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May 10, 2006
Nashville Part 1
Any city that has a music club where they kick you out if you talk during the performance is ok in my book... such is the Bluebird Cafe, an unassuming little venue that is a coveted spot for visiting musicians (also a consensus favorite from the many comments to our TN post - thanks everyone!)
Nashville... what a music town...
Spent the first part of my day touring the Gibson Guitar factory (Kate thanks so much for setting this up, and Steve thanks for taking so much time to walk me through the whole operation). I just love the passion with which they approach their guitars. Everything is handmade, from a group of guitar-making enthusiasts who's average tenure at Gibson was north of 20 years. Darrell, Sharry, Vera, Brian, Larry, Phil, Marsha, Adam, Wanda, Butch.. It's one big family.
Rather then write more, I'll let the pictures tell the story. A lot of TLC goes into every instrument...
Not surprised to learn that the guitars start around $3500 and up. They even had someone offer $1M for their prize possession.. which they turned down of course.
Left with the smell of sawdust and lacquer in my nose... Ready to hear what these guys sound like plugged in... more on the evening in Nashville on my next post. Coming shortly.
Posted by Tim Westergren at May 10, 2006 11:58 PM
Comments
...these beauties don't even sell in the highend music stores out east (Nova Scotia), unless specially ordered in .. no wonder .. i still got mine tho .. back when i purchased it in 1976! ha! .. a little rough around the edges but still sounds awesome in the studio .. cheers! .. ~t
http://www.myspace.com/thomaskattz
Posted by: ~thomas Kattz at May 11, 2006 05:24 AM
Wow. As a non-musician, I've never given much thought about an instrument's creation. Thanks.
And great pics!
Posted by: Rice at May 11, 2006 08:55 AM
I am having fun today. Been customising my radio station to play the most cheesy music possible. I started with Air Supply's 'All Out Of Love' and it's been mozzarella all the way ;-) Though as I am at work and my computer has speakers, I must say there have been more than the usual amount of disdanful glances in my direction.
Posted by: Anthony Hunt at May 11, 2006 09:28 AM
Oh wow. I need to plan a trip. Are the tours open to the public?
Ken
Posted by: Ken at May 11, 2006 12:38 PM
Those are some freaking amazing decorations on those guitars! Very nice indeed.
Posted by: Steph at May 11, 2006 02:48 PM
Every single part of those guitars is hand made. that includes the detailing - the carving and painting. It's really amazing.
Posted by: Tim Westergren at May 11, 2006 09:26 PM
I was stuck that soundtrack of grease is not listed in pandora. That group like Sha-na-na and the other performance... nostalgia!
Posted by: jurryho at May 12, 2006 12:49 AM
Cool.
Posted by: Firewire at May 12, 2006 08:06 PM
I love you!. Pandora is the best thing to happen to the internet, since the internet. I would love a wider range of electronic music and given that a lot of the labels are run by peace-to-the-world kind of people, im sure they would love working with you.
peace to the world
Posted by: Noah at May 19, 2006 09:40 AM
You can take tours of Gibson's factory in Memphis, but the facilities in Nashville are not open to the public. You can get more info here:
http://www.gibson.com/Products/Places/Factory%20Tours/
Kate
Posted by: Kate at May 24, 2006 05:36 AM
Hi!
Interested in the Nashville Underground artists, especially Steven Allen Davis. Would like to have hime and others available on Pandora!
(just a suggestion)
Posted by: Barbi at August 16, 2006 05:56 PM
Next time you come through, try some less touristy places. Bluebird is fine, but it is a listening room and better for chamber music quality than the casual, kicked back quality that is the best part of Nashville. It is nice that they give local songwriters a forum, thought.
Posted by: Barbara at September 22, 2006 02:16 AM
Regarding music out of the southeast, keep an eye out for the Dave Rawlings Machine. Dave is the husband and musical partner of Gillian Welch. He produced the latest disc by Old Crow Medicine Show. He has also played with Ryan Adams. He's an amazing musician, and just wrapped a mini-tour of the SE including a gig here in Chattanoga.
Robinella is pretty good too. She's out of Knoxville, but I see you have her in your database.
Posted by: Jeffrey Hunter at December 28, 2006 05:55 AM
Hi!
Interesting website has so appropriate! Wish you continue with best luck!!!
Posted by: CALEB at January 14, 2007 08:54 PM
Wow, guys, incredible. What an amazing trip! Keep up the good work, felt like I was right there with ya :)
Amber Estrada
Posted by: Amber Estrada at August 23, 2007 04:24 PM
I want to ggo there so bad
Posted by: sarah at January 12, 2008 05:14 PM
Tim-
The promo for your Music Business Radio show is up at http://blog.musicbusinessradio.com/2008/03/next-on-music-2.html and we'll have the full show up within a few days.
Hope to see you back in Nashville soon!!
Posted by: David Hooper at March 17, 2008 04:55 PM
