Sunday, April 26, marks the sixth anniversary of singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jason Eskridge's Sunday Night Soul at The Five Spot. Though this weekly showcase for local, regional and national performers doing originals and covers of classic soul and R&B tunes has been affected by COVID-19, it hasn't been stopped.
Instead, Eskridge and his guests offer a version of the event via Facebook that's condensed and more intimate, but just as strong as it is in person. It's a throwback to the days of seeing soul or blues acts in small clubs where their only accompaniment would be a guitar, or maybe an electric keyboard. On April 19, Eskridge was joined (at what appeared to be a safe distance of at least six feet) by fellow singer-songwriter and instrumentalist Matty Ride, who came to Music City from Idaho about 17 years ago, and has established himself in the city's soul and pop community. The two exchanged songs and banter during the two-hour program, streamed from Eskridge's rehearsal space in the heart of East Nashville.
Ride's repetoire consisted totally of original material, with a mix of pungent humor, reflective musings and poignant romantic expressions. High points included the tunes "Your Best Worst Thing Ever" and "Sugar on the Side." His love songs aren't so sentimental they become annoying, and they're voiced with a sincerity and expressiveness that gives them authority and power. He's also a fine guitarist, although the licks and lines are more musical framing and support than an illustration of solo prowess, as was the case when he moved over to played a nearby keyboard. His style blends elements of folk, pop and jazz, but the lyrics and sensibility always return to soul's central theme — the search for romantic fulfillment, the flip side of gospel's quest for salvation.
Eskridge continues to grow as a vocalist and guitarist. Always a powerful stylist on uptempo material, he's become equally adept with ballads and confessional pieces. His set was a 50-50 blend of originals and standards. The standout covers included a dynamic version of Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," which he spiced with a story about a surprise meeting with the now-departed legend years ago on the West Coast. Another was a compelling rendition of "Stand By Me,” with some nice ad-libs near the end. Eskridge later tossed in references and a nod to Prince, while delivering a compelling memorial salute to his hometown of Rockwood, Tenn., and his adopted hometown of Nashville, plus his own poignant love tunes.
Through their set, Eskridge and Ride occasionally harmonized on each other's songs, demonstrating a closeness and camaraderie that was just as impressive as their consistently excellent performances. Eskridge later told the Scene that he plans to continue the streaming programs as long as the coronavirus situation lingers, and will have a special anniversary edition of the show for the April 26 stream with a special guest yet to be determined at press time.
