Customer Reviews

It's My Turn

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For Michelle Nixon, bluegrass is a meaningful music that has remained real. She sings it because she loves it. Raised in rural Virginia, it wasn't long before Michelle was singing, at age 14, every weekend. She started a popular country group called Slate River. The Female Vocalist for Virginia then met Vernon Hughes and Clyde Bailey about 12 years ago at a bluegrass festival, and she has been singing, playing and writing bluegrass music ever since. With four recording projects under her belt, she's well on her way to achieving her goal of playing the Grand Ole Opry. While Michelle is on a fast track, the members of her band, Drive, are also putting on full steam ahead. Vernon Hughes, Jim Green, Justen Haynes, Eddie Shifflett, and Jason Davis all admit that balancing both personal and band goals can be a challenge, but the group seems focused on success.

"It's My Turn" is their new debut album. "That project is so special to me!" Nixon once told me. "I really love the songs on it. Working with Tom T. and Dixie Hall has been a dream come true. My band is without a doubt the best. I love these guys, and I am so proud of what we are doing and have done on this CD." The album opens with a spirited rendition of "Harlan," written by the Halls. "I especially like the way Michelle phrases some of the words like 'Kentucky,'" says Shifflett, "and 'mama's washin''. We always pick on her about her country accent." It's those little things that make this album down-home friendly and genuine. Another Tom T. and Dixie Hall song on the project is "Joan Henry," about John Henry's steeldriving daughter. The project includes a few of Michelle's originals, such as "Let Me Be Your Escort" and "No Matter." The former is a bluesy story of a soldier being taken to Heaven's pearly gates by an angel. The latter is a peppy song of lingering love, which Michelle wrote "after watching the expression of a close friend's face during a brief encounter with his ex-spouse." Another of Nixon's self-penned compositions, "The Writing's on the Wall," was inspired by her own personal experience. "My marriage license hangs on the wall in a pretty gold frame," Nixon told me. "It reminds me daily that nothing comes easy what is worth having." The Dallas Frazier country song, "Beneath Still Waters" is given a new sound. The instrumental, "Couch Potato," allows the band members to shine with some blazing instrumental breaks.

On the project, Hughes sings lead on "When the Bees are in the Hive," a traditional song whose earliest recorded version that I'm aware of dates back to the Skillet Lickers. "I have a lot of fun playing songs like the older songs that Vernon sings," says Jason Davis. "I like those songs that just groove." The gospel selection, "Step Into the Water" finds its way onto this new project. Vernon Hughes admits that he is "kinda partial to the older, smoother three-part harmony ballads, our gospel material especially and really fast instrumentals." Finally, the CD ends with an infectious rendition of "Hello Operator" that is sure to get your toes tappin'. According to Michelle, "This cut really DRIVES! Vocally and musically it's well executed and you can't help but love the classic Jimmy Martin ending. When it's over, it's over!"

While music is a large part of her life, Michelle Nixon also raises three children, owns a business (Hide-A-Way Hair Design), teaches Sunday School, and loves to camp, fish and play sports. Fortunately, this up-and-coming bluegrass band is doing what it takes to be successful. "We all have similar goals for our careers," explains Nixon. "You can only be as fast as your slowest person. You also need to let your fans and friends know how much you appreciate them being there with you. Without them, there would be no show. Be as personable as you can, but be genuine."

Because of the strong support of family, friends and fans that they are receiving, I expect Michelle Nixon and Drive to go a long ways with their music. If all goes well this year, they hope to be playing bluegrass on a full time basis real soon. "The music that Michelle Nixon and Drive play is powerful," stresses Eddie Shifflett. "The group has spunk and talent, especially Jason and Justen, our banjo and fiddle players. As for Michelle, all she has to do is open her mouth and the crowd is all hers. People just love her. She is a great vocalist and as for my opinion, she takes a back seat to none. She's the new bomb in bluegrass music so look out female vocalists, here she comes." Based on this album showcase, I expect them to go far and fast. We certainly could see Nixon on the Grand Ole Opry soon. The band is aptly named -- Drive is clearly what they have. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)