Memphis to Nashville

Today I made the drive from Memphis to Nashville. Even though these two cities are both iconic for their music, they could not be more different. Of course Nashville is most well-known for country music, rather than the soul, blues and rock and roll of Memphis. But the entire vibe of the city is different. Memphis is laid back and warm; Nashville is frenetic and over the top. Even just walking down the street, the music is loud and the dress is flagrant country, all boots, miniskirts and big hair. And I have to say, the people in general are far less friendly than almost any other place I have encountered so far.

I made my first foray out to get the lay of the land. Like many of the inland cities, Nashville is built around a river, in this case the Cumberland River. There is a pedestrian bridge, and various parks along side the river. Broadway Street is where the high energy bars and music are concentrated. Printer’s Alley , where my hotel is located, is home to smaller and more low key establishments, for which I am grateful.

I walked around the corner to Alley Taps bar to get a drink and hear some music. Although Kyle, the bartender was friendly, the other patrons were pretty insular. The group that was supposed to play at 6 PM didn’t show so I went looking for another place to hear some music. In the alley outside of the bar I ran into Cassidy Rose. He was carrying a guitar so I asked him if he was headed in to play at Alley Taps. Apparently not. He invited me to his “office” (the curb down the alley) to hear a song. He explained that he had fallen on hard times (isn’t that the essence of country music?) and I offered to buy him a beer at the bar. That was at least enough to fuel him for a bit as he returned to his “office” to play for the rest of the evening.

I listened to a few more songs then called it a night.