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!
