Decca Records Collides the Best of British and American Artists for Whiskey Jam
Performances by the eclectic mix of artists included John and Jacob, Kandace Springs, Eryn Allen Kane, Rhys Lewis, Betti, Ida Mae, Larkin Poe and Josh Kelley.
It was the best of both worlds at the Basement East in Nashville on Tuesday night (6/7) as Decca Records presented a few of their talented British artists among American artists for Nashville’s own Whiskey Jam.
The lineup for the East Nashville tradition was strong, featuring a blend of genres from R&B to singer/songwriter to indie rock. Artists included John and Jacob, Kandace Springs, Eryn Allen Kane, Rhys Lewis, Betti, Ida Mae, Larkin Poe and Josh Kelley.
John and Jacob opened up the crowded show with some new music that captured the vibes of vintage indie rock. The band, hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, wore matching maroon suits as they jammed out to some of their new music, due out on a new EP in fall. Many of their songs were inspired from their time on the road with Kacey Musgraves, they said, before playing location-themed tunes that got the room on their feet.
Nashville native Kandace Springs channeled a little bit of Nina Simone-meets-Billie Holiday in her jazzy set. Her R&B tone set the mood for her piano-driven setlist as she performed a number of tracks off her album, Soul Eyes.
Keeping with the soulful feel, special guest Eryn Allen Kane used her strong, passionate voice to make a bold statement throughout her set. She interacted with the audience, telling them to come closer to the stage for that intimate feel and even got audience members whistling loud when she covered her late mentor, Prince.
The British invasion finally began as singer/songwriter Rhys Lewis took the stage. The Oxford artist played solo with just him and his guitar at center stage. Playing a set of love songs that could make any girl swoon, his voice changed the pace for the evening, even sounding like a mixture of James Bay and James Morrison at one point.
Returning back to the vintage influence, Betti quickly livened the room with her two-song set reminiscent of a 1940s jazz club. She awed the crowd with her fearless lyrics and even more striking voice.
Newly engaged couple-slash-duo Ida Mae continued the British presence with their US debut right on the Whiskey Jam stage. Their harmonizing melodies created raspy yet soulful lullabies that showed how deeply in love they are with one another.
Girl power came to life when Larkin Poe took the stage and rocked the crowd in their unique chill way. Their hip music style pumped the night up a notch before Josh Kelley closed the night out with his simplistic songwriter sound. His acoustic stylings of his songs showcased his solid vocals throughout every track.
Decca Records represents a variety of artists overseas in the UK and crosses paths with American labels to showcase great talent for an all-around good time. Whiskey Jam, to say the least, did just that.
