Nashville Liverpool Underground Medicine Show: General Info
Member Since
4/9/2009
Band Members
Emily Grace (Vocals, Acoustic)
Mike Badger (Vocals,Acoustic)
Mathew Gardner (Vocals,Guitars)
Chris Marshall (Double Bass)
Barry Southern (Banjo,Dobro)
Ian Laney (Drums)
About Nashville Liverpool Underground Medicine Show
' THE NASHVILLE LIVERPOOL UNDERGROUND MEDICINE SHOW'
'LIVE'
US Tour- Spring 2010
Call it fate, destiny or what you will, but sometimes things are just meant to be. You simply don't need to question the motives. For example, why it is that three immensely talented characters should be thrown together on the same bill at the prestigious SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas, during March 2009? After all, Emily Grace (Nashville by way of Texas) and Mathew Gardner (Nashville) were aware of each other, but they sure weren't aware of Mike Badger (Liverpool) and he had no prior knowledge of them.
That they should find themselves on the same bill for shows at Stephen F'S Bar and The Parish was cool, that they should all get along so famously and end up forming a Transatlantic Country-Roots collective par excellence is enough to make you believe, even in these treacherous times. But then, like I said, sometimes you shouldn't question these things. Especially when the end result sounds so rich and emotive. (consequently filmed in South Austin for Mark Mc Nulty's music film documentary 'New Routes').
Since those fateful first few days, 'The Nashville Liverpool Underground Medicine Show' have firmed up their initial belief and wowed heads and hearts aplenty with a 13-date UK tour in July 2009 (including rapturously-received shows at Liverpool's Company Store and a gig at London's prestigious Hope & Anchor) and recorded their first radio sessions for BBC Radio with slots on 'The Pool' with Dave Monks, Spencer Leigh's popular specialist music evening show 'On The Beat' and Steve Barker's 'On The Wire'.
Forging a dirty, potent Cosmic Country sound with tinges of psychedelia and space for some exquisite ballads, the 'Nashville Liverpool' are not only utterly compelling, but the sound of three very individualistic talents pulling together within a democracy that's rare these days, not least when you examine their respective backgrounds.
Emily Grace (vocals) is capable of everything from Patsy Cline sass to Lucinda Williams grit and is a gutsy and soulful performer, based out of Nashville TN. Having paid her dues the hard way – cutting her teeth at Poodie's Hilltop Roadhouse, Willie Nelson's road manager's long-time venue – she has shared stages with Willie's House Band and consequently inspired by the songwriting clientel of Leon Russell, Billy Joe Shaver and Ray Wylie Hubbard along the way.
Mathew Gardner (vocals/ guitar) is a Nashville-based singer/ songwriter who has previously performed on bills with the likes of Jim Skinner , Vince Wilnek and and a mainstay of the compelling Buffalo Clover. Capable of penning heartbreaking tunes in the same, exalted ballpark as John Prine or Eddie Vedder, Mathew also has a strong Delta Blues influence which reminds one of Mississippi John Hurt, Leadbelly or Sleepy John Estes.
Mike Badger (vocals/ guitar) is already well-known to UK audiences as both a founding member of seminal Liverpool outfit The La's and also the pioneering UK Alt. Country/Roots band The Onset, whose debut album on Geoff Davies' legendary Probe Plus label 'The Pool of Life' remains light years ahead of its' time. During their years as a touring band (1988 – 95), the Onset established themselves as firm favourites in Europe with an especially strong fan base in Germany and also touring with Jonathan Richman . Since The Onset's split, Mike has gone from strength to strength, building up a reputation as a visual artist and also within the music industry for his role as a partner in the highly-respected Liverpool independent label- Viper. He continues to release great solo albums such as 2000's 'Double Zero' and 2008's critically-acclaimed 'Mike Badger's Country Side'.
The Nashville Liverpool's first UK tour found their ranks swelling in size, with further input coming from an additional trio of musicians with impeccable pedigree. On stage, we find drummer Ian Laney (whose minimal kit is also resident with fine Liverpudlian country-folk-ska outfit Tramp Attack) , upright bassist Chris Marshall and banjo/ dobro meister Barry Southern, who both feature in not only Tramp Attack but also a cadre of magnificent, moonshine-swiggin' Bluegrass outlaws called The Loose Moose String Band, whose furious, string-driven thing is enough to slay audiences from Aigburth to Alabama and back again. Together, they are a formidable backline and a crucial part of this swingin' sextet in the live arena.
Presenting a revolving road show of knock 'em dead songs played with spirit, roots and soul, The Nashville Liverpool Underground Medicine Show are an absolute tonic compared with the Snake Oil salesmen speaking with forked tongues in the Roots-related genre these days. It goes without saying that you should taste their life-affirming brew without further delay.
Tim Peacock,
Editor www.whisperinandhollerin.com
Nashville Liverpool Underground Medicine Show's Friend Space (Top 24)
Nashville Liverpool Underground Medicine Show has 261 friends.
Hi guys, hope all is well, its a heatwave here 15 c in late October, i've even got a red face! Sitting in the park. Hey take care, i'm chillin at home tonite, and playing tomorrow nite and in the middle of recording at the moment, see you soon hopefully, cheers
Four more little sonic gems for your August pleasure are now available on the site. Blitzen Trapper, Boulder Acoustic Society, Jay Brannan and The Wiyos. Yet another fine quartet even though we say so ourselves as picked them out.
Just wanted to say what a great gig that was last night and really nice to meet you all. I hope the rest of your tour goes well and safe journey back home! x
