Every night is a great night for live music in Nashville...and tonight was no exception. I arrived at the showrooms of SIR on Cherry St. to find  that a crowd had already gathered and was securing their positions for an  evening of new music from two artists with an upcoming new record label called JaRic Records.

Lindsay Jordan kicked things off. Although apparent that she was new to performing, based upon a stage awkwardness and seemingly regular deer-in-the-headlights look, the songwriting was major label quality. Her looks and smile are top-level, however, many times throughout the set, Ms. Jordan's communication with her band, as well as the audience, just wasn't clicking (several uneasy starts). Also, her use of the mic was lacking. At times the audience could barely hear her and at others she was heard just fine. With the current flavor in Country music fostering acts like Gretchen Wilson, Julie Roberts, Miranda Lambert and Kasey Chambers, this artist definitely has the look. As the pitch of her voice was not able to hit or stay on some of the intended notes, I must admit that I  was getting a little restless for the next act. Lindsay Jordan has the look, but needs more stage polish, practice and focus. With the great catalog of songs (if she is the writer) I would imagine that a publishing deal may be a good idea for her.

The second act on the bill was Ricky Dee. Although he has performed in Nashville several times, this was my first encounter. Immediately, I knew this was going to be vastly different from the first performer. As Ricky took the stage I, along with the audience, could sense a confidence that most superstars project. During his set of well-crafted songs, he played to everyone in the house. I'm not sure where he hails from, (he spoke of Ohio and California) but his vocal ability is clear and full of authority, yet sincere and warm. He looks, sounds and acts like a Country star. The women will definitely take to this guy. The crowd reaction was energetic and supportive. It was mentioned to me by my date that night that he needs to wear tighter jeans if he is to compete with Tim and the like. I was more into the music...which reminds me how tight the band sounded. With half a dozen top notch musicians (piano played by Dave Dunsten who co-produced some of the upcoming Ricky Dee cd release) and 3 backing vocalists (one is Ricky Dee's sister). The musicians hit all the cues and really electrified each song selection. The backing vocalists were fantastic (I would have preferred any of them to sing lead on the previous song set).

I can definitely see Ricky Dee taking control of much larger venues, like ampitheaters and stadiums. I was later told the Ryman is in the near future. I will definitely secure my calendar for that one. Even with the country music space packed with artists, there will always be room for one more with the  talent like Ricky Dee...so make way Phil Vasser, move over Keith Urban, watch out Vince Gill and step aside Brad, Tim, George and Toby...it appears there is about to be a new sheriff in town.