The life of an A-list Nashville musician can be quite satisfying for the diversity of opportunities it provides. And members of the SteelDrivers exemplify that with an astounding list of collaborative efforts: Richard Bailey, on banjo, has recorded with Al Green, George Jones, Kenny Rogers, Michael Martin Murphey, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, and Ronnie Milsap. Mike Fleming is a 'recovering banjo player' who is on bass here, and whose credits include Holly Dunn, Joy Lynn White, and David Olney. Mike Henderson is on masterful mando, and has been heard on the recordings of Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, Mark Knopfler, Albert King, Hank Williams, Jr., Jonny Lang, Peter Rowan, Guy Clark, John Hiatt, Sting, Delbert McClinton, Bob Seger, Bo Diddley, Faith Hill, Lucinda Williams, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Gary Nichols plays guitar, and has been performing since the age of six, emerging out of the musical hotbed and legacy that is Muscle Shoals. Tammy Rogers is on the sweet fiddle, and her credits include Neil Diamond, Wynonna, Rodney Crowell, Radney Foster, Bill Anderson, Iris Dement, Randy Scruggs, Patty Loveless, Buddy & Julie Miller, and Jim Lauderdale. That is a broad swath through the musical landscape, indeed!
Being a studio musician can also afford you the path to your own salvation. The SteelDrivers walk it brilliantly. Dang, we tried to hook up at the Americana Music Festival while we were in Nashville, but unfortunately, we missed them back in September. Not to worry, because they filmed some video in the studio last June. The SteelDrivers' "Good Corn Liquor" comes from their latest Reckless album, the follow up to 2008's self-titled debut from this veteran Nashville based quintet. "It'll get you there quicker, with a fruit jar full of that good corn liquor!"
- Jessie Scott
