When I interviewed him in August for an editorial assignment with Coastal Lifestyle Magazine, Tommy Jackson had me, quite fittingly, at first note. As the sole proprietor of what has become a warmly welcomed new neighbor along Scenic Highway 30A, Tommy is passionate, to say the least. That’s because First Note Music Hall is truly inspiring, offering guests with a unique musical experience.
“The way in which we consume music has changed. We listen to music on our iPods. We’re constantly shuffling songs. I thought, ‘wouldn’t it be cool if our stage rotated like that, all in the same night?’ I don’t know of any other place in the country offering that.”
Yesterday evening, I had the opportunity to attend my first show at First Note. Beyond feeling as though I personally know Tommy, thanks to having had the opportunity to get to know the story behind First Note, I felt an instant connection to the intimate and contemporary venue located within Redfish Village. My friends and I sat to the right of the stage on a high-top that included a personalized, hand-written welcome message. As I looked around, I realized all of the venue’s tables had been personalized, immediately hitting a note with me. A personal touch to the music experience? Yes, please!
After socializing for a little bit, ordering a glass of Malbec from a rather extensive drink menu, and deciding on some yummy made-to-share appetizers, the lights dimmed and we were welcomed by Kaci Bolls, a singer-songwriter from Nashville who served as our MC and as one of the featured artists of the evening. Talk about a triple threat. As she presented the Myers Brothers Band, from Texas, I did not know what to expect, but as Jake and Jared opened up their set, they, too, had me at first note. Think Robin Thicke meets Gavin DeGraw. Listen to their“Never Quite This Way” album and let me know what you think.
Enter Geoff McBride, a soulful Santa Rosa Beach resident influenced by the likes of James Taylor and Aretha Franklin. Think only Ray Charles could cover Ray Charles? Think again. Geoff’s rendition of “Georgia on My Mind” covered me in goose bumps. From country to jazz to the blues, he has one powerful can-cover-it-all voice.
Kaci Bolls then took the stage again, this time as the Nashville-based artist that has worked with The Henningsens and CMA-winners extraordinaire The Band Perry, among others. No big deal. One of her original songs (titled “This Kind of Perfect”) is anticipated to make the cut on the Perry siblings’ sophomore album. After listening to Kaci sing it, I not only hope it makes the cut but that it lands on the radio as a single. With her beautiful vocals, depth of range and unique blend of Jewel-meets- Allison-Krauss-meets-spunky-red-headed-girl-from-Kentucky, Kaci made me a fan last night, particularly after the enchanting “Underdogs;” not to mention, she can rap! I challenge you to keep “Walmart Girl” out of your head for the next couple of hours. Then go out and buy her new album, “Underdogs and Paper Tigers,” now available.
The night’s bonus features included two dynamic duos. Sam & Ruby (Sam Brooker and Ruby Amanfu) from Nashville provided a beautiful blend of R&B, folk and pop. Their unique sound hasn’t gone by unrecognized. Joined by fellow independent artists from Nashville (“The Collective”), the duo made it to the Top 10 on this season of NBC’s The Sing Off with Nick Lachey. Tune in to NBC on November 28 and December 5 to see them perform. As if that weren’t enough, one of the duo’s original songs appeared on “The Secret Life of Bees” soundtrack. Their album, “The Here and Now,” is available on iTunes. Pop-Electro/Rock duo, The Vinyl Pinups (Brennan Aerts & Khara Lord), closed out the night on a high-energy note, complete with electric guitars, leather, and cherry lipstick. I still have “Hey, Hey You” in my head and “Don’t Call It Love” seemed to do well with the crowd, which rose to their feet, dancing and applauding as the evening came to an end.
The overall result? An intimate connection among the artists, the music, and the audience – not to mention, the opportunity to discover new artists and sounds in an unpretentious setting that highlights solely what’s important: the music and the company in which it’s enjoyed.
Without a doubt, the First Note experience has offered a fresh approach to live performances in a community that has long been a hotbed for musical artistry. And the general public, made up of locals and visitors alike, has taken a notable liking to the concept, having helped the venue sell out all of its 140 seats since kicking off a summer series in July. If First Note’s first few months have been any indication, it has hit all the right notes in the South Walton music scene.
For more information on First Note Music Call, visit www.FirstNoteMusicHall.com or call 850-622-0221. Advanced ticket ($15) purchase is strongly recommended. Pick up the October/November issue of Coastal Lifestyle Magazine to read my interview with Tommy Jackson and learn more about the story behind First Note.
