Live music in downtown Nashville is a stereotypical concept. Boots, hats, cold beer, oversized belt buckles, warm whiskey, and an amalgamation of southern-fried rock and new country. Prerequisites must be fulfilled, satiating either the audience or the bar owner. That is not to say the shows lack enjoyment or support, but true excitement remains a rarity.
Enter The Dempseys - a high-energy rock 'n' roll trio based out of Memphis who have the been described by Rockabilly Hall of Fame as "the most entertaining rockabilly show on the planet." The band features Bradley Dean Birkedahl on guitar and trumpet, "Slick" Joe Fick on bass fiddle and Ron Perrone Jr. on the drums. All three also contribute their vocals to the band's '50s crooning style.
The Dempseys are no large act, but their presence, however localized, is felt. Best known for their performances in the 2005 motion picture "Walk The Line" and a show at Graceland for the Japanese Prime Minister, their reverence of '50s rock 'n' roll and country classics is only matched by their rockabilly inspired energy.
Playing the first of two nights in downtown Nashville, the traditionalist three-piece ensemble put on a show that revived the essence of country's edgy early beginnings and rock 'n' roll's reign as "devil music." Medleys dominated the set, bringing the styles of Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters and the Sex Pistols face to face with those of Hank Williams, Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley.
Yet that facet of the performance takes second stage to the level of showmanship displayed. The Dempseys' stage presence is equally as amazing as the upbeat music they play. The band wasted no time amping-up the energy of Rippy's Bar as they opened their first song. At various points throughout the performance, each member jammed on a bandmate's instrument, performances ranging from one on a double-necked guitar, a slapped rather than strummed bass, a drum percussion, a sparkling white telecaster and a cameo trumpet for "Misirlou."
At one point, all three of the members intertwined their arms while the drummer reached in front to play the top of the double-necked guitar, the guitarist reached behind his head to play the bass suspended in air with a violin bow and the bassist reached in front to play the bottom neck of the guitar. Make no mistake: these guys play to entertain just as much to have fun.
An inspiring live show, it is hard not to be revitalized by the rockabilly energy and swing that can take over any bar or club.
"I make a point to see The Dempseys every chance I can, and every time I have the same great appreciation for their playing and the great songs," said graduate student Enrique Montes.
With The Dempseys playing over 200 gigs a year, catching a show should be pretty easy. But when they are out of Nashville, all you can wait for is the next time you can throw a metal sign and stomp your boot to the history of American music. In the meantime, you can listen to The Dempseys by picking up their latest CD, "Radio Friendly Hits For Your DJ To Play," available in record stores and at their Web site, www.thedempseys.net.
