The sun set over Cheekwood Botanical Gardens as the ominous Friday night sky rumbled and tried to intimidate country music fans with bright pulses of lightening. Despite its efforts, fans could not be shied away from Music City Hit-Maker’s “Songwriters Under the Stars.”
Emily West opened the show with her chilling vocals and clever lyricism. Her creativity and talent paved the perfect path for renowned songwriters Brett James, Chris DeStefano, and Rivers Rutherford. With 50 collective #1 songs in country music, seeing this trio play together was bound to be one for the books—and the fans knew it, too. This sold out crowd was impressively attentive, keeping their phones in their pockets and minds engaged on the spectacle in front of them. Lightening broke through the sky, joining the already-beautifully-lit Gardens and adding a natural glow to the night as the trees swayed with the breeze and serenity of the Nashville Studio Symphony.
“We rarely play a song the same twice,” James said amiably in preface of potential mistakes in playing with the symphony, which relies on diligently following sheet music. “That makes this a little nerve-racking for us.” While performing their songs with a symphony was different for the songwriters, it was a treat for the audience. The three showcased some of their biggest hits including “These Are My People” (Rutherford), “Jesus Take the Wheel” (James), and “From the Ground Up” (DeStefano). The orchestra brought a raw, authentic quality to the awe-inspiring songs, and the songwriters lent their talents to one another, sporadically harmonizing to each other’s tunes as they felt compelled. The result was a performance that gave the audience a once-in-a-lifetime experience and undoubtedly a greater appreciation for songs they had previously come to know and love.
As both the show and storm progressed, members of the symphony opted to shelter their instruments from impending danger. The three songwriters, however, seemed to be fueled by the strength of the wind and boom of the thunder. Notwithstanding the absence of their backing instruments, the wind carried their songs with impressive energy, passion, and chaos—composition sheets flew off the stage—literally and figuratively bringing the music closer to listeners who were brave enough to simply will the storm away. “Chris, sing something with that thunderous voice,” James said, fully aware of the irony of his words. Amplified by gusts of wind, DeStefano and James’ “Something in the Water” impacted the audience deeply; whether it be witnesses shaking their heads in awe, fans singing along, or DeStefano’s inability to stay seated on his stool, the excitement and passion in the Gardens was palpable. “We’ll play all night, y’all,” James proclaimed, validating the music-goers determination to keep the show going.
Shortly thereafter, the rain unfortunately prevailed, but not before a guest appearance by Chuck Wicks, who serenaded the crowd with his first #1 single that he co-wrote with Rutherford and George Teren, “Stealing Cinderella.” It was truly a night to remember and one fans didn’t want to end.
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