Rayland Baxter will strike his lightning twice in the coming days here in his hometown of Nashville, first at Lightning 100’s Nashville Sunday Night show at 3rd & Lindsley this Sunday, Aug. 30 (tickets here) along with Ruby the Rabbitfoot and then again the following day for a FREE Grimey’s in-store performance on Monday, Aug. 31.
Baxter’s new album Imaginary Man was released Aug. 14 through ATO Records and has received glowing praise from top music news sources. American Songwriter gushed that his “…songs will absolutely bring you to your knees…” Rolling Stone Country said it well, saying “…his work has the unique power of sounding unusual and familiar all at once.” The emotionally deep and creatively extravagant Imaginary Man was featured on NPR (talking about the story behind “Yellow Eyes”), where he enlightened listeners with the stories, real and unreal, behind his new songs.
Nashville is glad to have Rayland back from touring, and the shows will surely be full of friends and supporters. The album includes appearances from these friends and family like his father, Bucky Baxter (who has toured with Bob Dylan, Steve Earle, and Ryan Adams among others) on pedal steel, and Jessie Baylin, Isaaca Byrd (MYZICA), Mikky Ekko, Jordan Lehning (Caitlin Rose, Steelism), and Matt Vazquez (Delta Spirit) on background vocals. Many of these collaborators recorded with their shared producer Eric Masse (Andrew Combs, Robert Ellis) in his studio, dubbed “The Casino.” Maybe one or more of these musical friends from the community will come out onto the stage for a song or two; you’ll have to be there to find out.
We at No Country whole-heartedly support this town’s beloved troubadour. Stream “Yellow Eyes,” and “Young Man” by clicking on the song titles. Buy a copy of the album or stream it here, and watch Rayland’s recent session video (reminiscent of James Taylor) for “Mr. Rodriguez” below in order to prepare for these exciting shows!
Rayland Baxter will perform Sunday Aug 30 at 3rd & Lindsley with support from Ruby The Rabbitfoot. The show is all ages, begins at 8 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.), and tickets are available for $10. You can also catch Rayland for a free, all ages, in-store at Grimey’s on Monday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m..