CMT Blog: Archive

For almost a year, I've had people telling me to go hear the SteelDrivers at Station Inn, and this weekend I finally went. Of course, I've seen them before a few times around town, like at the CMA Music Festival, and Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman. But nothing beats the Station Inn. An hour before the show, the place was already full, so we had to sit at the bar. (Tough life.) It's a friendly place, but once the music started, everybody stopped chattering and really focused on the music. When singer Chris Stapleton starts tearing through the band's bluegrass repertoire - with his bluesy, growly voice - he really commands your attention. Plus, fiddler Tammy Rogers is fun to watch, because when she sings harmony, she sings from her toenails.

Since it was packed out, the energy in the room was palpable, and I love it when the most unexpected people go nuts when they hear their favorite song. Most folks here try to play it cool, so it doesn't happen nearly as often as you'd think. You mix in some gritty vocals and frantic banjo, and some people just can't control themselves, I guess.

All the members of the SteelDrivers are professional musicians in Nashville, so they don't tour as extensively as most bluegrass bands. However, in the next few weeks, the Americana Music Association and the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) are both hosting conferences in Nashville, and the SteelDrivers secured showcases at both events. This is a perfect shot for out-of-towners to see what we've got going on around here. And in case you're intrigued, but aren't heading to Tennessee anytime soon, you can check ‘em out on Unplugged at Studio 330.