*Cue Music* “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty

“I began writing what they call a mission statement. Not a memo…a mission statement. You know a suggestion for the future of our company. A night like this doesn’t come along very often…I seized it.” -Jerry Maguire

It’s been 14 years since the first time I saw “Jerry Maguire” and A LOT has changed since that time. Although the movie was excellent during my senior year of high school, I have a whole new appreciation for it now. As we learn and grow and experience life, things that once provided entertainment are now actually relatable. Not to say that I’ve worked with any clients like Rod Tidwell, but I’m sure I could imagine what that would be like in a real life setting.

Therefore, I’d like to share some extremely important communication techniques learned from “Jerry McGuire” in conjunction with some fun pop culture info from the past two weeks.

Shall we?

Jerry Maguire: “I’m not gonna do what you all think I’m gonna do which is just FLIP OUT! There is such a thing as manners…a way of treating people.”

Jerry Maguire Lesson #1: Don’t be rude. Ever.

Rod Tidwell: “Show me the money!”

Jerry Maguire Lesson #2: You have very specific talents. Know your worth.

Ray Boyd: “Do you know bees and dogs can smell fear?” OR “You talk too much.”

Jerry Maguire Lesson #3: Listen to kids. They are smarter than you and I are.

Jerry Maguire: “Do you see this jacket I’m wearing? Do you like it? I don’t really need it, because I’m cloaked in failure! I lost the Number 1 draft pick the night before the draft. Why? Let’s recap. Because a hockey player’s kid made me feel like a superficial jerk. I had two slices of pizza, went to bed and grew a conscious!”

Rod Tidwell: “Well, boo-f*$ing-who.”

Jerry Maguire Lesson #4: Get over it. It could always be worse.

Rod Tidwell: “That’s the difference between us. You think we’re fightin’ and I think we’re finally talking!”

Jerry Maguire Lesson #5: Learn to appreciate differences in communication…even if you want to scream.

Dorothy Boyd: “I care about the job of course, but mostly I just want to be inspired.”

Jerry Maguire Lesson #6: Do something that inspires you and those around you. Otherwise, what’s the point? I know Nicole, Billy and Tiffany inspire.

Jerry Maguire: “Help me, help you.”

Jerry Maguire Lesson #7: Stop expecting someone else to do everything for you. It’s your life. Be your own advocate. In other words…HELP ME, HELP YOU!

Dicky Fox: “Unless you love everybody, you can’t sell anybody.”

Jerry Maguire Lesson #8: Love. Bottom line.

Jerry Maguire: “That’s more than a dress. That’s an Audrey Hepburn movie.”

Jerry Maguire Lesson #9: Choose your dresses wisely.

Dicky Fox: “If this (hitting chest) is empty, this (pointing at brain) doesn’t matter.”

Jerry Maguire Lesson #10: Do you really need the lesson spelled out for this one?

Jerry Maguire: “When you get on the field, it’s all about what you didn’t get. Who’s to blame. Who under threw the pass. Who’s got the contract you don’t. Who’s not givin’ you your love. And you know what? That is not what inspires people. That is not what inspires people. Shut up. Play the game. Play it from your heart and you know what? I will show you the qwan. And that’s the truth man. That’s the truth. Can you handle it? It’s just a question between friends..you know? Oh and when they call you shrimp, I’M the one who defends you!”

Jerry Maguire Lesson #11: Quit complaining about what you don’t have and learn to love what you do have. Oh yeah and choose friends wisely. They are the ones who will remind you.

Dicky Fox: “I love getting up in the morning. I clap my hands and say, ‘This is gonna be a great day!’”

Jerry Maguire Lesson #12: Be passionate about everything…even first thing in the morning. Hey! I’m working on it!

As we celebrate the birth of this amazing country, I would also like to focus on some of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Since I have seen so many incredible artists and shows the past three weeks, I’m going to have to go about reviewing them in a slightly different way. Know that each artist and song mentioned made a positive impact on me. A mention means two thumbs up and REALLY worth hearing. I know my Mom liked hearing a lot of them.

THE FREEDOM TO USE CELEBRITY FOR GOOD: Three celebrities set great examples on how to use their power for good instead of evil during the past 21 days. Check this out…

Kevin Costner put his money where his mouth is to the tune of $20 million. This money was used to create oil-sucking centrifuges to help clean up the oil in the Gulf.

Oprah gave her staff $10,000 and an iPad as a bonus this year…just because.

While in New Orleans visiting, Lenny Kravitz joined a church choir when he heard them singing his song on the street. Lenny showed the kids what they are doing means something. Showing interest in their talents means more than any amount of money, PSA or autograph. Check it out HERE.

Can I also just say Lenny is the freakin’ definition of cool. What?! He doesn’t have to try…he just is.

THE FREEDOM TO MAKE DECISIONS: As I watch “The Bachelorette” this season, I am reminded of a past bachelor that I loved. Let me clarify…there is only ONE bachelor from the show I have ever respected (I know a lot of them are probably good guys. I can only go with what I see on the show). However, he is the one guy who people absolutely hated. I never really understood why.

Brad Womack was “The Bachelor” back in 2007. Long story short? He didn’t pick either girl…and the women PLUS America were pissed at the guy.

Come on ladies! Don’t we as women always ask men to be honest with us? Do we really have a right to be mad if they are honest and it’s just not the answer we want to hear? Isn’t it WAY more wrong for a guy to lie to us just to avoid hurting our feelings (when in the end our feelings will be hurt anyway)?

Brad did not see a future with either woman. He could have picked one to make America (and one girl) happy for a couple of months…THEN dumped her (like every other Bachelor has done). However, he made the more difficult decision. And I have always respected that. Yes, I just said “respected” about a reality TV star.

HERE is what happened when he met up with DeAnna a few weeks after the show ended. OUCH! Even Ellen was ripping the poor guy (she did apologize afterward though) HERE.

Brad took beating after beating and did not go back on TV afterward. This March was the first time he appeared back on television to talk about everything. The guy also (finally) received an apology from…DeAnna. She became The Bachelorette the next season and got a little taste of what it was like to be in someone else’s shoes. Isn’t it interesting how that happens? Check out the reunion HERE.

Brad, thank you for being an example of a strong man who actually stands by what he believes. I appreciate it. I’m sure there are other women in America who do as well.

See! Even reality shows can teach you something about yourself…well, maybe not “Jersey Shore.”

THE FREEDOM TO LAUGH: Two of my all-time favorite SNL cast members had some fun together with a sneeze. Yes, a sneeze. Jimmy Fallon and Adam Sandler never fail to make me laugh. I heart these two. Laughing is good medicine and they always deliver. Check out the interview. HAHAHAHAHA!

THE FREEDOM TO REMEMBER: I cannot believe it’s been a year since we lost Michael Jackson. I’ll always remember where I was and what I was doing when they announced he was gone. However, I’d rather remember all the amazing things Michael did while he was still alive. The music is legendary and the artistry is unmatched. There have been many tributes to Michael since he passed away. I got to see Chris Brown deliver one at this year’s BET Awards.

Although Chris got so emotional that he couldn’t sing at the end of the tribute, check out the dancing and everything else he and the dancers did to say thank you to one of the greatest artists/entertainers/singers of all time. It is THE BEST tribute to Michael Jackson I have ever seen. Here’s to hoping Chris truly felt the words and music that have the power to change the world by changing people in it. Click HERE.

THE FREEDOM TO EXPRESS YOURSELF: We live in a country that allows us to do this. I am surrounded by people who express themselves with music and I am so blessed to hear those expressions. This week provided a thought provoking discussion with one of my friends from back home about Eminem.

Before you jump to conclusions, I am the Eminem fan. Yes…me. My friend is the rocker who hates all rap and hip-hop after the 80’s. He feels like all rappers do anymore is cuss and go for the obvious lyric. I have to disagree.

What do you think Syd? My little cousin has officially graduated and has some great opinions as well.

Eminem just released his latest album called “Recovery.” It. Is. Awesome. In two days, I had listened to every song…multiple times. Eminem’s themes are always raw, harsh, graphic and brutal. However, that is what makes each song relatable. He uses common terms that all can understand to describe difficult emotions…feelings we all deal with on a daily basis. He is witty, quick and honest about his own personal battles. I appreciate the honesty.

You don’t have to like him. If you do, this album is well-worth the money. He is an extreme talent and I am constantly amazed at what he can do on a microphone. Check out the latest single “Not Afraid” for a little preview.

THE FREEDOM TO ENJOY ALL TYPES OF MUSIC: And it’s time for the music list of the week…

1. “He’s a Heartache” by Janie Fricke. Taken it old-school y’all! “He’s a heartache. Lookin’ for a place to happen. Lookin’ for a little action. Livin’ for the moment, not for lovin’. He’s a heartache. Lookin’ for a place to happen. Temporary satisfaction. If you try to hold on, he’s gone.”

2. “N Dey Say” by Nelly. Love the sampling in this tune. Hey! It’s the 80’s…what do you want from me?! “I was at the gas station and a man walked past with his sign will work for food, clothes or cash. And he asked if he could pump my gas, so I let him clean the windshield and throw out the trash. So I let him (Hey!). I even asked a brother his name, where he was from, got kids man and what’s their ages? He kinda stuttered for a second. He kinda looked surprised that anyone would even take an interest in his life. He said young brother them the only words I done heard in the last year that wasn’t ‘no’ or “Get the f&%k away from here.’ How could somethin’ so simple as general conversation, mean much more than general conversation? (Hey!)”

3. “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel. Nothing is better than John Cusack and a Boom Box. Hey! I’m just sayin’. Ohhhh…Lloyd.

4. “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. “Someone told me long ago there’s a calm before the storm. I know. It’s been comin’ for sometime. When it’s over so they say. It’ll rain on a sunny day. I know. Shinin’ down like water. I wanna know. Have you ever seen the rain?”

5. “Heart of Life” by John Mayer. Such a simply sweet song. “You know it’s nothing new. Bad new never had good timing. Then the circle of your friends will defend the silver lining. Pain throws your heart to the ground. Love turns the whole thing around. No, it won’t all go the way it should, but I know the heart of life is good.”

6. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson. There is a vast canyon in the music world where Michael Jackson used to stand. He is an artist who will go unmatched. RIP Michael.

7. “Jenny From the Block” by Jennifer Lopez. Love this song. Can’t help it. “I stay grounded as the amounts roll in. I really thought I told ya. I really been on Oprah. That’s just me. Nothin’ phony. Don’t hate on me. Whatchya get is whatchya see. Don’t be fooled by the rocks that I got. I’m still..I’m still Jenny from the Block. Used to have a little, now I have a lot. No matter where I go, I know where I came from.”

8. “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts. This song never gets old. Ever. “Every long, lost dream led me to where you are. And others who broke my heart, they were like Northern Stars. Pointing me on my way into your loving arms. This much I know is true. God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you.” I also adore the guys singing it with Carrie Underwood HERE.

9. “This Aint Goodbye” by Train. Some songs never, really leave you. They are difficult to forget. This is one of those tunes. “This aint goodbye. This is just where love goes when words aren’t warm enough to keep away the cold. Oh no. This aint goodbye. It’s not where our story ends, but I know you can’t be mine…not the way you’ve always been. As long as we’ve got time, then this aint goodbye.”

10. “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis. I have loved this one since I started breathing. Awesome at every level. The end.

11. “Free” by the Zac Brown Band. I thought this was appropriate for the 4th of July weekend. It is also an incredible song and the first one I’ve ever purchased from this band. “Just as free…free as we’ll ever be. Just as free…free as we’ll ever be.”

12. “Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem (Featuring Rihanna). Quite possibly my favorite on the album…although it’s nearly impossible to choose just one song as the best. They are all that good. It’s a great pairing of Eminem and Rihanna on this tune. “Just gonna stand there and watch me burn. Well, that’s all right because I like the way it hurts. Just gonna stand there and hear me cry. Well, that’s all right because I love the way you lie. I love the way you lie.”

Hope you have some fun with these next sections. I know I had fun listening.

THE FREEDOM TO LOVE

Brooke Burrows – “I Can’t Unlove You.” Having the freedom to love may also result in loss. The chorus says it all. “No, I can’t unbreak my heart. You knew that right from the start. There are just some things I can’t undo. I can’t unlove you.” (6/15…3rd & Lindsley)

Chuck Wicks – “Stealing Cinderella.” It’s sweet and poignant. AND it was Chuck’s first hit on the charts. (6/15…3rd & Lindsley)

Dave Pahanish – “Without You.” It’s a new cut by Keith Urban and gets right to the point. “The traveling…singing don’t mean nothin’ without you. Fast cars and guitars are second to the life, the love, everything I’ve been dreamin’ of. You know it’s just as good as gone without you.” (6/15…3rd & Lindsley)

Josh Osborne – “Best Thing Going.” What is better than love? Nothing according to this song. “Yeah, as mad as it makes you…as bad as it breaks you…you’d do it all again in a moment. ‘Cause love is the best thing going.” (6/23…Mad Donna’s)

Shane McAnally – “She Moves.” It’s the tune which explains how someone can hook you. “She’s a Hollywood face that’s never been to LA. Kinda kitchy like a dime store gypsy. Like to talk big city just to try and pretty up her roots. She’s nobody’s wife, cuz she hates wearing white. Kinda different like a fingerprint dippin’ in the ink. When you think you got her right where you want her. She moves. And I love the way she moves.” (6/23…Mad Donna’s)

Phil Sanders – “There’s a Place in My Heart.” Phil has played in Keith Anderson’s band for years and is a songwriting talent as well. “There’s a place in my heart I still go when we hold each other in the dark. It’s your love strong and kind. Can you feel the beat between your heart and mine? There’s a place in my heart.” (6/23…Bluebird Cafe)

Adam Gregory – “What It Takes.” A man who goes in with this tactic, wins every time…SUCH an incredibly romantic song!! (6/24…Hotel Indigo…MusicCircle Jam)

Nicole Witt – “Love Will Rock ‘n Roll Ya.” The woman never ceases to amaze me with her music. It was one of those nights that she had me in tears. Isn’t this how it should be? “Love will find you in a heart beat minute. All of a sudden, yeah you’re dancin’ in it. Moving to the rhythm. Groovin’ til you give in. Stop over-thinking. Shut up and listen to the melody that keeps overflowing. Close your eyes. Get lost in slow motion. Better believe it just like they told ya. Ohhhh…if you let it, love will rock ‘n roll ya.” WOW! (6/24…Hotel Indigo…MusicCircle Jam)

THE FREEDOM TO FLIRT

Rhett Akins – “Gimmie That Girl” by Joe Nichols. It’s that sweet, flirty song which reached the top of the country charts. This one can get stuck in my head for days…and I’m happy about it. “Gimmie that girl with her hair in a mess. Sleepy little smile with her head on my chest. That’s the you that I like best. Gimmie that girl. Gimmie that girl lovin’ up on me. Old T-Shirt and a pair of jeans. That’s the you I wanna see. Gimmie that girl.” Awwwww…(6/23…Bluebird Cafe)

Lainey Edwards – “Something ‘Bout Butterflies.” It’s that feeling you get when you first start to fall for someone. “Whenever he comes around…my feet, they never touch the ground. And I don’t know if I’m lost or found. These feelings I can’t hide.” (6/24…Hotel Indigo…MusicCircle Jam)

THE FREEDOM TO DANCE

That’s what happens any time you attend The Wooten Brothers and Friends show at 3rd & Lindsley. Every Wednesday night it is a party. They cover every song known to man. The musicians are incredibly talented! It’s just a whole lot of fun. It’s always great to hear Joey Richey sing as well. (6/23…3rd & Lindsley)

Cory Batten – “Don’t Mean Nothin’ to the Rhythm.” It’s a new one by Cory and SO MUCH FUN! “It don’t mean nothin to the rhythm. No, it don’t mean nothin’ to the blues. Let them yap if they wanna. That ‘ol guitar is gonna keep doin what that guitar do. You take a kick drum…add a little fiddle. Throw some gospel news right there in the middle. Let those headlines keep comin’…Lord it’s always somethin’, but it don’t mean nothin’ to the rhythm.” (6/24…Hotel Indigo…MusicCircle Jam)

THE FREEDOM TO CHANGE

Ira Dean – “There’s Something About a Sunday.” The hilarious singer/songwriter who started out with the group Trick Pony can keep a crowd thoroughly entertained. The jokes never stop and he is extremely quick-witted onstage. However, this song is one of the deeper tunes in Ira’s catalogue. “There’s something about a Sunday that makes a man feel like someday he can change. Startin’ off all over. Get back to clean and sober. Hope tomorrow I’m not back to the same old same. There’s something about a Sunday makes a man feel like someday he can change.” (6/15…3rd & Lindsley)

Angie Broberg – “Coming Soon to Bethlehem.” I walked in early for a show and was lucky enough to hear Angie sing this song. Wow! “The truth was more than they could handle. It was the greatest little, small town scandal. They couldn’t see the bigger plan. Coming soon to Bethlehem.” (6/14…Hotel Indigo)

Billy Dawson – “What I Miss About Me.” I swear…Billy just gets better and better! This one made me completely stop taking notes for a second to experience the emotion in this tune. “Used to love with a heart wide open. Used to have such fragile skin. But hearts get tougher every time they get broken. Leave the scars on your innocence…til you’re nothin’ like you use to be. That’s what I miss about me.” Unbelievably great. (6/24…Hotel Indigo…MusicCircle Jam)

Nicole Witt – “If Jesus Was in This Room.” The tune asks a very, simple question in a very, powerful way. “Would I fall down on my knees? Would I doubt or would I believe? Would I turn and run away? Would I hold his hands and pray? Would I think him for the life he’s given me? What would I do if Jesus was in this room?” (6/24…Hotel Indigo…MusicCircle Jam)

THE FREEDOM TO BE AMAZED

There are three artists who I’ve never told you about before who also WOWED me a couple of weeks ago. I had no idea what I was in for when these two took the stage on the same night.

I had been told about Joanna Cotton often, but had never been able to see and hear her until a few weeks ago at 3rd & Lindsley. O.M.G. The woman is an incredible artist. She’s unique and soulful and funky. I was 100% hooked to the music immediately. It had a New Orleans feel with some country kick. The deep, layered and emotion-filled vocals made the excellent songs that much better. The combination of lyrics and delivery make Joanna’s music inspiring.

“When Something Is Wrong” is the tune about needing people in our lives. “When somethin’ is wrong, everybody need a Savior…a good friend and a favor. Baby, when somethin’ is wrong we gotta learn to share the weight. All I wanna do is help. You’re a fool thinkin’ you can save yourself.”

The tune that took my breath away, held everyone in the bar in captivated awe and got her a HUGE round of applause at the end of the evening was a song called “Keep My Faith.” The voice is overwhelmingly great on this one “Cause when that feeling washes over me, it gives me the strength to believe that I can do what I want and be who I need to be. Every day I find a way to keep my Faith.” WOW! (6/15…3rd & Lindsley)

Another artist who I had not heard before that night was Eric Paslay. He had that voice. That voice that made me sit up and take notice immediately. There were numerous people asking me who he was as well. The man can sing and write a great song! Take the tune “Less Than Whole” for example. “There’s nothin’ like forgiveness to resurrect a soul. Better to give then to get. I’ve been forgiven so I’m lettin’ you know nobody should be less than whole.” (6/15…3rd & Lindsley)

The third amazing, new artist I heard was a old-country sounding extraordinaire by the name of Brandy Clark. Brandy had such a cool voice with excellent guitar playing skills. She makes it look easy. She has a sweet layer to her vocals which make the heart-breaking tunes all the more emotional. “Standin’ in an Airport” was my favorite Brandy tune. “Standin’ in an airport, waitin’ on a train. Lookin’ up and down some runway and all I see are planes. Tryin’ to make you love me…well, it’s the same damn thing. Standin’ in an airport, waitin’ on a train.” (6/23…Mad Donna’s)

THE FREEDOM TO BE BITTER AND ANGRY (IN A HUMOROUS MANNER)

Jaron and the Long Road to Love – “I Pray For You.” This one had me laughing out loud since the first time I heard it. HILARIOUS! How can you not laugh at lines like “I pray a flower pot falls from a window sill and knocks you in the head like I’d like to.” BAHAHAHAHAHA! (6/15…3rd & Lindsley)

Joey+Rory – “Cheater, Cheater.” This is another great song for revenge. I mean, it asks all the right questions in all the right ways. “Tell me Cheater, Cheater where’d you meet that no good white trash Ho?” (6/23…Bluebird Cafe)

THE FREEDOM TO MAKE MISTAKES

Trevor Rosen – “Good to Gone.”  There are sure ways to make sure and end a relationship. Mistakes are okay…just not these errors in judgement. “Stayin’ up all night. Closin’ the bar down. Livin’ like a young George Jones. Stupid fights with your mother-in-law. That’s how you get from good to gone. Remember the game, but you forget about her birthday. Say the wrong name when you’re gettin’ it on. Take it from me, yeah brother that’s a sure way to get from good to gone.” (6/23…Mad Donna’s)

Cory Batten – “If You Had Called Yesterday.” I have always and will always adore this song. Cory wrote it with Wendell Mobley and the tune speaks loudly to not putting off fixing a relationship. There are two versions. Although I heart the Andy Griggs’ cut, Julie Roberts also does a great job with the song. “Cause every night since your goodbye, I hit my knees…closed my eyes and I prayed you’d come back. Too many tears washed out that bridge you wanna cross. Baby, it’s too late for that. Last night would have been a different story, but the morning sun must have done somethin’ for me. ‘Cause I bet I’d have gone the other way if you had called yesterday.” (6/24…Hotel Indigo…MusicCircle Jam)

THE FREEDOM TO BE PASSIONATE

Chuck Wicks – “Hold That Thought.” Holy hot song Batman! Listen to this song with caution. It could make your temperature rise. “Hold that thought. Hold it right there. Let your mind keep runnin’ wild ’til I get there. Just imagine me lovin’ on you all night long. Can you see it? Feel it? Girl, are you there yet? Now, hold that thought.” Ummm…Abso-freakin-lutely! (6/15…3rd & Lindsley)

THE FREEDOM TO BE MOVED

So there are certain songs and certain artists I remember for one reason or another. While thinking back through Keith Anderson’s list of hits, a smile crossed my face.

I don’t forget songs that impact my life. I can tell you exactly where I was the first time I heard them OR I picture a spot I was standing or sitting when they came on the radio at a specific point in time. This doesn’t happen often. However, I can remember the first time I heard almost every, single Keith Anderson tune. I never really thought about them as a package until I was preparing to write about hearing Keith sing a couple of times in the past few weeks. Needless to say, his music has moved me since about 2005.

“I Still Miss You” came at a time when heartbreak left me sad and doubting my own judgment in people and love. You can’t help who you miss and this song reminded me that’s it’s okay to miss them.

“Every Time I Hear Your Name” reminds me of a specific person and sitting in the Target parking lot in Donelson when it played on the radio one night.

“Lost In This Moment” was the song I heard first from Big & Rich. Their version reminds me of a wedding in the mountains. I got to watch two of my oldest and dearest friends marry each other and it still brings a smile to my face. There aren’t two people more awesome together.

“Pickin’ Wildfowers” Let’s just say I remember that one. We’ll leave it at that.

Sometimes when the songs are so individually impactful, you forget how incredible the artist is. Keith just so happens to write and sing some amazing tunes. (6/15…3rd & Lindsley/6/23 The Bluebird Cafe)

Jeffrey Steele – “What Hurts the Most.” If you’ve never heard the story behind this song or the delivery from Jeffrey, you are truly missing out. To say it moves people might be the understatement of the century. Jeffrey has a God-given songwriting talent that is only surpassed by his heart. You believe he feels every note of every song he’s ever written. Jeffery is someone you have to experience. I can’t just explain what happens when he performs.

THE FREEDOM TO ENTERTAIN

Jo Dee Messina – “Lesson In Leavin’” and “Heads Carolina, Tails California.” Jo Dee is one of the best live performers on the face of the planet. Hands down. There are very, few people who can come close to the kind of show she puts on. She is also the most underrated artist out there. Hearing her play at the Grand Ole Opry was amazing. Jo Dee…RESPECT! (6/19…The Ryman Auditorium…The Grand Ole Opry)

THE FREEDOM TO BE SURPRISED

Robert David Hall – “Things They Don’t Teach You In School.” I had no idea the coroner on CSI could play and sing! He was actually pretty good. It was country with some blues mixed in to the tunes. It was Robert’s first appearance on the Opry and he was SO excited to be there. That is refreshing. (6/19…The Ryman Auditorium…The Grand Ole Opry)

Jeffrey Steele – “International Harvester” by Craig Morgan. The only reason I’m surprised is because this doesn’t sound like a Jeffrey song to me. I was shocked when he started playing it that night. However, it is obviously a good song. (6/23…Bluebird Cafe)

THE FREEDOM TO MOVE ON

Adam Gregory – “Down the Road.” This one was written with some of my favorite songwriters in town. With the help of Lee Brice, Joe Leathers and Kyle Jacobs, Adam sings a sweet and heartbreaking tune. “It’s gonna be beautiful. It’s gonna be easy. It’s gonna be magic. It’s gonna be healing. There’s a place you’re meant to be, but it’s somewhere down the road from me.” (6/24…Hotel Indigo…MusicCircle Jam)

Tiffany Goss – “Like We Never Said Goodbye” by Clay Walker. Sometimes old love finds you again. It is those times when questions arise. “I didn’t know you were gonna be at that bar when I walked in…til I walked in. I looked up. Saw your face. Turned around, then I walked back out again. Then I thought, there’s too much we’ve shared. So I made myself get ahold of myself and I walked back in. And went right up to you. I could feel you were caught off guard. Neither one of us knew just hat to do.” (6/24…Hotel Indigo…MusicCircle Jam) Go buy it on iTunes. GREAT song! Great songwriters (Tiffany wrote this one with Cory Batten). And great singer.

Alana Grace – “Seven Month Itch.” Leave it to a rocker to explain why it’s difficult to maintain a long-term relationship. This one leaves you moving to the beat. “Ooooo…it’s the seven month itch. Happens every time. Oooo…I want someone to love, but I’m probably blind. And I give and I get and I take it away. And I hope and I hurt and I try. But oooo it’s the seven month itch. Happens every time.” (6/25…3rd & Lindsley)

FREEDOM TO DREAM

Tiffany Goss – “If I Had Gone to Georgia.” No matter what decision we make, I think we’re always gonna wonder. This song puts that feeling into words. “If I had gone to Georgia, we’d live right beside the lake. I’d be fryin’ bacon in the morning. I’d be gettin’ kids off to school. Canning peaches for the Crawford County Fair. I wonder if I’d ever wonder what I gave up to be there, if I had gone to Georgia. Instead I went to Tennessee chasing those elusive dreams. Was gonna live my life without regret, but can you really do that? If I had gone to Georgia.” (6/24…Hotel Indigo…MusicCircle Jam)

Do they have Piggly Wiggly’s in Georgia? Jenn found an awesome camera there.

FREEDOM TO GO BACK FOR MORE

There are a few artists in this city of who’s music I cannot get enough. They are oh so very talented and the songs leave me wanting more. It’s kind of like going to Disney Land when I get to see one of their shows. I never know what I’m gonna get, but I know it’s gonna be good.

One of those artists is Josh Hoge. He always delivers and I am 100% at attention when Josh is on a stage. A couple of Saturdays ago this guy gave me HOT songs like “Try.” I’ll let the song explain…”Travelin’ through the night to bring you love. Nothin’s gonna keep me gone. I’m gonna try. Try. Try to make up the time for all of these lonely nights when I wasn’t by your side. I’m gonna try for tonight. Baby, it’s all about you. I’m gonna make love to you. Won’t stop til you forget what we went through. I’m gonna try.” See. Told ya.

I also got to hear a new one which was slow, cool and sad. “Shadow” is about what happens when you lose one of those great loves. “Try to run. Try to hide. Leave your memory behind. Like a shadow, you won’t leave. Took you everywhere with me. Took you everywhere with me.”

PLUS, the extremely talented Rachel Proctor took the stage to sing with Josh on the tune “Space.” These two are incredible together! They did a vocal battle that left a permanent smile on my face. The blend is unmatched and it is obvious that these two have a lot of fun singing together. “Empty picture frames on my walls. All I hear is silence in these halls. No one else seems to replace. Tell me what am I gonna do to fill all your space? To fill all your space?” WOW!

Just when I think Josh has everything covered, he takes it one step further. Josh and pals gathered onstage to sing a bluegrass song which left the entire bar silent in awe. There are no other words to describe it.

It was also nice that the rocker took some time to rock on together with me.

One of the other artists I always enjoy hearing is Dear, Sweet Chris Nathan. Chris can deliver any emotion you want delivered. Sweet, romantic and sassy comes wrapped in a bow in the form of “Sugarcane.” Let me explain…”Your love is real love and not a drop is wasted. Oh your love is sweeter than anything I’ve tasted. Well, I would dig a hole to Hell and fight the flames. If the Devil shackled me, I’d break his chains to taste your sugarcane. You’re sweeter than a summer rain. Cuts through me like a windy day and nothin is sweeter than your sugarcane.”

Chris can also guide you through some heartbreak with the catchy and sad “Someone I Used to Know.” It’s a slow, melancholy train that makes you want to get onboard. “I took a fly to Vegas. Road a bus to L.A. Hitchhiked up to Seattle just to feel the rain. No matter where I am. No matter where I go. Aint nothin’ changed. You’re just someone I used to know.”

Go listen to all these two have to offer. The music is available for purchase. YOU will get more benefit from the music than they will from the $1.29. Seriously. Listen. Feel. Enjoy.

THE FREEDOM TO BE FREE

Let us not forget why we are blessed enough to live in the freedom we enjoy every day in this great country. It is because of those who have fought for our rights and are still fighting. We owe them more than we can ever repay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to all the men and women who have given all for America and her people. It’s tradition at my house to play THIS SONG for the 4th of July. It’s always brought me to tears. I sure do love this country and all of y’all in it.

THE FREEDOM TO TWEET

This week’s Tweet of the Week comes from Jerrod Niemann. “I sure like draft beer, but I’m still waiting patiently on the final product.” Have you pre-ordered Mr. Niemann’s album yet? You really should do that. Seriously entertaining. Seriously amazing. AND jokingly funny. I’m just sayin’. I’ll let Jerrod explain HERE.

To end the blog the same way we started, I turn to “Jerry Maguire” and Dicky Fox: “Hey, I don’t have all the answers. In life, to be honest, I’ve failed as much as I have succeeded. But I love my wife. I love my life, And I wish you my kind of success.”

Until Next Time…

No Reins!

K