Indigo Girls, Compass Records, and Awards Show Highlight Day Two of Americana Fest

Chuck’s Diary: Day Two of Americana Fest 2022

Instagram and Facebook: @Chuck.Whiting and @MusicCityArts 

 “We don’t write songs together… We arrange together.” Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls. (A fascinating interview with one of America’s legendary pop duos… hotdogs and ice cream on Nashville’s Music Row… live musical performances and parties at the Hutton and City Winery. Wednesday was a full day of activities at the Americana Music Fest. The Indigo Girls told their life/career stories during a special morning panel discussion at the Westin. They were later honored as recipients of the AMA’s 2022 Free Speech Award. Around noonish, we took in a series of performances at Compass Records, including the wonderful Chastity Brown and the duo Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley (the best musicianship I’ve heard in a good while). Compass always serves up complimentary hotdogs, chips and beer. Later, we took in a series of Texas-style showcases at the Hutton hosted by State Fair Records. We were especially impressed with Nathan Mongol Wells, whose songs were brought to vivid life by tight players. We arrived at City Winery just in time for the 10th Anniversary Happy Hour and a performance by the vibrant Kyshona. We missed the toast, but still enjoyed a glass of champagne with a delicious piece of chocolate cake. This year, we decided to stay at City Winery for the Official Viewing Party of the 21st Annual Americana Honors and Awards. I’m so glad we did. I always see someone I know. This time it was Lisa Aschmann (who seems to be at several events at once). She introduced us to two fellow singer-songwriters, whom we ended up spending the evening with. Speaking of the awards show, one can’t go wrong watching performances and banter by the likes of the Fairfield Four, Brandi Carlile, Lyle Lovett, Chris Isaak, Allison Russell, the Indigo Girls, War and Treaty, the McCrary Sisters, and more. Robert Plant made a special appearance to honor fellow musician and friend Buddy Miller. The show was emotional at times, with the honorees giving heartfelt acceptance speeches. Americana Fest is just getting started… More music tonight!) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #IndigoGirls #AmericanaFest #Americana #AmericanaMusicFest #Music #Art #Arts #Nashville #MusicCityArts 9-15-22

Americana Fest: Brandi Carlile Presents Unforgettable ‘Northern Lights’ at City Winery

By Wil Comstock

MCAU Staff Writer 

     I was pretty excited about the Thursday afternoon show at City Winery.  I knew anything Brandi Carlile was involved with would be good.As I waited for the “Northern Lights” show to begin, I counted eight empty chairs on the stage.  One for Brandi, and the two listed on the show, Sean McConnell and Ashley Ray. I wondered who else would show up.

     Sista Strings: I and everyone else was blown away by sisters, Monique (cello) and Chauntee (violin) Ross.  You may have seen them in the backing band for Allison Russell at the awards show. Their strong sense of melody, harmony and syncopation had me on the edge of my seat and brought me to my feet. They did an instrumental classical composition that lifted us to the heavens and gently brought us back to earth. “Her Name Was Me” was nothing short of genius.  Why don’t these women have an album out yet???

     Marc Scibilia: What a pleasant surprise discovering this native Buffalonian. His timeless intimate voice and unique songs really captured me. I could listen to him all day. On “Summer Clothes,” he tells of finding a former girlfriend’s summer outfits while looking for his winter jacket in the closet, bringing back a flood of memories.

     Sean McConnell:  I had seen Sean once before and was happy to see him again. He is a prolific songwriter. With cuts by Tim McGraw, Meatloaf, Rascal Flatts, Brothers Osborne, and Brad Paisley. His rich vocals and soul-searching lyrics have made him a sought-after addition to any writer’s night.  He opened with “Nothing Anymore” and closed with the thought-provoking “Buy the World for the Price of your Soul” He surprised us by bringing out Garrison Starr to duet on the heart wrenching “Nothing Without You.”

     Ashley Ray:  This young woman is going places and in fact has already had songs cut by Little Big Town, Lori McKenna, and Charles Kelly of Lady A. She introduced “Pauline,” a song about her Kansas-born grandmother, who worked at the ammunitions plant and canned pork 'n' beans at Stokley's to put food on the table for her children. Ashley performed each number with a pure midwestern country voice and strongly crafted lyrics.

     Brandi Carlisle with Tim and Phil Hanseroth (The Twins) kicked off with “The Eye,” the three-part harmony song about the temporary resting place in the eye of the storm. Allison Russell came out to sing the stirring “You’re Not Alone” with Brandi, supported by the Twins, and Sista Strings. Everyone gave a standing ovation when Tanya Tucker appeared on the stage to sing the 2019 Song of the Year she penned with Brandi,“Bring My Flowers No.” Tanya recalled how she gave Dean Dillon the line “Ocean Front Property in Arizona,” which he turned into a George Strait hit. Carlile closed this wonderful event with the tender “Stay Gentle.”

Americana Fest Awards Show Adds Entertainment and Emotion to Spectacular Day

Americana Fest 9/14/22 

By MCAU Staff Writer Wil Comstock

 

     This was the first time I did a whole day at the Americana Fest. Whew!  

     In the morning I caught Ann Powers interviewing the Indio Girls at the Westin: “A Long Look at the Indigo Girls”.  They discussed their youth in the Methodist Church and growing up with a strong sense of community.  That experience carried over into the Indigo Girls building a loving communityof musicians and activists. I was humbled when I found out how many organizations they support. They have invested their lives in giving back to the community.  I have loved these women since “Closer to Fine.” Now I love them more.

     Couldn’t pass up Hillbillies and Hotdogs at Compass Records. I had onions, mustard, dill pickle, and hot peppers on my Vienna dog. Scrumptious!  Upstairs in the studio, I listened to Chastity Brown from Minneapolis. What a voice!  This artist has great stories that make you laugh and wonderful songs that bare her soul. Of note: “Loving the Question,” based on the book Whoopi Goldberg, gave Lauren Hill’s character in “Sister Act.”  She was followed by Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley.  I was familiar with Rob as a solo artist, but teaming up with Hensley takes the artistry to another level. Garry West introduced them, saying they were stone cold bluegrass!  Hensley’s phenomenal flattop picking and Rob’s tasteful and innovative dobro playing are unmatched in any genre.  Add their vocals and you are taken to another land just this side of heaven. You’ve got to hear “The Backstreets Off Broadway” and “Moonshine Runner.”

     After enjoying a cup of coffee on West End, it was time to get in line at City Winery for the Americana Award Show Official Viewing Party.  MCAU Editor Chuck Whiting and I immediately ran into our friend singer/songwriter Lisa Aschmann, who introduced us to artist/writer Frankie Statan and artist Valerie Hawkins.  I fell in love with them by the time we were seated for the show.  I haven’t had the time to pull up their webpages and listen to them yet, but I listened to their stories and got a glimpse into their hearts.  These are unique and special ladies.

     My Award Show highlights:

     The Fairfield Four receiving the Legacy Award and Singing the old slave song “Rock My Soul” which was first written down in 1867.  

     Lukas Nelson presenting and accepting, on behalf of the family, the President’s Award to Don Williams. Oh how I love and miss Don Williams!  

     JP Harris’ tribute to the recently deceased Luke Bell, andperforming the song he will never get to play at the Ryman, “The Greatest Bullfighter”. 

     Lyle Lovett’s tongue and cheek song to touring partner Chris Issak, “We Gave Each Other Covid” Lyle also presented Chris with the Lifetime Achievement in Performance Award.  

Allison Russell’s incredible performance of “You’re Not Alone” with an all star cast including Brandi Carlile and Sista Strings.

     Al Bell receiving the Americana Award in Achievement for An Executive. He was so proud!

     Brandi Carlile telling us what the Indigo Girls meant to her as she was growing up and presenting them with the Freedom Award.

     Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @MusicCityArts and @Chuck.Whiting. 

 

Americana Fest Opens at Optimist with Music and all the Trimmings

The Optimist, Concord Records 9/13/22

Report from MCAU Staff Writer Wil Comstock

 

     After finding a place to park by the petroleum plant (who knew we had one of these in Nashville), we made our way to The Optimist on Adams Street in Germantown.  The place was packed as we registered to get in.  My eyes were fixed on the seafood spread against the wall. Could this be for us?  The answer was yes!  Huge shrimp on ice, several kinds of oysters on the half shell, and the best hush puppies I have ever had. Chuck Whiting, MCAU Editor, was delighted, since he’s a pescatarian!  Concord Records spared no expense on this spread.  Once seated, we were told there was another buffet section with hors d’oeuvres and desserts.  Did I mention there was an open bar all evening?  After filling our tummies, we headed down the hall to the show.

     First up was Caroline Spence, who performed her set with a sweet mountain voice accompanying herself on guitar. Her honest lyrics and intimate delivery really drew me in.  We were seated on the left side where some of the musicians unpacked their instruments. A husky guy with overalls and a floppy hat removed his guitar and waited his turn.  I couldn’t help but wonder what this chap would sound like.  The emcee announced “Bony James” as he made his way to the stage.  His gut bucket guitar had me nodding, and his smooth blues vocals had me smiling.  Really enjoyed his fun love song “Pigsty!”  Red head Bella White gave a solid traditional country set, playing guitar with upright bass and fiddle side musicians. I really liked the reflective ballad “The Way I Oughta Go.”  Another red head, Logan Ledger, was up next.  From my seat, in profile, he looked a little like John Sebastian of the Lovin’ Spoonful.  Logan had my foot tapping on the upbeat ballad “All the Wine in California.”  At this point, we left our coveted seats for a bathroom break and a fresh drink.  Fortunately, the show was pipped into the restauant.  While sipping my cocktail, I heard the most longing beautiful voice with a lone guitar.  Looking through my program, I found it was Katie Pruitt!  If you get a chance check her out, you won’t be disappointed.  We made our way back to the showcase to catch the last act, Sierra Ferrell. What a polished and well-rehearsed act.  Playing guitar, she was joined by fiddle, upright bass, mandolin, and backing vocals.  I loved her take on Western Swing with her West Virginia hill country vocals.  What a fun set!  What a great night!

Learn more about the Americana Music Fest at www.AmericanaMusic.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @MusicCityArts and @Chuck.Whiting. 

Americana Fest: Concord Records Throws a Big Party to Open Festival

 Chuck Whiting’s Arts Diary: 9-14-22

“I’ve grown up in a church and Gospel music was a big thing - and Bluegrass - but I just think of that music my buddies and I listened to growing up in the hills. It was as meshed together as what people now call Americana.” — Tyler Childers (Americana Music Fest is my favorite event of the year, and Concord Records (i.e. Rounder Records) truly knows how to throw a party. Music industry pros and others gathered at the Optimist in Germantown (north Nashville) Tuesday night for delicious seafood appetizers, desserts, and of course, live music. The atmosphere and hospitality were splendid, and the live music outstanding. Roster acts taking the stage included but were not limited to Caroline Spence, Bonney James, Bella White, and Logan Ledger. Special thanks to Concord’s crew and the Optimist’s waiting staff for being the perfect hosts. A full day of festivities (interviews and live music) are in store for us on Wednesday before the big annual awards show at the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday night. Nashville is indeed Music City this week in a big way. For those of you who haven’t heard Americana music, it’s defined as an “amalgam of American music formed by the confluence of the shared and varied traditions that make up the musical ethos of the United States, specifically those sounds that are emerged from the Southern U.S. such as folk, gospel, blues, country, jazz, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and bluegrass.” It’s a refreshing and real life expression through songwriting and musical performance that stirs me to my bones. I’ll try to post a clip of a live performance in one of my posts. Have a great Wednesday everyone!) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #Americana #AmericanaMusicFest #AmericanFest #Music #LiveMusic #AmericanMusic #Concord #ConcordRecords #RounderRecords #CarolineSpence #BoneyJames #BellaWhite #LoganLedger #Optimist #OptimistRestaurant #Germantown #NorthNashville #Nashville #MusicCity #Festivals #Art #Arts #MusicCityArts 9-14-22

Follow Chuck at @Chuck.Whiting and @MusicCityArts on Facebook and Instagram