OK, enough with the commercial announcement- back to Ben.

What’s that you say? You are not FAMILIAR with Ben Sollee?  We did introduce you to him a few blogs back.  You remember.  That cool cello player who rides to some towns via bicycle that used a bunch of Shure mics  to record his latest live album that you can now pick up which comes with 2 copies: one for you and one for your friend, which is super cool idea…(deeeep inhale)…yeah, that guy!

It was great to finally meet Ben as well as his band since our discussions had previously happened via email.  The record turned out great, I received a copy and then a week later, I noticed he was playing in Nashville.  We immediately got into discussions about the road and the antics the guy play on each other to keep things fun.  When someone has a leftover hotel room key, the have to try to pawn it off on someone else, who unknowingly accepts it and keeps the game going.  Once, a card made it into Alex’s (FOH Engineer) hands via a waitress.  I’m sure these guys will come up with other interesting ways to prank each other because isn’t that what life on the road is truly about ?   (RRRRRiiiiiiighht!)  Alex took me outside and introduced me Tammy, their recently acquired new ride who, since being named, has behaved and treated them very nicely.

Ben was asked to perform on the show last week and was a fitting closer for the evening.  Joined by band mate and friend Drummer Jordan Ellis, Ben commanded the stage singing through a KSM9 while Jordan complimented Ben’s unique cello stylings.  There were solo’s, dynamics, laughs, and most importantly standing ovations.  The crowd loved it and I was happy to be among them.  Please take the time to visit Ben’s site and find out more about this creative artist and all around interesting guy.

Music City Roots – The Civil Wars & more

Loveless Cafe, West Nashville, TN

My musical roots were planted by my parents. Great music was always playing  in our house while we cleaned or worked on projects.  The Carpenters, John Denver, Tom Jones, Elvis Presley, The Doobie Brothers,Fleetwood Mac and Simon and Garfunkel.  These were my early music mentors and it is still a wonderful feeling to hear these songs today, even through my iPod.  Back then, it was all vinyl through a great sound system and finally through a set of heavy Zenith Allegro speakers.

As I grew older, my older brother took drum lessons and I was introduced to early Chicago, Kiss, Led Zepplin, Rush, REO Speedwagon, and Cheap Trick.  When it came time for me to pick an instrument, I felt I was born to play the drums.  At the time, my father felt that having two drum sets in the house was a bit much, so I chose the guitar. After about 6 months of lessons, I begged my father to let me get a drum kit.  He gave in and I’ve been playing every since.

Late in High School, I was introduced to the world of Jazz and musicals.  I was fortunate enough to be a part of a full big band called Suburban Swing.  These were some of the best times of my life musically.  I learned so much about playing with a group and how to control my playing so the lead parts could be heard.  We played all the Jazz standards as well as played many musicals together. I still keep in touch with that band director today and we are hoping to have a musical reunion of sorts in the next year or so.

Since I’m now located in Nashville, I get to attend certain shows were the song is sung by the original writer and it helps to paint an even better picture of the song, because you can hear what he or she originally intended.  Every once in a while, I hear about a new group “in the wind.”   A couple of weeks ago, I got to see The Civil Wars in Chicago.   They brought me back to my musical roots, back at my house, listening to Simon & Garfunkel and the magic that a duo can have.

So tonight, I went out to West Nashville to the Loveless Barn because when it’s good, you just can’t seem to get enough of it (and I’m not just talking about The Loveless Cafe’s world famous biscuits).  I can relate to this group because they renew in me the passion for executed music and well blended harmonies.  John Paul and Joy both brought along their KSM9‘s and the KSM313 for guitar amp and, like the last time, the place was packed. This evening was also very special as long time Bluegrass favorites Cherryholmes would play their last Nashville show as a family. I have also watched this group grow up and become big news in the Bluegrass world.  They were sporting 2 KSM44 condensers for the lead vocal spots.

So let’s talk about YOUR roots.

What is it about certain bands that takes you back to where you grew up or what you grew up listening to?  Is it by accident, on purpose, or something else?  We would love to hear about your musical roots.

Ryan