More great music at Americana Fest

The extreme heat continued in Nashville as we moved into our third day. The music was pretty hot as well but with so many artists and several dozen venues it's difficult to see even a fraction of the acts. We spent the morning browsing for records at the Great Escape record shop and Rhino book and record store on Charlotte Ave. Then it was back to the live stuff. Fortunately the afternoon session at Roberts Western Wear bar on Broadway provided an opportunity to see quite a few of the better acts if only for a few numbers each.
The session was hosted by Mojo Nixon and Sarah Gayle Meech, who also sang several numbers, and was excellent despite the tiny, narrow venue being packed. First up were The North Mississippi All Stars, followed by Corb Lund, who sang 'Cover of Rolling Stone', and Jeremy Ivey. Dale Watson, supported by Celine Lee, was in a country mood, the highlight being 'Run Away', but the next act, Carlene Carter, brought the packed house down in terms of excitement. She was great on 'Every Little Thing' and 'What You Want To Do That For'. She is a class act and true country royalty of course. Following her was Rosie Flores who brought some bluesy influences with her, with support from rockabilly star James Intveld. Numbers included 'Honky Tonk Blues' and 'Crying Over You", with support on that one from Bonnie Montgomery. The afternoon reached its climax with the arrival on stage of the Mavericks, the nine piece band being crammed into a tiny space. The bar was jam packed and it was fantastic being down near the front to witness what was a brilliant set. The band mixed country with Tex-Mex and singer Raul Malo's voice was superb on half a dozen songs including 'Hungry Heart' and Ray Price's 'Don't You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me'. A magical half hour and a privilege to be there. Finally Chuck Mead brought some rockabilly to proceedings, along with 'What Made Milwaukee Famous'. A great afternoon's entertainment.
In the evening we had some ribs at Peg Leg Porkers restaurant and a beer at the Flying Saucer before trekking across town to 3rd and Lindsley to see Jim Lauderdale do a pleasant  if laid back set of country styled numbers, with Buddy Miller duetting on a couple of numbers. Then it was to the City Winery for a real highlight - UK artist Yola, who was wonderful. An impressively built lady with a big Afro, she has a fantastically powerful voice and a nice line in humour between songs. Her highly enjoyable set included original songs such as 'Ride Out in the Country' and 'Still Gone' from her recent album, along with the title track 'Walk Through Fire', written by Dan Penn when he heard about a real incident when Yola set fire to her clothes. 'Shady Grove' came next, followed by Elton John's 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road', 'Love All Night Work All Day' and 'What You Do' from her first EP. 'It Ain't Easier' was a stand out number and attracted vocal support from the McCrary Sisters gospel group who I was sitting with  and she finished with 'Far Away Look'. Having heard good things about Yola I can now confirm, having seen her, that she is a true star in the making. Brilliant!
Next day we went to the War Memorial Auditorium but the folky Appalachian stuff being played didn't really appeal so we headed for the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. I was impressed with the place which includes good sections on the likes of Sun and Muscle Shoals and lots of inter active exhibits.
The evening turned out to be an excellent one. We started at 3rd and Lindsey with the great Bobby Rush who, even in his mid eighties, looks and sounds like a man in his prime. This was a slightly toned down show, to suit the white audience  and there was only a brief appearance by Mizz Lowe and Erica but lots of his perennial favourites were there, including 'Bow  Legged Woman', 'Porcupine Meat', 'Hoochie Coochie Man', '19 Years Old' and 'Booga Bear. We stayed on for the next act, singer songwriter Gary Nicholson, the writer of some excellent songs  such as Buddy Guy's Grammy Award winning 'Skin Deep', and a decent singer sounding rather like Robert Cray. Playing with him was Canadian guitarist Colin Linden. Walking across town we eventually arrived at the Hutton Hotel to see female gospel quartet the McCrary Sisters. I sat next to Freda, youngest of the sisters  at the Yola show and promised to come to see them. The sisters are gospel through and through, their father Sam having been a founder of the Fairfield Four, and are regular performers at the Americana Awards show. Their set was superb with some very soulful and emotional songs ranging from standards like 'Amazing Grace' to up beat numbers such as 'Let It Go', 'Dance Like David' and 'I'll Take You There'.
To complete the evening we went on to Exit/In for a few rocking numbers by Rosie Flores and an excellent set by Chuck Mead, which ranged from Western swing through Tex  Mex to rockabilly and Chuck Berry styled rock and roll. Another great day and there's more to come. Photos will follow when I get home.