Intersecting Lines and Angles: Nashville’s Other Sides

Artists: Leroy Powell, Dave Pahanish, Panfish, George Shingleton

A hit country songwriter, a reality TV star, choir robes, trippy ’70s folk rock music, bluesy Southern rock, and straightforward, honest country music were but a few of the sides of Nashville which intersected on a Tuesday night at 3rd and Lindsley. Dave Pahanish & Panfish, Leroy Powell & the Messengers, and George Shingleton and his band presented a diverse night of music to an enthusiastic crowd.

Dave Pahanish has co-written three number one Country songs, including “Without You,” which was recorded by Keith Urban.  With Panfish, Pahanish favors a looser, ’70s folk-rock sound, but they easily shifted to more of a country sound and even some blistering torch at times, when Pahanish’s wife Kristen took the stage.

At one point, Pahanish asked, “How are you doing?” When the crowd cheered, he commented that he was talking to himself.  This dry and wry humor complemented the music which struck a great balance between outstanding musicianship and loose, trippy playing.

Leroy Powell’s background includes touring with Shooter Jennings and appearing on the A&E show Crazy Hearts – which was about aspiring artists in Nashville.  The band took the stage wearing flowing white choir robes, and Powell appeared like a mad prophet from the desert, dressed in a floor-length robe and carrying a flying V electric guitar.  During their set, Powell and his band hearkened back to a time when Southern rock was steeped in the blues and not just a little bit trippy. Ghosts of the Allman Brothers Band and early period ZZ Top wandered across the stage while Leroy Powell officiated like a mad but good-natured cult leader.  It was an experience.

George Shinglton played straightforward Country Rock music which was carried by honest and excellent songwriting, and the tight playing of his band.