TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Compassionate Combat - Susan Gibson

Good morning, everyone!

I know I said yesterday I wanted to put Josie Bello on the turntable today. Slight issue that I don't have an accessible CD player at the moment and didn't have her in my files for dropbox. So I'm switching gears. I think this post is meant to be.

COMPASSIONATE COMBAT is a unique project by Susan Gibson. Susan has always been someone I've known to work from her heart. She writes what she feels and is always looking for a way to let her music give back. 

The info for this project came to me back in March from Adam Dawson at Broken Jukebox Media. 

This isn't an album to review. It's a single song bringing attention to the nurses working beyond what they ever thought they signed up for. Please check out the page COMPASSIONATE COMBAT for information on how you can support the men and women who have been facing death at the risk of their own health since this mess began. Many have moved completely away from their families in an effort to protect their loved ones. 

Susan shares the background on the Compassionate Combat website, but I'm sharing it here for you as well:

Back in mid-April, 2020, my friend Carolyn Phillips reached out to me to write a song for her organization, Songs for the Soul to say thank you to the nurses who are giving so much of themselves to care for us through this pandemic.

I have worked with Carolyn and Songs for the Soul before~~I’m a huge fan of her, her music and her enormous, enthusiastic, empathetic heart. Even before the pandemic, one of the danger zones in the nursing profession is something known as caregiver fatigue. Nurses care for other people at the expense of their own health and well-being. Songs for the Soul is a program of pairing nurses with songwriters with the idea that by telling their stories and then hearing them put into songs, the nurses will experience a degree of healing, of being witnessed.

I have to say, I know that to be true for myself in my own work. As I have worked with other songwriters and groups of people who may not have the language or felt entitled to their own emotions, the combination of truth-telling and then objective crafting to create a song that resonates with the writer or anyone else is a very healing process.

You can share you support and thank them for their service by donating to the American Nurses Foundation HERE.

Here's the video:

Thank you for your support

Country Blessings

~Kelly

 

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - The Hard Stuff

THE HARD STUFF is an apt title for this seventh solo release from Susan Gibson (her first full-length since 2011).  This album consists of a well-crafted string of life stories. The ups, the down, the in-betweens. The life questions often bouncing around in our head but not always vocalized. But this isn’t just about the stories but the difficulty in crafting a really great song… or several. If you want to learn how, Susan offers songwriting coaching sessions on her website.

In the meantime…

For a story to be good, you not only need words, but you need something that brings the story to life.

Imagery.

Susan Gibson is a gifted storyteller. She not only tells us what she wants us to know but her description pulls us into the world she is creating. The best part… she does this all without a video. I challenge you to close your eyes and just listen to Lookin’ For A Fight, 2 Fake ID’s or any other track on this album. The story will begin playing like a movie behind your eyelids. Her lyrics are the only video you need.

As I listened to this album I was captured by the various things that came to my mind… not only the story she wanted to convey but the pictures she drew. Being able to not only hear but to truly SEE what an artist what the artist sees is where the magic happens.

Let’s tip the hat…..

 

…then enjoy the gallery showing from THE HARD STUFF.

You can catch up with Susan via the following links:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   YOUTUBE   INSTAGRAM

THE HARD STUFF releases October 4, 2019.

You can check out Susan's music at these locations:

SPOTIFY   iTUNES   YOUTUBE   AMAZON

OUT OF THE CHUTE - Susan Gibson

Hi, Susan!

Great to have you here in KellysCountry. I’ve been promoting your gigs for a few years but this is our first opportunity to visit. Thank you for joining me today!

1 - Before we talk about HARD STUFF, let’s back up a bit to your mega-hit, Wide Open Spaces. We all need that at some point in our life. What was the biggest door, physically or metaphorically, that song opened for you?

Thanks for asking! Of course, having a song that ‘performs’ like Wide Open Spaces did (Thank you, Dixie Chicks!!) opens a lot of doors.  It’s really great to have a #1 song on your resume as a songwriter and it’s really fun cashing the checks.  Having an income stream from the Chicks performance of WOS means that I can afford to go to places where I haven’t been and try to find my tribe.  I think the biggest door, looking back, is hearing myself sing “She needs room to make her big mistakes” about 4 times a week.  I make them all the time.  I’m a little gentler on myself when I do. To me, that line is permission to try, to fail and to try again.

2 - Eight years is a stretch between projects. I also know great things come from small steps. Can you take us to the beginning of where this album originated?

Well, this album originated from the idea that I realized “Eight years!! I haven’t made a full length studio record in 8 years?!?!”  I play live a lot and was getting that question more and more~’when are you going to make another record?”  Even though I put out a Live record in 2014 and an EP in 2016, I guess those didn’t count :)

3 - I read that this album is not autobiographical. That said, isn’t there an undercurrent connecting events in your own life that sparked each of the tracks?

                                            

Well, it is and it isn’t.  I can definitely see myself in all the songs~some more than others.  Some of the songs came out of a writing group where we would get a prompt and have to turn in a song at the end of the week and the challenge was to figure out how to write that to that prompt in a way that I cared about it.  “ Looking For a Fight”  and “Diagnostic Heart” were like that.  Then there are other songs that are more like what I have written in the past.  The kind of, “OUCH! That hurts~ I better let the light shine on it so it can heal” approach.  “Antiques” and “8x10” are more like that.

4 - While there’s an almost melancholy tone to the album, you’ve pulled in instruments/ tempos that create almost a 1920s vibe (I heard this especially prominent in The Big Game). Who were/ are your musical influences.

The biggest musical influence on this album is the producer, Andre Moran (also the clarinet player)~  I handed him the songs in their most raw form (iPhone recordings of me on my porch with guitar) and said “What do you hear on these?”   He made all the good choices on instrumentation and arrangement. 

5 - One of the things I look for in an artist is ‘their voice’. So many songs at the radio today are hard to differentiate one artist from another. For you, (and in my opinion Texas music in general) that isn’t the case. You don’t sound like Terri Hendrix and she doesn’t sound like you or Jana Pochop. Lloyd Mains termed your sound a ‘Susan Sound’. Where do you feel your ‘voice’ comes from and has it evolved through the course of your career?

Once, I was making excuses for my below average banjo playing and Mark Addison (great musician and producer who is on my list to work with) said our style is determined as much by our limitations as it is by our strengths.  My singing style was forged in a 2 pack a day crucible and now that I don’t smoke anymore, my range is opened up a little, how long I can hold notes etc.  But I feel like my songwriting style grew out of having a smoker’s voice.  I don’t particularly have these real sweeping and dramatic melodies.  I was writing for myself to sing~  I want it to be more conversational.   So the notes are shorter~ more attached to the cadence of how you would just say it.

6 - Literally, for generations, Texas has produced some of the greatest songwriters of our time… and continues to do so. What do you feel is the key ingredient?

Just one key ingredient?  I don’t know~ maybe the way Texans enjoy telling and hearing good stories.  Music is totally part of the fabric of life in Texas. We get to see people play music a lot.  People bring their kids out to shows.  They might see someone who is great or even not great and think, “I could do that”.   I also think that the independent scene in Texas makes a lot of space for people to do it.  You don’t have to wait to get a deal to play.  You get a little gig, a couple fans.  You can build momentum.  You are allowed to get better in public.  The fans are supportive and forgiving.    That’s way more than one ingredient.  But still simple~ like a good guacamole.

7 - On your site, you mention about ‘The best you can do is take each hit as it comes, get back up again, and try to find your wits and center of gravity before the next wallop lands.’ You’ve taken some wallops. What gets you back up and on track again?

The fact that it hurts more to stay down than to get back up.

8- The Hard Stuff criss-crosses over a variety of experiences, all intersecting at crucial points. What is the one singular message you want listeners to come away with?

I guess I would say the main theme is kind of a familiar saying~ Life: Pain is mandatory, Suffering is optional.  There is Hard Stuff  running all through our human experiences.  You can’t avoid it.  You can experience it, learn from it, grow from it, let it change you or don’t let it change you and learn the same lesson over and over (I do that sometimes).  Every Hard Stuff I’ve ever had has had a gift right in the middle of it.

Photo Courtesy:

Dave Hensley Photography

You can catch up with Susan via the following links:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   YOUTUBE   INSTAGRAM

THE HARD STUFF releases October 4, 2019.

You can check out Susan's music at these locations:

SPOTIFY   iTUNES   YOUTUBE   AMAZON

THE PARTY LIST - November 14 - 20th

 Note: Please remember to check with the venue as to whether or not there is a cover charge or ticket required for the shows you plan to attend. Note dates are subject to change.

Not all events take place in Texas. With that in mind I will begin listing them not only by day but by TEXAS and ON THE ROAD. With that in mind…

Let’s Get This Party STARTED!

TEXAS

Thursday – 14
Uncle Lucius – The Aardvark – Ft. Worth – 9 p.m. - $10
Wade Bowen – Las Palmas Race Park – Mcallen
Billy Dean – Terrenea Resort – Ranchos Palos Verdes CA –
Cameran Nelson – Max’s – Spring Branch –
Cody Johnson – Rockin Rodeo – Denton –
/w Guest: Matt Kimbrow 
Tickets: http://www.ticketfly.com/venue/9419-rockin-rodeo/
john Arthur martinez – Blue Corn Harvest Bar & Grill – Cedar Park- 6-8 p.m.
/w Kurt Baumer 
W.C. Jameson - The Badu House - Llano - 7 p.m.
        /w Mike Blakely

Friday – 15
Uncle Lucius – The Office Grill & Sports Bar – Lubbock – 10 p.m. - $7
Wade Bowen – Big Texas – Webster
Bret Mullins – Sportsman’s Bar – Converse – 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Susan Gibson – Hot Damn Tamales – Fort Worth – 7 p.m. - $15
Reservations Required. See Susan’s link for Tickets
Asleep At The Wheel – ACL Moody Theater – Austin – 8.30 - $85
Gary Allan – Cowboy’s Dance Hall – San Antonio TX –
Aaron Watson – Silver Saloon – Terrell –
Tickets: Call: (972) 524-7111
Jon Wolfe – The Mule Barn – Justin – 9 p.m. - $10
Age: 18+
Matt Kimbrow – Wild West Texas – Lubbock – 8 p.m.
Tickets: http://tinyurl.com/l6vv335
Josh Grider – Firehouse Saloon – Houston – 9 p.m.
/w Justin Van Sant
john Arthur martinez – The Badu House – Llano – 8-11 p.m.
/w Kurt Baumer

Saturday – 16
Gary P. Nunn – Floore’s Country Store – Helotes
Uncle Lucius – Golden Light Cantina – Amarillo – 9 p.m. - $15
Blacktop Gypsy – Stumblin’ Goat Saloon – Canadian –
Bret Mullins – Bobby J’s Burgers – Helotes – 8 p.m.
Aaron Watson – Midnight Rodeo – Amarillo –
Tickets: http://tinyurl.com/luffpec
Jon Wolfe – Xtreme Off-Road Park & Beach – Crosby – 7 p.m.
All ages – $20 Adults/ $5 Kids (6-11)
Thomas Rhett – Wild West Texas – Lubbock – 8 p.m.
Taste of Country Christmas Tour
Tickets: http://tinyurl.com/lfgzb9a
john Arthur martinez – Julie’s Cocina – Cottonwood Shores – 6-9 p.m.
solo acoustic


Sunday – 17
Casey Thompson – White Elephant Saloon – Fort Worth –
Songwriters in the Round
Tessy Lou & The Shotgun Stars – Poodie’s – Spicewood – 4 p.m.
Jon Napier Band – Poodie’s – Spicewood – 7:30 p.m.


Monday – 18
George Ensle – Poodie’s Hilltop – Spicewood – 6:30-8:30
Songwriter’s Showcase
Gary P. Nunn – The Broken Spoke Saloon – Austin – 9:30 p.m.
Uncle Lucius – Granada Theater – Dallas – 8 p.m. –
Tickets: $22 A/ $25 at the door
Kenny Harrell – Dalton’s Corner – Burleson – 7 p.m.


Tuesday – 19
Dale Watson – The Broken Spoke Saloon – Austin – 9:30 p.m.
Uncle Lucius – Stubbs B-B-Que – Austin – 8 p.m.
Tickets: $22 A/ $24 at the door
Mike Blakely – River City Grill – Marble Falls – 7 p.m.
/w Larry Nye


Wednesday – 20
john Arthur martinez – River City Grill – Marble Falls – 7-9  p.m.
/w B.B. Morse & Chris Reeves
Davin James – Puffabelly’s – Spring – 8 p.m.



ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 14
The Oak Ridge Boys – Oak Ridge Boys Theater – Branson MO
John Michael Montgomery – Buffalo Run Casino – Miami OK
Aaron Watson – Denim & Diamonds – Witchita KS – Tickets at the door


Friday – 15
The Bellamy Brothers – Peppermill Concert Hall – Wendover NV – 7 p.m.
Marc Broussard – Performing Arts Center of Wenatchee – Wenatchee WA – 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: 

Pat Green – Wormy Dog Saloon – Oklahoma City – OK –
Buddy Case – Fine Art Center – Hot Springs AR
Kip Moore – Maverick’s Rock n Roll Honky Tonk – Jacksonville FL

Saturday – 16
Marc Broussard – Living Room show – Seattle WA – SOLD OUT
Gary Allan – Global Event Center- Winstar World Casino & Resort – Thackerville OK
Kip Moore – The Dallas Bull – Tampa FL


Sunday – 17
Uncle Lucius – Mulberry Mountain Harvest Music Festival – Ozark AR
The Bellamy Brothers – The Museum Club – Flagstaff AZ – 9:30 p.m.
Marc Broussard – Seattle Living Room – Seattle WA – 7 p.m.
Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/490695


Monday – 18
B.B. King – Eureka Springs Auditorium – Eureka Springs AR


Tuesday – 19
The Oak Ridge Boys – Oak Ridge Boys Theater – Branson MO


Wednesday – 20
The Oak Ridge Boys – Oak Ridge Boys Theater – Branson MO

ILLINOIS RIVER JAM - Sept. 20 -21, 2013

Check out the AMAZING line-up of talent taking over Peyton's Place in Tahlequah OK next weekend! Man oh Man wish I were able to go but I'm locked into the Ozarks Romance Authors writer's conference that weekend. Please GO! Then come back and tell us what you LOVED most!

Country Blessings!

Entertainer of the Year Nominee - Susan Gibson

Susan Gibson knows how to write a song. The CMA award-winning songwriter (“Wide Open Spaces” by the Dixie Chicks spent 4 weeks at the top of the country charts) has spent the past fourteen years playing and promoting the Texas- Americana- Folk music she loves with her own personal style.

She also knows how to sing them. Her debut album, Tightrope, features songwriting pairing such as the ever-talented Michael Hearne. Both Susan and Michael are also nominated for Singer/ Songwriter of the Year as well as Song of the Year for ‘Evergreen’. Susan has a unique quality to her voice. It’s a tone you think you can place yet it’s uniquely her own.

Producers seem to have fallen into a rut of putting out what they think they can sell. They give you a ‘canned’ voice. Where it seems as if every female voice on the radio sounds like the one played before. This is not true of Susan. It’s refreshing to know when you hear a Susan Gibson song on the radio you’ll know by the voice – not the name of the song – who you’re listening to.

I will be surprised if this multi-talented woman doesn’t walk away with at least one award on Saturday night. Good Luck, Susan!

Country Blessings