AmericanaFest: Joe Henry and Mike Reid Take Music Fans to Heaven

 By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

City Winery

Sept. 12 (Friday)

Ron Pope went viral on My Space in 2007.  He released four independent albums before signing with Universal Republic, which released two singles. After that, Pope created his own label, Brooklyn Basement Records.  His appeal to the party crowd was evident on the swamp rock numbers “Let’s Get Stoned” and “Nobody’s Gonna Make It Out Alive.”

Joe Henry and Mike Reid met as fellow instructors at a local song camp. Mike started the conversation by asking Henry who his favorite poets were.  They hit it off right away resulting in Henry sending Reid some lyrics.  The next day, Joe received an mp3 of what Mike came up with.  This continued until there was an album’s worth of music. Joe took the original piano vocals and added sparse production. 

The band at City Winery was comprised of Reid on piano, Joe on guitar, a pedal steel player, and Levon Henry (Joe’s son) on tenor sax and clarinet. The music swelled and took me off to another land, reminding me of mid-career Joni Mitchell.  Mike Reid’s seasoned voice was the perfect vehicle for these songs. Heavenly!  I especially enjoyed “The Bridge,” “Life and Time,” “History,” and the huge Reid/Shamblin co-write for Bonnie Raitt, “I Can’t Make You Love Me.”

I could listen to David Nail’s honest and aching voice all night. He sings country like it should be sung, from experience.  He writes or co-writes most of his songs. He’s not afraid to talk about his depression, saying “It’s just who I am.” Highlights of the evening included “Strangers on a Train,” “Let it Rain,” and the new “I Got Everything I Want.”

(Follow us on social media @MusicCityArts.)

 

AmericanaFest: The War and Treaty Tease, Flirt and Wail at Skinny Dennis

 By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

WassTeam Party at Skinny Dennis

Featuring The War and Treaty

Sept. 13 (Saturday):

Grammy nominees The War and Treaty took the stage at Skinny Dennis (East Nashville) for a rousing and energetic late afternoon performance.  Michael and Tanya Trotter gave their all on the steamy “Keep You Warm Tonight.” They teased, flirted and wailed on this up-tempo number. The confessional “Hey Judith,” a song about Tanya’s recently deceased mother, spoke to all who have lost a parent.  

All of the musicians were top notch, enjoying every moment of sharing the stage with the dynamic couple. The addition of saxophone and trumpet beefed up their sound and raised the excitement on stage by several notches. 

The upbeat scat-swing of “Crazy” had me dancing and swaying. They gave the band ample time to showcase their instruments as Michael left the stage and stood in the audience beside me. All of a sudden, I felt a warm arm around my shoulder.  

I won’t forget this show!  Mike preached a little and said he was going to run for president under the slogan “Shut the F**K Up,” saying people have the freedom to speak and the freedom not to speak.  

They ended with the audience participation number “Can I Get an Amen,” as the crowd sang, danced and shouted their “amens” in appreciation of The War and Treaty’s splendid show.   

AmericanaFest: Artists Bring ‘Hallelujah and Amen’ at Annual Gospel Brunch

By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

Gospel Brunch at City Winery

Sept. 13 (Saturday)

I always enjoy the Gospel Brunch; delicious chicken and waffles and a chance to see some new talent and a few old favorites.

Surprise guests, The McCrary Sisters, opened the brunch with a stirring rendition of “Amazing Grace.”  It was set to the melody of “House of the Rising Sun.”  Each sister took a verse, with Ann reaching deep down inside and crying out to God like I have never heard her before.  Amen!

Artists of note were:

 Uwade who is from West Africana and living in Charleston.  Her sweet vocals and persona endeared her to the audience.

Courtney Marie Andrews who sounded a lot like an early Joni Mitchell with her lilting vocals and folk fingerpicking. 

Jay Buchanan, who along with his band, put on quite a three-song show.  His soaring vocals and magnetic stage presence made a fan out of everyone.

Tigers co-owner David Macias told us there would be a set change before the last guest came out. Sarah Potenza was the only person on the program who had not performed, so I rightly assumed it would be her. She usually has just her husband on guitar as backup.  But out came the drums, bass, electric guitar and a baby grand, along with the talented Sista Strings on cello and violin.  As the strings began, Sarah made her grand entrance in a sequined gown and sumptuously uttered the first line to “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s “Turandot.” (For those of you who are old enough, think of Areatha Franklin filling in for Pavarotti on the Grammy’s in 1998.)  A stunning performance!  She ended with a gospel choir backing her up on “Hallelujah Amen.”  I’ve followed Sarah for 12 years and have been waiting for this moment; to have a company recognize her talent and give her the support she needs.  Hallelujah and Amen.

(Follow us on social media @MusicCityArts.)

AmericanaFest: An Enchanting Evening at the Blue Room with S.G. Goodman, Dawes and Others

 By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

An Evening at The Blue Room

Sept. 11 (Thursday)

This was my first time at the Blue Room.  What a great venue.  The capacity is 150, which makes it a warm and intimate place.  They have a nice selection of beer and adult beverages, a small outdoor area, and clean bathrooms!

Murray, Kentucky’s, S.G. Goodman was up first.  She has a unique and vulnerable approach to her songwriting which is her strongest point.  Her stories between songs are engaging and endearing. Dusty Escalante accompanied her on backup vocals and utilitarian guitar. S.G. opened with the sparse “Planting by the Signs,” which reminded me of Hazel Dickins.  Good stuff!   She was challenged by a friend to write a love song, because she didn’t have any, so she did!  The not-so-happy sounding “I’m in Love.”  My favorites were “Nature’s Child,” written by her friend, Tyler Ladd, and “Never Want to Leave this World.”

The first time I saw Dawes was at the Honors and Awards Show.  I was impressed.  That’s why I came out for this show.  The band usually has four members, but tonight it was just brothers Taylor (lead vocals and guitar) and Griffin Goldsmith (background vocals and drums).  I didn’t miss the other two members.  They kicked off with “Things Happen” and had the audience in their hand the entire show.  They reminded me a bit of Steely Dan on the jazz rock “Enough Already.”  These guys are really good!  Crowd favorites were “Waves” and the island vibe-influenced “House Parties,” written about going on vacation with the wife and kids when you’d rather be at home.  For the last number, fellow Altadena resident John C. Reilly joined them for “All Your Favorite Bands.” Great harmonies!   Besides the exceptional musicianship and tight vocals, Taylor’s songwriting stands on it’s own.  I’ll be picking up a few of their albums. I’m hooked.

I didn’t have any expectations for Medium Build, whose real name is Nicholas Carpenter.  Turns out, I was pleasantly surprised. Medium puts it all out there. He’s upfront about being a former alcoholic, drug user, and “asshole.”  His opening song, “In My Room,” even talked about him masturbating.  He’s zany, a little over the top, and completely real.  His vocals are raw and filled with passion as displayed on “Downtown Theater.”  One of my favorite moments was when he brought Dawes back up to harmonize on their collaboration, “This is Life.”  His cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “Nick of Time” brought the house down. He closed with his most popular songs, “Last Time” and “White Male Privilege.”  Carpenter has a voice, and I’m glad it is being heard!

Last up was Joy Olodokun, a child of Nigerian refugees. Growing up, she felt she didn’t really fit in anywhere. This was the inspiration for her first song, “Somewhere.”  Accompanying herself on guitar, Joy’s melodic and soulful voice captured our hearts. Later she told us her parents were leaving America, the result, the lilting “No Country.” Growing up she was taught that you help your neighbor, but as she grew older and looked around her, she saw that this was not what people were doing.  This became the basis for “Take Care of your Neighbor.”  A highlight of her set was the love song “Sweet Symphony,” written for her father to sing to her mother.  He had sung Motown to his wife while Joy was growing up, and she missed those sweet symphonic moments.  If you get the chance to see Joy Olodokun, take it!  You will be glad you did.

(Follow us on social media platforms @MusicCityArts.)

AmericanaFest: Ten Things I Loved About the Awards Show

 By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

Ten Things I Loved at the 2025 Americana Music Honors and Awards Show:

·      Maggie Rose performing “No One Gets Out of Here Alive.”  I had not heard of her, incredible voice, great stage presence, I’m in!

·      McCary Sisters winning the Legends Award.  Oh, how I love these women and how I miss Sister Deborah.  They deserve every bit of this recognition.  Followed by a flawless rendition of “What Good Am I.”

·      Jesse Welles singing “War Isn’t Murder.”  This took me back to the ‘60s with his poignant lyrics and traditional fingerpicking.  I was glad to see him win the Freedom of Speech Award later in the show. 

·      The banter between Roseanne Cash and Rodney Crowell as they present a Lifetime Achievement Award to the Old 97’s.  Everyone seemed to enjoy this!

·      I’m With Her performing “Ancient Light.”  I am a fan of Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O'Donovan individually, but together they are amazing.  What a great song.So happy to see it win Song of the Year!   

·      John C. Reilly and his band giving a smooth execution of Tom Waits’ “Picture in a Frame.” I didn’t know he could sing!  What a nice surprise.

·      Nathaniel Rateliff, David Rawlings, and Gillian Welch collaborating on “South of Here.”  They sounded so good together.  Nathaniel won Album of the Year, and Rawlings and Welch won best Duo or Group later on.  Well deserved!

·      Dawes singing “Time Spent in Los Angles.”  First released in 2011, the song took on new meaning after the wildfires in January.  Loved this stripped-down version.

·      Joy Oladokun singing “Letter from a Blackbird.”   Heart wrenching and beautiful at the same time.  I want to hear more from her.

·      Daniel Lanois and Emmylou Harris reuniting for “Where Will I Be” from her album “Wrecking Ball.”  Hard to believe this album is 30 years old. I will always champion an artist who wants to break out and risk trying something new.

(Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and other platforms @MusicCityArts.) 

AmericanaFest: Unforgettable Moments from 2025

AMERICANAFEST: “American music is always best when it comes from a mixture of things.” — Rhiannon Giddens (AmericanaFest always has unforgettable moments. This year was all about helping bring people together. My MCAU staffer and I took in a number of shows that dug deep into the various “roots” of American music. My hunger and thirst for authentic, expressive, down-deep singing and instrumentation seemed to grow fiercer with every performance. The McCrary Sisters (at then Gospel Brunch) took us to Heaven with a deeply emotional opening performance of “Amazing Grace.” Legendary songwriters Joe Henry and Mike Reid brought pin-dropping silence, appreciation and tears… especially when performing the tune “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” War and Treaty blew the roof off of the building with groove, dance and soul… and heartfelt testimony. The Carlisle Family (Brandi Carlile kin) offered relaxing, down-home folk in an outdoor setting. Newly IBMA Lifetime Achievement Award-winner Tim O’Brien (with Jan Fabricius) brought smiles and laughs to bluegrass fans young and old. The Isaacs filled the room with heart and harmonies. Musicianship hit the stratosphere. The festival, which celebrated it 25th year, has grown to a whopping 58 venues across Middle Tennessee. There were other festivities, too, including the Commonwealth of Kentucky Party and the Americana Marketplace. Along the way, we had nice conversations with fans from states including California, New Hampshire, and New York. And you are always likely to run into someone you know. I am thankful to have opportunities like this in Music City. Here are a few photos from four straight days of live music and merriment.) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #RhiannonGiddens #AmericanaFest #Americana #Music #McCrarySisters #JoeHenry #MikeReid #WarandTreaty #TheCarlileFamily #TimOBrien #JanFabricius #Music #Nashville #Arts #MusicCityArts 9-14-25 (Observations and photos by Chuck Whiting, MCAU Editor)

(Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linked In, and X @MusicCityArts)

AmericanaFest: Northern Lights Songwriters Take the Stage with the Help of Brandi Carlile

By Wil Comstock, MCAU Contributing Writer

Wednesday (Sept. 10), Embassy Suites Hotel:

Racing downtown after a meeting, I was sure I would be at the end of a long line waiting to get into the show. You can imagine my amazement when there were only about 20 people ahead of me. 

Surveying those in line, I was surprised to find I was standing next to songwriter extraordinaire, Lisa Aschmann.  Lisa quite literally wrote the book on songwriting, and Hal Leonard published it! It was nice to catch up and fellowship with my friend as we waited for the performers to emerge.

Have you ever been to the Bluebird and seen an exceptional “in the round” or “in the row”?  This is that show on steroids with a whole lot of heart!  Brandi Carlile has a way of building community; she introduces musicians to one another, they become friends, they write together, and they play on each other’s albums.  As Brandi said, “This is what it’s all about, right here on this stage, this is why I do what I do.”

What a joy to watch them cheering each other on. Such was the case when Fancy Hagood performed his new song, “I’m Just a Fool for Your Love.” Brandi watched with her mouth open like a proud older sister.  Killer song. Fancy also played “Dead Set on You” and “Lonely as I Do.” This guy has really grown as a writer and singer over the last few years.

What can I say about Chauntee and Monique Ross (aka SistaStrings)? Adjectives fail me. They are virtuoso instrumentalists, singers, and songwriters. They can play classical, jazz, soul and rock. The result of years of practice and nurturing parents. They had a standing ovation on their first song, “One or a Thousand Times.”  

The beautiful “How Do You Sleep at Night” written with Brandi Clark and Sean McConnell brought me to tears. Crowd favorite “Goodbye” brought the house down again with its funky jazz rhythms and searing vocals. When is their long-awaited album finally going to come out?

Veteran Sean McConnell has written with everyone on the stage. You can tell he’s grappled with the hard questions and wrestled with his demons as you listen to his lyrics. He immediately touches a familiar nerve. He performed two songs from his new album “Skin,” the haunting “Southside of Forever” and “Take it Easy Darlin’” on which SistaStrings add violin, cello and vocals. Sean uses some alternate tunings to get a unique and fresh sound. McConnell had everyone signing on his soulful anthem, “Shine Your Light on Me.” I can’t wait to purchase his new album!

    There were several surprise guests. Brandi Clark came out and introduced a new song she wrote (the folklike “Land of the Free”) after watching the Dylan biopick, “A Complete Unknown.”

 

Monique Ross introduced her daughter, Daelynn, who accompanied herself on guitar to a lovely song that she wrote. This family has talent!

The last surprise guest was the Carlile Family Band with Brandi’s brother, Jay, and his children, JayJ and Caroline. Caroline fronted the group, playing guitar as they harmonized to a number she wrote. These guys can sing; guess it runs in the family!

Carlile gave us a preview of her upcoming album, “Returning to Myself,” with the honest and vulnerable “Turning.” I can’t wait to hear the rest of the album, which will be released on October 24. Everyone on stage joined in on “Letter to my Past” featuring SistaStrings, who added the icing on the cake with their instruments and voices.  

Brandi used to babysit her niece, Caroline (Carlile Family Band), before she became popular. It was hard for her once she started regularly touring; she missed her niece. One birthday, Brandi received a homemade card from 5-year-old Caroline. On the cover she drew an amp and a guitar, and when you opened it, a recording played the child’s voice saying,“I love you, Brandi.” She still has the card!  This was the inspiration for “Caroline, I’m on My Way Back Home to You.” So sweet!  

Nashville’s Theater Bug, a kids theater troop, had the chance to sing for Carlile this week. They learned and sang Carlile’s song, “Wherever is Your Heart.” This was the song that closed the show, with everyone on the stage and in the theater harmonizing as they looked at each other around the room. It can’t get any better than this!  

Footnote: Brandi and Fancy Hagood just performed a benefit concert for Theater Bug at Riverside Revival. The more they give, the more they seem to receive. I sure loved this afternoon’s event.

 

(Provide comments and interact with us on Instagram, Facebook and X @MusicCityArts.)