"I miss the rawness and soulfulness of the old records, the way they were recorded, the musicianship of the day… And the stories that were told. I fear that people will lose sight of what truly is traditional blues, and the lasting impact it’s had on music made around the world, and how relevant it can still be today."

Yates McKendree: Music City Blues

Born in Nashville and raised in a recording studio, multi-instrumentalist Yates McKendree grew up hearing and playing with many great musicians. Self-taught from the age 3, music came to him naturally. Although just 21 years old, his experience as a professional musician goes back 10+ years. That early experience includes playing regularly in some of Nashville’s most notable venues (The Bluebird Cafe, The Ryman Auditorium, 3rd & Lindsley). It also includes North American and European tours and multiple appearances on national television (Imus In The Morning, CBS Mornings). During Yates’s high school years, he played on and engineered many recording projects; most notably for Delbert McClinton and John Hiatt, who told Rolling Stone Magazine, “Yates was our secret ingredient.” In January 2020, Yates earned a Grammy for his role as an engineer and a musician on Delbert McClinton’s Tall Dark & Handsome. Now the award winning McKendree is embarking on his solo career with an album dedicated to the music he loves the most, straight-up traditional blues. 

(Yates McKendree / Photo © by Anthony Scarlati)

Multi-instrumentalist, singer songwriter and Grammy winner Yates McKendree, who grew up in the Rock House studio run by his father, multi award winning producer, engineer, and piano man, Kevin McKendree. The 13-song collection, Yates’ debut album “Buchanan Lane” (2022), named where father and son reside, features original compositions Yates co-wrote with Gary Nicholson, two of his new instrumentals, and a selection of deep cuts from the heroes of blues and soul he has followed since the age of three, self-taught on guitar, bass, drums, and piano.

Interview by Michael Limnios               Photos © by Anthony Scarlati

How has the Blues and Soul music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

Well, I think blues and soul are two very humanistic genres, they’re very relatable if you’ve been through any kind of emotional experience, good or bad. It’s an art form that’s indispensable.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

I would describe my sound for the most part to be traditional blues, although I’m also very passionate about jazz, soul, funk, R&B, and any kind of soulful music. As for a balance between technique and feel, I definitely lean more towards the feel side of things. I know basic music theory, and I practice my technique by playing along to jazz records, but everything I do is mainly by ear and memory.

Why do you think that the Nashville music scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

I believe the Nashville music scene flourishes because of the talent pool here. There’s nowhere else in the world where you can find so many amazing musicians condensed into one place.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I miss the rawness and soulfulness of the old records, the way they were recorded, the musicianship of the day… And the stories that were told. I fear that people will lose sight of what truly is traditional blues, and the lasting impact it’s had on music made around the world, and how relevant it can still be today. There are so many albums released nowadays that are essentially rock records or rock/blues records that are mislabeled as blues, and it causes people to forget what the true sound is. And while I love those styles of music as well, it just isn’t actual blues in its truest form.         (Photo: Yates McKendree)

"I would describe my sound for the most part to be traditional blues, although I’m also very passionate about jazz, soul, funk, R&B, and any kind of soulful music. As for a balance between technique and feel, I definitely lean more towards the feel side of things. I know basic music theory, and I practice my technique by playing along to jazz records, but everything I do is mainly by ear and memory."

Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you? What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?

I got to meet Dr. John when I was a kid, around 10/12ish.. And while it was brief, just being around him and soaking up his energy was priceless. I also got to meet Little Richard and play some piano for him when I was around the same age, and that definitely had a profound impact on me. In terms of advice, really all I can say is just be kind, be humble, and be a stand up person…

Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?!

I got to open the show for the Brian Setzer Orchestra at the Ryman Auditorium back in 2017, and got a standing ovation. That was definitely a very, very special moment for me. The Ryman is a huge part of music history, and Nashville history, and to be able to make music on that stage means quite a bit to me.

How do you prepare for your recordings and performances to help you maintain both spiritual and musical stamina?

I really just constantly listen to music. I’m pretty much listening to and playing along to music all day for the most part… I’m always on the hunt for albums I haven’t heard. It keeps me inspired, and it fuels my creative drive.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Well, as I said previously, definitely just being kind and humble will go a long way. I’d also say, find what you love and stick with it, dedicate yourself to it, and don’t let anybody get you down. With enough time, success will be had.

Yates McKendree - Home

(Yates McKendree / Photos © by Anthony Scarlati)