Bristol’s very own Birthplace Of Country Music Mueum will be launching an interesting campaign this February, as they celebrate a Legend none other than Tennessee Ernie Ford. As many of you know The Tennessee Pea Picker Mr. Ernest Jennings Ford was born on February 13th in Bristol Tennessee. This excerpt from the official website:
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Tonight I ventured out to Nashville to see Whiskey Myers at the Cannery Ballroom. Now to be honest I’m not really into the crammed sardine type venues, which is why I prefer festivals with more room. But there is a back room area with tables and you can hear very well, I shall sneak up for pictures later. When they say it is a sellout they are not kidding, and it dies my heart damn good to see that happen here. I can remember bands like this only generating a hand full of people. This was also an opportunity to enjoy the fruits of my labor tonight , in my new truck. My new mobile command center if you will, which I have been specially building for travel and computer work for some time now.
Despite the fact we haven’t had any new music from this band in two years, their live show is still a force to be reckoned with on every front. I covered this band many times and once again they opened with their title song “Early Morning Shakes”. The last time I covered them was at the Plaza Theater in Glasgow Kentucky, and you can read that HERE.
Another one they started out with was “Deep Down In The South” from their latest album 2016s Mud. To be totally honest I cannot even judge the sound or lights on this particular show, because of the fact I am tucked away in the back room here. But at least I did find a good place to sit down and kind of get out of the way, this is not a venue for people that get worn out easily like me.
Tonight was basically a more personal trip out to enjoy myself and catch up on some emails while I listened to some live music. I don’t always necessarily need to be right in front of the stage to enjoy the show. As I sit here and listen to them play “On The River”, I can only admire their growth in both style and sound. Like last weekend, where I enjoyed the Steel Woods ( You can read that HERE), this band is the total equivalent of that formula of hard work and many years of small venues.
Off of the Mud album right now they are playing one of my favorites called “Frogman” . Many of their songs are southern swamp Rock anthems laced with rough guitar riffs. I really appreciated all of the security here tonight, that did an outstanding job as I kind of watched them most of the night. They have a large no nonsense crew of people, that are VERY friendly if you are here to have an honest good time.
It was truly enjoyable to just chill out and document whatever song I wanted to, and just kind of immerse myself in the ambiance of the venue. Once they opened with their first few lines of “Ballad Of A Southern Man” I got to watch the entire room go wild from afar, which was fun for me. Yeah I know what you are thinking I cannot be in this business and NOT be in crowds and that is true, however I cannot be crammed into a small area like that…Ol Mr. Gary has to have a little space. That’s the beauty of music there is NO rules or limitations on how to enjoy it, in public or at home.
Their set continued on into the night with great songs like ” Trailer We Call Home” and laced with MORE COWBELL, yep our buddy was riling up the crowd on the foot of the stage again with his cowbell. It had more and more guitar solos and all out jam sessions as the went in and out of a medley of songs like “Home” . They played in Louisville last night, and I understand that show was also sold out, I am humbled and proud that more and more people are coming out and enjoying live music.
If YOU have a show YOU would like added to my list PLEASE email me at garyhayes2@yahoo.com. I literally watch more than 40 venues in Nashville plus belong to many concert websites in order to bring you this coverage. NEW IN 2018, folks I am always looking for ways to enhance what I do for you. So this year I’ll be reporting on further Kentucky shows, and further Tennessee shows as well.
Mr. Joshua and I cover hundreds of shows a year, and many festivals in person. Online, we cover 200 festivals yearly and bring a LOT of news to the masses. Folks WHATEVER YOU DO PLEASE support live venue music
Sarah Gayle Meech
American Legion Feb 19th
Sean K. Preston And The Loaded Pistols
Tennessee Brew Works Feb 21st 2019
Mandy Barnett
3Rd And Lindsley feb 21st
Travis Tritt
Country music Hall Of Fame Feb 22nd and 23rd 2019
Cody Canada
The Burl Feb 21st
Cody Canada
Southgate House Feb 22nd
Ronnie Milsap
Glema Mahr Center Madisonville Ky Feb 22nd
Blackberry Smoke
The Ryman Auditorium Feb 22nd and 23rd
Tim Atwood
Country Music Hall Of Fame Feb 23rd
Travis Tritt
CMA Theater Feb 22nd, 23rd and 24th
Missy Raines And The New Hip
Nashville City Winery Feb 24th
Randy Rogers Band
Marathon Music Works Feb 23rd
Porter Union
George Jones museum Feb 23rd
Josh Abbott Band
Marathon Music Works Feb 23rd
Rhonda Vincent And The Rage
Bluegrass Hall Of Fame Feb 23rd
John R Miller
Tim Easton
Bendigo Fletcher
Basement Feb 24th
Nikki Lane
Acme Feed And Seed Feb 25th
Jimmy Fortune
The Capitol Theater Feb 26th
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Songbirds South Feb 26th
Kacey Musgraves
Ryman Auditorium Feb 27th 2019
Kasey Musgraves
Bridgestone Arena March 1 and 2nd 2019
Alex Williams
3rd And Lindsley March 1st
Sarah Gayle Meech
Layla’s March 1st,8th,14th,22nd,29th,30th
Sarah Gayle Meech
Robert’s March 2nd,6th,7th,16th,20th,21st,23rd,28th
The Josephines
The Burl Lexington Ky March 1st
The Wooks
The Burl Lexington Ky March 2nd
Nick Dittmeier And The Sawdusters
Southgate House March 2nd
Jason Eady
southgate House March 3rd
Elizabeth Cook
Chris Shiflett
Kendell Marvel
The Basement East March 3rd
Dustbowl Revival
Exit Inn March 3rd
Supersuckers
Exit In March 4rth
Chuck Mead
Southgate House March 6th
Alex Williams
Southgate House March 7th
Parker Milsap
The Burl March 14th
Nicholas Jamerson
The Burl March 15th
Buffalo Wabs And The Price Hill Hustle
The Burl March 16th
Wonky Tonk
Basement March 20th
William Clark Green
the Burl March 22nd
William Clark Green
Basement East March 23rd
Lost Dog Street Band
The Burl March 28th
Eric Bolander
Album Release Party March 29th
Molly Tuttle
City Winery April 5th
Chuck Mead And The Grassy Knoll Boys
Southgate House April 6th
Alex Williams
Southgate House April 7th
The Wooks
Old Salt Union
Southgate House April 8th
Emi Sunshine
War Memorial Auditorium March 7th
Sarah Shook And The Disarmers
The Basement East March 8th
Whitey Morgan And The 78s
Minglewood Hall Memphis Tn March 9th
Steep Canyon Rangers
Bluegrass HOF March 9th
Joe Diffie
State Theater E town Ky May 10th
The Supersuckers
Southgate House March 14th
Hogslop String Band
Basement East March 15th
Whitey Morgan And The 78’s
Capone’s Johnson City Tn March 15th
Whitey Morgan And The 78’s
Headliners Music Hall Louisville Ky March 15th
Parker Milsap
Capitol Arts Center March 16th
Hannah Aldridge
Wonky Tonk
Nellen Dryden
The Basement March 20th
Hogslop String Band
Long Hollow Brewing Co. March 22nd
Parker Milsap
Southgate House March 22nd
William Clark Green
Basement East March 23rd
Kristina Murray
The Basement March 23rd
Kinky Friedman
Southgate House March 26th
Joseph Huber
Southgate House March 26th
Lara Hope And The Ark Tones
Hotel Cambria Nashville Tn Feb 26th
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Songbirds South Feb 26th
Nathan Belt And The Buckles
American Legion Post 82 March 12th
Austin Lucas
True Music Room Marcg 12th
Marty Stuart
Kathy Mattea
Asleep At the Wheel
Holly Williams
Roseanne Cash
Ryman Auditorium March 27th
Brent Cobb
Basement East March 28th
Weston Harris Hill
Matt Woods
Basement March 28th
Infamous Stringdusters
The Great Peacock
Marathon Music Works March 29th
Joey Allcorn
Nashville Palace March 29th
Confederate Railroad
Cahoots Dancehall March 29th
Mike And The Moonpies
Nashville Palace March 29th
Weston Harris Album Release Party
Matt Woods
The Basement March 28th
The Goddamn Gallows
Scott H Biram
Urban Pioneers
Basement East March 29th
Eric Bolander
The burl Lexington Ky March 29th
Lost Dog Street Band
Justin Wells
Matt Heckler
Exit Inn March 29th
Rye Davis
Spillway Bar And Grill March 30th
The Reeves Brothers
American Legion post 82 April 2nd
Lucinda Williams
Ryman Auditorium April 2nd
David Ball
American Legion Post 82 April 2nd
Molly Tuttle
Basement East April 3rd
Sarah Gayle Meech
Robert’s April 3rd,4rth
Howlin Brothers
Station Inn April 4th
Reckless Kelly
Basement East April 5th
Sarah Gayle Meech
Layla’s April 5th,6th
Andrea Colburn And Mud Moseley
American Legion Post 82 April 6th
Tracey Byrd
Red Barn Convention Center April 6th
Oak Ridge Boys
Renfro Valley April 6th
Reverend Horton Heat
Legendary Shack Shakers
Hooten Hallers
Southgate House Revival April 8th
Hayes Carll
The Basement East April 11th
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Hi Tone April 11th
Sierra Hull
Bluegrass Hall Of Fame April 12th
The Glade City Rounders
Station Inn April 12th
Allison Moorer
City Winery April 12th
Ward Davis
The Southgate House April 12th
Ward Davis
Warehouse Bowling Green Ky April 13th
Allison Moorer
City Winery April 12th
Gene Watson
Renfro Valley April 13th
Whiskeydick
P And H Cafe Memphis Tn April 13th
Dale Watson
3rd And Lindsley April 14th
Whiskeydick
JJ Bohemia Chattanooga Tennessee April 16th
Henhouse Prowlers
Basement East April 17th
The Barnyard Stompers
The Cobra Nashville April 18th
Ward Davis
1884 Lounge Memphis April 18th
Jamey Johnson
Renfro Valley April 19th and 20th
Ward Davis
Songbirds April 19th
Suzy Bogguss
Bluegrass hall Of Fame April 20th
Ward Davis
Capone’s April 20th
Flatland Cavalry
Basement East April 22nd
Rory Feel
Paul Overstreet
Renfro Valley April 26th
Sunny Sweeney
Southgate House April 26th
Gatlin Boys
Renfro Valley April 27th
The Grascals
Courthouse Square In Leitchfield Ky July 20th 2019
Cody Johnson
Ryman Auditorium May 4rth
Gene Watson
Red Barn Convention Center May 4rth
John Anderson
Ryman Auditorium May 6th
Charley Pride
Carson Center Paducah Ky May 10th
Joe Diffie
State Theater Elizabethtown Ky May 10th
Railroad Earth
Basement East May 10th
Jerry Douglass
City Winery May 11th
Ruby Boots
The Burl May 12th
Jamey Johnson
KFC YUM Center Louisville Ky May 16th
Deer Tick
Ryman Auditorium May 17th
Dailey And Vincent
Renfro Valley May 18th
Cory Branan
The burl May 22nd
Jerry Douglass
Bluegrass Hall Of Fame July 12th
John Prine
Kelsey Waldon
Lu-Ray Park Ampitheater
Central City Ky July 13th
Cory Branon
Basement East May 23rd
The Steel Woods
The Shed Maryville Tn July 27th
Kristina Murray
American Legion Post 82 July 30th
Raelyn Nelson
The 5 Spot August 19th
Jimmy Fortune
Kentucky Opry August 24th
Gene Watson
Kentucky Opry October 25th and 26th
Chris Stapleton
Fed ex Forum Memphis Tn October 5th
Chris Stapleton
KFC Yum Center November 2nd
Chris Stapleton
Memphis Tn November 5th
Unknown Hinson
Exit Inn December 31st
As I type this I am sitting in my truck watching cranes work on what is to be the new Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville restaurant. The downtown area is rapidly changing, and not always for the best..no many times it is totally to the detriment of history and tradition. It immensely pains me to see places like Bobby’s Idle Hour going away, to be replaced by condos. According to the statistics, Nashville is growing at an uncanny rate by 100 people PER DAY!
But I’ll tell you what, no matter how much Nashville changes, some of the smaller venues are the same. Now, some of the smaller venues are actually not small..like the mighty 3Rd and lindsley. Here I am again to bring YOU TWO NIGHTS of mayhem and music. I’m going to be here for two nights this weekend folks, and tonight I shall be reporting on the show from the upstairs area. Tomorrow I shall be working downstairs. Both nights are pretty much sold out and jammed packed.
I’m extremely excited for THREE reasons…ONE is NEW music from this powerhouse band of men from Nashville that are growing at an exponential rate. Their hard work and no holds barred attitude has solidified them within our local music community, and maintained a big draw for them on the road as well. Their new album “Old News” is already garnering attention from us and other websites like my buddy over at Country Music Armadillo.
The SECOND reason is the RETURN of Mr. Rowdy Cope, who helped invent this band. He needed to take some time off for personal issues and to rest, however now he IS BACK and they are reportedly ready to play like a well oiled machine.
The THIRD reason is one of my newfound friends whom was formerly with Mr. Whitey Morgan And The 78’s. His album was on my TOP 50 OF 2018, and that man is Mr. Josh Card And The Restless Souls. His debut album ‘With A heavy Heart” wowed me, as did his first live performance I watched on New Years Day 2018, right there I saw HUGE potential as a solo artist. My partner Mr. Joshua Wallace covered his album release party, and you can read that HERE
Mr. Josh Card is playing first here tonight, as well as tomorrow night and will be on tour with them for some time now. I have a pretty good seat back here upstairs to watch the show from both perspectives this weekend, and I have pretty much everything I need to make a perfect article here tonight.
Friday Night:
Mr. Josh began the show with aggressive energy as he opened with a song called ‘Better Off That Way”, and he had Mr. Brett Robinson playing steel for him tonight. His former band mate when he played for the 78’s, Mr. Brett brought his signature tone to us tonight. Especially on the second song called “Devil’s Blood”, which gave him some truly fine solos before he kicked off the song called “Suffer”.
He explained that when he wrote this one, he drank too much whiskey and listened to too much Ray Price. I love the lyrics to this song, and it’s my favorite song on the album by far. It is a damn fine two stepper, with a shuffle thump. he followed that up with the song called “Won’t Chase Your love Anymore”.
You know guys, this young man is MUCH more comfortable on stage here, I really feel he is becoming more comfortable up front, being the center focus. He played a very good performance of the song “Choice To Make”. He did play a cover song of Merle Haggard called “Ramblin Fever”, from the 1977 album of the same name.
The steel Woods came to bring the house down! As their new album has brought RAVING reviews to the media world, and as I previously stated Mr. Rowdy coming back, this band is at a pinnacle of growth. The only way for them to go is up, and as they enter to the eerie version of “In the Pines” UP is where the went.
They began with “Axe” tonight and drove this place into a complete frenzy of screaming voices and swinging fists, with their rough harmonies. The first song from their new album called ‘Old News” was called “All Of These Years”.
“Without You” was a song I could have used a few years back when I got my divorce, it is a song of moving on and putting the past behind you. Another new song was called “Blind Lover”, that featured some damn fine guitar slinging riffs. This show included some truly fine songs off the first album like one of my favorites called “Della Jane’s Heart”.
Mr. Wes explained to us that the new record was a lot of work, and it was a long time coming however they were still going to play songs off the old album, like the self title called “Straw In the Wind”. Speaking of self titled songs perhaps one of their more well written songs was “Old News”, it is a truly tough song about America. This song has perhaps one of the BEST LINES I have heard in many years “And pray for Miss Liberty and the crack in her bell, there’s a tear in her eye, but her arm hasn’t fell”.
Next up was a song called “Rock That Says My Name” ,basically tonight I am jusy enjoying the music and watching. Tomorrow I will indeed take many more pictures from that show. Right now they are playing the GREAT song “Let The Rain Come Down”.
They are playing some songs in honor of folks that passed away, one of them was the song called “One Of These Days”. That is the concept of the title of “Old News”. But right now they are playing “Are The Good times Still Over” from Merle Haggard’s, and they followed that up with their powerful version of “Whipping Post”. You cannot deny this band ANY CREDIT whatsoever on ANY front, especially for a twenty dollar ticket!
“Southern Accent” was another great pinnacle of tonight’s show. Afterwards they played a few more for an encore here, like “Better In The Fall”. Also included was an instrumental before playing their cover of “Hole In the Sky”, and that was the end of Friday’s show.
Saturday Night:
I have bigger expectations of tonight’s show over last night. One of the main reasons will be to see how the set list difference is for both acts. This place is crazy packed full of people who are ready to hear the new music from both bands. Tonight is the sellout show that toppled last night in sales, I haven’t seen this place this packed since Mr. Cody Jinks played here last. Speaking of Mr. Cody Jinks he actually showed up tonight as my partner Mr. Joshua told me the Flockers were talking about him being there. He came out on night 2 and sang with them.
Everything so far has been absolutely amazing in every way, good food and great friends. New fans and old ones as well came out for two nights of music. I wanted to point out Mr. Jay Tooke one damn fine drummer, who sweats back there behind the kit night after night, and tonight those boys are playing the Opry. Also, Mr. Johnny Stanton is a damn fine bass player. Every time I am watching this band, the never fail to disappoint.
Saturday’s Set List For Mr. Josh Card.
2. Devil’s Blood
3. Suffer
4. Won’t Chase Your Love
5. Choice To Make
6. Ramblin Fever
Saturday’s Set List For The Steel Woods.
1. Axe
2. All Of These Years
3. Without You
4. Blind Lover
5. Anna Lee
6. Della Jane’s Heart
7. Straw in The Wind
8. Compared To A Soul
9. Old News
10. Rock That Says My Name
11. Let The Rain Come Down
12. One Of These Days
13. Are The Good Times Really Over
14. Whipping post
15. Southern Accents
FUTURE TOUR DATES:
By Joshua Wallace
It’s not often when I hear a new album in January that makes me think it’s an album of the year contender, and even less often when that album is from a new artist. You might be familiar with Joshua Ray Walker as he has already opened for names such as Colter Wall, American Aquarium and James Hand. He’s out of Dallas, TX and frequently plays shows in that region. If you’re not familiar with Joshua Ray Walker, prepare to hear his name often as this is a record that will be on many favorite album lists. At the age of 28, Joshua Ray has vocal control and a songwriting ability to match those twice his age.
The album kicks off with a monster of a track called “Canyon”. Joshua Ray blows you away with his lyrics right from the start. “I’m a big big man, not just in size or in stature, in terms of space that can’t be filled, I’m a bottomless Cayon without a drop to spill”. Such emotion is in these lyrics and I love the tune behind this one as well. It has some amazing pedal steel work. Another great tune on this album is “Lot Lizard”. The highlight of this one is the yodeling, it gets me every time.
Another favorite track is “Burn It”. This one changes things up a bit and goes for a bluesy electric feel. Joshua nails it even though it’s not his typical style proving he has some strong vocal chops. “Keep” is a great sad bastard country song about the sorrow of a man who is trying to kill himself because his woman left him. Van Darien provides vocals for the other side of this relationship on this can’t miss track. “Love Songs” is a Tejano inspired track about why Joshua doesn’t write love songs. It’s another great highlight that shows the diversity of the album. Finally, “Last Call” ends the album with a track about the woman you hook up with at the end of the night. The kind of one time hookup that neither party parts ways happy about.
Joshua Ray Walker has a way with lyrics, whether it’s a sad bastard country song or an ode to truck stop prostitutes. I’m really liking what I’m hearing on this album and I can’t wait to hear more from this Dallas, TX singer. I can assure you, this album has earned a spot on my 2019 Top 50 Albums of the Year. The album is out tomorrow (01/25/2019) on State Fair Records and is available everywhere good music is sold.
Favorite Tracks : Canyon, Trouble, Lot Lizard, Burn It, Keep, Love Songs, Last Call
Joshua Ray Walker – Wish You Were Here (2019)
By Joshua Wallace
The Steel Woods have released their second album and it’s a banger. Clocking in at 68 minutes, this 15 track epic features 9 originals and 6 covers. It feels like two projects in one but the entire package works. In my opinion, this record is a southern rock tour de force. It pays respects to those that came before and moves the genre solidly into 2019. Let’s take a deeper dive into some of this huge record.
Right off the bat, The Steel Woods come out swinging with “All Of These Years”. It’s a blazing southern rock track that will get you on your feet in your living room, the back of your truck or wherever you happen to be listening to the album. That blazing solo lets you know what you’re in for real quick. The track “Blind Lover” goes into more bluesey southern rock territory, but still southern rock at its core. Just like “All Of These Years”, this track features some killer guitar work. “Compared To A Soul” continues the bluesey southern rock trend. I dig the riffs on this one and it’s another solid track worth checking out.
The song “Anna Lee” switches and takes the band into almost bluegrass and country territory. The acoustic guitars are just as blazing fast as the electric and this track really showcases this band’s depth and range. If you want to see some more of the band’s range, look no further than their second Black Sabbath cover in “Changes”. It’s a slower track, but they nail it just like every other cover on this record.
Digging more into the covers, I really like the Wayne Mills cover “One Of These Days”. The world can never get enough Wayne Mills and while I’m waiting for someone to record a worthy cover of “Last Honky Tonk”, this will suffice. The band also does a good turn of Tom Petty’s “Southern Accents” and Townes Van Zandt’s “The Catfish Song”. However, if you want the grade A prime cut of the album, look no further than “Whipping Post”. Friends, this song blew me away the first time I heard it live. Those guitars had to be smoking. Does the recorded version live up to the live cut? While I will admit, it doesn’t pack the same punch as hearing the band do it live, it does inspire some serious headbanging.
Ladies and gentlemen, The Steel Woods have arrived and are here to stay. This is one mammoth and epic album that is sure to satisfy any southern rock or traditional country fan. If you want some more coverage of The Steel Woods, I know for a fact that my buddy Gary Hayes attended both nights of their shows in Nashville, TN with Josh Card as the opening act. He will have a post up on that very soon. We will also be covering The Steel Woods as a part of this year’s Tumbleweed Country Music Festival. It’s gonna be a good time. Old News is available everywhere good music is sold or streamed. Get yourself a copy and prepare to have your face melted.
Favorite Tracks : All These Years, Blind Lover, Compared To A Soul, Anna Lee, One Of These Days, Whipping Post, Southern Accents
The Steel Woods – Old News (2019)
By Joshua Wallace
Alice Wallace has released her fourth album Into The Blue and her first for Rebelle Road Records. This record finds Alice embracing the sound of California country throughout. It helps her paint a landscape with songs like “Echo Canyon” and “Santa Ana Winds” that puts you right into California as you listen to this amazing record.
One of my favorite tracks is the western twangy tune of “Desert Rose”. The song sounds like it’s straight out of a spaghetti western and the storytelling on this track is top notch. Highly recommended if you check out this album. Another favorite is the atmospheric “Echo Canyon”. The music on this track evokes the vastness and loneliness of the canyon. I love the whine of the pedal steel guitar on this one and it compliments Alice’s vocals very well. If you’re a fan of good yodeling, check this one out. Finally, I really dig the track “Top Of The World”. Here, Alice takes the listener to the top of the world lyrically and sonically. She is able to really stretch out her vocal ability on this track and I dig it.
Whether you’re new to Alice Wallace or a long time fan, this is a good record to pick up. I look forward to the ability to catch her live at some point, but until then, this will suffice. If you’re lucky enough to be out west, be sure to check her out on one of her current tour dates. Into The Blue is available now wherever you can find good music.
Favorite Tracks : Santa Ana Winds, Desert Rose, Echo Canyon, Motorcycle Ride, Top Of The World
Alice Wallace – Into The Blue (2019)
I have talked a LOT about Mr. Eric Bolander, who is prominently part of the West Virginia community of artists, and I attend MANY festivals devoted to that particular group of people. But once you actually witness him on stage yourself, it won’t take you long to understand just why I do. I myself am waiting for some new music from this young man, and this March, we are going to see the re release of his album “The Wind” complete with some NEW tracks added to the list.
My friends over at Eastwood Records have helped him with the release of this album, and I am hoping to be able to get up there to see this show myself. Last year I had the chance to chat with Mr. Eric about the Master Musicians Festival, and you can read that HERE.
On March 29th at The Burl in Lexington Kentucky you can witness for yourself the reason that Mr. Eric is growing in popularity and further developing his own unique style of showmanship. You can buy tickets for this event HERE.
Photo property of Miss Alexis Faye.
If you would like to pre order the album you can click HERE to reserve YOUR COPY now:
PRE ORDER the re release of THE WIND with 2 new tracks and new artwork designed by Jimbo Valentine
– multi colored vinyl
– free digital download with vinyl
– orders shipped after March 29th
– colored vinyl pic is just an estimate; colors and shapes may vary; Red, Yellow, and Purple will be basis for the design
jan 11th – true music room – nashville, tn – 6pm *solo *with will p harrison
jan 12th – highland taproom – louisville, ky – 9pm *solo
jan 16th – Al’s bar – lexington, ky – 8pm *solo *with jeremy pinnell
jan 18th – Maiden city brewing – cynthiana, ky – 8pm *solo
jan 25th – the v club – huntington, wv – 8pm *trio
jan 26th – southgate house revival – 8pm *trio * with 500 miles to memphis
jan 27th – odeon – louisville, ky – 8pm *solo *with john clay and mercedes bell
feb 8th – the burl – lexington, ky – 8pm *trio *with 500 miles to memphis
feb 15th – country boy taproom – georgetown, ky – 7pm *solo
feb 16th – thatcher’s downtown – Jackson, ky – 8-10pm *trio
mar 2nd – odeon – louisville, ky – 8pm *trio
mar 9th – House Show – Lexington, KY – 8pm *trio (TICKETS HERE)
mar 16th – benefit show – olive hill, ky – Time tbd
Mar 29th – album re-release show – The Burl – lexington, ky – 8pm *trio
* with special Guests Laid Back country picker, Young heirlooms, and derek spencer
Mar 30th – jarfly brewing – somerset, ky – 8pm *trio
Mar 31st – TBD – Knoxville, tn – 6pm *trio
Apr 1st – blue plate special – knoxville, tn – noon *trio
apr 3rd – tidball’s – bowling green, ky – 9pm *Trio
apr 4th – private show – Columbia, MO – 7pm
apr 5th – Off broadway taproom – madison, IN – 9pm *trio
apr 6th – backroom lounge – riverton, il – 8pm *trio
You know folks this past year I have indeed covered a LOT of things that Bluegrass Legend Mr. Del McCoury has been doing, simply because I appreciate his contributions to his craft SO MUCH. But honestly, let’s face it everyone..look what he does for the younger generation that are traveling the roads he paved. He literally has taken Mr. Billy Strings under his wings as well as other bands.
He and his entourage of masterminds have assembled one of the nation’s HOTTEST festivals in Maryland called DelFest, That has opened many doors for new artists and bands alike, and has turned MANY fans (including myself) onto some DARN GOOD bands in the Bluegrass community.
His career spans decades, and involves more people and places than I can even write in an article, but I always give it one hell of a college try. He has graced just about every Bluegrass festival I can think of including one of my favorite ( what I call) variety festivals….Muddy Roots. he played one heck of a memorable show there that year, and secured his place in Muddy history! I cover 200 festivals a year, and I can pretty much dictate what years he played what festivals.
The mighty Grand Ole Opry, I mean do I really need to elaborate on the significance of this name or this institution? I truly think that the Opry means just as much to Mr. Del as it does to all of us, and I think Mr. Del McCoury means a LOT to the Opry in return. Why, I’m almost adamant that standing inside that circle of wood means the world to Mr. Del….so now I suppose you ask WHAT is my point in this rambling?
February 13th, 2019 Mr. Del McCoury will be celebrating his 80th birthday at the Opry, and taking over the entire program, thusly it has been dubbed the Grand Del Opry! With special guests already announced being Mr. Sam Bush, Mr. Marty Stuart, The Del McCoury Band, Mr. Ricky Skaggs, The Travelin McCourys and Mr. Vince Gill. MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!
Please go HERE to get your tickets for this event by going HERE and there will also be pre sales, you can get them by going HERE.
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Sound wise the bustling and often sold out 3rd And Lindsley is one of my favorite venues to see a show. Now I had many shows from many music communities to choose from tonight, and I chose Bluegrass for a few reasons. Furthermore, I chose this show because their self titled debut album made my TOP 50 OF 2018 and I thought I had better enjoy one of those bands before the luster of it wore off. I have so much going on in 2019, that nothing lasts very long before the next endeavor overshadows it.
Standing room only here tonight for The Travelin’ McCourys which was totally understandable. In my humble opinion, they are one of the hottest new Bluegrass bands around. Not exactly “NEW” per say…just since they launched their debut album now. Later on in this article another one of my TOP 50 OF 2017 Bluegrass musicians came out to join them.
I decree “not exactly new”, because this band has existed for nine years prior to their debut album release. I remember many of my friends who attend DelFest saying that in 2016, they blew the entire festival away with their live show. They have accumulated an intense following without an official debut release, and THAT impressed me from the get go.
From the starting point of the show the band launched an attack upon the ears with insane instrumentals and many songs off their self titles debut album. They played a very nice cover of Steve young’s song “Lonesome Onry and Mean” that of course was made famous by Mr. Waylon, and that song was sung by the fiddle player Mr. Jason Carter.
As with many Bluegrass bands, the five members take turns singing lead vocals with terrific harmonies and breathtaking solos, like Mr. Ronnie’s mandolin solo on their song “The Hardest Heart” sung by the upright bass player Mr. Alan Bartram.
The song “Borderline” was next which showcased mighty fine musicianship tonight, and displayed the well oiled mechanics of this band here. Just by watching them up close I could easily tell that all five members know exactly what each other is doing time wise. They followed that song up with “I live On A Battlefield” which also included some great instrumentals, and among the set of classics they covered was the 1972 Osborne Brothers song “Midnight Flyer” which the Eagles also recorded in 1974.
Before playing the Song “Let Her Go” they acknowledged their Grammy nomination, and once you witness their wonderful harmonies on this song, you’ll see why they were. Afterwards they went into a lengthy version of “Long black Veil” choked full of note after note of unique precision, that I enjoy most about Bluegrass. Also, when you hear those timeless classics like “Little Maggie” you know there is honor for the Legends who took the stage before these men.
The band took a short intermission break, since there was no opening act here tonight and that gave me a chance to catch up with notes and such. They brought out one of my 2017 TOP 50 albums Mr. Billy Strings, who came out with them to sing “Streamline Cannonball” a song made popular by Mr. Roy Acuff and also Mr. Doc Watson. Additionally tonight, they brought out Mr. Sam Bush who always the crowd with HELLO MUSIC LOVERS! They played his song called “Back To Ol Kentucky”.
Mr. Del McCourry, father of two of the members came out to front the band for a few songs. I’ll pretty much tell you this much…this show was well worth the twenty dollar door fee. I had more fun with this show than a few major arena shows I can remember! Mr. Del excitedly sang his “Prisoner’s Song” for us tonight, followed by on he recorded in 1963 with Mr. Bill Monroe called “Roll On Baby Roll On”.
The instrumentals continued to emanate forth from the stage tonight by every member of the band, as it pretty much turned into a big jam session. I remember hearing “White House Blues”, and I noted the Travelin McCouury’s song called “Loser”. While I always enjoy shows here at 3rd And Lindsley, this was the first Bluegrass show I ever experienced here. The lights were TRULY wonderful and the sound was PERFECT for this type of setup, I’ll be returning next weekend for another band.
Last night as I was watching the NFL playoffs and resting at home, a good friend of mine called me and sadly informed me that Country Music Songwriting Legend Mr. Sanger D. “Whitey” Shafer died at 85. At this time his family and publicists have not released any reasons for his death, however many people had posted recently that he had entered his final days.
Many many times I have proclaimed on this website that there exists THREE great pillars or foundations of Country Music in this order 1. Songwriters 2. Producers 3. Steel Guitarists. If you have an album that embellishes all three (like the Willie Nelson album Red Headed Stranger), you have a classic album time cannot falter.
Sadly in some form all three of these contributors are becoming few and far between, especially in mainstream Country music. With ( dare I say “OUR”) music communities there DOES exist a plethora of talented younger people that DO those three things, like my friend Mr. Josh Morningstar who recently garnered a cut with powerhouse act Mr. Cody Jinks. He further proved that the craft is still somewhat prevalent, as he nightly performs the song Mr. Whitey wrote with Mr. Lefty Frizzell called “I Never Go Around Mirrors”. Another fine example of a still active songwriter would be my friend Mr. Billy Don Burns, who still garners cuts from younger artists like Mr. Colter Wall.
He was born October 24th 1934 in Whitney Texas, and began playing in school bands before playing with national acts at a later age like Mr. Willie Nelson. In 1967, he moved here to write songs and signed with Blue Crest Music Publishing Company. Working there he wrote two cuts for Mr. George Jones called “I’m A new Man In Town” on the album called “My Country”, and he wrote “Between My House And Town” on the album “if my Heart Had Windows”. His first major cut was in 1969 by Mr. Charlie Walker, and the song was called ‘Rosie Bokay”
He did sign contracts with RCA to be promoted as a solo singer and released two albums called “I Never Go Around Mirrors” and also ‘So Good For So long”. However, commercially he achieved more success as a songwriter gathering many number one hits for Mr. Moe Bandy and Mr. Johnny Russell, as he wrote “The Baptism Of Jesse Taylor and “Bandy The Rodeo Clown” in 1975. Mr. Whitey was extremely instrumental in the continued success of Mr Moe Bandy having penned more than two dozen songs for him.
He had a longstanding friendship with the Frizzell family, having penned mnay songs with Mr. Lefty like ‘That’s The Way Love Goes” for Mr. Merle Haggard. Mr. Corey Frizzell named his son Ryman Shafer Frizzell after him, and if you see the little man around town your heart will melt as you see him. VERY adorable lad that plays a guitar with everyone. Just recently my friend Mr. Corey stopped by my inbox to send me this quote:
Everyone knows the talent of Whitey Shafer, or undoubtedly heard it. He was best friends with uncle Lefty Frizzell the last six years of his life, helping to revive his career and passion to write again. Ironically we became very close the last six years of his. He would always say, “I’ve got me another Frizzell”. I loved him. My wife and I made him the Godfather to our three year old son, Ryman Shafer Frizzell, whom bears his namesake. Whitey and Tracy came to the hospital when Ryman was born. I asked Whitey if he wanted to hold him. He said in Whitey style, “I didn’t even hold my own son”. But he went on and held Ryman anyway. He was honored we used Shafer as Ryman’s middle name. He said, “I’ve never had an offspring named after me”, we just laughed. We will miss him and carry his memory with us…Ryman will carry it further.
After Mr Lefty passed away Mr. Whitey wrote the song called “Lefty’s Gone” cut by Mr. George Strait on the 1985 album “Something Special”. Mr. George Strait took many more of his songs to the Country charts in the 1980’s, two of the most popular ones were “Does Forth Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” from the album of the same name, and “All My Exes live in Texas” off the “Ocean Front Property” album. In 1989, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame”. Four songs from that particular Strait album were written by him.
In the 90’s and on he amassed over 500 recordings by Mr. John Michael Montgomery, Miss LeAnn Womack, and Mr. Kenny Chesney. One of my favorite songs he wrote was recorded by Johnny Bush, and was called “Rainbow In My Daddy’s Eyes”.
By Joshua Wallace
Coby Langham spent 2018 releasing a couple of successful singles in “Heroin Girl” and “Sober Bible”, but now to kick off 2019, Coby Langham and The Citizen Band have finally released their debut EP. This six song collection finds the band clicking on all cylinders and ready to take over the world. There is some good stuff on this record and it’s worth checking out.
The album opens up with a good truckin’ song in “Years On The Road (The Truckin’ Song)”. The track is spearheaded by some killer guitar work and the strong songwriting that is showcased all throughout this album. Another favorite is the track “5 x 7” which is takes it down a notch from “Years On The Road” and gives us a strong prison ballad. The album wraps up with “Sally Anne The Coal Truck” which is a ballad about a coal truck. It’s a heartfelt ode the the titular coal truck with amazing story telling that must be heard as no words I could write would do it justice.
This album Years On The Road showcases Coby Langham’s strong songwriting. With The Citizen Band behind him, the sky’s the limit from here. Pair this with some previously released non album singles of “Heroin Girl” and “Sober Bible” and you have the start of what will hopefully be a successful career. I for one can’t wait to hear what is next. You can stream this album just about anywhere you can find good music. Be sure to check Coby out live if you get a chance to. I saw him last year at W.B. Walker’s 5th Anniversary show and his set was one of the highlights of that weekend for me.
Favorite Tracks : Years On The Road (The Truckin’ Song), 5×7, Sally Anne The Coal Truck
Coby Langham and The Citizen Band – Years On The Road (2019)
This album did not exactly miss my radar, to be honest I have been very busy. Running this wonderful website is an arduous task sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Its very hard to keep up with all the many outlets of music I enjoy.
One of the things I enjoy most about Country Music as a whole is the steel guitar, and those who bring (or brought) it to light. I read books and web articles on the Legends of the instrument and the sound of it one name emanates and shines brighter than others for me. That name is Mr. Tom Brumley. Mr. Tom died in Texas in 2009, and left us with many memories of that classic Bakersfield lineup having recorded with Mr. Buck Owens during the most prominent time of his career.
He was featured on the Harlan Howard classic “I’ve Got A tiger By The Tail”, the Johnny Russel classic “Act Naturally”, but more importantly his solo revolutionized the song “Together Again”. His unique style was coined “The Brumley Touch” by many he helped bring the Buckaroos to the hallowed Carnegie Hall, and recorded one of the finest LIVE albums in history.
Recently, this past December Omnivore Records released a splendid seventeen track album from his tenure with the Buckaroos, 1964-1969. Now this album was indeed heavily considered for my TOP 50 OF 2018, and almost made the list. The above link will take you directly to their website, where you can purchase the album. Here is Omnivore’s website description of this album:
There are many reasons Buck Owens and his Buckaroos were the hottest band in the world in the 1960s, but one is certainly Tom Brumley’s magically graceful touch on the pedal steel guitar. And as you’ll hear on this album, he’s also a fine Dobro picker.
Steelin’ The Show showcases Brumley’s skill and innovative playing by collecting 17 tracks from 9 releases from Buck and The Buckaroos, including “Together Again” that features Tom’s peerless solo—one of the most famous pedal steel guitar breaks ever recorded.
Not just a perfect primer for the uninitiated, but also a fantastic aural journey for fans—Steelin’ The Show features an introduction from Tom’s family Rolene, Tommy, Todd, and Tracie Brumley as well as photos from their personal family collection. Randy Poe, the co-writer of Buck’s acclaimed autobiography Buck ’Em, contributed liner notes.
“Buck always had great players, but Brumley was a true craftsman. He wasn’t flashy or self-indulgent. He always knew exactly what to play. His tone, his control, and his restraint were only matched by his pure jaw-dropping talent.”
—Scott B. Bomar
author, Grammy® nominee, and Bakersfield sound historian
Tags: Buck Owens, Don Rich, The Buckaroos, Tom Brumley
If YOU have a show YOU would like added to my list PLEASE email me at garyhayes2@yahoo.com. I literally watch more than 40 venues in Nashville plus belong to many concert websites in order to bring you this coverage. NEW IN 2018, folks I am always looking for ways to enhance what I do for you. So this year I’ll be reporting on further Kentucky shows, and further Tennessee shows as well.
Mr. Joshua and I cover hundreds of shows a year, and many festivals in person. Online, we cover 200 festivals yearly and bring a LOT of news to the masses. Folks WHATEVER YOU DO PLEASE support live venue music
The Po’ Ramblin
The Station Inn January 30th
Brent Cobb
Ryman Auditorium January 31st
Read Southall Band
The Basement Feb 1st
No Deceit
Rib Lickers Feb 2nd and Feb 15th
The Grascals
The Station Inn Feb 2nd 2019
Josh Card
The Steel Woods
The Warehouse Bowling Green Feb 2nd 2019
Dead Horses
The High Watt February 6th
The Royal Hounds
Scoreboard Grill Feb 7th
Johnny Fritz
Cannery Ballroom Feb 7th
Joshua Hedley
The Rattletraps
Southgate House Feb 7th
Dallas Moore
Craig Gerdes
Spillway Bar And Grill Feb 8th
Urban Pioneers
Southgate House Feb 8th
Andrew Leahey And The Homestead
The Royal Hounds
Acme Feed And Seed Feb 9th
Ronnie Milsap
Plaza Theater Glasgow Ky Feb 9th
Rye Davis
Rib lickers Feb 9th
Justin Wells
Dueling Grounds Feb 9th
The Tillers Old time string Breakers Ball
Southgate House Feb 9th
Micky And The Motorcars
Exit Inn Feb 10th
Urban Pioneers
Springwater Super Clucb Feb 10th
The Royal Hounds
Acme Feed And Seed Feb 13th
The Wild Feathers
The Ryman Auditorium Feb 15th and 16th
James Carothers
Spillway Bar And Grill Feb 16th
Radney Foster
City Winery Feb 15th
The Lil Smokies
The High Watt Feb 9th
Sean K. Preston And The Loaded Pistols
Tennessee Brew Works Feb 21st 2019
Mandy Barnett
3Rd And Lindsley feb 21st
Travis Tritt
Country music Hall Of Fame Feb 22nd and 23rd 2019
Cody Canada
Southgate House Feb 22nd
Ronnie Milsap
Glema Mahr Center Madisonville Ky Feb 22nd
Blackberry Smoke
The Ryman Auditorium Feb 22nd and 23rd
Tim Atwood
Country Music Hall Of Fame Feb 23rd
Travis Tritt
CMA Theater Feb 22nd, 23rd and 24th
Missy Raines And The New Hip
Nashville City Winery Feb 24th
Randy Rogers Band
Marathon Music Works Feb 23rd
Porter Union
George Jones museum Feb 23rd
Josh Abbott Band
Marathon Music Works Feb 23rd
Rhonda Vincent And The Rage
Bluegrass Hall Of Fame Feb 23rd
Jimmy Fortune
The Capitol Theater Feb 26th
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Songbirds South Feb 26th
Kacey Musgraves
Ryman Auditorium Feb 27th 2019
Kasey Musgraves
Bridgestone Arena March 1 and 2nd 2019
Alex Williams
3rd And Lindsley March 1st
Nick Dittmeier And The Sawdusters
Southgate House March 2nd
Jason Eady
southgate House March 3rd
Elizabeth Cook
Chris Shiflett
Kendell Marvel
The Basement East March 3rd
Dustbowl Revival
Exit Inn March 3rd
Supersuckers
Exit In March 4rth
Molly Tuttle
City Winery April 5th
Emi Sunshine
War Memorial Auditorium March 7th
Sarah Shook And The Disarmers
The Basement East March 8th
Whitey Morgan And The 78s
Minglewood Hall Memphis Tn March 9th
Steep Canyon Rangers
Bluegrass HOF March 9th
Joe Diffie
State Theater E town Ky May 10th
The Supersuckers
Southgate House March 14th
Whitey Morgan And The 78’s
Capone’s Johnson City Tn
Whitey Morgan And The 78’s
Headliners Music Hall Louisville Ky March 15th
Parker Milsap
Capitol Arts Center March 16th
Hannah Aldridge
Wonky Tonk
Nellen Dryden
The Basement March 20th
Hogslop String Band
Long Hollow Brewing Co. March 22nd
William Clark Green
Basement East March 23rd
Kinky Friedman
Southgate House March 26th
Brent Cobb
Basement East March 28th
Infamous Stringdusters
The Great Peacock
Marathon Music Works March 29th
Confederate Railroad
Cahoots Dancehall March 29th
Mike And The Moonpies
Nashville Palace March 29th
Weston Harris Album Release Party
Matt Woods
The Basement March 28th
The Goddamn Gallows
Scott H Biram
Urban Pioneers
Basement East March 29th
Eric Bolander
The burl Lexington Ky March 29th
Rye Davis
Spillway Bar And Grill March 30th
The Reeves Brothers
American Legion post 82 April 2nd
Reckless Kelly
Basement East April 5th
Andrea Colburn And Mud Moseley
American Legion Post 82 April 6th
Tracey Byrd
Red Barn Convention Center April 6th
Reverend Horton Heat
Legendary Shack Shakers
Hooten Hallers
Southgate House Revival April 8th
Hayes Carll
The Basement East April 11th
Sierra Hull
Bluegrass Hall Of Fame April 12th
The Glade City Rounders
Station Inn April 12th
Ward Davis
The Warehouse Bowling Green April 12th
Allison Moorer
City Winery April 12th
The Barnyard Stompers
The Cobra Nashville April 18th
Flatland Cavalry
Basement East April 22nd
The Grascals
Courthouse Square In Leitchfield Ky July 20th 2019
Cody Johnson
Ryman Auditorium May 4rth
Gene Watson
Red Barn Convention Center May 4rth
Charley Pride
Carson Center Paducah Ky May 10th
Jerry Douglass
City Winery May 11th
Deer Tick
Ryman Auditorium May 17th
John Prine
Kelsey Waldon
Lu-Ray Park Ampitheater
Central City Ky July 13th
Cory Branon
Basement East May 23rd
The Steel Woods
The Shed Maryville Tn July 27th
Unknown Hinson
Exit Inn December 31st
By Joshua Wallace
Snake Blood Remedy have released the follow-up to their 2016 self titled album. This album is more in the realm of honky tonk and The Duval Blues finds a band that has honed their sound and is tighter than ever. Lets dig into some of the tracks on this album.
The title track, “The Duval Blues” quickly sets the pace for this record with a fiddle and dobro heavy honky tonk tune about big city blues. The album features Brett Bass as a guest on the dobro. You might remember him as the front man for Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, but now he’s in a new band called Brett Bass and Melted Plectrum. This album is a good feature for his musical abilities post Grandpa’s Cough Medicine. Further on the album, I really dig the dark and slower tune “Bitter Seed”. I love J.D. Cook’s vocals on this track as they fit the mood perfectly.
Another favorite is the equally dark tune “3 To 5 Years” about the struggle of the outlaw life and how getting away from it for 3 to 5 years might not be so bad. Finally, we come to the surprise of this track. There might not be many people familiar with the name Jake Cox, but he is a talented currently residing in St. Augustine, FL. Snake Blood Remedy have done a fine job with one of his best tunes “Cruisin’ In The Left Lane” and it’s a high mark of the album for me. It also features Jake Cox in a guest spot on the track.
Snake Blood Remedy’s sophomore effort shows a band that is coming together nicely. I highly recommend this album if you’re looking for a good honky tonk record to start off the new year. You can even preview the entire album on the band’s website which is where you can also pre-order a copy. I hear it will eventually find its way to places like Spotify as well. Be sure to check out this North Florida based band on the road somewhere if they come near you.
Favorite Tracks : The Duval Blues, Bitter Seed, 3 To 5 Years, Cruisin’ In The Left Lane
Snake Blood Remedy – The Duval Blues (2019)
