By Wil Comstock
Music City Arts Contributing
Writer
Tuesday (Sept. 11):
Sneaking out of work (somewhere not far
from The Local), I headed up West End to catch Paul Thorn. The place was hopping inside as well as on the outside
deck. Clearly, this was the place to be on Tuesday afternoon of Americana Fest.
Thorn was the man of the hour as he
took the stage. His gospel blues infused songs are delivered with swagger and a
hint of mischief behind his blue eyes. This guy has presence! Paul did a few
numbers from his new CD, “Don’t Let the Devil Ride.” To the crowd's amusement,
he confided that his wife only lets him “have it” once a week, but after 19
years of marriage, he feels pretty lucky! Much earlier than expected, my phone
started buzzing. It’s Music City Arts
editor Chuck Whiting, who texted he is out front waiting in his car for me. I
squeezed out of The Local as we headed to the Weston to pick up our Americana Fest
passes.
Parking at Mercy Lounge, one spot
opened up as we entered the lot. We quickly rambled over to the Westin. On the
way, we passed Concord Records on the Circle. Finding out that they had free
beer, Chuck said that we'd have to stop there on the way back! Everyone at festival
registration and pass pick-up were friendly, pretty and efficient! We ran into Seth
Taylor of Mountain Heart standing in line, a really nice guy whose set we’ll
catch on Thursday at City Winery.
Concord Records was packed, and Sarah
Siskind was on stage! I love Sarah Siskind. Her smooth lilting voice wraps
around me like a soft blanket. This woman believes every word she sings. Chuck
led the way as we rubbed shoulders and stepped on toes winding our way to the
makeshift bar where we picked up our Lagunitas Ales. It was really good beer,
especially since it was in a can!
A new band, Hush Kids, was introduced.
I liked their folk-like harmonies and arrangements immediately. I later learned
that Jill Andrews, one of the lead singers, is an artist in her own right. She
teamed up with keyboard player, guitarist and lead vocalist Peter Groenwald to
form Hush Kids. The band is completed with a lead guitar, bass and drums, all
tasteful musicians. Check these guys out
on YouTube. You need to hear their song, “All My Love.” They closed with this
one, just two voices and a guitar. You could hear a pin drop!
We grabbed dinner at Peg Leg Porker on
Gleaves Street. I had never been. Chuck,
a vegetarian, ordered coleslaw, mac and cheese, and fries. I had the half chicken with mac and cheese and
smoked green beans. I believe it was the best BBQ chicken I have ever had. The
green beans and mac and cheese were also out of this world as well. Chuck raved
about his coleslaw and sides. Don’t leave town without heading over to Peg Leg
Porker!
Arriving early at Mercy Lounge, we were
able to get a coveted seat near the stage. We were looking forward to My Politic, and they did not disappoint.
This band has been around a long while. Kaston Guffy (guitar and lead vocalist)
and Nick Pankey (guitar and vocals) started playing together as teenagers. Their
songs often look at the underbelly of rural life, addiction, economic woes, and
mountaintop mining. Yet, these are not depressing songs, rather a slice of
rural life. I especially liked “Loneliness” and “Heartless”.
Missing their last few songs, we went
downstairs to the Cannery Ballroom to hear Brandi
and The Alexanders. Brandi can melt your heart with a simmering blues
number like “Jealousy,” and the next minute she has you rocking out on
“Shaspeshifter.” She was backed by an ace band that not only accompanied Brandi
but took the songs to a different place musically. There were rock riffs on a
blues number, and jazz chords on a rock song. The arrangements were well thought
out and executed flawlessly. Brandi and the Alexanders delivered a phenomenal
show.
Before heading back to the car, we
climbed the stairs back up to Mercy Lounge to catch a few tunes by Jill Andrews (also of Hush Kids). She had the same talented band
with her that were at Concord Music earlier. Jill has a quiet, commanding
presence. Her honesty comes through on each number. Of her "The War Inside"
album, Andrews says, “When I set out to make this album, I wanted it to feel
like me, but me moving, me progressing. I wanted to stretch my legs a bit.” This
growth through struggle is evident on every line of her songs. My favorites
were “Get Up, Get On” and “What’s Your Hurry.”
Jill Andrews and Hush Kids are becoming my new favorite artist/artists!
It was time for Chuck to drive me back
to my car. I have a day job in the morning, somewhere near The Local!
Editor's Note: Tomorrow is the
Americana Fest Awards Show. This festival gets better and better every year.
(Story and accompanying photos by Music City Arts Contributing Writer Wil Comstock)
(To
learn more about the Americana Music Festival, visit www.AmericanaMusic.com.)
