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ABC's "Nashville" - The Newest Source for Americana Music?

I'm intrigued by the ABC's new dramatic series "Nashville," not because a soap opera set in Music City is in any way compelling to me (it ain't) but because said dramatic series has tapped one of the Godfathers of Americana, Grammy winner and Oscar nominee T-Bone Burnett , to be executive music producer for the show.

Isn't this like the chicken being put in charge of the fox's den?

Burnett's stewardship is made even more perplexing when you consider the show also has ties to the Nashville big label system. Big Machine records (Taylor Swift, The Band Perry) will be releasing music featured on the program. First up is the single "If I Didn't Know Better" co-written by the Civil Wars' John Paul White (video below)

I imagined Burnett to be the ultimate Nashville outsider. Musician, producer and guiding hand of the neo-rusticity movement stemming from movies (O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Cold Mountain, Walk the Line, Crazy Heart) rock crossovers (Elvis Costello, Robert Plant, Jakob Dylan ) to full on champion of Americana ( Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, etc., etc. etc.)

Apparently Burnett has ties to the show that begins at home. He's married to “Nashville” executive producer Callie Khouri ( who won an Oscar for penning the “Thelma & Louise” script. There is also the link from Taylor Swift to the Civil Wars (who she championed early on) to Burnett, who produced the recent Hunger Games soundtrack, which featured both Swift and the Wars. What the hell is gong on here?

Burnett says of music being chosen for the show: “I hope that we become the platform for the people who are writing from their whole hearts.”

Isn't this exactly what's wrong with current commercial pop radio? it's not written from the heart, it's written from the wallet.

So we have a story about Music City that is given musical dimension by the the more dynamic and emotional genre of Americana. Part of me thinks that the show should be stuffed to the gills with whatever stupid truck song is currently cluttering the airwaves and dare the audience the endure it. Aren't there any compelling stories of talented musicians struggling to make great music without cutting each others throats to fill arenas that can better fit the greatness of this music?

In the end it's about artists getting exposed and building a fan base to make enough money to focus in their craft. No one has done more for exposing Americana to the broader public AND commercial interests that Burnett, (except perhaps NPR) so there's no doubt he's the man for the job. Hell he's even got Lucinda Williams to contribute songs to the show

And , truth be told, I deeply enjoy the irony of a Music City soap opera being a powerful format for discovering great Americana and roots music. I look forward to hearing Jason Isbell during a love scene and Hellbound Glory during a road race or bar fight.

originally posted on TwangNation.com

Tags: Nashville, Nation, Twang

Comment by Amos Perrine on October 17, 2012 at 7:44am: It's times like these I am glad I do not have television. For the interested, check out the 1993 picture "The Thing Called Love" with River Phoenix and Samantha Mathis about making it in Nashville. It also features the Bluebird Cafe, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Webb Wilder, Pam Tillis, and others. And, of course, Robert Altman's 1975 masterwork "Nashville" (the motion picture). We only have so much time, use it wisely.

Comment by Alan Harrison on October 17, 2012 at 8:11am: Well I for one are excited at the prospect of seeing 'Nashville' but I live in the UK, so what do I know about the machinations of Music Row?

From the way this 'review' begins I guess Mr Twangnation had already decided he wasn't going to like this show. Strangely enough Amos doesn't mention Country Strong; which I loved (Film and soundtrack) but yet again; I'm a Brit.

As to the authors apparent disappointment with T-Bone Burnett association with the show because he thought T-Bone was an 'outsider' - REALLY? The guy has probably made more money out of Americana than the rest put together so of course he would be the 'go to guy' for a show like this.

In my humble opinion all publicity is good publicity and if a show like this can increase sales of Americana music in all formats (inc ticket sales) by 10% it has to be a good thing surely? Or am I naive?

Comment by Amos Perrine on October 17, 2012 at 8:43am: T-Bone is married to the show's creator.

Comment by Alan Harrison on October 17, 2012 at 9:03am: I just don't see how that is a problem in the way Twang Nation appear to think it is. This is the biggest thing to happen to 'Americana/Roots' music since Oh Brother (that man again!) but now it's the rockier end of the market.

I don't imagine it would have got past the first draft if it hadn't been for that relationship. No?

I'm as big a music snob as the next Americana fan; but the 'industry' overall needs publicity like this show will bring - embrace it ladies and gentlemen - EMBRACE NASHVILLE!

Comment by TwangNation.com on October 17, 2012 at 9:20am: Alan, thanks for your comment. I think you misunderstand mu post. I don't see the inclusion of T Bone in Nashville as a bad things, just an interesting one. A soap opera about Music Row just doesn't scream "get the guy from O Brother..." Big & Rich or Swift perhaps.

Amos - popular culture will happen whether we pat attention or not. If the show elevates the genre through licensing music we all love, and shows that a career making this great music a viable one, I for one will be paying attention and singing the praises. That's a wise use of my time.

Comment by denton fabrics on October 17, 2012 at 9:45am: If this show was on AMC or HBO or the like, I'd consider watching it. But watching TV on a major network like ABC is like eating a sandwich made with Wonder Bread - it's just empty calories. Compare AMC's "Mad Men" with the major networks ripoffs "Playboy Club" or "PanAm", neither of which lasted a full season.

I agree with Amos. I'd much rather watch Nashville (the Altman movie) or the very much underrated "The Thing Called Love".

Comment by Alan Harrison on October 17, 2012 at 10:01am: Dear Twang; ok I see where you are coming from but if I was a 'suit' at a major network I probably own a CD that has something to do with T-Bone and would logically think he is synonymous with Americana. Yes; I guess his Missus being involved isn't a coincidence; but I wonder who signed up first.

Dear Denton; I'm only aware of the US TV networks from references on the Simpsons; but find your reaction to this particular network confusing - does this mean you judge a programme just by the network that broadcasts it?

Comment by TwangNation.com on October 17, 2012 at 11:43am: Shovels & Rope will further make my point tonight when their song 'Hail Hail' is featured on Nashville.

Comment by Sue Rarick on October 17, 2012 at 12:28pm: I do get a kick out of most people's perception of Nashville and the music business here. And from the promos I've seen the show plays to that perception. The reality is something else entirely but a lot more mundane and boring. Like in between sessions today I had to go shopping at Kroger's (it don't get much more exciting than that!!!).

P.S. It was double coupon day at Kroger's

Comment by Hal Bogerd on October 17, 2012 at 12:36pm: Somebody let me know if T-Bone places a song from sometime collaborator Tonio K on the show.

PS- I thought T-Bone was married to Sam Phillips?