When I uprooted my children and me from very busy lives including school, church and career to move to the Nashville area in 2006 - I had really no idea what we would have for life changes. I came to realize rather quickly that there were 4 "S"s we were going to experience. They are: Steeples - there are soooo many churches here in the Bible Belt, even more than our home, Orlando, FL; Seasons - In FL it cools down a little at Thanksgiving and gets warm/hot in March; Sweet people - this is such a refreshing area, everyone is nice here; and finally, Saturation of Celebrity - I mean, WOW! Imagine running into a different Country, Pop or Christian star at least once a week whether at the grocery store, church or usually restaurants.
About a year after experiencing so many of the celebrity-spotting moments I was working out a local gym and a frequent member who was there every time seemed to always have the right thing to say - always quick to move off of a machine for me or any other patrons around. He always had inspiring things to say, all I knew about him for quite awhile was that his name was "Billy." It was a surprise to eventually discover that he wasn't just a "Billy," but he is Billy Gaines, Gospel, R&B and soul singing star, songwriter and artist. Again, I realized how lucky I was to be in this community of so much talent!
Billy is a 2-time Dove Award winner, a 4-time nominee, with quite a few albums sharing talents with his wife, Sarah. On their first self-titled album in the '80's they were #1 in the Top 40 six different times, with recognized tunes like "A Friend Indeed," "How Great This Heart Must Be," and "I Found Someone." In 2006 he soloed with outstanding album (CD) "Ten Thousand Angels," which was well-known by name alone through the mid-TN area, an area where "everyone" has a CD. Eventually, he was able to bring out crowds by using cover tunes and many of his favorites, which I had the pleasure to learn some of on the keyboard at one time.
Billy hasn't slowed down at all. He is still performing locally and regionally at restaurants, clubs, weddings, social functions and parties, as well as holding down a worship leader job at a local church. He is working fulltime - purely in music - again, in a very music-saturated area, which just proves how vital, inspiring and talented his performances are.
I ventured out to see him a week ago at a local restaurant in the popular Cool Springs/Franklin area - Wild Ginger, a trendy, airy sushi/wok/Asian restaurant with high ceilings, lots of windows and yet a nice stage area for his band's setup. His gig on this particular night consisted of mostly recognizable '70's tunes, starting off his opening set with "On Broadway." Songs following were "Lost in the Masquerade," "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," and "Killing Me Softly." His velvety-smooth vocals were not loud or even real easy to hear over a completely booked night this establishment had, but it was perfect, just enough to enjoy the music, the company and good food. It was definitely perfect sound and volume for the type of atmosphere for this performance.
Every memorable song had many patrons wording the lyrics occasionally, but the one song that seemed to have many abuzz was "Heard It Through the Grapevine." It IS amazing the longevity and lasting strength a good tune will always carry. During break Billy took 5 minutes to rest and then jumped on the keyboard to play a few more songs, showing that he doesn't like slowing down or stopping a performance until "the lights are dimmed." That, with the fact that the place was packed, was definitely smart thinking on his end.
This particular night his band consisted of Karlton Taylor, keys; J.C. Teasly, bass guitar; and Wendell Henry, drums. Speaking with the band later, I realized each one of these gentlemen were not only talented, but are every bit gentlemen and fun to be around.
All in all, what a great night! I had experienced a relaxing evening of good food and atmosphere, and talented entertainment with quite a following. I'm looking forward to enjoying Mr. Gaines' talent again sometime in the near future!
What better way to start off CMA Week 2012 in Nashville than with a triple show act. I had the pleasure of watching some of the following performers already in freestyle, acoustic form. Seeing them in a more conventional, performance-on-stage setting made it that much more versatile for their talent, but also more fun, obviously with full band backing.
The Listening Room Cafe was the "scene of the crime." This particular club, on the outskirts of the downtown club hub, is nice for a bigger show as it has more space than you originally think when first entering. The bar is huge, a gigantic square that greets you as soon as you enter. The room is L-shaped, with a nice long area of tables and seats smattered about. Because of the size of the bar you could easily cozy up on a bar stool and because of sitting higher up, still feel like you're right up close to the stage. I love this club setup!
First billing on this CMA afternoon was Tonja Rose, one true rose of a lady. I've gotten to know Tonja a little more since reviewing her in February, and I've got to say - she is the real deal. She is smart, fun, sweet and full of spiritual peace - you can tell all of that usually just chatting with her after a show. She is not a prima donna, she is someone you would love to have as a neighbor or close friend. Rose gives the impression she would be there for you anytime if needed.
Her selection of entertainment started off with a song I had already heard her sing - "The Bible and Me," the name showing her true feelings spiritually. However, that is NOT the nature of this song. It is what she calls her Angry Woman Song........ that was a great call. The song was a great pick-me-up, audience-here-I-am-wake-up kind of song. Following that she did a cover, Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror," which was sung with a different style than Jackson, full of country boldness and emotion. Having bongos for percussion added to this tune's flavor.
She delighted us with a new song, "There's More Where That Came From," which she told us was the song's premiere performance .......... LOVED IT! Her finishing act, "Lessons of Redemption" made me think: This could be her Redemption Song....... ha ha. Tonja's singing is fun, full of changes in voice quality and both soulful yet spicy. Her dress was a no- nonsense summer top and capris, a perfect look for early afternoon. Her new summer 'do, a cute, short look gave her bigger eyes, smiles, etc. Again, she is so unpretentious you totally fall in love with her act.
Next up - a brand new Florida-bred Nashville "baby," Lizzie Sider. Now, I looked at this "young lady" and thought, "Ah, fresh meat. 'Gotta be 17 -18??" Nope. This country babe is 14 years old......... yes, 14! So, learning that made me realize all the more how much the country music world continues to bring even the new generation into its fold. I so believe that Taylor Swift's such immediate success added to that fact. Even so, to have it in your bones at such a young age - pretty awesome!
Lizzie co-wrote most of her music, and just like a professional named each co-writer before each song. Her first tune, "Butterfly" was a perfect name for her - a beautiful developing new beauty in the field. Here's the amazement: she was really good. Not only good, but confident, strong, not afraid. Her smile was constantly there. I didn't see one time where she looked concerned, looking off as if to say, "Help, I'm scared." I smiled back non-stop and found myself thinking, "I sure hope this butterfly flutters around town and becomes a hit." She mastered the guitar while singing, then surprised us to show she is a "triple-threat" ......... she also played the keys!
A very melodious tune, "Souvenirs," was beautiful. Her final tune was titled "Childhood Fairytale," a sweet, poignant song.
My final thoughts on Lizzie? She's already got great eye-contact, seems mature beyond her age (14!) and really enjoys and believes in the lyrics of her music. Watch for this gorgeous reddish-blonde to be a name in country music in the next 5 years!
Finally, Koriander. What can I say? Nashville meets Detroit. The twang hits the jam. Koriander has created their own nook in the country world - they put funky jive into the mix. Tonja (Rose) changed during the Sider set, and was in decorated boots, evening performance dress and hair and make-up that was uptown and modern. Rose and front-stager Erin Ashleigh were a gorgeous duo, not only with harmony, but with appearance. Their unique jewelry was created and loaned by a new Franklin jewelry and crafts shop, CleverLeaf Goods (www.cleverleafgoods.com).
"Wrecking Ball," a funky-fun tune got us all rocking and moving from the beginning. A Carrie Underwood-style entry, "The Only Thing Wrong With Her .. Is Him," was a fightin', country-style, "take-him-down" tune. My Koriander fave, "Me & Jack Are Breaking Up" truly shows this band's style - country and blues with a funky upbeat. There were some covers - "The Train Song" and "You and I" (Lady Gaga) were fun, with softer, sweeter tunes intermingled. "Come and Get It" was a great ending, lots of fun, people were dancing, the afternoon was completely full of musical talent and frolic..... (Love the word "frolic," ha ha).
This performance was full of so much energy, more than any time I've seen them in the past. They have reached a point of pure jelled-sound. Rose added to the vocals to give great singer Ashleigh a great harmonious addition. The two girls had fun and played off of each other famously. This is a great duet! The band, each and every member, mastered their instruments. Leader EJ Ford is a true showman, with great key work while dancing and feeling every beat out with his movements.
Koriander has arrived!
It was actually only my second time to grace the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012. The first time was quite an eye-opener - very small bar/cafe, packed elbow-to-elbow crowd and 4 great songwriters taking their turn bringing us a collage of their funny, poignant and happy-go-lucky numbers. I left thinking, "Yeah, that was fine, but why so many people in that little place?" Well, this time I got it! My friend and I arrived 5 mins. late to an even more-packed-than-before Bluebird. The stage was filled with seats that were squeezed in so tight I couldn't figure out how it was done. The performers were in the center of the room on the floor, even more reachable than the last time. Our table was in a convenient location, right up next to the circle. My girlfriend, who has a raspy low voice made a comment after one song that was picked up by their mics and the whole audience roared, THAT'S how tight and close we all were! (Side thought: this show was sold out when reservations began. If they bought neighboring businesses this cafe would make a fortune!) Each of the 4 featured singers would sing, followed by the next, and so on, so everyone in the circle was constantly plucking, playing, harmonizing, singing, etc.
I had been invited to this show by Erin Ashleigh, front person/singer for the country band Koriander(koriandermusic.com). Erin is a gorgeous, appealing performer, complete with long, curled blonde hair and big, beautiful eyes. One is drawn to her just from her outward appeal, aside from her musical talents. She opened up her heart with a funny tune, "Me and Jack Are Breaking Up," which, by the name would tell you there was humor in this song. One of the other 4 performers, Mason Douglas, and Erin co-wrote her next number about a girl named Savannah, followed by "Be-You-T-Ful," a personal favorite of mine, inspiring us to be US, to be beautiful with all of our hearts loving ourselves as we are. "Your Place Or Mine?" So much fun! Ms. Ashleigh is gifted all the way around, with beauty, writing ability and with not only singing talent but with stage presence. Her messages are very strong, as one example "Belle of the Wrecking Ball" with piano accompanying her, thus bringing out the tune's full expression.
Keyboardist EJ (Erskine) Ford, Jr., who is keyboardist and band leader for Koriander, provided amazing piano sounds for the entire group on most of the numbers. Honestly, everyone's accompaniment for each other epitomized a band that had been playing together for months, and this was just a one-night performance together for the featured singers!
Unfortunately due to the lack of stage and the circling setup for the singers Tonya Stout's back was to me. That's no reflection of her talent, but did make it slightly hard to feel her emotions as much as the others as I couldn't watch her face. However, Tonya not only sings but plays a pretty good guitar. She's from Indiana and with a birth name like Tonya Lynette Whitman, she knew she was destined for Tennessee AND country music. Her voice has a definite country "schound," but is very beautiful and melodious at the same time. "Every Dog Has His Day" was fun and upbeat, and "Being Your Wife" (I think was the name) spoke of making vows to her husband and falling for him everyday all over again....very romantic! Her humor came out full-swing with "The Only Thing Wrong With You is Him."
Tonja Rose............ a striking brunette, appealing not only as a songwriter/performer, but also as a speaker/announcer. She reminds me of Rachael Ray, meaning Ray's true gift is cooking, but she knows how to host guests and bring out secrets, fun things and gifts they have. Tonja moderated and brought humor in between everyone else's music! "Move" was moving, telling us her love is writing music more than singing and that showed with her very lyrical choices that night. "Getting Started," then showed her amazing vocal talent, as her voice backed away from the mic still filled the room clearly. A song about taking second chances "Dancing" made us want to get up and dance, even though there was definitely no room for that. Her following numbers "Three Things You Dont Burn and Go Scott Free" and "The Bible, Old Glory and Me" were truly melodious. Her final tune, "That Was What I Was Afraid Of" was touching, thoughtful and, of course, beautiful. What a great, all-around performer! Check her out at Tonjarose.com.
Lastly, the one male performer was Mason Douglas (Masondouglasmusic.com). This gentleman is a definite love of performing! His personality stood out to me as a one-of-a-kind. He also has stong guitar talent along with vocals as he began with "Can't You Feel the Temperature Rising." He and extra guitarist Jesse were dueling guitarists on this and several songs. "Let Your Hands Speak to Me" was sweet, full of emotion and unbelievable. This song brought tears to everyone's eyes, even the other performers! Then his next time around he changed his mood to humorous with "Show Me What You Got...." (Under Your Red Hood), combining his lyrics and music with a Lady Gaga tune. His last number, "Anything Could Happen" seriously brought the house down.
Erin's last number "Second-Hand Smoke" was perfect, my favorite number for the evening! The bridge was awesome, the song was beautiful, and it was definitely a perfect ending to a perfect evening.
This group showed me I HAVE to spend more time at the Bluebird as I know there's probably going to be more talent like this at the cafe! See ya'll then!
