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Music Notes for January 21, 2010

Midnite jamboree at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop

by  Mary-Ann Brandon

    The main word I’ve gotten this week from anyone in the Huerfano is that it’s typically dead this time of year as far as entertainment goes.  That being the case, I wanted to share an experience that will allow you to be transported to Nashville without ever leaving the comfort of your home.  Thanks to the magic of the internet, you will be able to bridge the 1200 miles with the click of a mouse.

    On Saturday night Fred and I braved frigid temperature (9 degrees, yikes!) to attend the Midnite Jamboree at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop.  This is a show that is broadcast live every Saturday at midnight central time, on 650 WSM radio in Nashville and simultaneously on the website www.etrecordshop.com. 

    Amber Digby, who is my new favorite country singer, was to be the featured artist.  Amber is a young woman who grew up in Nashville surrounded by the old guard of the music business.  On this night, her father played bass with a band that was billed as the “Coal Miners Reunion”.  These were the players from Loretta Lynn’s band back in the day and it was an almost surreal transport back in time to see this, old school, radio broadcast.

    Let me set the stage… We arrived, seconds past midnight, to find Amber singing her first song in a great little theater adjacent to the record store.  She is a new traditionalist who has been embraced by the Texas Country Music Charts and is currently working her way up the ladder to success.   Amber, dressed all in black, with a sequined Nudie Jacket, stood center stage and just ripped our hearts out of our chests with each note she hit.  She is an adorable young woman who shares little in common with the current trend for impossibly beautiful manufactured product (what the major labels pass off as country music). This is a woman who sings like I want a country singer to sing.  She delivers the story believably with a range and passion that brings to mind a young Tammy Wynette crossed with Loretta Lynn.  When she sang the Leona Williams penned “Yes Ma’am He Found Me In a Honky Tonk” the audience erupted in spontaneous applause at her flawless and unapologetic delivery of a song aimed at a mother in law, horrified by the woman her son has dragged home.  Folks, to my ears this is as good as it gets if you want real country music. 

    If you find yourself, on a cold Huerfano county Saturday night, (11 pm your time) with no where to go, no local bands to see, treat yourself to a visit to this wonderful throwback to what Nashville was about in the 1950’s through the 1970’s.  This is the Nashville that I remember from my childhood. To have discovered this free little gem is a gift that I had to share with all of you.  Enjoy!

Entertainment Listing

• Saturday, January 23

Planet O (and other artists t.b.a.) A benefit for victims of the Haiti earthquake

@ The La Veta Inn

Time:  4 p.m.. – 11 p.m..

Ticket Price:?

Details:  Call the organizer, Eric Bachman, for details at 719-742-5558

• Friday, February 5

Randy McAllister with The Sunnyside Ups

@ The Lucky Monkey in Trinidad, Colorado

Time:  7 p.m.

Ticket Price:  $10 at the door

Details:  Local band The Sunnyside Ups will open for Grammy Nominee, Randy Mcallister.