It’s Alive: Next Big Nashville 2008 – Day 2

September 11, 2008

Day Two of NBN ’08 has come and gone and what a day it was.

My traveling companion and I begin the night relatively early by relaxing at Edgehill Studios and Café to take in the beautiful sounds of Chickamauga, Georgia native, Angel Snow. Presenting music described as "classic Americana folk with a modern edge", Snow is beginning to make a name for herself around Nashville. Her songs were like adding candlelight to the small Edgehill Studios stage.

Husband and wife duo, McClain took the stage after Angel Snow. Travis and Lindsey offered sweet harmonies wrapped around American/Folk melodies that brings to mind a coupling of Eastmountainsouth and Joshua Radin.

After making a stop to pick up a third party, we headed to 12^th and Porter hoping to see Peter Bradley Adams but that wasn’t in the cards for us but we were able to catch Cassino and their fun to watch, chair playing drummer.

Although Cassino’s songs were well executed, lack of distinction made their set sound like one long song. That said, this band does show promise and it is because of that promise that I am interested to see them after they work to add a little more variety into their song-smithing.

Next stop…The Anchor to take in Lorien.

Going to the Anchor was the first festival roadblock my friends and I faced. The church venue was running behind schedule…about 30-45 minutes behind posted start times and we were soon to find out why – or at least little of why.

Whether it was the band or the sound engineers, thirty minutes was spent on sound check – a no-no in a festival atmosphere…‘fix it in the mix’ became the mantra of many in attendance. The wait coupled with lack of adequate air control forced a lot of people out of the doors before the first ‘true’ note was played…my friends and I left after 1 ½ songs in order to catch Megan McCormick at The Basement.

Entering mid-set, Ms. McCormick’s powerhouse performance redeemed the latter part of the evening for me. Her command of the stage and true knowledge of her songs held the attention of the audience who begged for more of her bluesy/rock presentation.

McCormick, backed by a band that is as connected to the music as she is, added an intimacy to the fire. McCormick is an artist to watch.

Matthew Perryman Jones closed out the evening with a rocking late night performance. Showing his gentle humility, Jones acknowledged the audience a few times for choosing to come out to support him when there were so many other artist to choose from who were playing in the city that night. We were rewarded, in a sense, by an appearance from former Toad the Wet Sprocket front man, Glen Philips, who took the stage at the end of Jones’ set and graced us with three tunes from the old days. I think I’m still smiling.

Friday is another day of jumping from venue to venue. Good thing I took the day off in order to catch up on my sleep.

Peace,

zss

© 2008 Wrosesongs

All Rights Reserved