A Report from the Americana Festival and Conference, Part Two

It’s the final night of the 2014 Americana Festival and Conference, and the final event of a spectacular five day run. Lucinda Williams is about to begin a last minute invitation-only performance at the newly opened City Winery in Nashville. But first, Americana Music Association Executive Director Jed Hilly walks to the microphone. Americana is now a very real, living and breathing genre that finally found true context, he declares. It’s a statement that’s obvious to all who attend, as evidenced through the music, through the bonds of fellowship, through the shared experiences that ebb and flow throughout the festivities. Yet, what Hilly doesn’t point out, but what is equally true, is that the term Americana may have finally outgrown its initial meaning. For, what had begun as a broad patchwork of singer-songwriters with a feel for the heartland and a scrappy roots rock, alt-country sound has now found a larger audience, one that embraces artists from all over the world — from the U.K. and Europe to the far realms of the Pacific. Indeed, the very term “Americana” seems something of a misnomer now, especially considering the international evocation.

Yet, even characterizing this festival and conference as “international” seems something of an understatement. It’s like describing Nashville – wonderful, wonderful Nashville – as a bastion of great music. Well, yeah, y’all. Forget those gracious and soothing Southern accents. We heard the sound-speak of Aussies, Brits, Canadians, Norwegians, French and those from near and far. Ironically, the most difficult accents in terms of interpretation were those of the cab drivers, many of who seem to hail from regions even further removed.

Thursday

To its credit, the Americana Music Festival and Conference puts as much emphasis on the second half of its branding as it does on the first. Hence, there was a wide variety of seminars, panel discussions, and educational opportunities that tackled subjects like marketing, airplay, management, career development, and navigating one’s way through the vast realms of cyberspace. Like many folks, I chose to sleep in most days, being that I’m a befuddled scribe whose main interest is in witnessing all the great music my mind is capable of absorbing. Consequently, the discussion I was most drawn to was a discussion of the Everly Brothers’ influence on Americana and pop music in general. The observations from a panel of experts that included Rodney Crowell were especially astute, but it was the vintage film clips depicting the Brothers in their various stages of progression that drove the point home — without the Everlys, the future progression of rock and country music might have been inextricably altered forever. 

The name given the Outlaws & Gunslingers Luncheon, the first of two visits to the upstairs patio at Soulshine Pizza we’d make that Thursday, proved something of a misnomer. Hosted by Six Shooter Records and Starfish Entertainment, it was a showcase for a gathering of Canadian artists, among them NQ Arbuckle, Oh Susanna, and Sean Rowe. My fondness for Canadian music was fully affirmed, and the opportunity to chat with the Arbuckle’s namesake (at least as far as its two initials are concerned) provided some terrific comic repartee. Likewise,  meeting producer/songwriter Jon Tiven was also an unexpected thrill, given the man’s 40-plus years of working with such musical mainstays as the Rolling Stones, BB King, and his current collaborator Bebe Buell. I inadvertently had him recite his entire resume due to some mistaken identity – his shirt said “George” – although I belatedly apologized when I found myself embarrassed by my obvious blunder. On the way out, I ran in to former Miami homeboy Robert Reynolds of the Mavericks, an encounter that offered another example of how star sightings are as frequent in Nashville as congressional quibbles are in Washington, D.C.

Still, it was the stars littering the stages that made for another great night of music. Following our return to Soulshine Pizza for the Plowboy Records Party, we meandered over to the Cannery for the electrifying Lee Ann Womack, before venturing upstairs to enjoy Amy Ray’s terrific country band and a performance by Robert Ellis, winner of numerous kudos at the awards ceremony the night before. Buddy Miller and Trigger Hippy, Joan Osborne’s impressive new jam band conglomerate with Jackie Green, attracted attention next. However, the highlight of the evening was far removed from the crowds and the chaos. The newly christened City Winery, opened mere days before, was the site for solo sets by Joe Henry and Robyn Hitchcock, both of whom held the crowd wowed and rapt throughout. The beauty of Henry’s intimate compositions was countered by Hitchcock’s off-kilter psychedelia and a set of songs (“My Wife and My Dead Wife,” Madonna of the Wasps,” “Queen Elvis” and a sterling take on the Psychedelic Furs’ lovely “Ghost in You”). A welcome cameo from Grant Lee-Phillips further added to the star-like assemblage.  

Friday

Friday at Americana would prove equally auspicious. The day began with the Sounds Australia Taste of Australia” luncheon, a gathering which featured not your traditional cuisine from Down Under but rather the pizza that we apparently missed at the aforementioned Soulshine Pizza parlor the day before. An outstanding array of Australian artists – Immigrant Union, Falls, Brooke Russell & the Mean Reds, the Mae Trio and the Audreys – offered short but spectacular sets of wistful Americana music done Aussie style, further affirming the fact that the physical reach of this particular genre is indeed worldwide. Hosted by the inimitable Dobe Newton, an erudite entertainer himself, the fest attracted none other than Robyn Hitchcock, who did his best to blend with the crowd and enjoy the sounds… despite some pestering by diehard fans, yours truly included. Hey, it couldn’t be helped. Whilst one hesitates to appear star-struck, it’s hard to restrain one’s self when the stars abound.

That was all the more obvious when we achieved another one of those once in a lifetime moments, the result of an invitation to go backstage at the Grand Ole’ Opry, a place of incredible iconic glory and great music all wrapped in one magnificent historical setting. Artists play short ten minute sets, while backstage guests sit in church pews and observe the performances as well as the comings and goings of musicians, back-up singers, stage hands, a radio announcer and, of course, the performers themselves. On this particular evening we were treated to an array of both stalwarts and up and comers, from old guard artists like John Conlee Jean Sheppard and Jeannie Seely to the rambling teen and pre-teen combo Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, the spectacular Steep Canyon Rangers, the omnipresent Jim Lauderdale and the artist that literally stopped the show, Mo Pitney. Pitney was the only one who appeared truly nervous, but he went down a storm, even to the point of being asked to come back for a third song, the only artist of the night to receive such kudos. 

Still, more than the music, being backstage at the Opry offered the opportunity to actually find ourselves in this breeding ground for so many country music legends. It was also nice to reconnect with the aforementioned Mr. Conlee, who just happened to be one of the first country artists I had a chance to promote when I worked for the late, great ABC Records. Yes, that was a long time ago, but one can never feel too old in Nashville. By law, the gatekeepers must ask for ID in Tennessee. Supposedly, they do that to be sure no one under 21 gains entry to a club where alcohol is served. However, watching them ID the old-timers gives the impression that 60-something may be the actual minimum age for consumption. At my age, I found it a real thrill.

Saturday

While it might have been enough to end the evening at the Opry, we opted to venture on, and being the intrepid music enthusiasts we are, we headed back to 3rd and Lindsey to catch the tail end of Hayes Carll’s set, followed by the old time mountain revelry of the Howlin’ Brothers and a full set by Jm Lauderdale who indeed he seems to be everywhere. with all that potential revelry in store, the joint was packed as usual, but by good fortune we ran into a couple of friends from Texas who kindly had a couple of seats in reserve. Wife Alisa opted to call it a night after that, but I ventured back to the Mercy to hear the much hyped band The Bros. Landreth who repaid my fortitude with an exemplary set that included a pair of Wings re-dos, “Let ‘Em In” and “Let Me Roll It.” Hearing such reverence immediately endeared me to the Brothers and made me an instant admirer. Nevertheless, there was one more stop to make, that being the High Watt, located in the same complex and only a few steps away. It was there that I ended my evening to the melodic strains of Truth & Salvage Company. All in all, it was a fortunate choice, but given the array of decisions that confronted us earlier in the evening, those that we passed on instilled some regret.

The array of choices facing us Saturday proved even more daunting, offering further proof that the ability to be in more than one place at once would be a most valuable asset if such a thing were possible. Alas, we did the best we could considering our limitations. The first stop of the day brought us to Americanarama at Grimeys, an actual real record store, the sort that’s all too rare these days. It was there that we witnessed a short set by Ian McLagan, followed by a brief but enjoyable conversation with one of my great Brit Rock heroes of all time. It was, in itself, bucket list achievement  if ever there was one. Even now, it’s hard not to get emotional just thinking about it. From there, it was off to the Bootleg BBQ held at another renowned record retail spot, The Groove, where an outstanding array of British bands held court in the store’s backyard. Those in attendance included Pete Molinari, Emily Barker, Danny and the Champions of the World and non-Brits Israel Nash and Austin Lucas. It was particularly gratifying to reconnect with young Mr. Lucas, who I had the pleasure of interviewing last year, and Danny George Wilson of the aforementioned Champions, with whom I’ve corresponded for the better part of the past decade. That’s the thing about the Americana Fest, the ability to actually meet those who you’ve long admired in order to  forge that closer bond.

At that point, the afternoon was only half over. Our next destination was the Riverfront for the night’s big show, featuring Lone Bellow and the Avett Brothers. The setting was ideal; instead of the usual uncomfortable setting most outdoor venues have to offer, there were sloping verandas and terraced seating providing an ideal vantage point that was unhindered by those bobbing to the beat near the stage. Both bands effused a remarkable amount of energy and showmanship, but the Avetts’ perpetual motion and constant kinetic activity kept the crowd mesmerized and thoroughly enthralled. It’s no wonder those boys are rapidly riding a wave towards superstardom.

Still, the evening wasn’t finished quite yet. At the surprisingly sparsely attended 3rd and Lindsley, the Steep Canyon Rangers put on a spirited performance despite a less than packed house. From there, it was back to the High Watt for the evening’s final performance, this by Blackie and the Rodeo Kings who, as it turned out, were solely represented by Colin Linden. Still, he succeeded in representing his missing comrades admirably, and when Lucinda Williams popped onstage for a cameo appearance, Linden’s solo stature was all but assured.

Sunday

Sunday brought the traditional Gospel Brunch, full of a spiritual sustenance in the form of the reborn Elizabeth Cook, the mighty Fairfield Four and the regal, rollicking McCrary Sisters. Even nonbelievers devoured their chicken and waffles with renewed fervor. The relocation to the City Winery meant no more waiting in lines or fighting for seating for what’s become one of Americana’s most popular gatherings. Later, it was off to another of Nashville’s iconic locales, the famous Bluebird Cafe where noted photographer Henry Diltz held court to discuss the stories behind some of the more famous photos that have graced so many classic album covers and now populate his Morrison Hotel Gallery, which currently claims the Bluebird as its Nashville home. Located in an otherwise unassuming strip mall, the Bluebird is surprisingly compact, but the photos — supplied by Diltz and partner Peter Blachley — reinforced the star power that’s made this esteemed venue such a venerable destination on many an artist’s road to prominence. Later, Diltz, Blachley and special guest guitarist David Mansfield entertained a packed audience with a selection of original material and selected covers. The combination of imagery and allure was breathtaking.

By the time the evening — and the festival itself — concluded with that invitation only performance by a now suddenly secular Elizabeth Cook and a famously feisty Lucinda Williams, Jed Hilly’s heartfelt sentiments seemed to be echoed by everyone there. As the event drew to a close, it was hard to escape the sense that everyone was a part of an exclusive but ever-growing community sharing a common bond and a common purpose. It will be another year before attendees reconvene, but there’s no doubt that  in the interim, the cause will continue to flourish.