One of my favorite parts of CRS is the opportunity to listen to some of the best songwriters in Nashville do acoustic performances of their music. In some cases, the person who wrote it also made it a hit on the airwaves. In other cases, the song was picked up by an artist and turned into a hit. The ASCAP session on Wednesday, February 28th featured Rivers Rutherford, Craig Wiseman, John Rich (of Big & Rich), Gretchen Wilson and the legendary John Anderson. They gave 90 minutes of incredible music and several laughs. How these sessions work is that there is a host who introduces the others and does most of the MC work. Everyone is seated on stools with a guitar and they perform their music round robin style in an intimate, acoustic setting.
Rivers Rutherford has a biting sense of humor and can be counted on for a good laugh as he talks about the story behind the songs. He was first in line with a little tune he wrote called "If You Ever Stop Loving Me" that Montgomery Gentry chose to record. For the next round he performed "Real Good Man," which Tim McGraw had a hit with. He also sang one other song that I didn't get the title of. Each time it was his turn he entertained everyone with his great stories and outgoing nature. His incredible songwriting talents earned him the ASCAP Songwriter of the year award. Congratulations to Rivers Rutherford!
John Rich, one half of powerhouse duo Big & Rich, was the designated MC of the afternoon. But his easy banter and introduction of the other participants in no way detracted from his own songwriting abilities. It was quickly apparent that his talents are definitely as good behind a pen as they are behind a microphone. He kicked off his round of music with a song recorded by Faith Hill, "Like We Never Loved At All." He continued with a fun one that showed his humorous side called "Don't Drive When You're Feeling Tipsy." He joked about whether we'd ever hear it on the airwaves. For his last song of the afternoon he chose a Big & Rich hit, "Lost in This Moment."
Gretchen Wilson was the lady of the bunch for the ASCAP session. And she is no slouch with a pen either. She more than held her own in the group, and started off with a song off her new album, "One of the Boys." It was classic Gretchen, full of attitude and telling people not to underestimate her because she's a woman. She co-writes with John Rich, and he also joined her on her single "Come To Bed." For her final song, she chose another song that defines who she is. "I'll Show You What A Mother I Can Be" is another new song that leaves no doubt that you don't want to mess with her. The double play on words is great. A special event for Gretchen came when she was presented a plaque for over 5 million albums sold.
John Anderson was the resident songwriting legend for the group. He was at CRS to promote his upcoming album and it was great to see him onstage. He kicked off his songs with mega hit "Seminole Wind." Next turn was John Anderson gold with "Swingin'" and he finished his time onstage with the new single from his latest album, "A Woman Knows." Anderson still has the voice and it is great to hear new material from him.
To round off the talent onstage, Nashville songwriting powerhouse Craig Wiseman lent his talents. Craig was by far the quietest of the bunch, but his talents are some of the most sought by artists looking for material. He kicked off his turn with a Kenny Chesney recorded hit, "Summertime." The next song he shared was one that Brooks & Dunn chose to record. "Believe" won numerous awards and had an amazing impact on the listening audience. He closed his session with the Tim McGraw megahit, "Live Like You Were Dying."
I have to say that one of my favorite parts of CRS is attending the songwriter's sessions. The opportunity to see such amazing talent in one place and get an insight to some of the stories behind the songs and hear them performed in such a casual and intimate atmosphere is priceless. This was definitely a highlight of the week for me.