|
• EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK •
FEBRUARY, 2007 IN REVIEW
Hello Listen!Nashville readers. I'd like to thank all of you for reading the reviews, emailing your comments, and sending us your press kits. Please keep them coming! February was a strong month of performances here in Nashville, and this article will serve as a brief recap.
Canada transplant Luke Doucet settled into his new climes by performing four Tuesday night shows at The Basement. Doucet's surf infused style of chickin' pickin' guitar can transport the audience from the hills of Nashville to the California coastline. With his new bride Melissa singing backup vocals, Doucet's alt-country vocal style is reminiscent of early Camper van Beethoven. Already a veteran of the music biz, watch for the continued success of Luke Doucet.
East Nashville residents Garrison Starr and Paul Burch continued to prove that they are at the top of their game. Why these two brilliantly talented singer/songwriters are not selling out every performance is a mystery, and perhaps just the best example of how difficult gaining any sort of grassroots following in Nashville can be. Starr's 3rd & Lindsley performance was a high-energy full band show that again showcased her powerful vocals (easily comparable to the best of Patty Griffin). Starr's song's are as well-crafted and thoughtful as anything I've heard from the Indigo Girls. Look for a new record from Starr to come out soon, as well as a project with ex Toad the Wet Sprocket singer, Glen Phillips. As for Paul Burch, he and the WPA Ballclub proved that getting a good mix is indeed possible at the Family Wash. If you have not yet seen Paul Burch, and you like good music (I can't be anymore frank), look for him in April at the Family Wash—you'll be glad you did.
A couple of CD release shows at the Basement could not have been more different, yet both represented the best that Nashville has to offer. Shawn Byrne's early 7pm performance at the Basement proved that it's not a bad idea to invite top-notch musicians onstage to create an unforgettable event. Audience members were treated to a set of tight Americana music saturated in brilliant guitarwork from session ace Kenny Vaughan. Justin Earle's CD release performance, a somber stripped down in-the-round, showed that he wants his songs to stand on their own. His lyrics are magical, and Justin Earle promises to be one of Nashville's best songwriters—whether country music radio will play his songs or not.
—Vincent Wynne, Editor
|
