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Topic: My Trip to Nashville - Part 1 |
Frank Freniere
From:
The First Coast
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Posted 30 Apr 2010 3:58 pm |
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This is going to be a long, multi-part post. Be prepared for TMI or just skip it.
So my older brother from Boston and I decided to have a mini family reunion in Nashville. Turns out over the years he’s gotten to like country music and the sound of the steel guitar and we both needed a break from a difficult year. We decided to wear cowboy hats for the heck of it and all weekend long we kept hearing “Y’all twins?”
We stayed at the Springhill Marriott out by the airport for $80/night. The place was just right for us except we both snore and my brother would fall asleep before me. Doh! But we were able to jump on and off I-40 the whole time to get where we wanted to go: very convenient.
After we landed on a warm 80-degree Thursday, we went looking for lunch in the Madison area and stumbled on the Nashville National Cemetery:
Every bit as impressive, solemn and manicured as Arlington. BTW we had lunch at Bar-B Cutie on Briley Parkway – highly recommended. We stopped out at Opryland for a couple of brewskis & a photo op at the Gibson Showcase.
That night I had the good fortune to meet the great Tommy White at the Ryman Auditorium.
What a gentleman and what a player! But I have to mention Larry Gatling here. I had always suspected that anyone that would feature Buddy Emmons on the song “Houston” would be special and he did not disappoint.
Larry is a smooth talker, a real pro and a real musician. At one point, he waded into the audience asking for gospel songs in a sort of “Stump-the Larry” segment. He knew every song the audience shouted out but what was most impressive to me was his ability to lead the band. It looked like he was just waving his hands in encouragement to the band as he called out the key. But what he was really doing was giving the band the chord changes, wiggling his index finger for the I chord, four fingers for the IV chord, and inverted “peace sign” for the II minor etc. Truly impressive to see.
Best of all, during “Bitter They Are,” Larry was bowing to Tommy on steel and acknowledged him several times during the song. As the song ended, Larry called for more Tommy who did another solo and finished the song. It’s nice to see a featured performer recognize the colossal talent of Tommy White from the stage of the Ryman. You can hear Larry, Tommy and me whooping in the background beginning at 30:00 at http://www.wsmonline.com/audio_archives.htm. Select the 4.15.10 show. Larry is so wowed, he calls out Tommy at 32:25, saying “we are not worthy!”
We hit a couple of bars on Lower Broad but there wasn’t much steel so we headed back up the hill to 6th and Church (where we parked free on the street)after 6 each night and on to the motel. |
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Bent Romnes
From:
London,Ontario, Canada
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Posted 30 Apr 2010 6:48 pm
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Frank, wow this is working up to be a super report. I will follow every post. You have already got my full attention!
Be careful with the brewskis 
_________________
BenRom Pedal Steel Guitars
https://www.facebook.com/groups/212050572323614/ |
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Tommy White
From:
Nashville
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Posted 1 May 2010 6:33 am
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Frank,
Thank you for posting about your trip. It was very nice to meet you and your brother. You are both kind gentlemen. So glad you enjoyed your visit.
I never know what Mr. Gatlin is going to throw at me. Larry always shows deep appreciation for me and the other musicians. He is a tremendous talent, fine gentleman and true friend.
Thanks again!
TW |
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Tony Dingus
From:
Kingsport, Tennessee, USA
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Posted 1 May 2010 11:07 am
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Thanks for posting the Opry link. Tommy, what playing you do. GREAT Stuff. Keep it up. Gatlin was right about yuo making the hair stand on your neck.
Tony |
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