• Play:
• Song Name: Search for the Last of the Hard-Core Troubadours Podcast 06
• Artist: Stephen Simmons
• Album: www.hardcore-troubadours.com
• Year: 2006

Last week we headed out to see Stephen Simmons play at the Basement here in Nashville. It was great night despite the freezing cold and driving rain. [We live in Nashville, it was chilly and the rain was hard, but hardly driving. It wasn't a No'easter.--Mimi] He played an excellent set backed up by a bunch of amazing Nashville musicians (Eric Fritsch on keys/guitar, Dave Coleman on guitar, Duane "Chop" Blevins on bass, Tim Blankenship on drums, and Jodi Haynes on background vocals). Stephen's stage presence was unbelievable and not just because we were wooed by his little sardonic smile (the last line in my show notes is "his smile is criminal" and, kids, I hadn't even had that much to drink). If you get a chance, if he's ever anywhere near you, head out and see that show, my friend, you won't be disappointed.

The show was great but not enough, but luckily for us, Stephen is practically our neighbor, so he swung by the HCT HQ to record a podcast for us (right click and 'save as' to download). [I like Casa de Troubadours del Hardcore, mainly because bad, made-up Spanish cracks me up.--Mimi]

Here we've got talking about trains and mainstream radio, beers opening, cowboy boots walking on wood floors, good conversation and songs off both Steven's current albums, his forthcoming album and even previously unrecorded songs. Tracks include:

All the Time I've Got
The Devil's Work is Never Done
Shine (previously unrecorded)
County Lines
We'll See
Lay on the Tracks
Johnny 99 (Bruce Springsteen cover)
Empty Belly Blues #32
Asheville Girl

Stephen has two albums out, Last Call and Drink Ring Jesus. [How awesome is that name? Sounds John Prine-y.--Mimi] I recommend buying both as they will bring much happiness to your fall music listening. We look forward to his forthcoming album this spring as much as we look forward to the end of the coming winter.