Return to Fayetteville Tour: A Broken Recollection (Part 4)

11/16/11 Day 10: The Commodore, Nashville, TN

Candy Lee @ The Commodore

I left Fayetteville for Nashville, TN. I had previously made friends with the folks of Stag O Lee, a local Nashville band, via the internet, and they hooked me up with another singer/songwriter circle. It took place at the Commodore, a fair-sized lounge on the side of a Holiday Inn Select. The night got double booked, so we had to start late, and I believe our time was cut down. I think I played 3 songs. It was the most bazaar songwriter night I had ever been too. David described it as songwriter speed dating. Basically they called me, Katie, the lead singer of Stag O Lee, and one other artist up to the stage, had us plug in, do a 2 second sound check and begin. We each played our 3 songs in a round and the night was over. Though it was an awkward show for me, It was nice to hear the other songwriters play. The fellow in between Katie and I, whose name escapes me, played country style music, and did it well.  Katie is truly a talented singer and songwriter. Her voice is so smooth and clean, and she sings with so much passion and dynamic. Stag O Lee gave me a copy of their album, which David and I listened to in the car on the road. I really enjoyed it, and would love to see the full band live someday.

11/17/11 Day 11: Rootbar, Asheville, TN

My next show was in Asheville, NC. The drive to Asheville was amazing. The winding mountain roads were grey from the absence of leaves on the trees, and a thick fog had descended upon the road, and the whole sky above. The air was crisp and cold. 

 Jammin' out to a home session of the Fritz

My friends live out in the country, about forty five minutes outside of Asheville on the side of a mountain in a old tall wooden house. This visit was my first time to visit them since they moved from Florida. Walking in, you can tell it's a guys house. They have furniture, but the house is sparse of homey touches. The five guys who live there play in a band called The Fritz. I knew two of the five members back when we lived in Fort Myers, FL, where we grew up. Back then they were called Keef Alfonzo. Since then, they acquired a new singer/keyboard player, a drummer, and a percussionist. I recognize some of the songs they still play from the days of Keef Alfonzo, but they have definitely evolved and become something even more extraordinary. Their new songs are amazing as well. I guess technically they would be categorized as a jam band, but they are so much more than that. They are an eclectic group of people who play an array of musical styles. My friends, who play lead guitar and bass, have been talented since they were kids, and they still blow me away every time I see them. The lead singer and keyboard player, Jamar, is a well dressed thin and tall black man with an afro. He is an excellent front man who adds an extra level of soul to the band, and also plays accordion- another testament to their flexibility in styles. The drummer and percussionist are delightfully rhythmic and versatile. The band has been touring and playing festivals, and are really starting to make a name for themselves. They are all super talented, and I was so pleased to catch a little bit of an at home jam when I came to stay with them. 

Candy Lee @ The Rootbar

On the way to the Rootbar, we stopped at  VegHeads, a vegetarian drive thru restaurant, which was awesome! I believe I had some kind of burrito. I don't remember exactly what, I just remember there was a party going on in my mouth, it was so good. I will definitely be eating there again the next time I return to Asheville.

Rootbaar was a neat little bar with a small stage, and various records covered the wall behind it. Apparently when the weather is warmer, people go outside and play Rootball, but it was cold that night, so there was none of that. I played to a small diverse crowd of bar goers, and that night a local soccer team was celebrating. It's definitely a good venue, but I think better suited for people who play music a little more rockin' than myself.