CMT Blog: Archive

I've been looking forward to this past week for a long time now. The minute I found out that I would be playing the Grammy Block Party for the L.A. Chapter, I couldn't wait for the day to arrive. But first, it was off to N.C. to do a show on the Redneck Yacht Party Boat. I played for about two hours and it was a lot of fun. I mean country music, beer, and a lake -- how could it not be? Then I was off to Rhode Island where I did another acoustic show at Six Flags. (BTW ... while I'm writing this blog entry, I'm sitting at a restaurant in L.A. by myself stuffing my face with bread and maple butter ... I can hear myself getting fatter! Just a side note.) Apparently, I rode what was voted the best roller coaster on the planet. I will say ... it was awesome! Used to be called "Superman," but now it's Bizarro. Got up the next morning at 5 a.m. to co-host a radio show ... thank you Jessica at Cat Country, which was a lot of fun btw! Love you, I mean it! ;)

Then I went straight to the airport and jumped on a flight to L.A. Exhausted at this point from having about four hours of sleep over two days, I tried to sleep on the plane but the man eating Chinese food and reading the paper for five hours made it difficult. :) Landed, got a good night's rest and headed to sound check with none other than Rickey Minor and the Tonight Show Band! These guys are incredible. I basically e-mailed them the songs and they learned them on the spot ... and learned them well. I did all new songs that will be on the new record -- "Old School," "Worries," "She Gets to Me," "Convertible," and the current single, "Hold That Thought." (BTW ... side note: Everyone at this restaurant is on their phone ... EVERYONE! Including me. But I'm by myself so it makes more sense.)

I was the only country act for the Block Party. Raphael Saddiq (Tony! Toni! Toné!) was headlining, and he is pretty much amazing and a great talent and entertainer. He's been nominated for a Grammy like 14 times. It was an experience I will never forget. To be surrounded by such amazing talent and to have the opportunity to share the stage with them and play with the Tonight Show Band was really a once-in-a-lifetime moment for me. And most importantly, all proceeds went to help the flood victims of Nashville. It felt good and I felt proud to represent Nashville and country music.

Met some great people while doing the event. One in particular was one of the backup singers in the band. She was hilarious! She's been out on tour with Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera and Mariah Carey to name a few. Now, with that said, you can guess she's got a pretty amazing voice. Well, here comes the fun part. A bunch of us went out to celebrate a great day, and let's say when a singer of that caliber decides to sing at a bar at 2 a.m. ... she turns heads. I would get into details, but you had to be there to fully understand. LOL! It was funny, trust me. And then in walks Suge Knight. Cue the exit music. My a$ was out of that bar. That guy just scares people. Don't know him? Just Google him, you'll see what I'm sayin'.

Had meetings all day today which went great, now I'm about to walk into a movie and I fly home to Nashville tomorrow!

Good talk ... until next week,

Chuck