VIVA
NASHVEGAS
So...just returned
from Nashville where a few really cool things happened. Coolest of all was
meeting Lucinda Williams at the Goldrush on Elliston Place, actually having a
conversation with her and giving her an advance copy of "Fable". My
God. I almost peed my pants. Second coolest was playing the Exit/In, which has
a huge capacity and the greatest soundman alive, Frank and his co-hort Paul on
monitor sound. It was an amazing experience to step out on a very large stage,
just me and my acoustic guitar, Jagoda on his drum stage high above me behind.
Frank did an artistic job on sound, making me feel like I was a band, not just
the Taylor. Right after me played Jonah, a band from Portland, Oregon, who
really moved me. I spent 4 days hearing all
sorts of amazing music: Marly Hornik from Brooklyn, Abi Tapia from Maine,
Jeremy Wallace from NYC, Anne Mccue from Australia, a cute boy band (of all
things to find me at) from Nashville--NJ-3, and my very favorite of all, Sammy
J! a 13-year old Jon Benet look a like from London with a twangy accent,
slurred s's like an old country hack and the best "Stand By Your Man"
since karaoke night. Watch out for her! Star Search beckons....(of course,
she'll probably be baring her belly in no time and be plastered across the
front of "Rolling Stone" before I can stick my foot in my mouth--the
truth is the little girl can sing!).
Jagoda and I found Jack's BBQ on Broadway to be the cheapest and best
bet, since we had no car and were stuck with little choice in the way of food.
We spent way too much time and money at the Hatch Gallery. And I spent a few
minutes pondering my "Star Style" in panels led by country music
makeup artists and stylists. Hmmm...think the overalls, un-brushed hair and
badass hat did the trick? Jagoda, Marly
and I stayed on Music Row where everything is for rent or sale and not even the
Shoney's Inn can get you a $2.99 breakfast since the restaurant is boarded up.
Music Row looks like a corporate park, which sort of frightens me, but makes
sense. And everyone is a songwriter. I kept hoping to find Shook, my Music City
Taxi driver from my first Nashville trip 6 years ago. I'm sure he's still
around, singing his tunes in his cab #45.
I have 1 day for
laundry then I'm off to the midwest. From 70's and sunny to Chicago's 50's and
windy. Need to re-pack....
Oh. It's official. My
band is now The Amy Speace Showmobile. Bearded ladies, barkers and all....
xoxoxox
No comments:
Post a Comment