“Do you want a collection of brilliant minds or a brilliant collection of minds?” – R. Meredith Belbin

And that is how I will start this week’s review about teamwork. It’s a pretty amazing concept. Those who do it correctly are almost always successful…and for good reason.

TEAMWORK is Sports Related. I don’t know if you realize this, but it’s football season Teamwork is a consistent theme in the sports world. The ability to watch each player take care of his or her job on the field is a whole lot of fun for fans…especially when their team earns a victory. Even with a hard fought loss, great teams rise above and learn.

I am happy to say, my team is currently 2-0 (Go Cats!!!). More importantly, my team has a leader who understands and helps execute the “team” concept. Coach Snyder…RESPECT.

Speaking of K-State and respect…MAJOR congrats go out to KSU alumnus Eric Stonestreet who (as part of the Modern Family team) won an Emmy a couple of weeks ago. That’s right…AN EMMY! They even had the purple background ready to go. That was nice of them.

TEAMWORK is the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. Labor Day weekend always brings the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. It is such an important event which raises money for an incredible cause that is near and dear to my heart.

This year we had Nashville’s finest represented at the telethon in the form of Billy Dawson. I’ve told you about Billy before and he recently won a Clear Channel contest to perform on National television during the telethon. Billy did a fabulous job! Check it out here.

Plus, Billy used that big heart of his to win over many people during the telethon and help the cause. Thanks to Billy, one of my best friends in the world Kim Bruna and the efforts of everyone else who was involved over the weekend, $58,919,838 was raised! That is a huge number and that took a lot of teamwork.

Do you know who else can sing? The MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Abbey Umali is SUCH an impressive person. Listen to her. She’s smarter than most of us…combined.

Plus, you can still go to the MDA online auction and bid on items until September 16th. Just click here and help a worthy cause y’all.

TEAMWORK is Sharing. I would like to share a very well-written article by Jason Whitlock about Tiger Woods and his now ex-wife Elin.

I’ll be the first to admit that columns by Jason tend to fire me up…and not in a good way. However, this is also what makes him talented at his job. He has a way of getting others to think about issues…whether they agree with him or not. Again, that is a talent.

I have to agree and thank Jason for this article. I think in one sentence, he gets to the heart of the Tiger/Elin matter (as well as many other pop culture issues).

Jason wrote, “As a society, we are so controlled by envy that we’ve reached the conclusion cruelty and an invasion of privacy are the proper tax for fame and wealth.”

Isn’t that the truth? There are times I’ve been guilty. This article was so well written, I could even muster up a little bit of sympathy for Tiger as well. Hey! I said “a little.”

TEAMWORK is in a Name. Do you know how important people’s names are in every aspect of life? Extremely. Think about it.

How offended do you get if you’ve met someone numerous times and they still don’t know your name? Do you have an aversion to naming a child or a pet a particular name because you dislike someone with that same name? Before meeting a person, do you assume what they will look like based on their name?

I am guilty of not being good with remembering names and it’s not because I don’t care…promise. It’s an acute case of obliviousness. Let’s just say an entire building could go missing from a route I drive every day and I wouldn’t notice. However, I have learned to get better with names for MANY reasons. Names matter on all levels.

1. Those who are most respected in the business world are usually referred to by BOTH of their names.

2. If someone you are romantically interested in doesn’t find out or remember your name immediately after meeting you, they aren’t that interested. Don’t get me wrong, they may turn out to be a great friend…but that is all. For some reason, I think I’m gonna hear some stories to try and prove me wrong on this one.

3. Celebrities (the most famous) are usually one-namers. Because Everybody knows their name.

4. Great business relationships are built by learning about the people with whom you work. Step one…learn the names.

5. I once read a study that found a majority of people said their favorite word was their first name.

I just wanted to give a few examples of the importance of a name.

Are you still wondering how this ties into teamwork? That’s easy. How do you build an amazing team without knowing the name of each individual who makes that team great?

Speaking of names…I know someone named Jessica who had a birthday a couple of weeks ago AND Rocked On Together with me.

TEAMWORK is Heroism. Nine years ago, we saw heroism all over this great country. It is a day we will never forget. September 11th not only changed America, but it changed the world as we know it.

The cowardly terrorists planned on killing Americans. They planned on scaring us. They planned on hatred overtaking people. They planned on winning a war waged on not only our country, but also on our basic sense of humanity and goodness.

What those terrorists did not plan on was the overwhelming strength, hope and love shown by so many people in this amazing country that day. I choose to remember that over the terror.

In fact, I think an excerpt from President Bush’s speech on September 11, 2001 says it best.

“A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. Today, our nation saw evil — the very worst of human nature — and we responded with the best of America. With the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way the could.”

TEAMWORK is Movies. It has been 25 years since “Back to the Future”?! WTF?! Where does time go? It took a lot of great people to put that movie together and the proof lies in the fact that it is as good today as it was on July 3, 1985.

Do you realize the “future” that “Back to the Future Part II” referenced was October 21, 2015. Ummmm…that’s five years away people and we are nowhere NEAR flying cars.

TEAMWORK is Good Questions. Do fewer men than women use straws to drink? If so, why? That was the funny question of the week. Discuss…

It’s “teamwork” based because when you ask a question, someone gives you an answer and you use that answer to further research ideas. Hence…teamwork.

TEAMWORK Is Found in Song.

This is where the “Songs of the Week” come in handy.

1. “Some Say I’m Running” by Martina McBride. It’s just Martina and a piano. With that voice, there is no need for anything else. “Against the odds, I’ll roll the dice. I guess my heart is one to spite all good advice. So grab your things and come on in and get to know your children once again. When does a fool stop being a fool? And since when is love obliged to any rules? Some say I’m running. I know I’m falling back to you.”

2. “Needed” by Tracy Lawrence. I always come back to this song. It’s incredible. However, I do love to hear it sung by a cool trio named Mobley, Thrasher and Sellers.

3. “Red Dirt Road” by Brooks and Dunn. The duo ended their career by retiring last week with their last show right here in Nashville. There is no doubting Brooks and Dunn’s success and positive influence on the music business. This one just has a feel of home to it. We’ll miss y’all! “It’s where I drank my first beer. It’s where I found Jesus. Where I wrecked my first car. I tore it all to pieces. I learned the path to Heaven is full of Sinners and Believers. Learned that happiness on Earth ain’t just for high achievers. I learned. I’ve come to know there’s life at both ends of that red, dirt road.”

4. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis. No explanation necessary. It’s Elvis. It’s just that good.

5. “Good Vibrations” by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. “Yeah. Can you feel it baby?” Don’t judge. Those who are old enough, understand how Mark Wahlberg’s career started. Calvin Klein and good vibrations baby!

P.S. Mark need not be embarrassed about those Calvin Klein ads…wow.

6. “Realize” by Colbie Caillat. I love the voice on Colbie and there are numerous situations where this song could come in handy. “But I can’t spell it out for you. No, it’s never gonna be that simple. No, I can’t spell it out for you. If you just realize what I just realized that we’d be perfect for each other and we’ll never find another. Just realize what I just realized, we’d never have to wonder if we missed out on each other now.”

7. “Don’t Ever Look Back” by Shanna Crooks. Love this song by Shanna. I’m one of those people who hold onto the past a little too long. This tune reminds us to move forward. “Keep on moving til there’s nothing left. Start living with no regrets. Walk strong and try to stay on track. Don’t ever look back. Life is all about what you have. Let your past just be your past. Never know how long it’ll last. So don’t ever look back.”

8. “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by Fergie. Bottom line…life moves. Move with it. “I hope you know. I hope you know that this has nothing to do with you. It’s personal. Myself and I…We’ve got some straightening out to do. And I’m gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket, but I’ve got to get a move on with my life. It’s time to be a big girl now and big girls don’t cry.”

9. “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by The Scorpions. This 80’s awesomeness actually reminds me of one specific sports scenario. This music started in 2003 and Mike MacDougal entered the field from the Royals bullpen to close games. He earned All-Star status that year. I like to think the Scorpions helped. Right girls?!

10. “Keep the Girl” by Jason Aldean. Okay, Jason Aldean fans…you win. I completely understand your obsession with the music now. This is one of the songs that helped me see the light. Jason is country and there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, it feels just right. “I’m torn and it’s tearing me apart. I wanna go, but I don’t wanna break her heart. Like a sword with a double edged blade, it’s gonna cut deep either way. This little town, that big, old world…chase the dream or keep the girl?”

11. “Don’t Give Up On Me” by Jason Aldean. Awesome song #2 of Jason’s. “You tie the knot when I’m at the end of my rope. You never stop believin in me when I don’t know who I am or what I’m supposed to be. I don’t give you no good reason, but Baby don’t give up on me.”

12. “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning” by Alan Jackson. It’s just appropriate for today. I think it’s the most perfect song to be written about 9/11.

TEAMWORK is Found at Shows all Over Nashville. There were many over the past two weeks in this great city, so I’m going to have to condense each review and count on you to go listen to these amazing artists. Better yet…buy some of their music and support these talented people.

We start at 12th & Porter (8/24/10)

Mark Lonsway impresses me more and more every time I hear him play. That night was no different. Mark is pop/country and the voice is crystal clear. He can tear your heart out with a heartbreaking ballad or make your foot tap with a fun, up-tempo tune.

Example of a great ballad…”Quiet.” Mark sings it perfectly. “Quiet. And that’s what I’ll be. Quiet. Just like you told me. Well, Baby tell me isn’t this everything that you promised? The silence. I’ll show you quiet.” Example of a rowdy, fun song…”That’ My Life.” It’s a description of him and from where he came. “Rollin’ down the highway, both hands on the wheel. Gonna do it my way, til the tires come off those wheels. I’ve got a will that’s ready for a fight. Chasin’ my dreams across the county line. Where the big city and the country collide. That’s my life.”

Beth Cayhall was up next and I always have country fun with Beth. She has been working on new music and we got to hear some of it that night. Beth always invests completely in the songs she sings. I enjoy hearing the feeling in each one whether it be sass, sadness or redemption.

There is the hilarious “Boys, Eat Your Hearts Out” with the line “Don’t need romance. We’re just here to dance, so just put your tongues back in your mouths.” There is pleading in the song “Just Like a Balloon.” It is begging a lover to let you go. “Watch me fly just like a balloon higher and higher. Fadin’ from view. Set me free. Let go of the string that you have wrapped around me.”

My favorite Beth song of the night focused on her country roots with a 100% old school sound. The tune was called “If You Don’t.” It’s a sad, but true question/answer session. “I can’t do this if you don’t love me. What about what I need? Just say the words and let me go. I can’t do this if you don’t.”

The last great artist of the night I heard was Johanna Jacobsen. I have been trying to hear her sing for a while now and I finally got the opportunity. I wasn’t disappointed by this talent. Johanna was the folk/country/pop singer of the group and the sound was cool and easy. She has a depth in the music that is impressive.

You need to go listen to all of her music, because there is a different emotion and story tied to each song. However, my two favorite of the night were extremely relatable, but sad. Both tunes were poetry set to music.

First, there was “Walking Into Walls.” Can anybody relate to this tune? “I’ve gotten so good at this being alone, that I guess I’ve forgotten how to let down my guard. And now I’m walking into walls that I’ve built around my heart. Never taking a chance that I go too far. Baby, I’m trying, but it’s hard for me to fall when I’m running round in circles and walking into walls.” The second song, “I’m Free,” was about the sadness in getting your independence back after a break up. “I’m lost. Can’t breathe. This is not the way it was supposed to be. I’m tired of these tears and all that I have left is me. And they say I’m free.”

Next up was Losers for the Buds-n-Suds Music Festival which benefitted the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (8/25/10).

Most of these acts are established and I’ve told you much about them. Therefore, it will be quick, but worth as much listening as possible.

I got to the event just in time to hear a couple of songs by Stoney LaRue. Stoney a member of the Red Dirt Music movement out of Texas and his fans love him. The music is rockin, but country…real, but fun…simple, but awesomely complicated. The crowds get rowdy and the crowds have a great time. Check out the tunes “Walk Away” and “Downstream.”

Sixwire. Holy Mother of Pearl, Sixwire was amazing! Incredible! Impressive! They STARTED with a hard intro the first song they sang and I was hooked. I mean seriously. Check out the harmonies on “Good to Be Back.” The phrasing and harmony on that song alone left me with my mouth hanging open. Yes! Go listen to Sixwire people. Worth it.

Ira Dean was up next to crack the crowd up and deliver some fun tunes he wrote for Montgomery Gentry (“It’s Usually Me”) and Chris Young (“Beer and Gasoline”). There’s nobody more quick witted on stage than Ira.

Keith Anderson then took the stage to sing some of his hits like “XXL” and “Podunk” and “Pickin’ Wild Flowers.” He also has a great part of the show where he gets to play some of the amazing hits he co-wrote like “Lost In This Moment” and “Beer Run.” You cannot go wrong listening to Keith. Crowds love it. Music lovers love it. Added bonus…it’s always a good time.

There were two recently successful guys closing out the night, which was awesome. You might have heard of Lee Brice and Jerrod Niemann.

They both sang some of their great tunes and the audience loved it. However, how could you not?! These guys are two of the most talented in the city and it’s so much fun to see success coming their way.

Be prepared for Lee’s next single “Beautiful Every Time” and Jerrod’s next single “What Do You Want” to hit radio stations. You are gonna want to hear these songs a lot. They are that incredible. Just click on the links and listen.

Plus, I got to see my buddies The Mulch Brothers…

AND my friend Ashley had a whole lot of fun as well…

Bottom line…good times were had by all and lots of money was raised for a wonderful cause.

Night number three was a little different (and SO COOL!) with producer Mark Bright at Douglas Corner Cafe (8/26/10).

I am a fan of all aspects of music. The reason why? It takes TEAMWORK to put together a great single…a great album…a great career. Those artists who think that is not the case or that they can do it themselves will fail miserably.

It never fails. If I like a song, my favorite songwriters and producers usually have something to do with it. This is without me even knowing ahead of time who wrote and produced the tune. It just happens that way.

That Thursday night, I went to what they call the “Producer’s Chair” at Douglas Corner to hear from my favorite producer in the industry. It was all that and a bag of chips.

Mark has a very specific talent and ear for music. Many people think they can produce, but few can do it really, really well. Mark is one of those people who have a brilliance in that area of music. He has produced some of my favorite artists and my favorite album of all time.

The coolest thing about that night was getting to hear how Mark became a producer AND got to the level of producer he is now (he works with and has worked with Blackhawk, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans, Jo Dee Messina, Lonestar and Reba). Isn’t that impressive Jessica?

Mark is honest about his journey (George Martin, the Beatles producer, was an inspiration to him as a kid), the artists he’s worked with and the not so positive sides of the music business. He is also passionate about the work he loves and extremely humble.

Mark was adamant about giving credit where credit was due. He made sure to let the audience know that Tim DuBois is why he has a career and that Tim is the one who gave him his first shot at producing with the band Blackhawk.

There were so many amazing stories Mark told about his career, but there was one thing that stood out in my mind. When a member of the audience thanked him for listening to a song he wrote years ago and having his people call back to let him know it wasn’t right for the project, Mark had a simple response. He said he couldn’t afford to not listen to every song, because he doesn’t know where the next hit is gonna come from and he doesn’t care where it comes from. LOVE IT!!

I could go on and on about Mark Bright, but I think all of his albums speak for themselves. I can thank him for being such a music inspiration in my life though. Mark, thank you and RESPECT!

P.S. Did you know Rascal Flatts was originally trying to be a bluegrass band?! Just a little music tidbit for ya. Hmmmm….

Finally, there was Cotten Eyed Joe in Knoxville, TN

It has been a while since I’ve seen the Locash Cowboys out on the road. So, it was the perfect time to hear them in Knoxville.

Plus, the bar was awesome. It was a cowboy playground!

There was bull riding and lots of stops for alcohol around the entire bar. There were porch swings…in the bar!

There were really nice locals…

Plus, I got to meet Chuck Norris…

He might not look like the Chuck Norris you know, but that’s what his ID said.

AND Danielle was in charge of handing out the Post-Its to deserving individuals. Luckily, none were needed that night. Long story, but a good story.

The crowd loved the Locash Cowboys (as usual) and we got to hear the newest single. You are going to adore this one y’all! It’s called “Keep In Mind” and it’s written by Jeffrey Steele. There is no way for me to really explain the great qualities of this one. You just have to go listen. Click the link above and do it!

Did I mention, I got to see my favorite fiddle player too? Hi Ryan!

TEAMWORK is Music.

“I love to hear a choir. I love the humanity…to see the faces of real people devoting themselves to a piece of music. I like the teamwork. It makes me feel optimistic about the human race when I see them cooperating like that.” – Paul McCartney

TEAMWORK Involves Tweets.

There are two “Tweets of the Week” this week. One is funny and one is deep.

The funny comes from Danny Gokey. “Instead of twitter just having – Following, Followers & Listed. It should have Haters, Crazies & Nosy – That way we know who’s who.” HAHAHAHAHA!

The deep comes from Ryan Seacrest. “Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open.” – Elmer G. Letterman

TEAMWORK is Tiring

But only when done correctly. Have a great rest of the weekend y’all!

Until Next Time…

No Reins!

K

P.S. The second half of last week will have to be included in the next review. That involves November, Justin Zimmer and Jan Dyer. PLUS, there were also a couple of great shows from this week. There is just too much music to tell you about at once…which is an incredible problem to have.