Discovering Americana and the Roots of Rock ‘n’ Roll

I have always loved a mix of musical styles. I guess that is what brought me to my current interest in Americana music. Americana pulls from the varied traditions and genres that have developed in America. The Americana Music Association defines it as “contemporary music that incorporates elements of various American roots music styles, including country, roots-rock, folk, bluegrass, R&B and blues, resulting in a distinctive roots-oriented sound that lives in a world apart…” I just define it as all that American style music that I love! Being a big fan of live music, I had wanted for some time to attend the Americana Music Festival and Conference in Nashville. This last year provided the opportunity to do this and also along the way discover some of the roots of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Memphis Roots

I actually began my journey to the Americana Fest in the city of Memphis. As soon as you walk off the airplane in Memphis, you know where you are, with signs and banners reading – the “Home of the Blues” and “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll”.

My music adventures in Memphis led me from the busy lines at Graceland (plan for sufficient time to explore, worth the wait!), to a simple walk along the Mississippi River, and everything in between.

Highlights included tours of Sun Studio, Gibson Guitar Factory, Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Museum.

In between this rush of wanting to absorb the history behind the music, were great nights spent along Beale Street. During my stay blues competitors were performing in Memphis for a chance to represent the city in the International Blues Challenge, which is hosted annually by Memphis. I got the chance to visit with some members of the Memphis Blues Society, who are great supporters of the blues tradition and have re-established a local blues festival named the Bona Fide Blues Festival in Overton Square Sept 30-Oct 1. The combination of location and environment just cannot be beat in Memphis. In addition to the nightly performances, day time walks along Beale Street were highlighted with impromptu performances, one of note under the watchful glance of the W.C. Handy aka, the “Father of the Blues” statue in Handy Park. In Memphis, you cannot but help to absorb the environment that surrounds you.

Nashville – “Music City”

The journey then continued with a drive on I-40 (dubbed the “Music Highway”) out of Memphis towards Nashville. At this point, with a solid foundation, I was ready to experience what the city had to offer.

With the vast number of performances during The Americana Fest showcases each evening, a little advance planning was required. The showcases are spread among various venues in the Nashville area (this year there will be at least 13), with the conference headquarters itself providing a starting point for the festival shuttle service to each. The festival is both a music showcase in the evenings, and a conference for working musicians, industry personnel, and other enthusiasts during the day. I also took the chance to do some sightseeing along the way. It is always helpful to keep an eye out for special events when you are in the area. In addition to the highlights of the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Ryman Auditorium, and just strolling along Broadway amongst all of the honky tonks, I caught a special singer songwriter night at the Johnny Cash Museum, hosted by John Carter Cash.

The Americana Fest itself is as varied as the artists who come to play. As of the writing of this article, there are 180+ artists expected, with additional ones always added as the ending lineups are made. Needless to say, decisions have to be made on venues and artists. But this also makes the festival both interesting and accessible. With a little planning, I got in to all of the events I had scheduled, and never felt overcrowded. From the elegant wine tasting/dinner showcases at the City Winery, to the rockin’ stand up bar at the Basement East, there is a little for everyone in both musical and venue variety.

You will get to experience some of the best listening spaces the city and surrounding area has to offer including 3rd and Lindsley, The Station Inn, Family Wash, Mercy Lounge, 12^th & Porter, Cannery Ballroom, The High Watt, The 5 Spot, The Basement, and Music City Roots at the Factory at Franklin. Embedded within the schedule, but requiring a separate ticket, is the Americana Honors and Awards Show at the historic Ryman Auditorium. And amidst all this are the various conference seminars, panels and networking opportunities. On one of the days last year I got to catch a very nice interview with Don Henley held in an auditorium at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. By the end of this trip, I was feeling thoroughly educated as well as entertained. My musical adventure has formed lasting impressions which have continued to drive me to learn more about the musical roots of America.

This year the 17th Annual Americana Music Festival & Conference will take place September 20-25, 2016, in Nashville, TN. For more info, go to http://americanamusic.org/about-americanafest

Artists pictured:

The Contenders (Jay Nash and Josh Day) performing at the City Winery

Brian Wright (with special appearance by Sally Jaye) performing at the Basement East

~ Contributed by Jerry Horstmeyer