January 1st marked the 29th anniversary of Townes Van Zant's death and the sixth annual tribute show here in Memphis. Event coordinater and band leader Brian Blake assembled a cast of 17+ musicians and accompanying band members for this well-promoted endeavor. Sure, there are other TVZ tributes but nothing showcases the Memphis Music Community like this one.
Memphis, by nature is a melting pot of cultures, cuisine, beliefs and of course, musical genres and cliques. What I love most at this particular show is the casual nature that musicians, promoters, venue owners, sound techs, fans and family interact with each other. Nearly everyone knows each other by association and if they don't, they will soon be introduced. In addition to the amazing music honoring Townes, the networking is subtly evident in the room: Numbers are exchanged, gigs are planned and smiles are exchanged openly.
In addition to Blake, the night featured the best Memphis has to offer: Nancy Apple, Bailey Bigger, Deion James, Tony Manard, The Late Greats, Davey Coleman, Jesse Wilcox, Kitty Dearing & The Dagnabbits, Oakwalker, Turnstyles, Jeremy Scott, Curtis B. Scott, Mark Wiklund, Patrick McGee and Joe Mathews. A cross-section of America music had local legends sharing the stage with recent additions to the scene. Memphis is alive and thriving in the singer/songwriter space as evidenced here. Putting their spins on classic Townes Inspired songs and sharing some originals made this such a special night.
Of course, the entire cast joined in for the finale: “Pancho and Lefty” which Townes claimed he wrote about “Two Mexican bandits he didn't see on TV until weeks later.” Covers of your songs by other artists is a true barometer of how it is received and as such, how it is written. Willie Nelson/Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Shane Smith and The Saints, Cody Jinks/Elizabeth Cook, Jason Isbell and Gillian Welch are just a few who have done it.
On this night, in the heart of a city steeped in musical heritage, the work borne by a Texas Songwriter who, much like Memphis itself was a bit of an underdog, shined like polished steel. See y'all next year!