Rockin Douglas Corner Cafe with Kent Blazy And The 4 Peace Band

Friday night, hardly an empty seat could be found at Douglas Corner Cafe.  It was apparent that music fans knew where to go to see a memorable performance featuring some of Nashville's most notable musicians and hit songwriters.  With all the recent tragedy and devastation to strike Nashville, it was refreshing to enter Douglas Corner Cafe and not just experience a little Nashville music normalcy again, but also to know that donations for The Red Cross were piling in throughout the night from both attendees and performers.

Nate Barrett started the night off on a very strong note as he prepared to share the stage with fellow talented musicians.  Nate, an accomplished songwriter and producer is currently writing song's for Kent Blazy's "I Want To Hold Your Songs" Publishing.  As, Kent and Cory Batten and the 4 Peace Band joined Nate on stage everyone in attendance was anticipating a great round, and it was obvious expectations were met and exceeded.  Kent Blazy, one of Nashville's most prolific songwriters has written many songs for Garth Brooks in addition to other acts such as Julie Roberts, Diamond Rio, Andy Griggs, Kenny Chesney, Terri Clark, Clay Walker, Patty Loveless, and Blaine Larsen.  Most recently Kent's song "My Best Days Are Ahead of Me" was recorded by Danny Gokey and is currently climbing the charts.  Right before Gokey released this feel good tune, Kent was enjoying a number 1 with Chris Young and talented songwriter Cory Batten for "Getting You Home Tonight" (The black dress song).  Prior to this song, Cory experienced his first number with Blake Shelton recording his song, "She Wouldn't Be Gone."  Cory, who also writes for Kent's publishing company has had songs recorded by Rhonda Vincent, Julie Roberts, and Blaine Larsen.  With a great deal of success already under his belt, I foresee an untold amount of continued # 1's in Cory's future.

Kent opened up with one of my personal favorite tunes "Aint Living Long Like This."  Anyone who knows Kent knows that he not only performs his original material to perfection, but also knows he is one of the few that can truly master a timeless cover tune while adding something a little extra.  If Waylon Jennings were there to see it, Kent Blazy and the guys would certainly have done him proud.  Kent then went into delivering my "Best Days Are Ahead Of Me," a song that I am certain is as meaningful and inspiring to everyone else in attendance as it is for me.  Cory energetically followed by giving a very fun, memorable performance of "Getting You Home."  Nate then introduced us to one of his creatively well written tunes.  Mike Fleener on drums did a fantastic job of bringing us a classic upbeat performance of "Some Kind Of Wonderful."  One particularly unforgettable performance of the night was when Kent began singing his Garth Brook's hit and first #1 "If Tomorrow Never Comes." Kent began the song and then Cory and Nate split up the other verses making it a very powerful performance of an incredible song that will always remain among country music's finest.

Switching off verses and backing one another up, it is clear how amazingly well these talented musicians work with one another on stage.  They bring an undeniably entertaining performance that positively remains in a league of its own.  About half way through the show, it occurred to me that I was in constant "foot tapping, head bobbing mode."  However, it was clear that I was not alone as all attendees attentively kept their eyes on the stage and absorbed the music.  I must say this group of gifted musicians are able to play guitar far beyond my comprehension and understanding of how it can even be done....but clearly it can be done as it was certainly done on Friday night. This is one group of guys that you could simply just watch challenge one another to a "play off" all evening and not want to leave your seat.  The 4 Peace Band for the evening consisted of Nate Barrett (guitar), Cory Batten (guitar), Steve Bryant (Bass), Mike Fleener (Drums), Larry Hill (Drums), Chris Dauphin (Keyboard).  Scott Van Zen is also regularly with the 4 Peace Band.  With unpredictability and amazing skill, Kent Blazy and The 4 Peace Band is a must see. 

After a night of incredible music and assisting in carrying Red Cross items out, it was a night very well spent and was a strong reminder that there is always "Melody in the midst of tragedy."  Nashvillians are true survivors, loving volunteers and so much more than just a music community.  Music represents our hearts and dedication to who we are and it is just one of the many ways that we "Tennessee Volunteers" are able to bring joy and "good cause" to our friends and neighbors.  Kudos to Kent Blazy and the 4 Peace Band!  Stay tuned for upcoming shows!

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