I long for the day when Nashville moves out of the umbrella of country music, and is recognized for its eclecticism. WSM’s Music City Roots might just be the venue that makes this dream a reality. Nashville will always look to country music as it’s saving grace. It is in our blood, and we will defend it with great tenacity. However, people seem to be experiencing tunnel vision. They don’t know that country music has been and is still inspired by the likes of Gospel, Bluegrass, Americana, and Rock music.  Music City Roots is providing an education, if you will, to people that are exploring artists that are still keeping the backbone of American music alive. I had the great privilege of seeing this show last night, and let me tell you, the amazing talent that they are able to pack into 2-2.5 hours is staggering.

First of all, it is refreshing that this show takes place outside the confines of downtown Nashville. The Loveless Barn on Hwy 100 is the perfect place. Every Wednesday they feature a great variety of established and up-and-coming artists, so if you are a Nashville native, you should not have any excuse in missing this show. The emcees were top notch. You can never go wrong with Eddie Stubbs and Bill Cody, who was filling in for Jim Lauderdale. Enough chit-chat, let’s get to the music. Will Kimbrough might be considered a chameleon. People mostly associate him with artists, such as, John Prine, Todd Snider, and Rodney Crowell. He has also recently been in cahoots with the “Margaritaville Man” himself Jimmy Buffett. But Will doesn’t need his famous friends to prove that he is very talented. His guitar skills rival anyone on Music Row, and his voice is more than up to the challenge. His entire set was impressive, but the two songs that stood out were “Three Angels” and “Wings.”  “Three Angels” is a simple analogy of his love for his wife and two daughters, and “Wings” is a stand against fear and uncertainty. You could hear the honesty and sincerity on each song. Please support Will by buying his new album “Wings” which dropped this past Tuesday.

Would you label The Vespers, quirky? Yes, but that being said, their own brand of folk rock/bluegrass, is so exhilarating, their performance left me with a huge smile upon my face. From their bubbly delivery of their catchy tune “Not So Nice” to their intricate harmonies on “Pick a Fight,” they proved that there is more to Nashville than the recycled music that you hear on Broadway. Catch Phoebe, Callie, Bruno, and Taylor at their CD release party on March 11 at the Belcourt Theater.

We have to give special recognition to Amber Digby. She is among the last of her kind. Amber is picking up the reigns of traditional country music and showing artists like Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood how it’s done. Unfortunately, she was only backed up by a single acoustic guitar. The highlight of her set was Ronnie Milsap’s “Saturday Night (After The Fight).” I hope that she plays Nashville again soon. I just want to experience her with a full band. The Hot Seats were just as delightful as The Vespers, but in their own way. Humor was the main element of their set. “Reminisce” and “Pretty Polly” were not only hilarious but these guy are no slouches when it comes to picking.  You can tell they draw heavily upon the inspiration of Homer and Jethro.

The last artist of the night was Ashley Cleveland. She did sound out of place among the other artists, but her voice didn’t. She brought her own brand of rock gospel. Her songs mainly came from the concept album “God Don’t Never Change.” It consists mainly of traditional gospel and negro spirituals. Her performance was flawless on songs, like, “Jesus” and “Rock In A Weary Land.” The encore featured all of the night’s artists for a folk rock version of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground.” It was amazing how these artists came together for this impromptu performance, and did quite well. I can’t plug this venue enough. You have to go to the Loveless to see for yourself. You will not be disappointed. Go to www.musiccityroots.com for info and ticket information.

Source : http://blog.purecountrymusic.com/commentary/music-city-roots-average-mus...