We’re settling into listicle season, stacking Best Of rankings atop one another like a janky gingerbread house that’s glued together with a frosting of wistful memories for The Year That Was. And that means it’s time to recognize our favorite group of underrecognized folks: the noble instrumentalists who make our favorite singers soar and make our favorite shows unforgettable. They make our records beautiful and our listening lives richer, fuller and more rewarding. They are like the cornbread dressing of musicians: absolutely essential and too often overlooked. So pass the gravy and get ready for your fourth annual serving of the Nashville Scene Sideplayer Sidebar Survey, where we ask a sampling of said players some silly questions and get silly answers!
Who have you played alongside this year?
Megan Jane, drums: Molly Tuttle, Brooke Eden, Angie K, Vinnie Paolizzi, Alex Hall, Brandy Clark, among others.
Sean Thompson, guitar: I’ve been out with Margo Price for a lot of the year, and [my trio] Shrunken Elvis got to do a few shows. Was lucky enough to do a good bit of instrumental Weird Ears Trio shows this year, but I’m always looking to do more. I also did a Weird Ears record release show at Blue Room. There may be others I’m missing, honestly.
Matt Glassmeyer, keys, reeds, more: Ziona Riley (fav writer), Garnett/Haas/Jodziewicz (fav pickers), Corin_horn (fav freak), Veinmelter (fav ambience), TN Rhythm Company (fav feel), Jack Silverman (fav Martian), Oliver Wood (fav mids), Victor Krauss (fav lows), Dana Lyn (fav composer), Billy Martin (fav bamboo shit).
Linwood Regensburg, bass and guitar: Tristen, Chris Crofton, Abigail Dempsey, Townes and the Daring Double Drummers.
What local record has the best Side 1, Song 1?
MJ: Molly Tuttle, “Everything Burns” [on So Long Little Miss Sunshine], or Ruston Kelly, “Pale, Through the Window” [from Pale, Through the Window] or Vinnie Paolizzi, “Hummin’” [from Spaghetti Western, Vol. 1].
ST: “Country of Illusion” from William Tyler’s Impossible Truth.
MG: Gray Worry, Meditation on Peace (After M. Fuller).
LR: If you mean ever, then it’s gotta be “Hey Friend” by JEFF the Brotherhood from We Are the Champions. From this year? “Wilder Days” by Matt and the Watt Gives [from Matt and the Watt Gives].
What’s your favorite side dish in Nashville?
MJ: Any of the salsas from Cheap Charlie’s because I could drink them on their own.
ST: Banchan at Korea House.
MG: I like the Stuffed Spider at Enfield Pattern on Bandcamp Drive.
LR: I won’t waste everyone’s time with my age-old argument that a croissant is, in fact, a side dish. But I will tell you that you can get that very side dish (or many of them) at Village Bakery + Provisions and be very, very happy with that decision. I would also be lying if I didn’t mention the bean and corn salad at Calypso Cafe.
Which local side player has had the best year?
MJ: Aslan Freeman (Lainey Wilson).
ST: Honestly, any musician that is out playing and making any semblance of a living and getting to create cool music is having the best year.
MG: Chameleon’s chameleon Mark Raudabaugh. From freaking out with Ryan Scott and me in the basement to the Willie/Dylan/Sierra Outlaw Tour.
LR: While not typically a side player per se, it’s pretty cool to see Gyasi slide into that role on guitar in Alice Cooper’s band. Also, shoutout to Henry Page for playing drums in every band at the YEAH! Rock Block fall concert.
Which local instrumentalist has the coolest side hustle?
MJ: Jason Eskridge: Music City Sandwich Co.
ST: Has to be Luke [Schneider] with Forestdale Incense, right? We should all be making enough money so we can play music all the time.
MG: David Williford: saving the world. Rhees Williams: popping and locking to save the world.
LR: Any and everybody out there fighting the good fight in music education.
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