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The second Lost Art Music Festival was a joy. Intended by its founder to be a festival of “high energy Americana,” the performers were diverse in styles and presentation, offering a remarkable but very enjoyable variety for those who attended. Located approximately 30 miles west/southwest of Atlanta at Foxhall resort, the setting is peaceful, spacious and decidedly rural. As one inner-city attendee, Cem, said, “I feel so safe here.” Barebacked and dancing under Saturday’s bright son, many asked if he was wearing sun-block and offered theirs if needed. That’s the vibe, regardless of the music. And it’s not that far away.
Friday began with Nashville’s Gabe Lee, born in Vietnam but fully an American(a)/singer-songwriter. Lyrics generally involve a look at life experiences in strong narratives with occasional humor and good hooks. Songs included “Susannah,” “Buffalo Road,” “Eveline,” “Old Smokey” (for suffering Tennessee Volunteer fans), and a splendid “Babylon” among others in his set. Dobro and bass added nice depth and color to the set.
After a short break, Aaron Lee Tasjan exploded onto stage with a fiery “Dangerous Kind.” It was no surprise, really, after the acoustic and more intimate coffee-house feel of Gabe Lee’s set. But it’s not that Tasjan’s set was electric. He was electric, and he was in the mood to solo. Great stuff.
Following was “East Nashville Song About a Train” (being creative when creativity doesn’t seem near?), “Feminine Walk,” “Heart Slows Down” (another guitar fastball with some fun retuning of the E string), “Songbird,” “Till the Town Goes Dark,” “Another Lonely Day,” “My Camera,” and “Hard Life.” He then switched to piano for “Holidays,” “Dada Bois (not a favorite but made the most of live), and they bouncy “Up All Night.”
Back on guitar, he played “Little Movies,” which is a lyrical snapshot of tight, moving songwriting and “Don’t Overthink It,” with a generous closing solo for the electric set. With the band off the stage, he returned to the piano/keyboards and played a new untitled song and Drivin and Cryin’s “Scarred But Smarter.” A little Elton John for style and a little Paul McCartney for tunefulness, his lyrical wit and diverse music styles and subject matter means you never get bored.
Hopefully ALT will be back to open next year’s festival, or perhaps the world will catch on and he can headline.