Chris Scruggs at Grimey's

Scruggs has already proven his country music aptitude to his fellow Nashvillians. A descendent of folk-rock royalty, the young multi-instrumentalist played the Grand Old Opry at age 17, toured with beloved alt-country band BR-549, and recorded an album (Honky Tonkin’ Lifestyle) of exuberant and casually virtuosic banjo and guitar pickin’. If he aimed to prove his versatility with his latest album Anthem, he’s succeeded; critics loved the record’s deft combination of steel guitar artistry and Beatles-like melodies, and the Scene’s own Jewly Hight praised it for its “buoyant melodies whose movements are crisp, catchy, and immediately satisfying.” Scruggs’ latest songs focus on subtler and more enigmatic lyrics than you’ll hear in the typical country songs. Come to the Basement, and at the very least you’ll likely hear some amazing steel guitar playing.
Tue., Dec. 1, 6 p.m., 2009