This year's Americana Festival and Conference debuted the first live collaboration between Hans Rotenberry and Nashville producer Brad Jones, who produced the first four albums for Rotenberry's rock band, The Shazam. The two long-time friends will performed and shared lead vocals. The combination of their influences result in a unique pop/Americana sound that surprised long-time fans and newcomers alike on Saturday night (September 11) at the Mercy Lounge.
Audience members heard ten new, original songs co-written by Jones and Rotenberry, including an imaginative re-telling of a folk favorite ("Froggy Mountain Shakedown"), instant classics ("A Likely Lad" and "Next To You") and an intoxicating tavern waltz that raises a glass to pomposity ("Putting On Airs Tonight"). A special treat was their cover of the Glen Campbell hit, Jimmy Webb's "Galveston."
This ad-hoc performance showcased everything their previous work together has always produced: solid tunes, solid playing, catchy melodies and a sense of humor.
Playing in their band were some of Nashville's finest musicians: drummer Keith Brogdon, multi-instrumentalists Greg Carrillo and Alex McCullough.
During the Conference portion of the Festival, Hans and Brad took part in a panel discussion of the Artist/Producer relationship, sitting alongside Ken Coomer, Hayes Carll, Michael Desbarres and Jesse Dayton. Lost Highway A&R Executive Kim Buie moderated.
Hans also stopped by the Music Fog sweet suite to perform three songs acoustically. He performed Shazam faves, "Sweet Bitch" and "Blew It," and previewed "Ain't Gonna Hurt No One" for the Americana fans.
