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Guitar Legend Lee Roy Parnell Brings His Texas Flavored Christmas to Broadway in Nashville
by Rich and Laura Lynch
On Wednesday, December 04, 2024, Lee Roy Parnell served up A Texas Flavored Christmas at Chief's On Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee. The concert was one of a number of holiday shows that Parnell will be presenting in the month of December. The "Neon Steeple" is a venue that resembles a church with its warm wood tones, second level pew style seating and multiple stain glass windows. So, even though those panels reflected entertainment icons rather than religious figures - it was still a perfect choice to present the much anticipated holiday show.
Lee Roy Parnell was in fine and festive form in Nashville.
Lee Roy's music is influenced by the Lone Star State but his eclectic range runs into blue-eyed soul, country, gospel, southern boogie, rock and more. Parnell is considered a top-shelf slide guitar player and he has penned plenty of hits over the years. In 2011, he was inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters' Hall of Fame. Parnell is currently working on new music for a future release.
Lee Roy is a triple threat as he sings, writes and is perhaps most respected for his guitar chops. So much so that, Gibson honored him with the creation and production of the Lee Roy Parnell Signature 57 Les Paul Goldtop guitar and a few years later a 59 Les Paul Standard. When it comes to songcraft he keeps it real by revealing what he is feeling with the belief that most of us experience similar emotions even if our paths differ which has led to a long and storied career for him.
At Chief's, Parnell with a full band comprising of horns opened with the reflective "On The Road" followed by a winning "Lucky Me Lucky You" both punctuated by Parnell's striking slide guitar work. Lee Roy and his talented team played his classics along with a number of holiday tunes including a bluesy "Please Come Home For Christmas". Other highlights were "Worry B Gone" and the sweet "Daddies and Daughters".
The stage set up as seen from the first row of the Neon Steeple's second level.
Towards the end of the concert Lee Roy thanked Chief's for inviting him while noting that this was his first time playing Broadway (in Nashville). Earlier he had said that it was good to be back on the stage as it had been months - which is long time for a man who has spent much of his life crafting and playing music. He closed with the chart-topping, road tested "Heart's Desire". For the encore Parnell shared that he is currently rediscovering many "spirituals" not to be confused with Gospel songs. Since this was a Christmas show it made sense to sing about the "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" to send the crowd back out onto to the bustling main drag in Music City.
Also, since this was the second year in a row that we have been lucky enough to catch the Lee Roy Parnell Christmas concerts - the first he has undertaken - it seems like we have started a new holiday tradition here at MCN. Lee Roy, too, seemed pleased with the results and according to his comments from the stage he is already looking forward to doing it again in 2025 "with a little luck". We will keep our fingers crossed and be on the lookout for news on the next tasty Texas Flavored Christmas in town.
Lee Roy Parnell is on a growing list of artists who have performed at the "Neon Steeple". This unique venue is part of Chief's multi-level downtown bar featuring distinctive decor and memorabilia from one of its founders Eric Church. In addition to live music, they serve up Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ and there are rooms available for private events. Please visit Chief's website for their full calendar of events.
Chief's On Broadway is quickly turning into a destination venue in its first year of operation in Music City.
Related Links:
For more information on LEE ROY PARNELL and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -
Lee Roy Parnell |
Chief's On Broadway |
Lee Roy Parnell Brings It Home For the Holidays
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