Featured Friday Morning Shuffle – April Fools Mix

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ICYMI: Read my latest manifesto here.

It’s April 1 – no joke. Today, D. Boon would have been 58 years old. Hard to believe he had been gone for over 30 years. The music he made in his too short life was very important to me.

We have some Featured Friday music to kick off the fourth month of 2016

“Alcatraz” by PONY BOY

We start off our April with another awesome song from Pony Boy’s Blue Gold album. This is a good one. Produced by Justin Collins and Adam Landry for Cosmic Thug…

“New Yorkian Dairy Company” by Jonas H. Sjøvaag’s Navyelectre

Another track from this Norwegian artist. I am not sure if this is considered a bonus-track for the Large Ensemble album, but in any case, it is a great song.

“Don’t F It Up” by Chase Walker Band

Chase Walker is a young blues guitar prodigy. He and his band have an album forthcoming called Not Quite Legal. This is our first listen, and yeah it is good! The “F” word is only censored for the title, by the way.

“Runnin'” by Ashleigh Flynn

From a Million Stars. I was thinking about Ashleigh Flynn this week. When she was here in Nashville, she said Todd Snider’s “Play a Train Song” and Snider joined her on stage to sing a few lines. This week, I got to see and hear Snider himself play that song on the very same (The 5 Spot) stage. Ashleigh Flynn is good, ya’ll.

“Six Feet Down” by Amelia White

Another from Home Sweet Hotel. Such a great album – you really should check it out.

“Clarity” by Pony Girl

Pony Girl meet Pony Boy… Pony Boy meet Pony Girl. If you guys ever put together a “Tale of Two Ponies” tour or split single – I hope E2TG gets a shout out… 🙂 Pony Girl are from Canada. The band’s new album is called Foreign Life. Great stuff. I just now noticed that Raphael Weinroth-Browne of The Visit (who we featured a while back) plays cello on this album.

“April Fools” by Brian Wright

I promise this was not a plant! The shuffle brought this song up today of all days. I think I’ve said enough times that Brian Wright is one of the best songwriters I know. This is from the Café Rooster Sessions Vol. 1. Work is underway on Vol. 2, and I can’t wait. Brian Wright has been touring with Aaron Lee Tasjan and on his own, if he comes any where near you, do yourself a favor and go out and see him.

“Dancin’ Round The Nails” by The Jackals

We close out the week and the first shuffle of April with another track People by this outstanding Scottish band. They will be playing later in April before a Manchester City football match sponsored by Blue Soap-Music which is the source for a bunch of the great UK music that I feature here.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle – Am I a Shadow Mix

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A couple of East Nashville’s finest songwriters crossed the river last night for a casual show in the front room at the recently reopened 12th and Porter. Joseph Robert Krauss writes really good songs, has a great voice, and his mildly self-deprecating humor hit the right notes, too.

The thing that struck me about Darrin Bradbury last night is that he is a true performer (dare I say entertainer?) My appreciation for his songwriting is well documented, but last night, his talent as a performer really hit me. Having seen him in a variety of settings (from band shows at his well-attended January residency to Saturday’s impromptu performance for a handful of people under a canopy in the rain to last night’s loose/casual solo performance in front of relatively small crowd), what I noticed and realized last night is that regardless of the circumstance or setting, Darrin performs and performs well. For me it was great to hear some older songs which he does not play very often.

Also, Brock Zeman and Blair Hogan are returning to Nashville with shows tonight for $2 Tuesday at The 5 Spot and tomorrow night at Bobby’s Idle Hour.

Time for a shuffled peak into what is currently trending at E2TG:

“Waiting On The Man With The Sun” by The Jackals

We begin with another really catchy song from People by this Scottish band.

“Stars” by Some Kind of Illness

Keeping it in the UK, we move on to some catchy indie/guitar music from the self-titled album by this Manchester band.

“Egophoria” by Mind the Journey

Another track from Color in the Gray Machine. Mind the Journey is the psychedelic rock project of Spencer Sabo who is based out of Boston.

“Voice Perfume” by Jonas H. Sjøvaag’s Navyelectre

Jonas H. Sjøvaag is a drummer, singer, composer, designer, and photographer from Oslo, Norway. We have been featuring tracks from Large Ensemble by his Navyelectre project for some time, and I am really digging this music. Great songs, a unique voice, and a really innovative style.

“As Above As So Below” by Andrew Adkins

Another from Glass Castles! If you happen to be down at SXSW, try to catch Andrew Adkins who is among the many E2TG favorites gigging around Austin this week.

“Talk About Glory” by Simon Scardanelli

Next up, we have the recent single by Simon Scardanelli who was formerly in the band, Big Bam Boo who scored a Top 40 hit in the late 1980s. He has released several solo albums and form the side project Dr. Scardo in 2011. His latest solo album, Make Us Happy was released just a couple of weeks ago. Think very British, very aggressive punk/folk/pop music.

“Scrappy Dobbins” by The Grisly Hand

Our first listen to Flesh and Gold by this really excellent Kansas City band. This is a really exciting brand of roots and rock and roll. My first real listen, but it won’t’ be my last.

“The Mask” (Chris Peck Remix) by The Heavy Howl

The Heavy Howl are a rock band from New York. Their latest EP (New Mistake) was produced and engineered by Chris Peck – who E2TG listeners may Peck from his days with one-time featured band The Disappointment or more recently from his solo project Peck. He has been doing a lot of studio work including mixing and engineering Christopher Paul Stelling’s Labor Against Waste which was well received last year. The Heavy Howl asked Peck to remix their song from the album, and this is the result.

“Crossroads” by Julie Rhodes

Julie Rhodes is a powerhouse singer from Somerville, MA. Julie has a new record called Bound to Meet the Devil, and a sampler you can check out right now at Noisetrade. One of this bonus tracks on that sampler his this cover of the Robert Johnson classic. In another of those weird moments of connection, I found a video of Julie Rhodes with Christopher Paul Stelling (mentioned above) which I included in the Video Playlist. Nashville will have several opportunities to see Julie Rhodes this week (on her way to SXSW) and next (on her way back from SXSW) including stops next week at Music City Roots and a $2 Tuesday at The 5 Spot (next week).

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Featured Friday Music Shuffle – Love Cures Mix

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Last night was a wonderful reminder of the depth and width of the musical offerings that this city has to offer. Not even to mention the several awesome shows that I was able to attend. It began with week one of the Fats Kaplin and Friends. Kaplin is an incredible multi-instrumentalist who has worked with everyone from Jack White and Beck to Nanci Griffith and Trisha Yearwood. He also has several solo albums and albums with his wife – the amazing vocalist Kristi Rose (who sang several songs last night). The show was filled with magic tricks, good humor, and fantastic music. The residency will continue throughout March (with the exception of March 17), and I highly recommend it if you are in Nashville on one of those Thursdays.

You may recall, I posted several songs some time ago by Bashful Hips. It is very original music (think alternative hip hop as a jumping off point). Bashful Hips has a brand new CD called After I Died, I’ve Never Felt So Alive, and he celebrated the release with a diverse and spirited show at The End. Experimental, progressive rock band Work opened the night, Ted C. Fox played next with a sound that pretty awesomely melded bluegrass with more experimental post-rock elements, Bashful Hips was next delivering his new album song by song. Backed by Nathan Conrad of Spoken Nerd on bass and spieling over a pre-recorded track, Bashful Hips songs are complex and emotional and awesome. Expect to hear songs from the album in the shuffle soon. Spoken Nerd closed the night. This is unabashedly hip-hop music featuring a live band and pre-ordered music. I have a great respect for good hip-hop music – even if I admit to not knowing a lot about it. This was really good and when joined by Nashville rapper KidDead, the rapid fire word play was impressive.

It felt good to step out of my comfort zone (both location and musical styles), and I really had a blast.

Today’s themed shuffle is the original themed shuffle “Featured Friday”. Let’s do it!

“Delta Wave” by Mind the Journey

Mind the Journey is the project of Bostonian Spencer Sabo. The new album was produced in Sabo’s basement and is called Color in the Gray Machine. It is dreamy, heady stuff, and I dig it. A cool way to begin the morning.

“I Shall Prevail” by Bob Margolin

Blues legend “Steady Rollin'” Bob Margolin is up next with another track from his album My Road. This outstanding blues music without any unnecessary hyphens or frills.

“Love Cures” by Amelia White

We started the week with the title track from Amelia White’s Home Sweet Hotel album, and we wrap up the week with another track. I have long said music heals, and I do believe love can cure. Amelia White is a bright light in the East Nashville music community.

“City Lights” by All the King’s Men

All the King’s Men are a Manchester band who released their EP Making My Escape back in November. This is classic sounding rock with a modern edge to it. This track was catchy and powerful, and a ton of fun.

“Like a Stone” by Andrew Adkins

One of my favorite Nashville songwriters (and “Earie” award winner) Andrew Adkins has been releasing music under a variety of band/project names. For his latest album, Glass Castles, he goes back to his own name and has a made an outstanding record. The music here manages to defy expectations (even though the diversity of his recent projects have made it difficult to have expectations). I am looking forward to next Wednesday’s (March 9) show at The Country which will feature Adkins, his “Earie” co-winner Joe Nolan, Jon Byrd, Tim Carroll, and Tommy Womack in what promises to be a “not-to-be-missed” round.

“Eyes Awaken” by The Jackals

Another great track from People by Scottish cosmic rock and roll band, The Jackals. So good!

“95” by Gavin Chappell-Bates

And we close out with some pretty cool anthemic indie rock music from We Are Ones by UK singer-songwriter Gavin Chappell-Bates. Chappell-Bates is highly influenced by Manic Street Preachers (and that is never a bad thing). “95” looks back fondly on a simpler time, is filled with unbridled emotional honesty, and manages to navigate effectively away from nostalgia. Expect to hear more from this album here…

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Frosty Sailor Mix

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Today’s post will contain no references to Darrin Bradbury, Aaron Lee Tasjan, or Jon Latham. (damn, I just mentioned them…)

Tim Easton is one of East Nashville’s most respected songwriters. He is also (my words not his) the spiritual guiding force behind Campfire Propaganda – a loosely connected group of songwriters on the Eastside who feed off of each other creatively.

Over the past several months, Easton has undertaken the daunting task of posting 100 songs in 100 days – as a way to celebrate his 100th published song. He posted his 100th song yesterday, however, one of those songs was a Bob Dylan cover featuring the McCrary Sisters, Megan Palmer, and Aaron Lee Tasjan (damn, I mentioned him again!). All proceeds from that song go to charity.

Because it was Easton’s original intention to post 100 original songs, he decided to post song 101. It is called “Sail Away, Sailors”. And you can watch it below. According to Tim Easton, “It’s the tale of the Alaska youth traveler who gets a job trimming weed then goes to Mexico, then home to Kodiak Island.”

Expect one more song tomorrow, called “One for the Ditch” – just because. Tim Easton is currently working on completing his next album. Keep up with Tim Easton by following his Facebook page.

If you are in Nashville next Monday, look for Tim Easton along with Zach Schmidt opening up Week 2 of the Darrin Bradbury Residency. (damn, I mentioned him again, too!)

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Oh well, since I mentioned the other two, I should remind you that Jon Latham will do a free show at Soulshine Pizza on Friday to cap off his week as Local Artist of the Week for Lightning 100.

On to the shuffle….

“Frosty” by Clarence Gatemouth Brown

Pretty appropriate for this chilly winter morning. Hell, pretty appropriate just about any time. This came from the Round Records 45th Anniversary collection which I got via Noisetrade.

“Oh How!” by The Deadline Shakes

A brief instrumental from the album Zealots by this really cool band from Glascow. Dig their sound.

“High Time (You Quit Your Lowdown Ways)” by Waylon Jennings

A song written by Billy Ray Reynolds which was released on Dreaming My Dreams which was Waylon’s 22nd studio album – released in 1975.

“Coo” by Man Named Pearl

Another from -Quietus Make-. via the Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen collective. Man Named Pearl is the artist formerly (and currently) known as Jesse Turits. Have I mentioned how much I love this album? Check it out. Like soon!

“Apparition” (Live) by Leland Sundries

New York band Leland Sundries have some new music which should be popping up soon. In the meantime, another one from Live at the Creamery. This may well be my favorite Leland Sundries song – at least for today. A great hook in this one.

“Good for Me” by Josh Morris

And, we have another from Josh Morris’ Green Fields EP. This may be my favorite song on his record. The EP was released fairly early in 2015, but I still love listening to it. Always a good sign.

“Get Back Down” by John Wesley Harding

The artist now known as Wesley Stace (actually that is his real name). Back in the day, he was called John Wesley Harding (after the Dylan album – which in turn was a misspelling of the Old West outlaw, John Wesley Hardin). Anyway, this song is a favorite of mine from his album Why We Fight.

“Spinning” by Elephant Revival

This song is from the 2013 album Changing Skies. This live recording is from the Colorado band’s 2015 live album/DVD called Sands of Now.

“Just to Pass The Pleasant Time” by The Jackals

Our second Scottish band in the shuffle. Another awesome track from the band’s 2015 album, People. window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”;

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Monday Morning Music Shuffle – The Pills Ain’t Working Mix

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I am back after an extended time away… When I last posted, storms were on the horizon for Nashville and that appears to be the case today six days later. In fact, as I look out the window, the rain has started.

This is always an odd week. Christmas is over, New Years Eve is still a few days away. There is a sense of winding down of the old year and anticipation of what is to come. In my office, there are many people out this week. The overall pace of life seems just a wee bit slower. But, here at E2TG, we keep pushing to the end. We have more “Earies” to hand out and more shuffles to be shared.

The “Connections” Award.

The premise: Although, I don’t always explicitly state it, one of the central themes of Ear to the Ground has always been the thread of connectivity that runs throughout all music. The Shuffle (which to me is more than random) can often serve to highlight those connections. When songs that seem to be incongruous are placed together, they can often serve to reveal previously unseen connections. These connections come in all different forms and can be difficult to explain. Long time readers may recall a post I made a few years ago when I shuffled together the then new records by Imperial Rooster and Black Jake and the Carnies. These two bands came from different regions of the U.S. and were not even aware of each others existence but I found connections.

The Award: So for this award, I thought about artists/bands who have come into my consciousness who have no visible connection but who speak to me in very similar ways despite their obvious differences.

1. Tim Lee 3/Bark – A long time favorite of #E2TG, I first encountered TL3 via Couch by Couchwest. They are based in Knoxville and have roots in Jackson, MS. As I have gotten to know Tim and Susan Lee, I have discovered their deep connection to much of the music I listened to growing up. To illustrate, I found out not too long ago, that Tim Lee produced or co-produced Will and the Bushmen’s Gawk album which has been a favorite of mine for a long, long time. In 2015, Tim and Susan celebrated their vinyl anniversary (33 1/3 years) with the release of a new Tim Lee 3 album (331/3) and the very first EP from Bark. I was lucky enough to see both configurations live in 2015. The music of both bands manages to sound both fresh and familiar to me.

2. Susan James – A couple of years ago, I got the opportunity to hear and write about Susan’s then new album, Driving Toward the Sun. Susan is based in Southern California. At the time, I saw where D.J. Bonebrake of X (one of my all-time favorite bands) had acted as emcee for a CD release show for an earlier album. In 2015, Susan James released Sea Glass which marked a departure from the Americana feel of her previous two releases. Sea Glass is a wonderful example of California pop music. Several times on the album, the Paisley Underground sound is evoked very effectively. It is an album I want to hear over and over.

Just to put too fine a point on my premise, Tim and Susan Lee have some very deep and personal connections to the original Paisley Underground scene of the 1980s which is evoked so well on Susan James latest album.

On to the shuffle: I am going to be shuffling from the “Featured Music” playlist for the three days I am at work this week. Trying to get through some of 2015’s featured music to clear some room for the many new releases expected in early 2016.

“Taste the Ceiling” by Wilco

So, I think I read somewhere that Wilco front man Jeff Tweedy did not know that there was a new Star Wars movie imminent when naming the band’s latest album. The album, which was initially offered as a free download, made many top ten lists for 2015. I enjoyed the album as I have much of Wilco’s long and extensive catalog.

“More and More” by Bob Margolin

Another track from the new album by Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin. The album is called My Road. This is real deal blues music folks!

“Love to a Ghost” by Brandy Zdan

Nashville singer-songwriter Brandy Zdan recently released her self-titled debut solo album. She was previously a member of the duo Twilight Hotel and the band The Trishas. I was pleased to find a sampler from her new album on Noisetrade. Check it out and if you dig – pick up the whole album at the usual spots.

“Pinyin” (Instrumental Version) by Batkhi Dahn

We may be done featuring the Batkhi Dahn Chritmas EP, but we still have several more songs in our playlist. This is the instrumental version of the latest single.

“Call Out Mellobird” by The Jackals

Another track from People, the latest album from Edinburgh band The Jackals.

“In the End” by Ilana J

Another listen to the highly listenable debut EP, Free Fallin’ from the Ground Up. Ilana J is from Birmingham (not Alabama).

“Little Meghan Kelly” by Fendrick and Peck

Fendrick and Peck are a hard travelling, neo-traditionalist folk duo currently residing in Nashville. They released Lucky Penny this year, and it is one of my favorites of the year.

“Pills” by Carl Anderson

Speaking of favorites, we close out this shuffle with another track from Risk of Loss – which is definitely among my top ten albums of 2015 (if I made such a list). Carl Anderson is another Nashville artist having moved here from Charlottesville, VA.

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Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Old Soul Mix

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The end of the work week is at hand. Sunny skies and cooler temperatures are not a bad thing for mid-November.

We have a short but diverse collection of songs to round out the week – it ends with a five song run of awesome Nashville music.

“Raspberry Moon” by The Jackals

Before we get to the Nashville artists, we go international for a bit. Here is another awesome track from the album People by the Edinburgh band, The Jackals.

“Harperia” (8-bit) by vod

We next touch down in Canada for this interesting, experimental track from vod from Saint-Bruno-Lac-Saint-Jean. This song, which was released just ahead of the recent Canadian elections which saw the defeat of conservative Stephen Harper for which this song is named. This track came to my attention via the participation of Gabriel Lucas Gitin Riccio who you probably remember from The Gabriel Construct. I featured their album Interior City pretty extensively a couple of years ago. (An aside: Gabriel Construct recently played their first ever live show – which if you member the complexity of the music, you will realize was a remarkable achievement). Gabriel provided the vocals for the main “Harperia” track which we will get to soon enough. This is a cool, lo-fi electronica instrumental version of the track.

“Soul Thang” by Daphne Willis

We finally get back to Nashville to catch up with Daphne Willis. I first met and heard Daphne earlier this year down in Safety Harbor, Florida at the annual Safety Harbor Song Fest. This is a track from her brand new EP, Get It, which was released one week ago today. I attended the soft release show a few days prior to release – at the Basement East – where I caught up with another Nashville writer who I met at Safety Harbor. Chris Gelbuda co-produced this EP. Daphne Willis plays high-energy and fun, Pop music. Get It – as I said – is out now… so do what the title says.

“Old” by Reckless Johnny Wales

I have to say, with one of those birthday’s with a zero coming up in about two months, the concept of aging has been on my mind. With age comes experience and some change of perspective. Reckless Johnny may call himself old, but he is definitely not “in the way”. His album, American Heart, is looking to get an official release early next year. I was lucky enough to hear some of his interesting stories from a fascinating life. I hope to have the chance to hear more soon.

“CIA” (Home Recording, 2014) by Tom Schreck

“I Never Sang for No One But Myself” (Live 2014-02-24 At BLDG Nashville) by Tom Schreck

So thrilled to have two songs in a row from Nashville Outsider Tom Schreck from his new EP, Added Glory. The EP is meant to be a companion piece to his previous releases, Outsider (2009) and Save Your Glory (2014). The first track is a home recording of a song on which Schreck blows his cover. The second is a rocking version of a song that was originally on Outsider. It was recorder at BLDG with Schreck band, Tom Schreck Escapes. Tom is one of my favorite writers in town, and I highly recommend that you check him out if you have not.

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We close things out with another Nashville songwriter. Jeremy Nash recently returned to town. He has a brand new record called Getaway Driver which I am really enjoying. This is a track from that record. The album has a gorgeous cover – by the way. I got to see Jeremy play some songs solo at Bobby’s Idle Hour a couple of weeks ago, and that is where I got my grubby little hands on this record. Highly recommended.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Skeleton Frames Mix

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Here we are….

Last night, I went to 3rd and Lindsley to see Bebe Buell and her band. Bebe Buell has been an iconic figure in Rock and Roll for many years. She relocated to Nashville a little over a year ago. She has a relatively new band and her show was a lot of fun. Crystal Gayle joined her and The Blackfoot Gypsies closed the show with some of their high-energy shenanigans. Read more: My review for No Depression.

Another swell shuffle this morning… a mix of songs I am pretty sure you will not see duplicated at one of those run-of-the-mill music sites….

“Sleepless Nights” by Dan Coyle

#E2TG favorite Dan Coyle recently released a collection of songs over at Noisetrade (Free Download – Tips Encouraged). The collection is called Random Thoughts and Incomplete Sentences. This is the lead track.

“Green Light” by Paul Zografi

A chance encounter at a Tim Carroll and Joe Nolan show at Bobby’s Idle Hour on Music Row, lead me to meet Paul Zografi and to get a copy of his latest CD Bright. The album has become a favorite of mine. This is the lead track from that album.

“Pressure Beat” by Our Daughters Wedding

From the Thirteen O’clock compilation put out by Atlanta-based PPNW Records, comes this previously unreleased 1981 live recording by this New York Synthpop/New Wave band. Like much of the compilation, this track is like opening a trunk to find tons of old music that I had previously missed out on but which sounds like the music that I was listening to in those day.

“Thunder Road” by Bruce Springsteen

In my humble opinion, one of the best opening songs from one of the greatest albums of all time. So many great lines – rock and roll poetry that sets a very clear scene…

“Skyline” by Grumsling

Another nifty track from Full Coverage. Grumsling is definitely on my list of favorite artists – new to me in 2015. The hail from the Bay Area of California…

“Can’t Leave the City” by The Jackals

Another great band that came into my consciousness this year! From the album People!

“Turn Into Earth” by Al Stewart

Al Stewart’s hits “Year of the Cat” and “Time Passages” were iconic parts of my childhood experience. I probably heard those two songs hundreds of times in the late 70s or so. This cover of a Yardbirds’ song came to me via Aquarium Drunkard – I think. The original song was on the album Yardbirds (aka Roger the Engineer) which was released in 1966.

“Insomniac’s Lullaby” by Man Named Pearl

We close out today shuffle with a track from Quietus Make, the new album by Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen artist Jesse Turits who has begun recording under the Man Named Pearl moniker. Really digging this.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Sparkle Gone Mix

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Tonight on a very special episode of Music City Roots… Really looking forward to tonight’s benefit show for Tommy Womack. A rare Nashville area appearance of Jason and the Scorchers, Webb Wilder and the Beatnecks, Will Kimbrough, Dan Baird and more guests… If you can’t be there, you can watch the livestream.

After that it is Aaron Lee Tasjan, Nellie Clay, John Calvin Abney, and Levi Parham at The 5 Spot- where conveniently, the Roots bus will drop me off.

“Me Oh My” by The Honeycutters

The title track of the latest album from the Asheville, North Carolina band who have been getting some great and well deserved press. I dig this song.

“Wait a Minute” by David Schnaufer

A brief instrumental interlude from the late, great David Schnaufer. Schnaufer was one of those rare musicians who having mastered his instrument (in his case the Mountain Dulcimer) found the ability to expand the sonic possibilities of that instrument.

“I Got What I Wanted” by Randy Weeks

The first of three songs in the shuffle today from the brand new Ted Hawkins tribute album – Cold and Bitter Tears. Hawkins was a long time and well known street performer in Venice Beach. During his storied life, he mostly managed to elude mainstream or financial success, while earning respect from his fellow musicians and songwriters. During the last year of his life, he did find some degree of financial success, and from what I have gathered, he lived it up. Randy Weeks is a longtime Austin musician who was once a member of the Lonesome Strangers. By the way, for all three of the Hawkins’ songs in the shuffle – the video playlist contains a song by the artist AND the original Ted Hawkins version of the listed song.

“Strange Conversation” by Jon Dee Graham

The shuffle brings up another song from the Cold and Bitter Tears album and another from a longtime Austin resident – the legendary Jon Dee Graham whose credits include a who’s who of the music I have loved for the last 30 something years. He was a member of both The Skunks and True Believers. Coincidently, he is playing tonight at the Continental Club in Austin just before embarking on an extended tour that will take him all up and down the East Coast.

“Old Love Letter” by Reckless Johnny Wales

Speaking of legends… Reckless Johnny Wales is a legend in and of himself – with a storied history which we have previous recounted. His latest album American Heart is one of my favorites of 2015.

“My Last Goodbye” by Ramsay Midwood

And a third track from Cold and Bitter tears. This one is performed by yet another Texas musician. By the way, Randy Weeks is listed a member of Ramsay Midwood’s band. I got to hear Midwood perform this song at the Cold and Bitter Tears launch party during Americana week.

“Throw Down Your Guns” by The Colored Parade

Another great song from Andrew Adkins – this time from his band The Colored Parade – off their album …And The Walls of the City Will Shake. The Colored Parade called it quits back in August, but expect much more music from Adkins.

“Ghost Soul Traffic” by The Jackals

We have another great track from People – the latest album by Scottish band, The Jackals.

“Flagship” by Jason Isbell

And we close out today’s shuffle with a track from Jason Isbell off his most recent album Something More Than Free.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Every Dollar in the US Mint Mix

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Heritage Blues Orchestra with Special Guest Keb Mo

Took in a great show last night at the historic Franklin Theatre in Downtown Franklin, TN. The show marked the first ever Nashville area appearance of the Heritage Blues Orchestra from New York City. Their music incorporated traditional Blues tunes with some jazz-inspired arrangements to create a very diverse and fun night of music. The guitar work of Junior Mack was outstanding, the vocals were out of this world. Special Guest Keb Mo was incredible.

To close out the week, we have pretty cool Featured Friday shuffle that is a good mix that includes songs sent to me by some of the most consistently awesome publicists from whom I get music along with some awesome songs from of the immensely talented friends I’ve made on this journey of music and life.

“Kohly” by Angeline

Angeline (with an accent mark, I am too lazy to figure out how to type) is a French born singer-songwriter now living in London. Her new EP is called, Back to Pike, and this is actually the short instrumental prelude included as the first track. I personally love having introductions and instrumental preludes etc. included in the shuffle… makes for some fun transitions. Looking forward to featuring the rest of the EP soon.

“Master Drone” by The Unravelling

Speaking of interesting transitions. The previously mentioned prelude served as a precursor to this Heavy Rocking track from Calgary based The Unravelling. The song is loud and pounding and crunching… a great way to get me geared up for my Friday work day…

“Wired for Fun” by Bark

What do you do when you are a badass bass player? You take up the drums! At least that is what Susan Bauer Lee did last year, and out of that her and husband Tim Lee formed a side project to their band, Tim Lee 3 – called Bark. Bark released their debut EP earlier this year, and Wired for Fun is on that record. I dig it.

“Two Heads” by The Jackals

We have another track from Scottish band, The Jackals from their new record, People. Awesome Cosmic Rock and Roll from across the pond.

“The River” by Ted Drozdowski’s Scissormen

Remember when I reviewed Love and Life? In case you missed it, or need a refresher… here it is. It is very refreshing to hear artists like Scissormen and the Heritage Blues Orchestra upholding traditional roots music while simultaneously pushing into forward and keeping the music not just remembered but alive.

“Better Walk Right” by James Tomberlin

Still Life with Orange is both a great record (produced by E2TG fave/friend Josh Morris) and a consolation to the fact that James no longer lives in Nashville. He is off preparing to set the world ablaze with his legal brilliance. I met James a little over a year ago, when Darrin Bradbury introduced him as a great songwriter. Darrin was neither lying or overstating. James voice and guitar playing create a rich and unique soundscape for his brilliant songs.

“For What That’s Worth” by Patrick Kinsley and a Fistful of Dollars

Remember when I reviewed For a Thousand Miles? Here is where to find that review. Patrick Kinsley is another of those brilliant songwriters that I have met in Nashville over the past year or so. He is well read, insightful, has a unique voice, and is backed by a great sounding band.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Kicked Around Mix

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Monday! It is AMA week in Nashville… which means it is like a typical music week in Nashville on steroids. Welcome everyone visiting our fair city this week.

The week got off to a rousing start with East Nashville Songwriters Club in loft at Mad Donnas on the East side. Sammy Brue pretty much blew everyone away with a late addition opening slot. He was followed by the regularly scheduled Brian Johannesen, Joshua Black Wilkins, and Kristina Murray who all absolutely killed!

Tonight is the Kevin Gordon CD Release Show at City Winery Nashville with Sarah Potenza opening and lots of special guests.

Let’s get this week started right with a shuffle…

“Kicked Around” by Telepathic Teddy Bear

Our second to the last song from the album Forgiveness. I dig this song – as I do almost all of what Telepathic Teddy Bear does… and what a great name!

“Acceleration” by Drivin’ N’ Cryin’

The Atlanta Georgia based band, Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ last released a full-length record in 2009. Since then, they are released a series of EPs with “Songs” in the title. This track is from their 2012 EP called Songs About Cars, Space and the Ramones. Ironically, I was sitting stuck in traffic most of the time this song was playing.

“Where the Face of Angels Lay” by The Jackals

The Jackals are from Edinburgh, Scotland. This is my first listen and a track from their new album People. Some good old psychedelic-influenced rock and roll. I dig it.

“What a Way to Go” by Tim Carroll

From Pure As Coal. I count myself very lucky to have the opportunity to see Tim Carroll every week (at least once). He is one of Nashville’s best songwriters and guitarists. He also was our 300th “Like” on Facebook!

“Divisionary (Do the Right Thing)” by Ages and Ages

Another track from the 100 song World Café Sessions download – this one is the title track from the second album by Portland, Oregon band Ages and Ages. This was actually my first listen to this band, and I am interested in hearing more.

“What’s Got Wrong With You?” by Webb Wilder

Webb Wilder will be one of Kevin Gordon’s guests tonight at City Winery. From Wilder’s album, Hybrid Vigor. I’ve been a Webb Wilder fan for going on 30 years.

“Bury My Body” by Al Kooper and Shuggie Otis

From the 1969 album Kooper Session featuring the legendary Al Kooper and then 15 year old guitar phenom, Shuggie Otis – son of Johnny Otis. This song is a 9 minute long uplifting celebration of great music. A big hat tip to Sue Havlish who not only recommended this but sent me the song via iTunes.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Category: The Jackals

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