This week, I'm in Nashville, TN. And to be honest, I'm having a blast.

The main purpose of the trip is to present Belmont University several new amplifiers as part of our sponsorship of their music school. For those who don't know, Eden endorser Roy Vogt heads Belmont's bass department. Next week, after I return home, I'll do a full report on Belmont, as well some of the other activities. For now, I've got a few pictures from my first night here.

I arrived mid-afternoon and got settled into Abe White's condo -- and, thanks, Abe, for letting me use your place! After a nice Mexican dinner, we headed out to the world-famous Bluebird to hear Abe's friend Mike Henderson. Mike is an amazing blues guitarist who's band has held Monday night court at the Bluebird for more than seventeen years. Now, normally, the Bluebird has a strict no talking policy while performers are on stage. (This is because most of them are there to play for music industry executives in hopes of a writing or performing contract. This was NOT the case Monday night. Mike's already got all the contacts he needs, so he's more than happy to let the audience talk, and clap, and basically enjoy the music. In fact, he said there were only two rules on Monday nights:

1. No drinking during the Gospel songs
2. NO GOSPEL SONGS

After a set at the Bluebird, we headed to the Blue Bar (yeah, there are a lot of clubs with "blue" in their name) for a songwriter showcase hosted by singer/songwriter Amanda Williams. Abe's been working with Amanda for about a year, working on her upcoming album and playing showcases around town. While we were there, Abe did two short sets with Amanda, and also a set with singer/songwriter Dan Shafer. Dan's been in Nashville for a few years, and has already worked with a list of stars a mile long.

Abe White sits in with singer/songwriter Amanda Williams at the Blue Room.

Abe and singersongwriter Dan Shafer throw down at the Blue Room.

We got back to the condo at about 3AM. Suffice to say, I got up a little late Tuesday. Once Abe and I had coffee-ed up, we headed out to Belmont to deliver the amps to Roy. After unpacking, Roy and I showed the students how to set the amps up properly and get their tone, and answered a few questions. (I'll be visiting more with the bass students later in the week.)

Lane, Amanda Williams and Abe White
do the photo-op thing at the Blue Room.

Today, we'll be back at Belmont doing some video and hanging with the students. I'll be back next week with a longer report on Nashville. For now, send money . . . care of Western Union. There's some really cool basses I want to bring home.

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