'Tin Pan South' Displays Brilliance and Partying on Third Night

'TIN PAN SOUTH' REPORT

Day Three: March 27 (Thursday)

         "Tin Pan South" continues to fill Nashville's music venues with song, drawing thousands of music lovers from across the nation. Covering shows for MCAU on Thursday night (Day Three) were reporters Scott Johnson and Wil Comstock. They decided to take in the 6 p.m. show at Douglas Corner(featuring Rob Crosby, James Dean Hicks, Angela Kaset, and Allen Shamblin); and the 6 p.m. show at the Rutledge (featuring Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby, and Luke Laird).

March 27 (Thursday):

DOUGLAS CORNER (Early Show):

         There is something remarkable about Douglas Corner Café. At first glance, it seems like just another tiny music venue, but when you walk inside, you notice it has the “It factor.” It’s dimly lit interior with lamps hanging low establish a certain ambience that is rarely duplicated. This would be a great place to take a date but only if they were ready to listen and enjoy. The songwriters were gathered in the middle of the room at eye level. No stage was needed, as this was an intimate performance. It felt like you were having a group of talented songwriters over to hang in your living room for a jam session.

         The room was packed with creative energy. In fact, over half of the room admitted to being songwriters themselves. Special guests in the audience included legendary album producer Jerry Crutchfield (Tanya Tucker, Lee Greenwood) and Hugh Prestwood (songwriter).

Shamblin, Hicks, Kaset and Crosby

         The songwriters took turns in the round playing some of their most popular hits and telling the stories behind the music. A true highlight was hearing Hall of Fame songwriter Allen Shamblin talk about the iconic Bonnie Raitt hit “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” The lyrics ache with such vulnerability, and I’d easily put it in my Top 5 best written songs of all time. Shamblin happily shared the spotlight with 16-year-old songwriter Athena Koumanelis of Nashville. Shamblin said he met the teen before the show, and she mentioned that the song was one of her favorites to sing live. Koumanelis did a brilliant job singing and playing keyboards. The performance reflected the spirit of "Tin Pan South" – songwriters supporting songwriters. 

         Shamblin’s set included Miranda Lambert’s CMA Song of the Year “The House That Built Me.” The room was nearly silent as he performed the gorgeous song. He also achieved the same effect while performing the Randy Travis hit “He Walked on Water.” During the performance, he gave advice to aspiring songwriters.

Allen Shamblin congratulates
Athena Koumanelis

“My advice is to pray. Ask God for a good idea. I believe God’s got all the good ideas,” he said.

Angela Kaset also had an incredible set of songs. She thanked producer Jerry Crutchfield for taking a chance on her, admitting that her style is a bit different for Nashville. Her voice was reminiscent of Joni Mitchell and Carole King; therefore, I was immediately won over! Some of the biggest applause of the night came during her performance of the Lorrie Morgan hit “Something in Red.” Kaset’s feminism came into play several times during the night. “Against My Own Will” had a wonderful line about it being time to “woman up!” and “Peace in This House” (Wynonna) talked of balancing the demands of being a mother and wife.

A night in Music City isn’t complete without a special guest or two. The songwriters called Hugh Prestwood to the stage, and he indulged the crowd by telling stories about how record producer Clive Davis turned down the hit “Ghost in My House” (Shenandoah, Alison Krauss). 

Songwriters James Dean Hicks and Rob Crosby provided humor and infectious enthusiasm during the night by joking about guitar solos gone wrong. Hicks performed the moving “Jesus and Mama” (Confederate Railroad), the #1 hit “Goodbye Time” (Conway Twitty and Blake Shelton), and “Grandpa Told Me So (Kenny Chesney). Hicks admitted that a lot of his inspiration comes from driving and told a great story about being persistent to achieve your dreams. Hicks said he always wanted Merle Haggard to sing one of the lines to his songs, and he achieved that during a Blaine Larsen recording session. Crosby also had plenty of hits to play, including a gorgeous rendition of “Concrete Angel” (Martina McBride) that included out-of-this-world harmonies from the entire group. He had the biggest groove of the night with “Mile Out of Memphis.” He explained that he co-wrote the tune with the legendary Carl Perkins, and that Carl lifted him up during a dark time of his life. The song was recorded with Paul Simon on his last duets CD.

Angela Kaset and James Dean Hicks

This was a "Tin Pan South" show I’ll never forget, and now I have a new favorite musical venue. Thanks to Douglas Café Corner for a great night and fantastic atmosphere. Go see these amazing songwriters if you get a chance. You won’t regret it.

-- Scott Johnson, MCAU Assistant Editor

THE RUTLEDGE (Early Show):

         I had decided to cover the TPS show featuring Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird and band.

         This turned out to be the "Happy Hour Show"... drinking and party songs with a thundering backup band. Working both full-time and part-time jobs, plus covering "Tin Pan South", I was looking forward to the kind of show Luke Laird put together last year with Natalie Hemby and Brett Eldridge: Three writers, three guitars and three wonderful voices whose every word I could hear. I was in for a surprise.

Barry Dean

          Natalie kicked off the party with the Toby Keith hit “Drinks After Work”, a song she penned with Laird and Dean. Barry Dean sang the uncut “Day Drinking”, a fun number with a catchy riff that he taught the audience to whistle on the chorus. We all sang along with Laird on the chorus of “Drink in my Hand”, the Eric Church single he wrote with Eric and Michael P. Heeney.  We were also treated to Dean’s “Mix it with Rum” and the Thomas Rhett cut “Sorry for Partying”, a song inspired by one of Rhett’s crew who arrived late to the bus one night feeling way too good and looking for a fight.

         Natalie introduced us to her lovely co-writer, Maren Morris, who joined her on the beautifully haunting ballad, “Who Told You There Was No Way Out” and the upbeat “Automatic”. Another highlight was Luke’s “Beat This Summer”, last year’s huge hit for Brad Paisley that he wrote with Paisley and Chris Dubois.

Natalie Hemby and Luke Laird

         Remember when you first came to town and got shushed at the Bluebird for talking during a song? No problem at this show. The back-up guitar god was playing riffs while the writers were introducing their songs. And if you spoke to your neighbor during one of the performances, so what? No one seemed to mind... ‘cause this was a party! 

-- Wil Comstock, MCAU Contributing Writer

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

Read our report on the shows from Day Two (March 26) at http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2014/03/day-two-of-tin-pan-south-filled-with.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' Offers Unforgettable Shows on First Night

'TIN PAN SOUTH' REPORT

Day One: April 2, 2013

            "Tin Pan South" is in full swing, with several hundred songwriters performing at various venues around the city. Choosing which shows to attend on the first night was a challenge for MCAU's two writers. We finally opted to take in the 6 p.m. show at the Rutledge (featuring Jim Brickman, Richie McDonald and Victoria Shaw); the 9 p.m. show at The Listening Room Cafe (featuring Dave Barnes, Kevin Griffin, Charles Kelley, and special guest Emerson Hart); and the 9 p.m. show at the Rutledge (featuring BMI writers Brett Eldredge, Natalie Hemby, and Luke Laird). (Scroll down to the bottom for photos.)

April 1 (Monday):

'TIN PAN SOUTH' OPENING PARTY:

            A standing room-only crowd of songwriters filled the lobby of the Regions Roundabout office tower on Music Row. Excitement was definitely in the air as tunesmiths from across the nation renewed friendships (or made new ones) and talked about the upcoming shows. Per usual, the NSAI staff did a marvelous job with food and beverage... and greeting the attendees. Check out photos from the event at http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2013/04/normal-0-0-1-95-542-whiting-publicity.html .

-- Chuck Whiting, MCAU Editor

April 2 (Tuesday):

THE RUTLEDGE (Early Show):

            Where else can music lovers see three songwriting/artist legends like this performing together on the same stage? Jim Brickman, Richie McDonald and Victoria Shaw all agreed that it was wonderful performing together (reuniting) in a casual atmosphere (without all the bells and whistles we're used to). The mesmerized crowd wholeheartedly agreed. Victoria Shaw opened the show with the clever, upbeat "There's A Song In There Somewhere". Jim Brickman followed with a stirring performance of the instrumental  "Angel Eyes". By the time Richie MacDonald began singing "Just the Rain", everyone knew it would be one of the finest "Tin Pan South" shows in recent memory.

            Victoria Shaw transitioned into the Garth Brooks classic "The River", mentioning that the song was "all about shopping." As the appreciative crowd laughed, she explained that her songs are "folkier" when she writes with Garth. She then joined Jim on the holiday favorite "The Gift". Their vocal harmonies were both surprising and moving. Victoria continued with beautiful renditions of "Never Alone" and "I Love The Way You Love Me", a tune she first sang at her own wedding 20 years ago. Victoria and her 14-year-old daughter Ruby stole the show with a rousing, tongue-in-cheek performance of "The Girl With The Fishing Rod".

            Jim Brickman is known for his instrumental talents and showmanship, but did you know he used to be a jingle writer? Egged on by his fellow artists, he reluctantly played musical snippets from Pontiac, Puppy Chow and Cheerios commercials. It was fun to observe his playfulness in a laid-back atmosphere. Making his electronic piano sound like a grand, he performed heart-tugging songs about romance and the weather. The Northerner quipped that "the weather" was a common theme for young tunesmiths who grew up in Cleveland. Audience members sang along softly as he performed "Without You In My Life" (from his album "Believe"), "Love Of My Life", and the unforgettable "Valentine".

            Richie McDonald is quite the jokester, admitting that he used to take away microphones from Southwest Airlines stewardesses to sing a parody version of the Lonestar hit, "I'm Already There" ("We're Almost There"). He once donned a large Lucy head mask (from "Peanuts") to interrupt a Jim Brickman performance. Richie's vocals were in top form as he sang popular songs on piano and guitar such as "Mr. Mom" and "My Front Porch Looking In". Richie, who recently celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary, added groove with a bluesy performance of the cover, "Walking in Memphis". He aptly closed with an amazing, "living room" rendition of the hit, "Baby I'm Amazed By You".

            What more could you ask for in a songwriters show? My words can't adequately tell you how great this "Tin Pan Show" was. You had to be there.

Editor's Note: I've always wanted to tell Victoria an interesting story. Some years ago, two friends and I (totally by chance) met an interesting lady while strolling an overlook in beautiful Cortona, Italy. We were amazed when the lovely stranger told us she was the mother of Nashville songwriter Victoria Shaw. After a fascinating conversation, we all parted ways (taking away lasting memories). I think there's a song in there somewhere.

-- Chuck Whiting, MCAU Editor

THE LISTENING ROOM (Late Show):

            I worked at Ernest Tubb Record shop when I first moved to Nashville 20 years ago. I remember the women in the mail order department complaining about the state of country music and how pop it sounded.  But I loved it…  

            You could feel the excitement in the cold air standing in line for the second show at the Listening Room. We were all anticipating seeing top writers Dave Barnes, Charles Kelley (one third of Lady Antebellum), Emerson Hart (from the band Tonic), and Kevin Griffin. Most of the tables were full when I got in, so I took a seat at the bar. Soon the place was Standing Room Only.

            Dave Barnes started the set with “Until You” (recorded by Billy Currington).  Charles Kelley explained that he was really a drummer and agreed to do tonight's show after too many glasses of wine, and then he segued into “I Run to You”. 

            The wine and alcohol was flowing at The Listening Room, too. A long line formed at the bar, and people were happily chatting at their tables as the show progressed. I was having a little trouble figuring out the titles to some of the lesser-known songs. I turned to a friend to ask if he knew, but he didn’t either.  

            I enjoyed Kevin Griffin’s “Collide” (which he co-wrote with Howie Day) and Emerson Hart’s “Flying”. Maybe the room was too big (or maybe I’m getting old and out of touch), but for some reason none of the songs were stirring any emotion in me. The crowd seemed happy though. Drinks continued to pass around. Suddenly, the guy at the bar next to me (who had been a little shaky for the last half hour) was splayed out on the floor. Then I got it! People were here tonight at the Listening Room to party and have a good time. I grabbed my coat and headed over to the Rutledge, hoping to redeem the evening. 

-- Wil Comstock, MCAU Writer

THE RUTLEDGE (Second Show):

            Crossing the few blocks to The Rutledge’s BMI show, I was kicking myself for not going to that show in the first place. Plus I dragged a friend to that other event!   

           

            When I entered the club an hour and 20 minutes into the set, Brett Eldredge was singing “One Mississippi... two Mississippi...  counting down the seconds... standing in the wreckage of love...  on a cold, grey Jackson dawn”.  Now that’s songwriting. I squeezed through the Standing-Room-Only crowd and found the one remaining space by the wall upstairs as Luke Laird began singing “Beat This Summer”, his hit with Brad Paisley (also written with Chis Dubois).

            By the time Natalie started singing “I’m A Tornado”, I was in songwriter heaven. I continued to be moved and entertained the remainder of the evening. Highlights included Brett’s “Raymond”, which he co-wrote with Shane McAnally describing the effect Alzheimer’s had on his grandmother and his response to her. Natalie’s “Pontoon”, which went to number one for Little Big Town, was a real crowd pleaser. And Luke’s (the guy has had 12 number ones!) “Put A Drink In My Hand” had us all singing and raising our longnecks, real or imaginary. 

            As I looked around, I saw a crowd that was inspired and elevated. I didn’t see one person passed out on the floor.

-- Wil Comstock, MCAU Writer

Do you have a "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: Jim Brickman performs.

Photo: Richie McDonald and Jim Brickman perform.

Photo: Victoria Shaw greets fans after the show.

Photo: Kevin Griffin, Emerson Hart and Charles Kelley at The Listening Room.

Photo: Luke Laird and Natalie Hemby perform at The Rutledge.

Photo: Brett Eldredge, Natalie Hemby and Luke Laird perform at The Rutledge.