THE ARTS COMPANY, NASHVILLE, ELLA STEVE, WOODY AND DENISE

ELLA
We're thinking about clearing out a space upstairs during First Saturday this weekend (6-9 pm) for those who are inspired to dance to the music of Ella Fitzgerald from the new album, "Twelve Nights in Hollywood." This is the first time these recordings have been made public. They were all recorded in a series of 12 live sessions at the Crescendo in Hollywood in 1961-62, and none of the cuts has been released before. The performances are intimate and swinging--pure Ella. She is accompanied only by a piano, bass, and drums. You may be used to hearing Ella only with big bands and orchestral arrangements, but try this one out. There are 4 discs in this album and a small book of information about the recording sessions.

We have a couple of the albums for sale. We've had a tough time finding them, but we have been able to find them for friends. They are expensive, 4 CD's for one thing, but worth every penny. Whether you check this out this weekend by looking at art and listening or getting up for a quick turn of dancing, this album is an experience.


STEVE
Must mention also that we have been able to corner two of the LP's of Steve Martin's Grammy Award-winning banjo album (just this week). Even Rounder Records has no more, so they are sending us a handful of CD's so that those who are interested can get one this weekend. But the LP is terrific. It even has a special pop-up of Steve and the Crow on stage. Steve has long ties with Nashville. He performed at Exit In in another decade early in his career. This new album, "The Crow," is totally connected with Nashville. Is there a banjo anywhere not connected with Nashville?


WOODY AND DENISE
Thanks also to Rounder Records for sending us another unusual boxed set album, "The Dusty Road." Packaged like a small suitcase from the 1940s, this definitive collection of Woody Guthrie recordings from the mid-40s is Nashville rich by association, if nothing else. The haunted songs and sounds of folks coming out of the Depression have that long and lonesome Nashville feel and sound. The packaging of memorabilia, including reproductions from some of Woody's artwork, takes the listener back to the day. Again, this is on the expensive side of CDs, but worth the price for 4 CDs and all of the materials that come with it. I spotted this small vintage suitcase replica across the room in Denise Stiff's office. Denise has been singularly vigilant and tenacious in bringing The Fairfield Four, Allison Krauss to the forefront, and heavily involved in making the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack a classic. Denise is one of those people who ignites Nashville.

THE ARTS COMPANY AND NASHVILLE
What does it have to do with The Arts Company and Nashville? Everything. It's great music that has heart and soul. In our gallery, the art, music, ideas, and ambience are all eclectic, fresh, original, contemporary, and engaging. It's all about what we care about for ourselves and for our customers.