They Love The Smell Of Bus Fumes In The Morning

Talked to any touring musicians lately? Some are having to get used to life on the bus again, but getting to play live music is sure producing some big smiles!

ABC needed a night of prime time that’s not sports and not an expensive drama. So, here comes the whip it right up the two-night CMA Summer Jam at the tiny downtown amphitheater. Some of the biggest stars in Country are playing for the 6,800 in downtown Nashville. From 350,000 a few blocks away on the 4th of July to 6,800 for three hours of ABC nighttime. If we are nothing else, Music City has range!

Speaking of range, anyone see the versatile Brad Paisley underwater for Discovery network’s “Shark Week?” He actually got his band on a boat in the Bahamas’ shark-infested waters and, using underwater speakers, played them some tunes. The sharks went into a frenzy. The science people seemed to think Brad’s music went over favorably. Brad looked mighty comfortable as shark bait! I guess he has a lot of shark experience on Nashville’s 16th Avenue.

There’s plenty of positive energy buzzing around in July. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame choices were announced this week: Amy Grant, Toby Keith, Rhett Akins, Buddy Cannon and John Scott Sherrill. All very worthy.

Listened to a few Toby songs recently on a high quality SUV sound system. “How Do You Like Me Now?!” sounded great. Such an evergreen song!

Only recently has the Music Row sonic solution seemed a bit muddy, but that’s the style, it seems. Overproduced was such a slur when used to describe some of the city’s classic songs. The Nashville Sound was not loved by all. Historically, now, it sounds heavenly.

Listen to some of those Brenda Lee songs on a good system. Mono, but pure. Those guitars are so clear! (And Grady Martin’s solos ...)

The mighty Garth Brooks train is rolling again. Vegas was huge, and he’s just announced Baltimore.

Garth and Trisha Yearwood gave President and Mrs. Carter a great 75th anniversary wedding gift. They went to Plains, GA and presented the Carters with a 1946 red convertible, built the year they were married. Big smiles and excitement, then the Brooks’ flew to the other side of the country to Vegas and played to 65,000 plus people. What a day those two can have!

Some sobering news too, and there is never a shortage of that. Dierks Bentley had to tell everyone his Seven Peaks Festival had been cancelled. Covid is spiking in Colorado with a low vax rate. Consequences all will now pay for the anti-vaxxers’ choices. You have to wonder, has anyone asked about COVID numbers post Nashville’s July 4th celebration?

Tennessee state politics are extreme on vaccination issues. So much is riding on everyone staying healthy. Very concerning! Dolly Parton was so brave … IS so brave, and Brad Paisley too for being pro shot. It seems most in the public eye around Middle Tennessee are staying far, far away from the issue, sadly!

I know we are all sending good thoughts to Pistol Annie Ashley Monroe. She started her chemo this week to treat a rare blood cancer. She will win this fight!