Tour De Concerts Part 1: Russell Dickerson

Last week was pretty dope. I haven’t had a week packed full of music in Nashville since….forever. Last week I was fortunate enough to attend three shows, all totally different. And I only paid for ONE

Ok, let’s start with Tuesday night. Russell Dickerson. I’ve known Russell through church for about a year. He’s a singer/songwriter by profession, specializing in country music. I had never heard anything other than praise and worship on a Sunday afternoon in the chapel. Imagine my surprise when I opened my day planner and saw his name scribbled under the date. Of course I had totally forgotten about this show, per usual. I would’ve never read that reminder if I didn’t have to jot down the address of a job interview. Thank you job hunt! Tuesday was my first time stepping foot inside 3rd & Lindsley. I was supposed to see my love Lianne La Havas there a few months ago, but I missed out on the tickets. *wipes away a single tear* It’s one of those “eat  and drink while enjoying a show” type of places, but without the pressure of a minimum. *glares at Jazz N Jokes ole $10 minimum having…* Nevermind that.

Russell walked out right on time with all his country rocker swag and band in tow. After a warm greeting, he went straight into the first song. Is four guitars and drums typical for a country set? I’m not sure, but what I do know is the sound was amazing!

“Green Light”, the second song, was by far my favorit. The smooth chorus made me hit an ill R&B body roll without even trying. Reflexes. And then he stransitioned from the chorus into Macklemore’s “Can’t Hold Us” and back again and It Was Flawless. Looooved IIIIIITTT!!!

Next was “Living Without You”, a new song, (all of them were new to me) and I witnessed this:

Amazingness.

Yes, his guitar is laying down. Tell me that isn’t dope! Like, is there a kick stand on that joint? I should have stuck around after the show to ask him how this worked.

Russell gave us deep voice country, reminiscent of Dirks Bentley “Come A Little Closer” the slow “Read My Lips”. Between me and you, I think he wrote that one after he got married.

The coolest thing about his show was his “tradition”. As an up and coming artist, it’s essential to keep your name out there as much as possible. Every show  Russell asks that everyone twitpic or instagram with the caption “Gettin @Russelled”. How clever!

Overall. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  Thank you Russell for having a free show for us Nashville folks! Needless to say, I’m all for paying to see you in the future!

See You At The CrossRoads: Fall Out Boy & The Band Perry

I was lucky enough to win a spot at the taping of a CMT Crossroads episode. Now, normally this wouldn’t be anything I’d really be interested in, but the featured artists were out of the norm. Stepping away from the usual bill of country “legends” this episode was set to showcase The Band Perry and Fall Out Boy. That is a far cry from the oh so popular Willie Nelson and Ray Charles special. There was no way I was passing this up.

Fun fact: There were two bass players, so they had to take turns. A first for both FOB and TBP.

I’ve participated in a TV production one other time. Bonnaroo. Sat second row at the Key & Peele hosted Comedy Central special, and laughed and smiled on cue. A month later, I discovered that CC edited a light-skinned chick into all the scenes where Key & Peele were actually talking to me and my equally Hershey’s Kiss complected friend. Jerks. Needless to say, I don’t expect to see much of myself on TV. Once the practice applause (so awkward) was over, they started the show.

This was a full on concert, but better. Why? Because they had to perform most of the songs twice!! One might think that this would be annoying, but it was actually pretty dope. The production/sound team found some random thing wrong with the first go round, everyone got their make-up touched up and step back up to their mics and guitars. The second time for every song was always so much better.

Touch-up Time! This happened after every song.

The match-up was perfect. The Band Perry is already pretty edgy for a country band. Fall Out Boy’s rock amazingness (not a word, I know) added so much to their songs, even the soft “If I Die Young”. It takes a special talent to add extra umph to such a sweet sentimental tune, and Patrick Stump sharing the lyrics with JJ was simply everything. The only downside for me, since there has to be one, was JJ on the Fall Out Boy songs. Her voice doesn’t project like Patrick’s. For example, I know “Sugar, We’re Going Down” and was ready to completely rock out and sing at the top of my lungs. JJ’s soft voice was kind of a buzz kill.

Seeing all of the employees, cameras, important people with headsets and everything that went int the set was amazing. Something that would end up being a 30 minute show probably took so much time and effort.

Favorite Moments: “Better Dig Two” and “If I Die Young”

Takeaway: This experience solidified my need to update my phone so I could’ve taken better pictures to share!! November can’t get here fast enough!!

JJ is beautiful, this picture just sucks. I’m getting a new phone.

Pete’s stories (once he got a mic) were hilarious

Just Listen: Jamie Cullum Doesn’t Want The Music To Stop

I’d first like to say that Spotify is a gift from the heavens. Second, I need for my new (is it still new in week 5?) place of employment to unblock Spotify so that I can listen to full albums for free. In the meantime, my Iphone app has been treating me very well. The most recent gem was delivered on The 20/20 Experience radio.

 

I’ve never been a faithful listener of Jamie Cullum, but his dopeness has always been apparent. Now Riri…. I don’t like her voice. Nope. She sounds like a PMSing cat, however, she is given some pretty good songs. So I guess I’m a fan of the songwriters that she uses. I’ve never ever liked Please Don’t Stop The Music. Nah, it can end. This version is sooo dope. Keep going Jamie boo!

Just Listen: Ah Yeah

 

 

Robert Glasper is a genius. This. Is genius. I don’t have too much more to say.

Writers Night At Drifters BBQ

I talk all the time about how there’s so much in Nashville that I have yet to discover and how I need to explore more. Well last week I was able to check one more thing off of my must see/must do list. A Nashville Writers Night! A new friend invited me out to see him play, and of course I said yes. I had no idea where I was going or what I was going to find once I got there. The only thing I knew for sure is what my friend’s voice sounded like. What I experienced was a nice surprise.

 

Drifters BBQ

Tucked away right off of Woodland Street is Drifters BBQ. Apparently this place has great food and is pretty popular. I’d never heard of it. (the perks of being a recovering hermit) I was greeted by multicolored Christmas lights adorning a spacious patio with tables strewn about. In the corner was a small stage. I walked in at the end of what I’m sure was a pretty cool performance by two brothers. Kind of sad I missed it. Here is how it worked:

Two artists at a time with their respective instruments (read: guitars). Four songs each. Back and forth. Just that simple.

This place was pretty much organic greatness. No frills. No lights. No big production. Just people who love their music and others who love to listen. So Cool!! My ears heard so many voices. So many stories. So many emotions. There were some gems and some duds. I wish I would have taken pictures, but that would have been beyond creepy.

There was a kazoo playing reserved rocker who sang about missing his lady while in a bar in Brooklyn. He voice reminded me of Kings Of Leon, but I could understand what he was saying. There was also a butch lesbian with the highest soprano voice ever. She sang about sunshine and rainbows, and not being accepted. Appropriate. I’m pretty sure someone should hire her to sing lullabies to their children. Everyone wasn’t amazing though. There was a guy who, to my understanding, is a regular. I’ve never seen someone so passionate about the simplest of pointless songs. Ever. This particular week he decided to bring his homeboy from the sticks of Tennessee. This man had a song about a speckled hen. A hen. Needless to say, he was the source of more than a few laughs.

Overall, I loved the writers night experience. My friend and his stage buddy did an amazing job. Good conversation. Interesting people. Will definitely be venturing out again. Any cool writers nights around the city that I should check out?