'For The Love of Music' Tells Nashville's Story With 'Authentic' Hits and Misses

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

          During the 2013 Nashville Film Festival, Nashville CVB head Butch Spyridon exclaimed: "This is the coolest damn city in the world." 

          Just about all of us would agree. But when it comes to telling Nashville's story, the CVB's documentary "For The Love of Music"  has "authentic" hits and misses. It moves us... kinda.

          The hits: "For the Love Of Music" features an impeccable cast of artists, including The Black Keys, Fisk Jubilee Singers, Kings of Leon, Kris Kristofferson, Emmylou Harris, and a barefooted Vince Gill. All do an excellent job raving about Nashville's emergence as an "authentic, multi-genre city".

Kris Kristofferson

          
          The movie is likely to make musical and tourist waves in certain places when it airs on CMT. But it doesn't tell the whole story. Missing are a number of key ingredients: The Symphony's impact on the collaborative wonder of Nashville's musical landscape... the appreciation of CCM/gospel greats like Amy Grant (although Michael W. Smith was quoted briefly in the film)... the multitude of struggling songwriters who take nightclub stages every night (not just at the Bluebird) with the dream of landing a label or publishing deal. 

          The movie's focus is on the musicians and songwriters who've already made it. While this is probably the best direction to promote the city overall, it leaves a few "emotional" gaps in Nashville's story for me and some of the writers/musicians I work with. That opens the door for a sequel.

Day Two of 'Tin Pan South' Filled with Heart and Laughs

'TIN PAN SOUTH' REPORT

Day Two: March 26 (Wednesday)

         "Tin Pan South" continued in Music City with songwriters and music fans converging on a dozen area venues. Covering shows for MCAU this time were reporters Chuck Whiting and Wil Comstock. They decided to take in the 6 p.m. show at the Station Inn (featuring Billy Yates, Eddie Heinzelman, Buddy Jewell, and Jeff Bates); and the 9 p.m. show (also) at the Station Inn (featuring Leslie Satcher, Vince Gill, Bobby Tomberlin, and Larry Gatlin). While waiting in line outside the venue, Chuck had the opportunity to re-connect with Red Pepper Marketing Representative Catherine Garnett (whom he'd met eight years ago) and visiting Maryland singer-songwriter Joy Bodycomb. Everyone was amazed how the Gulch has changed, keeping our fingers crossed that the Station Inn would remain forever.

Leslie Satcher, Vince Gill,
Bobby Tomberlin and Larry Gatlin

March 26 (Wednesday):

THE STATION INN (Early Show):

         Some years ago, I had the good fortune to work with Buddy Jewell on a song demo. It was just before he made it big on "Nashville Star". I remember talking with him in the parking lot about what a wonderful job I thought he'd done, and my gut feeling that he was going to be a big star. I'm glad his dreams came true. He's a great guy with outstanding talent. In some ways, the Station Inn TPS show was an opportunity to celebrate his success. The other writers, Billy Yates, Eddie Heinzelman, and Jeff Bates were perfect complements for a show that featured country classics, moving stories, and belly-aching laughs.

         Billy Yates smiled and laughed throughout, adding a sense of fun and good nature to a show that reunited old friends. He and Buddy reminisced about their road trips together. Jeff, always throwing a timely comedic "rib", lamented that he hadn't joined the two on their Branson adventures. Billy reassured him (with a wink) that he would be invited to join them in the future.

         Calling himself the "guy who writes sad songs", Billy performed his Grammy-winning "Choices" as a tribute to the late George Jones (who recorded a number of his songs). He admitted that he moved to town to sing and fell into songwriting late. His voice certainly sounded "artist-worthy" as he sang stirring renditions of "Flowers" (Chris Young), "I Don't Need No Rocking Chair" (George Jones), and the most moving song of the night, "My Infinite Love" (George Strait). "My Infinite Love" was written for a 50-year-old neighbor who was suffering from cancer. "She asked me to write the song for her funeral," Billy said with a hint of emotion in his voice. "That wasn't easy to do." He said he was surprised when the song, which featured uncommon two-line verses, was later recorded by George Strait.

         Eddie Heinzelman showed his versatility, performing everything from the incredible love ballad "She's Water" (James Lann) to the Rebel-rousing "Crawl" (from the movie "Dead in 5 Heartbeats"). One of the greatest things about "Tin Pan South" is being able to support and learn from the legendary writers who have helped change the world. It was very special to see Eddie return that to songwriters in the audience with a moving performance of "Here's to the Ones Who Write the Songs". Tunes like that rev up our creative engines. Songwriters are indeed "unsung heros" who can never stop writing.

Eddie Heinzelman and Buddy Jewell

         Buddy Jewell delighted the sold-out crowd with hits such as "Abilene on Her Mind", "Help Pour Out the Rain", and "Sweet Southern Comfort". He serenaded his wife and son (who were in the audience) and paid tribute to his dad with the tender "When I'm Good and Gone". Buddy says he wrote the song after losing several extremely important loved ones over a six-year period. In the lyric, a dying man's old, tattered Bible is left open at the Book of John. The hit singer-songwriter moved the audience even more with "One in a Row", a country ballad about a broken-hearted guy who's suffering over a recent breakup. Based on what we heard and the crowd's enthusiastic applause, it's an easy guess that Buddy will be a country music mainstay for many years to come.

         How can you described Jeff Bates? His quip-and-take with Billy, Eddie and Buddy was hilarious. One thing is for sure: Jeff is an outstanding songwriter with an unmistakably deep baritone voice. He treated music fans to the sultry "Long Slow Kisses", telling them that he's known for writing songs for women. "I'm a specialist," he said matter-of-factly. "I've been married five times. If I say I've been married nine times, that don't sound so bad." He lamented with the men (on misunderstanding women), singing the cleverly penned "Chicktionary". He honored the late legend Conway Twitty with the song, "Me and Conway". "People always told me I sounded a lot like him," said Jeff, who recorded a Conway tribute album in 2012. Probably his most memorable (and most moving) song of the evening was "If Heaven Had a Phone". He used his wit in a surprising, heart-tugging way, recalling how his late mother encouraged him to chase his dreams. If he had a phone, he'd call his mom and dad (who are in Heaven) every single day. He thanked God for giving him the opportunity to write and perform. "When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life," he noted.

Jeff Bates

         What a great show... one to smile about for a long time!

 

-- Chuck Whiting, MCAU Editor

THE STATION INN (Late Show):

         I covered the show featuring Bobby Tomberlin, Larry Gatlin, Leslie Satcher, and Vince Gill -- an all star cast!

         This is my second time seeing this group of songwriters and entertainers together, so I knew what to expect. It was a wonderful show with killer harmonies, great musicianship, and lots of laughs. And boy did they ever deliver. 

         Bobby Tomberlin kicked off the show with a Hank Williams song, “You’re Gonna Change (Or I’m Gonna Leave)". This group has so many hits between them they can play anything they want. We know who they are, and they know who they are... comfortable in their own skin and with each other. Later in the evening, Leslie performed one she didn’t write, the Tammy Wynette classic, “I’ll just keep falling in love Till I Get it Right”.

Bobby Tomberlin

         Larry serenaded us with “All the  Gold in California” and “My Heart Comes With Strings Attached". He told us that he wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Leslie Satcher, who called him years ago and said, “I want to write a song with you”. Larry, who is used to writing alone replied, “You have three songs on the latest George Straight album. Why do you need to write with me?” Leslie was persistent, and Larry obliged. When they met, Leslie said Larry was like a gnat flying everywhere around the room, bringing lots of laugher on the stage and off. She had to tell him to sit down so they could write. Larry said, “I take that as a compliment.” Then Vince chimed in, “How could you not?”  These old friends ribbed each other mercilessly all night.

Larry Gatlin

         Vince, tearing up, announced that his daughter Jenny and her husband Josh are expecting a baby. He explained that he has been on the road for the last 40 years and set 2014 aside to rest and be with family, having no idea Jenny would be expecting. He segued into “I Will Ride The Rails No More”. With his voice breaking up, he told us he just wanted to stay at home and play with his grandbaby.

         Bobby had us on the edge of our seats with a new song called the “Grand Ole Opry”. The Opry is personified when he sings, “They say that I’m the one that made Country Music what it is today… But it’s the stars who crossed my stage that are the ones…”. Afterwards, we were delighted when Jan Howard was called up from the audience to sing “Heartaches By The Number”.  Everyone, young and old, joined in on the chorus!

-- Wil Comstock, MCAU Contributing Writer

 

Leslie Satcher and Vince Gill

See photos from the TPS Opening Party at the Roundabout at http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2014/03/photos-tin-pan-south-kicks-off-on-march.html

Read our report on the shows from Day One (March 25) at http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2014/03/day-one-tin-pan-south-brings-excitement.html

Do you have a "Tin Pan South" story/experience to tell.  We can only be so many places at one time. Please send it to us at Info@MusicCityArtsUpdate.com .

     Check out the "Tin Pan South" schedule at http://www.tinpansouth.com/2014/schedule.html.

'Tin Pan South' To Spotlight Hit Songwriters in Nashville from March 25-29

            NASHVILLE -- The 22nd Annual "Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival" presented by Regions Bank will spotlight top songwriters in almost every form of music from March 25-29 at 10 popular Nashville-area venues.

            This year's lineup includes some of the biggest names in songwriting, and fans will enjoy hearing many of their favorite songs as they were originally written. Numerous artist songwriters will hit stages at this year's event, including Rascal Flatts' Joe Don Rooney, Vince Gill, Craig Campbell, Alabama's Teddy Gentry and Jamie O'Neal. Songwriters Hall of Fame members Mac Davis and Sonny Curtis will join new artists Angie Johnson, Jaida Dreyer, Paul Sikes, Leah Turner, Erin Enderlin and others to give a glimpse into the history and the future of songwriting, and hit pop songwriter and former "American Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi returns this year. Learn more about the festival at www.TinPanSouth.com.

            The popular Fast Access Passes, which allow patrons to bypass the cover charge at the door, are on sale now by clicking here. Quantities are limited and always sell out quickly. Pass holders are also allowed advance seating (room permitting) over those purchasing tickets at the door. (Updated: Fast Access Passes are sold out, but music lovers can still show up and pay at the door.)

            Fast Access Passes must be picked up at the NSAI office, 1710 Roy Acuff Place, Nashville, TN 37203 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 18-21 and from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. March 24-28. Passes will not be mailed. Individual tickets ranging from $10 to $25 will be available at the door for most shows on a first-come, first-served basis.

            For up-to-date lineups, tickets, venues, schedules and other festival information, visit tinpansouth.com. Updates can also be found on the Tin Pan South Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram.

            Produced by NSAI, Tin Pan South reigns as the world's largest all-songwriter festival. Last year close to 350 talented songwriters performed over 90 shows at ten of Nashville's top music venues. Thousands of music fans attend the event annually to hear songwriters tell stories behind hit songs they have written and perform the songs as they were originally composed. Regions Bank returns for the seventh year as the presenting sponsor of the event.

Country Songwriting Legends Bring Classic Songs and Laughs to Commodore and Station Inn

'TIN PAN SOUTH' REPORT

Day Three: April 4, 2013

            It wasn't easy, but MCAU's writers finally whittled down the impressive "Tin Pan South" show list on Thursday to two: The early show at the Commodore Lounge (featuring Liz Hengber, Wil Nance, Kerry Kurt Phillips, and Steve Williams) and the late show at the Station Inn (featuring Larry Gatlin, Leslie Satcher, Bobby Tomberlin, plus special guest Vince Gill). Both shows were outstanding.

April 4 (Thursday):

COMMODORE LOUNGE (Early Show):

            As soon as we sat down, we were greeted by the affable (award-winning songwriter encourager) Debi Champion. We later spotted Debi with ASCAP legend Ralph Murphy (see photo with this review). We knew then that we were in for a great show.

(Photo: Ralph Murphy and Debi Champion)

            It was a wonderful change of pace. Liz Hengber, Wil Nance, Kerry Kurt Phillips, and Steve Williams are legends of the traditional country songwriting trade. They tugged on our heartstrings from beginning to end with an impressive list of hits from the '80s, '90s and 2000s (from McEntire to Diffie to Strait). We laughed, kicked our feet back (as best we could in a lounge setting), and enjoyed songs that have been part of our lives for decades. It was good ole country fun.

            Offering countrified wit at every opportunity, Wil Nance played hit after hit, including the mellow "Only A Girl" (Brad Paisley) and "Round About Way" (George Strait). He struck a gentle chord with "She's Everything" (his wife's favorite), a song that lists the many things a man loves about his girl. His emotional performance of "I Get To" still lingers almost 24 hours later. In this classic, he expresses thanks for the opportunity to rock his baby girls, coach Little League baseball, and work to make an honest living. "A lot I don't have to do... I get to." That's a message worth savoring.

(Photo: Wil Nance)

            Kerry Kurt Phillips has won a number of awards, including "Country Song of the Year", but one would never know it by his down-to-earth demeanor. His thoughtful, humble nature was strongly evident as he charmed the audience with "Pickup Man" (Joe Diffie), "Life Happened", and "Down On The Farm" (which he calls a "tired, old hit"). The crowd was breathless when he sang "Almost Home", a song about a homeless man whose daydream of arriving home is interrupted by a caring stranger. But his performance of "This Ain't Nothin'", a song about a Birmingham, Ala., tornado victim, brought down the house. The twister may have destroyed the man's home, but it wasn't anything compared to what he'd already lost. Kerry took a few minutes to thank NSAI for its efforts to protect songwriters from the illegal file sharing of songs. "It all begins with the songs," he said.

(Photo: Kerry Kurt Phillips)

            Liz Hengber (her fellow writers call her "Broadway Liz") showed she is one of the best songwriters (and storytellers) in the business. She introduced her hit song "Still" by recalling how special it was to work with Reba McEntire for 10 years. "She still sends me Christmas cards every year," the tunesmith said. Liz amazed the crowd with a repertoire that included "Midnight Girl", "I'm Gonna Get You Stoned Tonight", and "Stubborn One" (Trace Atkins). Her performance of Trick Pony's "I'm Not The Bride" drew laughter (and a few agreeing nods). She closed with "She's More" (a number one hit for Andy Griggs), a song about an unexpected and lasting romance. "I saw the woman I was born to love... Took me by complete surprise... When my heart got lost in those deep green eyes...."

(Photo: Liz Hengber and Steve Williams)

            Steve Williams told the crowd that he was only there to play a few chords for Liz. After the laughter died down, he eased into George Strait's "Where Have I Been All My Life". He seemed to pick the perfect song to play at just the right time, performing "I'm A Pretty Big Deal" (country swing), "The Only Way He Knew How" (a co-write with Liz), "Till I'm Blue" (showing his vocal range), and "Redneck Yacht Club" (as country as you can get). He showed lyrical brilliance with "Thank God For Faith", a song that describes the opposing viewpoints of two people named "Faith" and "Fear". Speaking of yachts, Steve announced that the new Internet radio station Redneck Yacht Club (.com) will launch this summer with a good stable of traditional country hits.

            I left the Commodore feeling inspired and eager to write a new country song!

-- Chuck Whiting, MCAU Editor

THE STATION INN (Late Show):

            The Station Inn was filling up when I entered. Boy did this show have a big guest list. It was a quarter full when the pass holders got through the door. Heading over to the kitchen side, I found a seat next to a great new Americana artist, Don Pedigo. You need to check him out at donpedigo.com! A couple seconds later, a guy with a big heart and a lot of hair set two beers on the table. Stretching out his hand, he said: “Hi, I’m Earl Bud Lee.” Once again… you just never know who you’ll run into in this town.

            It’s hard to beat a lineup with Bobby Tomberlin, Larry Gatlin, and Leslie Satcher. All you can do is add to it. And they sure did by inviting special guest Vince Gill. These guys have been friends for years, which was evident in the way they needled each other relentlessly throughout the show. Larry came in a little late having just come from the Ryman where he hosted the "Country Classics Show". He had on a white shirt with a long gold scarf tied in a Windsor knot, using the scarf as a tie. Vince asked if he had just come from Marty Stuart’s garage sale. Gatlin shot back: “I wish I had a wife as famous as you... I could say anything I want to and get away with it.” This banter continued throughout the night.

            Bobby Tomberlin got the show started off with the hit he wrote with Darryl Worley, “Good Day To Run”. I knew I was right where I should be! Later, Leslie tore up the place with her smoking blues song “Gypsy Boots”.  Joss Stone has nothing on this Texas girl, hmm... hmm... hmm.  Besides accompanying everyone, Vince brought a tear to my eye when he sang “Pretty Little Adriana”. Then he did it again with the new song “I Will Ride The Rails No More”. Larry Gatlin graced us with his incredible tenor on “My Heart Comes With Strings Attached". I also loved the song he wrote and sang with Leslie that I believe is called “Come On Home, Come As You Are”.

            Bobby had us on the edge of our seat with a new song called the “Grand Ole Opry”. The Opry is personified and sings: “They say that I’m the one that made Country Music what it is today… But it’s the stars who crossed my stage that are the ones…”. Afterwards, we were delighted when Jan Howard was called up from the audience to sing “Heartaches By The Number”.  Everyone, young and old, joined in on the chorus!  We were treated again when Bobby called his beautiful wife Candi Carpenter to the stage to sing a song she wrote with Bobby and Shayne Fair titled “Heartaches Don’t Have A Closing Time”. Wow!

Footnote:   I have had dozens of inquires concerning the man who fell off the bar stool on Tuesday evening. Many have asked if it was MCAU’s Chuck Whiting.  Ordinarily I would nip a rumor like this in the bud before it spread all over town. But on second thought, it’s hard to buy good PR like this!  So I’ll let you decide…

-- Wil Comstock, MCAU Writer

Do you have an unforgettable "Tin Pan South" story/experience to tell.  Please send it to us at Info@MusicCityArtsUpdate.com .

"Tin Pan South" Schedule: http://www.tinpansouth.com/2013/schedule.html

(Photo: Commodore Show)

(Photo: Steve Williams Performs)

(Photo: Wil Nance Performs)

(Photo: Liz Hengber Performs)

(Photo: Commodore State Shot)