrates 35 Years

July 16, 2012 //
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Uncle Dave Macon

Uncle Dave Macon Days , established in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, celebrated 35 years as one of the premier old time music competitions in the country over July 13-15th at Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village just a few blocks from the original town square where the festival started.

Dancing on the porch – photos – Brad Hardisty

Three Nationals Championships are held during the event including Old Time Banjo, Old Time Clogging and Old Time Buck Dancing. Competitions including old time style from Fiddle to Guitar to Banjo are held over the first two days.

Tearing down the 2nd stage on Sunday

This year, Mike Snider who grew up in Gleason, Tennessee, was the Heritage Award Winner.

 “I am thankful to be chosen for an award that has to do with good ole string band music. I feel like I’m in the business for the same reason as Uncle Dave; for the joy of playing the tunes and sharing a laugh or two with the common everyday folks. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in July.” –  Mike Snider

Mike was a regular on Hee-Haw after winning a National Competition for Bluegrass Banjo, followed by work at the original Opryland Theme Park before being inducted into The Grand Ole Opry in 1990.

Mike and his band are regulars on the Grand Ole Opry, where host, Eddie Stubbs of WSM 650, has said that his group is “best string band in the nation.”

Famed Banjo player, J. D. Crowe took the Trailblazer Award. J.D.  has been a part of Bluegrass and traditional music when as a young teen in 1956, he joined Jimmie Martin and The Sunny Mountain Boys followed by the formation of The Kentucky Mountain Boys.  J.D.’s most groundbreaking group came in the early 70’s with his band J. D. Crowe and The New South, who were at the time considered a bridge to the future with past traditionalists. The players that came out of that group such as Tony Rice, Jerry Douglas and Ricky Skaggs went on as icons. The 70’s were a time when some of the best players, such as Sam Bush set the tone that would become a permanent growing worldwide movement that is bluegrass today.

Chapel Windows at Cannonsburgh Village

The Macon- Doubler Fellowship that was established by the late Alvin Doubler and his wife Mary Macon Doubler, Granddaughter of Uncle Dave Macon were awarded to Sandra Gilliam of Manchester, Tennessee and Colton Wrisner, who is a ninth grader at Warren County High School.

The Well Gospel Band on Main Stage

Cannonsburgh  Pioneer Village has over 20 structures representing life n the 1800’s in middle Tennessee. There was plenty to do besides listening to music by the main stage, wandering through local artisan booths to finding some food across the creek, which was pretty much State Fair Cuisine.

So slow smoked, it taste like ham!

There were hand dipped corn dogs and smoked Turkey legs amongst the Gyro and Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches.

Paul Marcil

People were encouraged to bring stringed instruments and join a  jam in the area where grub and historic structures were situated. It gave the feel of attending a county fair in the 1800’s.

The Bluegrass Bus

The Bluegrass Bus, with the historic logos of WSM Radio, The Grand Ole Opry, Lester Flatt and Earl Skruggs as well as Martha White Flour, looked the part of Flatt & Skruggs tour bus, while inside there were press photos, autographs and collectibles from the last 70 years of Bluegrass and Country Music History.

Gerron “Blind Boy” Paxton – photo / Brad Hardisty

One of the people hanging out in the park playing some old time Banjo and Fiddle was none other than Gerron “Blind Boy” Paxton, whom I had met at the Folk Alliance in Memphis back in 2010. He was hanging out with Hubby Jenkins and Dom Flemons of The Carolina Chocolate Drops back in Memphis and holding his own.  Gerron is a multi-instrumentalist, who is equally adept at Old Time Banjo, Fiddle as well as Piano when he can find one. Gerron specializes in late 1800’s-earlly 1900’s music.

I asked Gerron if he had put out an album yet. Gerron said that he had released a 78 over in England, although for now he calls Brooklyn, New York home after being raised in Los Angeles, California. A lot of people had been inquiring about recordings and “Blind Boy” spoke about maybe opening up and E-Bay Store when he gets back home.

  The Well Gospel Band took the stage Sunday Afternoon, for some old time gospel playing a bluegrass version of “Count Your Blessings. “ While the weather was a little difficult with some rain on Saturday, Sunday the sun was out and there was no charge to enter the grounds for one last round to catch up with old friends and make some new ones.

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

Categories Blind Boy Paxton, Bluegrass Music, Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village, Colton Wrisner, Gerron Paxton, J.D. Crowe, Mike Snider, Murfreesboro Tennessee, Music, Paul Marcil, Sandra Gilliam, The Bluegrass Bus, The Well Gospel Band, Uncategorized, Uncle Dave Macon, Uncle Dave Macon Days, Uncle Dave Macon Days 2012
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