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Charlie Worsham Bends and Blends at 3rd and Lindsley
When Charlie Worsham took the stage on Saturday night at Nashville\’s 3rd and Lindsley, a good chunk of the audience jumped to its feet. And Worsham met their enthusiasm with a heaping dose of his own as he launched into the opening cut of his debut record, \”Could It Be.\” Throughout the tune, Worsham scanned the…
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Five Questions: Jacob Thomas Jr.
It takes a lot of talent and craft for a singer/songwriter to present a piece of work that is both fresh and familiar. But that\’s what Jacob Thomas Jr. has managed to do with his new solo acoustic record, Original Sin. Even on the first listen, the collection feels like slipping into a worn-in pair…
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Five Questions: Sandra McCracken
It would be easy to say that it\’s all about the knowing, familiar voice when it comes to Sandra McCracken. But that would be an oversimplification. The voice wouldn\’t be nearly as comforting and comfortable if it weren\’t channeling such a sweet heart and generous mind. It all has to be taken together because the…
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Doing the Work of Being Alive: An Interview with Michael Franti
Years ago, when Michael Franti started his career in the Beatnigs and, later, the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, he probably had no idea that he would get to a point in life when he was doing yoga and singing dance tunes. Sure, that yoga serves as a form of activism and the dance tunes very…
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Five Questions: Daphne Willis
With both Chicago and Texas in her bones — and music in her blood — Daphne Willis was destined to become a singer/songwriter. You can\’t fight both nature and nurture, after all. Willis actually tried, though, but the call was too strong. And, so, she starting playing open mics and writing songs. Soon enough, she…
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Natalie Merchant: Natalie Merchant
Even though it took 13 years for Natalie Merchant to release an album of all-new original compositions, this self-titled collection is well-worth the wait. It\’s everything any fan should want it be — as lovely and generous as the artist herself. And it\’s brought to life by her ever-distinctive, ever-haunting voice. Merchant\’s voice — in…
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Cross-County Lines Fest Stages Stellar Performances in Franklin, TN
Music festivals aren\’t my thing. The thought of spending multiple days — even ONE day — in a massive, sweaty crowd of drunk people is one of my top five worst nightmares… I don\’t care how great the line-up is. But, when Americana Music announced their Cross-County Lines Festival featuring some of my new (and…
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Indigo Girls Soar with Nashville Symphony
Having thoroughly enjoyed the Indigo Girls\’ performances numerous times over the past 25 years — in various settings and configurations — seeing them play on May 23 with the Nashville Symphony was an utter revelation. The splendor of Schermerhorn Hall, the elegance of the Nashville Symphony, and the enduring songs of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers converged to…
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From South Africa with Love: Johnny Clegg
As one of the most visible cultural ambassadors for South Africa, world beat artist/activist Johnny Clegg has long split his focus between entertaining and educating the masses. It’s a tricky balance to strike, but Clegg has had more than four decades of practice. He’s a cultural and political bridge builder who uses music as the…