When Jess Nolan began writing her upcoming third album at home in Nashville, she’d been on the move for years, traveling the world as a harmony-singing keyboardist for acts like Jenny Lewis, Katie Pruitt, and Joy Oladokun. Somewhere between the early-morning van calls and late-night gigs, she’d found time to expand her critically-acclaimed solo career, too, earning support from heroes like Ani DiFranco (who released Nolan’s sophomore album, ’93, on her label Righteous Babe Records) and an ever-growing fan base. The momentum was inspiring, but the pace could be dizzying, too.

Being at home felt like a grounding experience. For the first time ever, Nolan found herself living alone and prioritizing her own downtime, creating space to write new songs that bridged the gap between intimacy and expansiveness. With ’93, she’d explored the softer, meditative side of her music, but this new material was something different. It felt darker, autumnal, nocturnal. It felt playful, too, with Nolan often stepping away from the piano to write songs on guitar instead. When it came time to record these new compositions, she wanted to capture them in the same space in which they’d been created. So, with help from bandmates and friends — nearly all of them female — she transformed her home into a makeshift studio and got to work, recording Right At Home during five inspired days.

Right At Home offers an unfiltered view into Nolan’s past and present, turning personal details into something communal and cathartic. Bookending the record are abbreviated voicemails from her two grandfathers, their New Jersey accents on full display. Those spoken-word snippets are a reminder of Nolan’s roots up north, where she sharpened her songwriting as a Jersey-raised teenager before heading south — first to Florida, where she studied songwriting at University of Miami, and then to Tennessee, where she established herself as one of Nashville’s newest exports. They also help set the scene for Right At Home: an album that deals not only with where (and who) we come from, but the journey toward self-acceptance, too.

Jess will be joining us in support of her new album, and will surely share lots of stories about its creation in addition to the songs that are on it.

RSVP HERE

RSVP link coming in early October. Reach out to allison.beer@gmail.com if you would like to be added to the invite list ahead of time.

 

THE DETAILS

We will have heavy snacks plus beer, wine and some liquor options. Feel free to bring a drink for yourself or to share of you would like something specific.

November is dicey. This will likely be an indoor show unless we are having unseasonably nice weather. We have some chairs, but feel free to bring your own folding chair if you want to be guaranteed a seat.

Our shows are largely adult only. Music-loving teenagers are welcome as long as it is understood that artists may use profanity and tell stories with adult themes.

Email allison.beer@gmail.com if you need our street number.

SCHEDULE

5:30: Doors Open – Come early to socialize and grab a drink and some food.

7:00ish: Music Starts – Jess will play two approximately 45 minute sets with a break in between.

9:00ish: Post-Show – Hang out, talk to the artists and buy some merch.

Details

Date:
November 7
Time:
5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Event Category: