The Bluebird Re-Re Visited

I haven’t been to Nashville since before the pandemic. I’m not writing/pitching songs so much any more so there’s no urgent reason to return.

But on a recent Crystal Cruise adventure on which I was an entertainer, Adam and I made friends with Gary Burr and (his wife) Georgia Middleman. Gary was performing on the ship as well. The four of us shared quite a few meals and conversations and became mutually fond. So much so that they invited us to come to Nashville and ‘would I join them for a round at The Bluebird?’

Ummmm …. Yes

And did I have a friend who might want to be our 4th player. I texted Jeff ("If It Makes You Happy", "Everyday Is a Winding Road", and "Soak Up the Sun”) Trott. He texted right back.

Yes. 😃

It’s not my first rodeo at The Bluebird. But in retrospect I believe that three times must be the charm it’s cracked up to be.

First time I was jittery. I was an accomplished songwriter but my guitar playing was shaky at best. (Still is.)(Though it’s better!)

Round two in 2018 I was perhaps too confident and God musta said “ha” cuz I made some careless karmic mistakes.

This time I felt like I was right where I belong. No heart palpitations. No bout of nerves. I had practiced my songs ad nauseam so I didn’t need lyric sheets. They’re not a good idea for me. My eyes will be glued to the words (even if I know them) instead of making eye contact with other eyes in the audience.

Besides, Adam was there and I can count on him to call the line out when I have a brain fart. 😳

I’m still pretty challenged when it comes to strumming but I did just fine. I was comfortable. In the moment. It’s because I’m older. I’m sure of it. Kids can look forward to this.

The Bluebird is an intimate forum. It’s all about the songs…played acoustically. No tracks or recorded loops. Much of the audience has never been there before (we asked) and they travel from all over the country and from across the pond to experience the legendary venue. They’re excited, engaged and ALL EARS. It’s the best place to play.

Jeff gave us some of my favorite Sheryl Crow collabs (see above). Gary is as funny as his songs are profound. Georgia’s voice and songs (and face and spirit) are stunning. We had a guest appearance from Emily West. Molly (at the door) said they rarely get standing ovations but we did on this night.

we

After the show a woman approached and told me that one of my songs made her cry. I said “thank you.” That’s the best compliment a songwriter can get. “What I want do is make you feel. And if it means tears, that’s OK. I’ve done my job.”

Adam and I stayed at Gary and Georgia’s home. I hesitated at first. You know what they say about houseguests — after three days it starts to smell like fish. But Georgia assured us they wanted us to come and so I took a lot of showers, especially on the third day.

We had a blast. Meals and margaritas and lots of talking and laughing. On our last day Gary suggested the four of us try writing something.

Ummmm ….. OKAY!!!!

It went stunningly well and I love our song-baby. Collaborating with other seasoned songsmiths simply for the sport — for the joy of song sex — is a reason enough to get back in the room.

And here’s a confession: sometimes I feel like I might be getting stale. But I’m not stale. I’m really good. I’m as good as the writers I write with. Accomplished writers make you better. It’s been a while since I’ve been in that room if you know what I mean.

Amen

Chalk up another adventure for the memory book. As long as I keep on learning something new may they continue to continue. 💜🎸

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