Inside The Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival

(Clint Black drops in on Steve Wariner at The Rutledge)

This past week, the NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) held its 19th annual Tin Pan South songwriters festival—named after Manhattan’s storied Tin Pan Alley era and locale. I made a personal challenge to catch as many shows during the 5-day event that I possibly could, and in the end, that amounted to 9 out of 10 shows. It was well worth the frenzying around town to hear a mix of fresh songs and time-tested hits from 32 high-caliber tunesmiths. Here are some song snapshots and highlights from a selection of shows. View photos of the Festival here.

Tuesday

*SPOTLIGHT SHOW*

Bluebird – 6:00pm.

Canaan Smith: new Universal Music Group signee. “Up There With the Satellites,” an impressive, pop-wired crooner. “How Much You’re Loved,” another potential for his TBA debut an undeniable future hit (if you ask me).

Kelleigh Bannen: new Capitol Records signee. “Rose Colored Glasses,” a strong candidate for Bannen’s TBA debut album. “Downtown Sunnyside Church Prayer Meeting,” a rousing, behind-the-scenes glance at a women’s group.

Walker Hayes: Capitol Records. “Touching Feet,” a new song “on hold” by Rodney Atkins. “Why Wait For Summer,” a damn-the-winter new radio single off to a good chart start, co-written with in-the-round host and EMI Christian staff writer Fred Wilhelm.

Fred Wilhelm: “Dearly Beloved,” a cautionary marriage tale recorded by Faith Hill. Thank God some people still write great novelty songs. “Spotlight” (I think that’s the title), a tender tribute to one’s better half, co-written with Ben Glover—who also showcased the song at his own round.

Douglas Corner- 8:00pm

Philip Douglas: “My Blue Angel,” the signature Aaron Tippin hit that tipped my ‘90s country nostalgia over the proverbial edge, in a good way of course.

Tracy Lawrence: The man needs no introduction. “Time Marches On,” one of songwriter/producer icon Bobby Braddock’s many crowning moments.

Bernie Nelson: “Daddy Never Was the Cadillac Kind,” the rollicking-country smash hit recorded by Confederate Railroad. They just don’t make ‘em like that anymore…

Anthony L. Smith: Veteran hit writer. “Tomorrow,” his new single that’s burning up the charts for hotshot Music Row magazine “Breakthrough Artist” Chris Young.

Rick Huckaby: “Muddy Water,” a to-the-bone soul-cleanser recorded by Trace Adkins. One of my two favorite personal discoveries at Tin Pan South this year—the other being artist/writer Ben Glover.

Wednesday

The Rutledge – 6:00pm

Chris August: Word Entertainment. “Starry Night,” a pop-rock coated spiritual turning point.

Natalie Grant: Curb Records. “The Real Me,” a moving, perfectly-crafted confessional.

Kyle Lee: MWS Music (Michael W. Smith) staff writer/producer. “The Music In Me,” an infectious anthem about taking full advantage of one’s talents and gifts in life and dying with no regrets.

Tiffany Lee (Plumb): Curb Records. “Hang On,” a dramatic, impressionistic current single that feels like—and should be—a big fat pop hit.

Jeff Pardo: Simpleville Music. “Say Goodbye,” a hooky tune about shedding old skin for new—recently recorded by recording artist Mandisa

Saturday

Station Inn- 9:00pm

Sara Beck: “Invisible Man,” a standout ballad from this promising, on-the-move singer/songwriter, whose new independent album Technicolor is now available.

Mark Irwin: “Here In the Real World,” Alan Jackson’s career-blazing song…timeless, timeless, timeless… Trivia: which modern day artist would most likely jump to record this song in a heartbeat?

Tommy Lee James: “Bleed Red,” Ronnie Dunn’s current single screaming to the top of the charts, could just as naturally have been recorded by Coldplay.

Brice Long: “Nothin’ on But the Radio,” the swingin’ bedroom classic recorded by Gary Allan, and one of Radio’s most-played songs of the last decade. Co-written with Music Row hit-makers Odie Blackmon and Byron Hill.