Nashville

Just back from a wonderful trip to Nashville. I played Billy Block's show at 12th & Porter which is always great fun. Billy is immortalized in my song "Nashville" that kicks off the new record. I also played a show at the Tennessee State Fair where I had to compete with a trapeze artist hanging from a helicopter over my head. Talk about being upstaged. All heads, including mine, were looking straight up as I sang "Crazy For Hollywood" which seemed somewhat appropriate.

The Americana Music Association conference kicked off Wednesday night with some great shows and a surprise appearance by the legendary John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival, who did a killer set at Mercy Lounge. I was surprised and delighted to see my good friend Oren Waters (who sings on "Sweet Corn") on stage with him. Also caught the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and JD Souther which were highlights for me. As far as newer faces that I saw, hands down my favorite band is the Belleville Outfit. I caught them at the Kerrville Folk Festival in '08 and have been a big fan ever since. Also loved seeing Justin Townes Earle.

Friday I spoke on a panel that focused on placing music in Film, TV and Advertising. Video games were also discussed but there aren't a lot of Americana focused video games in the market just yet. During the panel, Dan Navarro was next door doing a showcase and I could hear him through the wall. Dan's birthday was earlier in the week and we had a chance to tip a glass to his youth. All in all a wonderful conference and visit to Music City -- a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to die there... as the song goes.