The Liquid Kosmos

Big stars on little stages

One of the coolest things about Nashville is that you can be just about anywhere and run into a famous musician performing in a corner bar. Last night a group of friends and I were walking up to Printer's Alley and noticed there was a lot of activity in front of Jesse Zane's Nashville Nights. It's that little music club just before Printer's Alley where they have people out front, almost literally pulling you in for "great music." They usually have a marginal cover band playing Journey or the Eagles or something.

Last night they had John Rich (from Big & Rich) and Cowboy Troy and the girl with slo gin stains on her teeth wouldn't let me pass it up.

"John Rich of Big & Rich and Cowboy Troy are playing you have to come in," she said.

OK, cool.

"Seriously (grabs my arm), look they're right up there!"

Ok.

"It's John Rich & Cowboy Troy." Who? "BIG & RICH!!!"

You lost me.

"They're famous."

Oh, ok, I'll come in.

"See, look, they're playing."

Kiss me you beautiful and obnoxious red toothed woman.

In my opinion Big & Rich have played a huge role in putting country music back in the spotlight. They have this funky-crossover vibe that gave country permission to put the edge back in their music.

Anyway, it was super cool to see John Rich giving his all on a little dive bar stage for free. Especially since they just got off a big tour and probably made millions. It seems like he is everywhere. The guy never stops...

They did a super long extended version of "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy," and the crowd was in a frenzy... Well, maybe not a frenzy, but it's the first time I've ever seen people in Jesse Zane's truly excited about the music they're hearing. Usually it's a bunch of tourists who get lost and think Printer's Alley is the whole downtown.

As soon as they were done they loaded up their posse and hit the road. Must be a wild lifestyle.
I'm sure they get swarmed in most cities, but in Nashville, it's kinda like, "Hey, that's cool, John Rich and Cowboy Troy are playing."

posted by The Oscillator @ 9:19 AM