Ten Out of Tenn 9/29

Sometime last year I heard about this touring group of musicians know as Ten Out of Tenn. As you might guess they are Ten musicians based out of Nashville, TN. The current line-up is the Vol 3 and features Kyle Andrews, Andrew Belle, Jedd Hughes, Madi Diaz, Joy Williams, Sarah Siskind, Ashley Monroe, Mikky Ekko, KS Rhoads, and co-founder Trent Dabbs. Last night Vol 3 made its way to Berklee's The Red Room @ Cafe 939.

The performers each take turns highlighting each others songs with each performer getting to spotlight 2 of their own songs. One thing is clear these guys (and girls) enjoy playing with each other. Take Joy Williams 'perma-grin' for example. Another member called living on the bus with all of them like being at summer camp, including the smells.

This year's group is quite eclectic, where Ashley Monroe and Jedd Hughes were a bit more country, Kyle Andrews was a bit more electronica/pop. Mikky Ekko and Berklee Alum's Madi Diaz got everybody moving and KS Rhoads was a bit reminiscent of the Mat Kearney show I attended last week, right down to freestylin' about his short stay in Boston at the end. Sarah Siskind stripped it down for a solo version of her song Lovin's for Fools, which has been recorded by Bon Iver and Joy Williams smile shone through on her "Charmed Life", which was co-written by Trent Dabbs and featured on
the "Grey's Anatomy" finale last year. Andrew Belle's "Static Waves" was a highlight for me with Joy Williams stepping in gracefully on back-ups, and Trent Dabbs "Your Side Now" really resonated with me.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this set-up is watching the musicians share the spotlight with such ease. Moving from keys to bass to guitar or from lead vocals to backing vocals, this was clearly a collaborative effort. If this tour is anything like the last one we will soon be seeing these individuals up here in Boston again for sure.

Next week Ten Out of Tenn Vol 2. alum Erin McCarley will be joined by Landon Pigg for two shows 10/9 & 10/10 at The Red Room @ Cafe 939. Another show not to be missed.

Live from Cafe 939: Andy Davis

So Andy Davis just left the stage of Cafe 939 for the second time this year. Andy hails from Nashville and previously graced us as part of the Ten out of Tenn tour. This time he returned for a solo jaunt (with only his iPhone as a backing band on a few songs.) Andy started playing guitar and quickly moved to the keyboard for his first song "Good Life". It wasn't long before he had the audience clapping along. After a couple originals, we were graced with a song he wished he wrote "At Last" by Etta James. The follow-up his own "Believable Doubt" was a killer and after a few more songs Andy got the crowd to sing-a-long with the title track to his album "Let The Woman". At one point Andy sang "And Boston goes wow..." and Boston was less than enthusiastic, but after a second try they got it and Boston showed what they were made of. Andy's sound and performance style reminds me a little of Ben Folds and I am sure he has a long career ahead of him.

Andy will be touring with NeedToBreathe thru the end of the month. Check him out if you can.