Ameripolitan Music

The stage is set

Yesterday was Nashville Day at my office, HBO. Just before the Grammys (when they are held in Los Angeles), we are lucky enough to have a "guitar pull" with some of the roots country and western musicians, usually from Nashville. This year, Michael Franti accompanied by Victoria Canal, Tom Morello, Logan Ledger, John Paul White, Amos Lee, Mickey Raphael and T Bone Burnett graced us with a few songs. I must admit, the only names I really knew were Tom Morello, T Bone Burnett and Mickey Raphael. The name Amos Lee sounded familiar. I was blown away with ALL of the performances! What a talented group of musicians.

Top left: Tom Morello, Michael Franti. Right: Mickey Raphael. Bottom Row, L-R: Logan Ledger, John Paul White, T Bone Burnett

All performed original songs in a round-robin format. Mickey Raphael, best known as the harmonica player in Willie Nelson's band, accompanied a few of the musicians. I was blown away by Logan Ledger. He has an album coming out soon, produced by T Bone Burnett. Ledger's songs were true C & W, in the Bill Anderson, Merle Haggard mode. Look out, Dale Watson!

Tom Morello and Logan Ledger

Our lobby makes a great theater!

For the finale, Tom Morello led us all in a rousing rendition of Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land," which should be our national anthem!

Bandleader, Paul Shaffer was in attendance

It really was a great afternoon. I'd have to say, that in the 10 years we've been having "Nashville Day," this was the BEST concert EVER. We even had a delicious lunch provided for us from Papa Cristos Greek restaurant!
To see a few more photos of this great afternoon, click HERE. 
All photos by Larry Underhill