The Michael Roe House Show

Michael Roe has been playing and singing since 1979, first with the 77's and more recently solo or with the Lost Dogs. Rumors of a new 77's album have been circulating for a couple of years, and now it look like it will be a reality. So Mike journeyed out on a brief solo tour (the John the Baptist Tour) to preview the "new" songs. The new record will be made up of old school blues and bluegrass gospel spirituals rescued from obscurity, covering the likes of Elvis, Bill Monroe, Blind Willie Johnson, and the Velvet Underground.

We had the privilege of catching the Nashville stop on this tour where Mike and some friends played in the dining room of Mr. True Tunes himself, John J. Thompson. I had heard about these "house" shows, but had never attended one. JJT had cleared out all the furniture from his living room/dining room which made enough room to pack in about 30 loyal fans. It was cool to visit with other Nashville members of the 77s fan community: Zayne, Paul & Amy, and Kyle.

Since this is Nashville, Mike brought out a group of special guests to jam with. Joining him were Phil Madeira and Jimmy Abegg on guitars, Matt Slocum (Sixpence None the Richer) on cello, and Steve Hindalong on percussion. With little or no rehearsal the ensemble opened with a cover of the Velvet Underground's Pale Blue Eyes. I didn't write down a playlist, but it was made up entirely of songs from the new album, until the end when Mike and Matt performed a gorgeous rendition of Ache Beautiful.

This house show was great. Sure the seating was tight and the room was hot - nothing to complain about though when you're witnessing a one of kind jam session by veteran musicians. The sound was raw which fit with the songs - lots of blues with a bit of folk and bluegrass thrown in. I for one can't wait for the new album.