Billy Joe ShaverChris KnightDave Rawlings MachineOtis Gibbs

The Line’s Midsummer Mini Tour of The Southland: Highlights – Chris Knight, Dave Rawlings Machine, Otis Gibbs & Billy Joe Shaver

The Line's Midsummer Mini Tour of the Southland

Regularly, The Southland Music Line sets off on the road for a series of live music events. Our goal is to see and report on some of the best music we can find throughout the South and abroad. Trips to Austin’s South By Southwest annual festival, New Orleans’ Jazz & Heritage Festival or events in places likes Athens, GA, Atlanta, Memphis, Nashville, Birmingham, Lynchburg, VA, Jackson, MS and others make up a good deal of what we set out to accomplish in our search for the best music and music venues. Often along the way, we learn of some exciting new musicians and outstanding places to see preeminent music.

The Line's Midsummer Mini Tour of the SouthlandThe Southland Music Line left the Mississippi Gulf Coast on Thurs. June 26th for stops at Duling Hall in Jackon, MS to see Chris Knight; The Ryman in Nashville to see Dave Rawlings Machine; Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson in Maryville, TN to see Billy Joe Shaver & Otis Gibbs and more……

©The Southland Music Line
The Southland Music Line a.k.a. “The Line” tag these road trips – “Southern Pilgrimages in Search of The Best Music”. Earlier this year Robby Amonett (a contributor to “The Line”) known for his artistry of painting band’s live performances, went on tour with the Nashville based band, Banditos , one of the hardest working and most touring live bands from The South. Amonett, a former rodeo bull rider, who knows a few things about the road, was ideal for traveling with such a band. Photographer Stephen Anderson, who has taken photos of everyone from Duane Allman and Johnny Cash to most recently legendary bassist Leland Sklar, is never one to back down from getting as close to the shot as possible. And, due to a wide range of rules placed on photographers at various venues regardless of credentials, at times this can be difficult. Both artists, in their own right, stand as examples of those who desire to search for great music, bands and venues.

This Summer has been quite busy for the “The Line” with so many events that it is virtually impossible to report on it all…for a music lover, what a problem to have! Ultimately, our final choice of who to see and where to go depends on our personal scheduling and musical inclination.

Recently, our good friend and a true fan of superior music, Bobby Rayborn, learned of an upcoming Dave Rawlings Machine show at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Along with Dave Rawlings and Gillian Welch, this version of The Machine would feature on mandolin, John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin fame. (Yes, as Rawlings, also a fan, would excitingly remind us, that “J-O-H-N  P-A-U-L  J-O-N-E-S!!!!!” was in our presence). Also appearing would be Willie Watson of Old Crow Medicine Show (guitar), and Paul Kowert of the Punch Brothers (stand-up bass).  Bobby Rayborn, had seen this Machine esemble last year in Birmingham on their brief, yet acclaimed tour, and there was no way that someone from “The Line” could not accompany Bobby to Nashville for this incredible night of music.

Dave Rawlings Machine Live at The RymanDave Rawlings Machine live at The Ryman in Nashville, TN. From left: Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, Dave Rawlings, Paul Kowert from the Punch Brothers, Gillian Welch and Old Crow Medicine Show’s Willie Watson. (Photo by The Southland Music Line)

CHRIS KNIGHT AT DULING HALL IN JACKSON, MS

Chris Knight at Duling Hall in Jackson, MSChris Knight from Slaughters, KY has seen his songs recorded by Montgomery Gentry ( “She Couldn’t Change Me”), Randy Travis (“Highway Junkie”), Confederate Railroad (“I Don’t Want to Hang Out With Me”), John Anderson (“It Ain’t Easy Being Me”) , Great Divide (“Love and Gasoline” and “She’s Leaving This Town”) and others. His album”Trailer II” was produced by Ray Kennedy (who has worked with Steve Earle and Lucinda Williams).  In 2012, he collaborated with Lee Ann Womack on the song “”You Lie When You Call My Name.” Also John Prine and Buddy Miller contribute to Knight’s album “Little Victories”. Other songs by Knight: “The Jealous Kind”,”Cry Lonely”, “In the Mean Time” and “Framed”. Below: Gary Stanton -who opened Chris Knight’s show at Duling Hall. (Photos by The Southland Music Line)

Gary Stanton Live at Duling Hall in Jackson, MS

As with each trip, we hope to attend as many events as possible which means that we have to plan for consecutive nights on a straight route.  For starters, we checked on events along the way from The Mississippi Gulf Coast to Nashville.  Truitt Williams, our friend and a musician, suggested that we see Chris Knight, who would be appearing at one of our favorite venues, Duling Hall in Jackson, MS. (Robby Amonett, the previous weekend had seen multiple shows in Jackson including Billy Joe Shaver and Robert Earl Keen, on two different nights at Duling Hall.)  So without any hesitation, the first night of music was set for Thursday, June 26th at Duling Hall to see Chris Knight. Opening for him, southern Alabama’s own Gary Stanton. Truitt and his wife, Amy, joined us at the show where we were definitely entertained by a real talent with some amazing songs.

Chris Knight at Duling Hall in Jackson, MSChris Knight performing live at Duling Hall in Jackson, MS (Photos by The Southland Music Line)

HEADING TO THE RYMAN TO SEE THE DAVE RAWLINGS MACHINE

Dave Rawlings Machine Dave Rawlings Machine live at The Ryman in Nashville, TN (Photo by The Southland Music Line)

Ryman AuditoriumFollowing a night in Jackson, the road led to one place, Nashville, TN and “The Ryman”.  The anticipation to see this line-up of the Dave Rawlings Machine at the world-famous and legendary original home of the Grand Ole Opry was tremendous. Every true fan of American Music should see at least one show in their lifetime at the Ryman.  Rawlings & Company were in top form and ready to give a night of music to remember. Gillian Welch said ““There’s no better room in the world for string band music.” Rawlings and this talented cast of impeccable musicians are tailor made for The Ryman as it was meant to be played, and a reminder of what made this great place so cherished and honored by millions.

Dave Rawlings Machine Album Cover for "A Friend of a Friend"“A Friend of a Friend” (2009) by Dave Rawlings Machine (following article there are links to purchase this album and the others featured.)

Most of the numbers performed were taken from Rawlings’ album, “A Friend of a Friend” (2009), but also some incredible standards, “Will The Circle Be Unbroken”and “This Land is Your Land” were done.  Bob Dylan’s “Queen Jane Approximately” and Led Zeppelin’s “Goin’ to California” were also standouts. Rawlings on record is amazing, but hearing him perform live is an experience at the next level that any musician or true fan can fully appreciate. I have seen Rawlings and Welch before, but this time will go down as one for the books. ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS OF YEAR!

The Ryman in Nashville, TNThe Ryman Auditorium “The original home of the Grand Ole Opry” in Nashville, TN (Photo by The Southland Music Line)

A TIME TO DECIDE

Day Three: What’s next? Our options were many since this was Nashville, the home of some of the greatest American music! Our mission was to see shows equal to the previous night. Obviously our choices were vast, so would it be The Franklin Theater in nearby Franklin, TN, or Bluegrass Underground which show would be a day-time show in McMinnville? or……?

Billy Joe ShaverOutlaw Country music legend Billy Joe Shaver’s 1973 album “Old Five and Dimers Like Me” is a certified classic. He has written songs that have been performed by David Alan Coe, Waylon Jennings, The Highwaymen, Willie Nelson, Patty Loveless and Elvis Presley. In 2007, Shaver released the Grammy-nominated country gospel album- “Everybody’s Brother”, which contained duets with Johnny Cash, Tanya Tucker and Kris Kristofferson.  Some songs by Shaver are “Live Forever”, “Comin’ on Strong”, “When I Get My Wings”,  “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal”, “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train”, “You Asked Me To” and “Wacko from Waco”. Shaver released “Long on the Tooth” in 2014 and also appears in a recent Rolling Stone magazine Q&A article. (Photo by The Southland Music Line)

After much deliberating, we finally decided, ‘hey lets head east’ towards The Smoky Mountains and attend a show at one of the largest Harley-Davidson dealerships in The South. For us it was a “no-brainer” decision to be on hand to see who Johnny Cash once called his favorite songwriter and is referred to as the ‘original Outlaw of Country Music’, Billy Joe Shaver.  A”must-see” in this age of rediscovering everything important to music history, this man puts on one kickin’ concert!

Gruhn's GuitarsGruhn’s Guitars in Nashville, TN – “A Musician’s Paradise” (Photo by The Southland Music Line)

Before leaving Nashville there were a few obvious stops. One was definitely in East Nashville to get a burger at Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden (After hours of no real food, it was long overdue for two big guys like Bobby and myself.) Then, it was off to S. 8th Street to Gruhn Guitars and Grimey’s Record Store.

Grimey's Records in Nashville, TNGrimey’s Record Store at 1604 8th Ave S. in Nashville, TN is easily one of the best record stores in America. Nashville’s “The Basement” sits below Grimey’s. (Photo by The Southland Music Line)

BILLY JOE SHAVER, OTIS GIBBS & HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Smoky Mtn. Harley Davidson in Maryville, TNHarley-Davidsons everywhere! Smoky Mountains Harley-Davidson in Maryville, TN. Home to one of the largest dealerships in the South and “The Shed” music venue, which has some of the best BBQ in eastern Tennessee. Billy Joe Shaver and Otis Gibbs appeared here on Sat. June 28th, 2014. Several music events are held at “The Shed” throughout the Summer. (Photo by The Southland Music Line)

The road towards Knoxville was nice with beautiful weather, and by the time we got to Maryville, TN  the atmosphere and setting couldn’t have been more fitting for a Billy Joe Shaver show.  The place, “The Shed” (not to be confused with The Shed Blues & BBQ Joints) is located adjacent to Smoky Mountains Harley-Davidson. The grounds were quite impressive, consisting of an incredibly huge dealership, BBQ restaurants, several bars, and an outdoor covered stage pavilion. Not just a make-shift stage with a canopy, but one with a first rate large stage, sound, screen monitors and lots of room. It was definitely Harley-Davidson Central – bikes, bikers, biker enthusiasts and plenty of Billy Joe Shaver fans. The service, the food and even those directing traffic couldn’t have been better.

Billy Joe Shaver Live from Maryville, TNBilly Joe Shaver Live at Smoky Mountains Harley-Davidson in Maryville, TN (Photo by The Southland Music Line)

Opening for Billy Joe was Indiana born, singer-songwriter Otis Gibbs. He was quick to tell a story and backed up every one with a great song. Bobby purchased every CD he had and it was nice speaking with Otis afterwards. We look forward to seeing him again soon.

Otis Gibbs Live from The Shed in Maryville, TNOtis Gibbs, now living in East Nashville, is a songwriter with plenty to say and he does so with his music.  His song “The Peoples Day” was listed by Billy Bragg in “The Wall Street Journal” as one of the “Top Five Songs with Something to Say”. “The Line” was fortunate to meet Otis Gibbs. He often performs in Europe and his social and political messaged songs are often compared to Woody Guthrie, Steve Earle, and Bruce Springsteen. (Photo by The Southland Music Line)

It was finally Billy Joe Shaver Time!  The thing I loved best, was how his show just flowed as he has been doing this for years.  He entered the stage and did what he knows best, backed by a young energetic band. Shaver, at 76, proved hard-living and age won’t keep him from doing what he loves.  A favorite songwriter to a multitude of artists and fans, he has a remarkable gift for song and on this night connected well with the audience. Jokingly at the end, he asked if we thought we got our money’s worth, then quickly added that we did and he wasn’t giving any money back, and with that he was calling it a night. His rough, hard-edged demeanor worked, because it’s what his captivated and loyal fans expect. They cheered and laughed at his candor and honesty.

Billy Joe Shaver Live from Maryville, TNLegendary Outlaw Country Music star ‘Billy Joe Shaver’. In 2009, Bob Dylan mentions Shaver in his song “I Feel a Change Comin’ On” in the line: “I’m listening to Billy Joe Shaver, And I’m reading James Joyce”.

I left with a full appreciation for Billy Joe Shaver and see why he is valued by his huge fanbase.

WHERE THE ROAD LEADS

We were one of the last to leave the grounds and as we pulled out, we didn’t know if our next stop would be Atlanta, Charlotte or even back to Nashville. We just made our way down the highway talking about the show, Billy Joe, Otis and how fun it is traveling from one town to the next. We headed south towards Chattanooga, at what is often the typical time to travel for guys like us- after midnight and beyond.  We knew ahead of us was Atlanta, Birmingham, even Athens, Ga. or maybe we could even turn westward back to Nashville. We knew that Old Crow Medicine Show would be premiering the release of their new album on Mon/Tues at midnight, so it was a consideration.

Listening to Outlaw Country on Sirus Satellite Radio, we made our way further and further south, checking over show listings for everywhere. Eventually we decided on ‘home’, not because we couldn’t find a band to see, but we simply couldn’t make up our minds and we knew surely Sunday night would give us an opportunity to see more fantastic music at a number of great venues back home along the Florida, Alabama and Mississippi Gulf Coast. We rolled back into town after sunrise.

Heading Home from the Midsummer Tour 2014After several hundred miles of travel, “The Line”, dirty windshield and all, made its way back towards the Gulf Coast. (Photo by The Southland Music Line)

Another journey, another pilgrimage was complete for the time being. This trip was epic and will forever be engraved into our minds.

Thanks Bobby Rayborn! It couldn’t have been more fun. I look forward to more such trips. (by the time of this writing, we have done more.)

_______________________________________

Click Here for Photo Album.

Featured Websites:

Dave Rawlings Machine’s Official Website
Dave Rawlings Machine’s Facebook Page
To Purchase Dave Rawlings Machine’s music:
iTunes
Amazon

Gillian Welch’s Official Website
Gillian Welch’s Facebook Page
To Purchase Gillian Welch’s music:
iTunes
Amazon

Willie Watson’s Official Website
Willie Watson’s Facebook Page
To Purchase Willie Watson’s music:
iTunes
Amazon

Paul Kowert’s Official Website
Paul Kowert’s Facebook Page
To Purchase Paul Kowert’s (Punch Brothers) music:
iTunes
Amazon

John Paul Jones’ Official Website
John Paul Jones’ Facebook Page
To Purchase John Paul Jones’ music:
iTunes
Amazon

Chris Knight’s Official Website
Chris Knight’s Facebook Page
To Purchase Chris Knight’s music:
iTunes
Amazon

Otis Gibb’s Official Website
Otis Gibb’s Podsite
Otis Gibb’s Facebook Page
To Purchase Otis Gibb’s music:
iTunes
Amazon

Billy Joe Shaver’s Official Website
Billy Joe Shaver’s Facebook Page
To Purchase Billy Joe Shaver’s music:
iTunes
Amazon

Gary Stanton’s Official Website
Gary Stanton’s Facebook Page
To Purchase Gary Stanton’s music:
iTunes
Amazon

Smoky Mountain’s Harley-Davidson’s Official Website
The Ryman Auditorium’s Official Website
Duling Hall’s Official Website
Grimey’s Official Website
Gruhn’s Guitars’ Official Website

_______________________________________

Related Articles:

_______________________________________


Additional Information:

Also, if you like this article we would appreciate you liking us on FACEBOOK & following us on TWITTER.

Assisting with editing on this article: Patsy Cheek (Texas Contributor) and Sandra Cole, NBCT, Med

© The Southland Music Line. 2014. All rights reserved

©The Southland Music Line

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button