Photo Credit Darren Oilver

It’s a house show, Stephen Garrett style! You might be asking, What is a house show? Well, a house show is about bringing an acoustic concert to you. These types of concerts have been more popular on the European music scene, but they are gaining popularity, mostly among indie songwriters, in the American music community. So, here is the explanation of a Stephen Garrett House Show, in a nut shell. We provide the music via Stephen Garrett, and his trusty acoustic guitar, and you provide the party space, and friends. The effect has been a more intimate coffee house style concert right in your very own living-room. Giving listeners a chance to ask questions, and hear the stories behind the songs.

So far we have done a few of these concerts, all them a smashing success with yummy food, good friends, and, in my biased opinion, splendid music. It has been an inspiring journey getting to meet with new and old fans in such unconventional way organizing and executing concerts. We have been pleasantly surprised at the encouragement and support we have received when bouncing around and trying out this new method of performing. I admit, on a personal level, I have loved hearing the opinions and interruptions of the songs from the people we have performed in front of. All around, it has been an enjoyable part of this musical journey we are on.

The first of the house shows turned out a little bigger than expected and morphed into more of a bonfire party at a private boat club in Knoxville, TN, which was hosted by the ever so sweet couple of Josh and Abby Copeland. This concert featured a guest appearance by Stephen’s, also multi-talented younger brother, Russell. I always love when the two of them get the chance to perform together. There is just something about the way that brothers sing together. Maybe it’s because these two have been doing it their entire lives or perhaps, as many have suggested, it's something in their DNA that allows them to harmonize so well, but whatever it may be it just adds a whole new tone to the shows. One I personally enjoy!

Knoxville, TN

For the second house show we stayed local, and turned this show into a celebration of Russell becoming a home owner here in Nashville, TN. Doesn’t everyone celebrate by having concerts in there living rooms? This party featured a couple of other uber talented songwriters/musicians which included Jeremy Yurek and Marc Scibilia. A good majority of the friends surrounding Stephen at this party were very familiar with the record, some of the guests even contributed to the work put into making “Four Letter Word”. This helped turn this house show into a sing-a-long with people calling out requests and Stephen obliged! How fun is that, when people know the songs well enough to request their favorites and contribute by singing along!

Most recently, we found ourselves in Chattanooga, TN for a house show in the cozy and very welcoming home of Kathlina and Lee Alford. The party took place right before Christmas and the spirit of Christmas was in the air, including all the decorations which made for such a fun setting. Kathlina also cooked up some amazing food to treat all the guests with yum! My favorite part of the show had to be 2 ½ year old little Lucy, a niece of the host family. Little Lucy chiming in with some of her fabulous dance moves and her own special request  including “Old McDonald Had A Farm” and “It’s A Grand Old Flag”. I am pretty sure she stole the show right out from under Stephen, leaving a super sweet and personal touch on this house party experience!

Chattanooga, TN starring Little Lucy

I would like to give a big thank you to all the hosts so far. Thank you for lending us your home and your friends and thanks for supporting this crazy new little adventure of ours. Thank you for sharing in the music and the dream with us! All these could not be possible without people like you! Cheers to you, each and every one.

Side note, if you would be interested in hosting a Stephen Garrett House Show, feel free to contact me or checkout the Stephen Garrett{music} website for information about the music. There is also a contact form on his website to contact him directly.



Carter Age 2

Most children the same age as my own more than likely spent snow days playing video games, coloring pictures, or playing with favorite toys. Which my children also do, but many hours of these snow days, for my oldest son, Carter, have been spent with a musical instrument in hand (bass/guitar). For him, I guess that would be considered his favorite toy. He has been practicing chords that his dad recently taught him. Recently meaning, the day before yesterday. I have to admit, it’s been kind of nice to hear some sense coming of those instruments considering that for the past seven years it's mostly been beating and banging. The reason being, Carter has chosen a guitar over toys since before he could walk. It’s pretty amazing to be a witness to talent coming to life in your children. It’s all in all a pretty special gift that God gives us parents. We get to be witnesses to our children’s gifts, watching them grow and develop the things they are good at. No matter what the talent might be, it’s just a special thing watch it unfold into something beautiful. That is if us parents take the time to stop, and in my case, listen to the music.

Carter at age 8

  

Tucked away in the quiet little community of Allons, TN, lives one of The Garrett family's living legacies. Edwin Garrett, or more commonly known as Grandad to the family, was born in Overton County, Tennessee, as he says, way back in 1933. I am guessing back then Edwin had no idea what an influence his love for Christ and music would make on his family throughout several generations. For years, Edwin has been a staple in the Allons community as a deacon at Allons Baptist Church, a beloved retired school teacher, elected official, a legendary storyteller, a warrior for Christ, cherished friend to many, farmer, and music lover and entertainer, among many other things. To his family he is simply Grandad and always a loving tender hearted man willing to give a listening ear and a good word of advice to any of us in need of such a service. Edwin is where much of the Garrett family tree has gained it’s passion for music and it's nothing out of the normal for the family to set around listening to his stories or picking up guitars and jamming to old gospel tunes. So this, folks, is where the dream all started….way back in 1933. Not because it was planned or sought after, but just because music and love was rooted in the very heart of the Garrett family clan.

I asked Grandad if he would take part in a little interview and he graciously accepted and the results of that interview went something like this.

Can you tell me a little about your background in brief detail?
I attended a one-teacher school, Cedar Grove near where I was born. We walked to school and enjoyed playing games that we "made up." My parents Ove and Booz Garrett and Maxine, my sister, lived in the house where my dad and his dad were born. It was built by Arture (Arter) Garrett who was my great grandfather.

Where, and when did your love for music show up?
So far back I cannot remember. My mother said I would hum the tune to songs before I could talk.

What kind of effect has music had on your life?
It has influenced me in many ways. I am inspired by good Gospel and Country music and learn something from almost every song I sing or hear.

Can you imagine your life without music?
I cannot imagine that. It's so much a part of everything I think and do. I find a song title in almost every phrase I see written or hear spoken, even in your blogs.

How important has music been to you throughout the years?
It lifts me when I'm low, solaces me when I'm sad, and comforts me when I'm alone.

What style of music do you prefer over most others?
Old Country & Gospel.

Do you remember the first song that you fell in love with?
We had an old RCA Victrola and some Carter Family records that I listened to a lot. But I guess the first song I fell in love with was "The Great Speckled Bird" by Roy Acuff. Then when I was around 18 years old Hank Snow, the Singing Ranger, released "I'm Moving On" and I fell in love all over again.

Whats your favorite instrument(s)?
Well, the guitar is the only one I play so that would have to be my favorite. If I could play it, the fiddle would probably be the one I would choose.

Whats your favorite song right now, and why?
It's really difficult for me to pick one song above another because they all touch me in different ways. Recently I ran across a copy of the old Gospel song "I Won't Have to Cross Jordan Alone." What a powerful melody and lyrics it has!

What other musicians have influenced, and inspired you on your musical journey?
Earnest Tubb, Eddy Arnold, Hank Snow, and Hank Williams, and the two great singing cowboys from the movies, Roy and Gene.

As a retired public educator what are your thoughts on music in the public education system?
That's an easy question with a simple answer--not enough. As a teacher I used music to teach almost every subject, especially history. Ask a few of my former students about me and they'll almost always say, "Oh yeah, he used to sing 'The Battle of New Orleans' all the time." There was always music in my school. I've said for years that there is so much musical talent in these hills, and it should be developed more in our schools.

You and your wife Peggy have celebrated how many anniversaries together?
We have celebrated 55 happy years together, and on February 13, 2011 we plan to celebrate another.

How has your wife influenced your musical journey?
Peg has been my strongest supporter and greatest critic. She also gave me the greatest compliment I have ever received although I cannot relate it here.

What do you think about your grandsons, Stephen and Russell's career paths in the music industry?
I am very proud of them. They both seem to be where they want to be at this point in life. They are both talented young men and I predict they will go far in music.

Your legacy has grown quite large, and now spans several generations. How does it make you feel to know that you have passed down such a passionate love for music to your children, grandchildren, and now your great grandchildren?
I am greatly humbled by the fact that I have been able to perform with my children and grandchildren, and, hopefully, my great-grandchildren sometime very soon.

Any advice or stories you would like to share to wrap up this interview?
My advise would be to follow their dreams as far as they take them and keep singing and writing songs just as long as you have one in your heart. Stories? Far too many to tell here.



*Photo credit to Terasa Lewis

The history behind the idea of this blog goes a little something like this. Since I was around the age of 14 years old, my life has been surrounded by music. Introduced to music by my, then boyfriend and now husband of ten years, Stephen Garrett. My husband’s family are all pretty much musically talented with the exception of his Mother, Lounetta (whom I have heard rumors she has a hidden singing voice, but I have never actually heard her sing). She is however the heart and soul of her family's support bracket. I have much to learn from her abilities to bless her family with so much selfless support. Her face always lights up and she has this beaming glow of pride about her when engaged in conversation about the musical talent in her family tree. Marty Garrett, her husband and a talented songwriter in his own right, and both of her sons Stephen and Russell all possess this musical gift that I Swear is written into this family's DNA.

Both Stephen and Russell have found themselves in Nashville, TN digging out their own little niche in the music industry. A process that is both exciting, challenging, and not without its sacrifices. This blog is about all of it. It’s about the pretty little melodies written into the lives of the Garrett Clan. It’s also about the legacy that music is breeding into the lives of my three sons, along with the difficulties, the challenges that have come our way. Most important, it’s about making it work and chasing after the dream that has been passed down for generations. All of this from the perspective of a wife and mother who was not born into the dream, and actually has not one ounce of music talent running through her own veins, but finds herself smack down in the middle of world overflowing with musical talent. While I find myself not necessarily passionate about the lyrics, but deeply passionate about the love behind the scenes. This is our journey, our hopes, our dreams…..Welcome to Lyrics & Love a blog about music, love, and the lives that are surrounded with both.