Amidst the throes of CMA week with a lot of events happening at the same time was a very charming evening of acoustic music at Caffeine in Music Row. Six unique singer/songwriter acts shared their music and their hearts at the first of a monthly series of faith-based songwriter events sponsored by Corner Music. Corner Music's Scott Oliver served as a supportive and entertaining host (pulling out quite a few musician jokes over the evening).
In the "small town" department, I either knew or met four of the six acts a short time before I realized they were all playing at this same gig.
I first met Jonathan Aaron Porter, of Lebanon TN, in the line at the door of the Bluebird Cafe about two weeks earlier. Newly graduated from ministry school, Jonathan charmed us with thought provoking songs about believers' roles as God's disciples. One of the most striking songs was "I See The Nails".
I met Irene Kelly a couple of nights earlier at Cafe Forte, where she led worship music for the organization's dedication service. This evening we got to see another musical side of her. Accompanied on bass by her husband Tim Gaines (a member of the Christian band Stryper), she showed vocally soft and strong edges. One set standout were "Bough That's Breaking", a song for the troops.
You might recall me mentioning how impressed I was with Brian James when I heard him briefly at Doak Turner's songwriter picnic. I was anticipating hearing Brian in a more structured set. He did not disappoint--he's got a sweet, clear voice and solid songwriting, particularly on "Fallen Angels" and a song he wrote based on the "footprints" poem.
One new person to me this evening was Kimberlee Dunbar, a gospel/jazz vocalist and founder of a new support organization called Christian Women of Entertainment. Despite still dealing with the effects of a vocal cord cyst which left her unable to sing for a year, Kimberlee sounded strong and showed great style and versatility. I particularly liked "In His Time" a song about awaiting God's timing rather than ours, and her fine take on the classic song "Smile".
Houston, TX native and music industry professional Stin Fox was the "fun guy" of the group. His amusing song "Gospel Hair" had the crowd laughing, but he also showed a serious side with "Symphony of Silence" where he asked to audience to remain silent for a moment at the end of the song.
Tara and Scott Oliver closed the show with some fine guitar playing by Scott and Tara's passionate vocal power. The duo spent many years performing at coffeehouses in Los Angeles, and one song this evening, "Georgia Brown" was dedicated to an older woman who had a rough go in life but was always in the audience to encourage Tara and Scott when they played.
On a personal and professional note, I was honored to be given an opportunity during the evening to tell the audience what it is I am hoping to do here in Nashville. To have that chance to speak to a group in the Nashville musical community after only being in town two months was beyond my expectations. I'm very grateful to Tara and Scott for their encouragement!
Corner Music's monthly faith-based showcases will be held at different venues around Nashville. Contact the Olivers for further information.
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