Chattanooga’s Live Music Scene: Nathan Farrow Band

Thursday, January 15, 2009
Bob Payne WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DAVRIK

Bob Payne

I figured out what is wrong with the world today. There isn’t enough real country music anymore. Much of the country music today isn’t really country and some I really don’t like. Well, all is right in Bob’s universe now, thanks to a show by Nathan Farrow and his band last Friday night.

Pat and I both thoroughly enjoyed the show and it started me to wondering – why is so little country music played live in the clubs today? It’s a niche that I know must still exist, but we don’t see too many bands that do country or venues that promote the same. There are few good solo musicians, like Channing, Pee Wee and others, but not too many bands. That’s too bad, really.

Nathan Farrow started out being darn fine in my book for a non-musical reason. He is a fireman and that is one profession I really respect and admire. At the end of this column, you will see why. (Don’t skip down to read now…finish this whole column, please…no cheaters allowed!)

Nathan had his band with him Friday night, which included a drummer, lead guitarist, bass guitarist and keyboard player. Nathan also plays the guitar and provides the spectacular lead vocals. The band is doggone good and performed well together. With some Johnny Cash songs, David Allan Coe, and other “real” county tunes, the band sounded great. Somehow, they even made the venerable “Mustang Sally” sound good, which is amazing because we have heard it 104,234 times in the past weeks. I think that Federal Law 133-9-A-4 should be repealed, which makes performing Mustang Sally a requirement for almost all bands.

Note to Venues – try mixing up your line-up by throwing in some country music occasionally. From what I saw, the crowd was really into the band and we heard several comments from the audience that it was a nice departure from the usual cover band material.

Want to know more about Nathan Farrow, hear some cuts of his music and find out where he will be playing in the coming weeks? His website is at click here.

There is still time to get tickets to the Hot Pink In The City Gala to benefit the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center at Memorial Hospital. Band X from Atlanta is playing. Cocktails, a silent auction, dinner and dancing are all on the ticket for January 23 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Call the Memorial Hospital System Foundation at 423-495-4151 for more information and tickets.

Oops…I almost forgot to tell you my fireman story. On Jan. 28, 1922, a winter storm dumped 28 inches of snow on Washington D.C. and the East Coast. Washington’s largest theater, the Knickerbocker, had a packed house when the roof caved in from the weight of the snow. Unfortunately, 98 people died, but hundreds were rescued by heroic firefighters that night. My Grandfather, Chief Fred M. Edwards was among the first responders. For years he had been fighting with the District over the switch from horse-drawn fire equipment to engine driven. His company still used the horses and was the only company able to get to the scene of the disaster in quick order. He was highly decorated for his efforts that night, and went on to have a 38-year career at the fire department. In my mind, he was the greatest grandfather and greatest fireman ever to live. I think he is in good company, with Nathan Farrow.

Live! In Chattanooga

Thursday, January 15

Rhythm & Brews – 6 Day Bender, with Don Arther

Buds - Channing

Friday, January 16

Charles & Myrtles - Jack Williams

Buds – The Beaters

Blues Train Café Dalton – Frankie Moates

Murphy’s Ale House – The Mudville Mafia

T-Bones - Seersucker

Market Street Tavern – Bluegrass Pharaohs

Rhythm & Brews – 8OZ-Enuff

Blue Orleans Creole Rest on Amnicola – Matt Turnure Trio