Yea John, I think you're right. Most of the folks that post here, are more reactionary to other posts than writing new posts. Thanks for that info about Henley's take on the state of music. Do you have a link to the interview?
Big Ed is right on about where "country music" is headed. I only listen to "current" country, and go check out the top 25 every week or so. Of those top 25, you can count on no more than 4 fingers, the ones that come even close to "sounding" like "country"; meaning, country from about 6-10 years ago or more. The majority of "country songs" now days has a definite "Pop" sound, rhythm, feel to them. And for anyone who thinks "it is going back"; Ain't happening! Get on board, or find a classic country station to listen too.
Congrats Eddie R. on your gigs! I still only play open mic's here and in Gainesville. Are you coming down to FBISF in November?
I did just get back from Nashville where I played Sam's Jams. Was a lot of fun! MAB played a couple of sets, and was great. Sam is also a pretty good songwriter and entertainer. The real reason I went in the first place was to surprise Melissa. She played an early set at Commodore, and I did not know I was coming. OD even showed up with me! Had a great time hanging out.
OD also came down unannounced, except for me knowing, and we went over to MAB's house Tuesday afternoon. I let OD stand out of view while I went in to get MAB. Told MAB I had brought him a present, but it was too big for me to carry in and needed his help. Boy was he surprised when OD stepped out from behind the house!! It was THE moment of the trip!
The next big moment was when the three of us showed up at Melissa's show at the Commodore. MAB and I walked in first. Really took her by surprise when she saw me. Then she realized MAB was there, and I don't think she expected him to be there either. Then OD walked in. I thought she was going to fall off her stool! Was awesome! After her set we had a few minutes to catch up with her. She was there with Black Creek Productions, and they were all headed out for a private dinner. But I still got what I wanted out of the evening; Totally surprising Melissa. Thanks OD and MAB for coming out with me and participating in the surprise!
Thursday day, OD and I went down town trying to find the bar he was in last year while the kid, Justin, went gift shopping. Unfortunately, we could not find it. BUT, we did go in Tootsies, and from the way OD described the bar he was in last year, it was NOT tootsies!
Thursday night, OD and I went to Maxwell House to catch MAB's set. It was a great round! MAB has some very talented friends in Nashville, but he always seems to up-stage them when they are in a set with him. He is just a much better entertainer.
Overall, it was as great trip, and well worth the 10-11 hour drive up and back, and the traffic jams in Atlanta along the way. Even some of the Nashville traffic jams didn't ruin the trip.
Thanks OD for coming down and keeping me company!! Sorry it was such a short visit. Maybe next time it will be a week or more.
phil g.