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CELEBRATING WITH THE CANNON CONGREGATION
by S. Parks
Hold on to your seats – Chuck’s in the house.
This mega talented and revered Nashville fixture had to work for his birthday, but that was indeed his best gift for there’s nothing he’d rather do. Before a room of his ardent followers, Chuck Cannon welcomed us to the celebration which had to wait more than a month just for him to come back to town after touring.
The much anticipated birthday party for one of Nashville’s most entertaining musicians lit up the 3rd and Lindsley stage as Chuck sang for his cupcakes. His eclectic songs that emerge from his eclectic mind are the most eclectic blend of country, folk, rock, blues, Americana, and R & B with a little swamp mud thrown on as icing. It’s no surprise that he grew up on Beatles, Temptations and Johnny Cash. I see him as the American Ray Davies (founder of the Kinks) who dispenses brilliance in storytelling about just plain folks like Starbucks serves up coffee.
Chuck must have surely picked up his South Carolinian pulpit style from his Pentecostal minister father and grandfather because, in between humorous and inspirational stories, he likes to preach a few mini sermons. The songs make us think, the laughter is abundant, the delivery is truly stunning, songwriters are always asked up to join in and the mutual admiration society between Chuck and his fellow musicians and co-everything wife is truly impressive. What more can we ask from a much-loved singer/songwriter?
Slung over his guitar with his long dark brown curls dangling over the strings, he’s always a photo waiting to happen. When he looks up slyly with a little boy’s grin, we know another clever and amusing comment is about to come forth.
The rave reviews for his current CD, “Love and Money” are standard for this writer. I loved how each and every song has a totally original and often pleasantly haunting instrumental intro, especially on the gritty gospel “Oh My Lord”. His live performances were equally inspiring, especially “Outta This Town” and “Money Doesn’t Matter”. We all waited for our favorite closing song, “Strange” (that would be pre Reba’s hit of the same title). His inspirational album, “God Shaped Hole” is just as stunning and a must have as well.
A previous president of NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) and recipient of numerous (just recently eight at once) BMI “Million-Air” awards for over a million broadcast plays of a song, Chuck is the consummate songwriter. Toby Keith’s “How Do You Like Me Now” and “Dream Walkin’” as well as John Michael Montgomery’s “I Love The Way You Love Me” are just a few of his hit singles.
At a Cannon congregation, you’re likely to see Sarah Buxton, Jedd Hughes, Dave Berg or even Jeffrey Steele. Chuck Jones, whose songs have been recorded by most of our country favorites, was the chosen guest writer to share the stage for two songs, one of which they had written the night before. I must say, Ray Davies was again well-represented as this Chuck bears a certain resemblance to the godfather of British rock.
The event, planned by his equally famous wife and song partner, Lari White, was a show to remember. Lari is a successful singer/songwriter/ producer/ actress who has done it all, including a run on Broadway along with a huge contribution to country music, but she cheats on the side, that is with a soulful R&B alter calling. At an appearance at Muzik Mafia, we were all hooked on “Green Eyed Soul”, an extravaganza to say the least. This seemed to be Lari’s dream as this petite “skinny white girl”, (also her record label name), released her Aretha vocals while joined by a funky soulful brass section and line of Motown-style back up girls. Lari will perform at the same venue on September 25.
A small entourage carried in a hundred equally famous Gigi’s cupcakes. The candles were lit, Lari sang and Chuck made his wish. Our wish was easy - to see this genius again soon, really soon.
Check Chuck at http://www.chuckcannon.com/
Lari White at www.myspace.com/lariwhitesongs
Chuck Jones at www.myspace.com/chuckjonessongs
Contact S. Parks at musicmusicmusic100@hotmail.com
