<< RE IPO Nashville, Sat. the 12th of March Will Kimbrough was really good. Solo acoustic w/tunes reminiscent of Tilbrook/Squeeze and Neil Finn. Got back just in time to hear Walter Egan's "Magnet & Steel." Sounded great. Ending w/dueling guitar solos between Walter & Bill Lloyd. Bill Lloyd's set was loose and engaging. Highlight of his set was seeing Al Kooper play keys.>>>> Wow, I wish I was there! Will Kimbrough, Barry Holdship, Walter Egan, Bill Lloyd and Al Kooper, all in one night! I would have loved it. This is not a knock on the IPOs, but lately I haven't seen very many IPO night lineups where I know any of the artists, so I haven't been enticed to attend. I suppose if an IPO was within a few hours driving distance of my house, I'd go just to go and hear some new bands - but since they are all far enough away that it would involve day-long driving or air flight, taking vacation time, etc., I need to have some major draws on the lineup to want to make the effort to go. I must have missed the Nashville 3/12 advertisement, as this lineup would definitely pique my interest!!! By the way, If you haven't checked out Will Kimbrough, do yourself a favor and pick up his CD "This". I saw him live years ago (touring w Amy Rigby) and immediately bought the CD at the merch table (something I don't regularly do) - he was just plain great. The lead off song, "Closer to The Ground", is in my all time power pop hall of fame, up there with No Matter What, Couldn't I just Tell You, Go All The Way, Girl Of My Dreams, etc - it's that good. One of those songs that is so well crafted that every note is a hook, the melody and chords really take you on a trip, great lyrics, and the whole shebang is performed with mucho passion. Note: the Moon drums and Townshend chords sure do help, but this is not mere pastiche, the song displays Will's own distinct personality and style and is alone worth the price of the CD. However, that's a moot point because the entire CD is great, wall to wall great tunes. The guy can really write and really deliver. Which reminds me, I have to hunt down his other work - I need more of this in my diet!