Steve Wildsmith

Dang, we love giving away tunes. Because most of the songs we offer are from bands right here in East Tennessee, and this scene is so diverse, so full of talent, that we want to climb to the top of the Sunsphere and shout it to the rest of the Southeast.

First up on this fine Thursday, we offer a great song by one Mr. Scott McMahan, a singer-songwriter whom we profiled in May and who’s holding court from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday at Bread of Heaven, that fabulous soul food restaurant in Alcoa. (We told you about that gig here.) Congratulations go out to Scott, who had to miss last Friday because his wife Trina had a baby! At 9 pounds, 3 ounces and 21.5 inches long, she was christened Novalee Ray McMahan.

And while this song may sound somber, it’s just what Scott does best. (Go read the above profile.) He’s a super-nice guy, and you if you’re out and about, drop by Bread of Heaven and give him a listen. And fill up on good food while you’re there.

Download “The Loneliest Blues,” by Scott McMahan: Right-click here (choose “Save Link As” or “Save Target As”)
Keep track of Scott’s upcoming shows, as well as news on when you can buy his CD online or in stores, by visiting his Myspace page: Click here

And now, for some other good stuff to give away!

We blogged about local indie-rock outfit the Diacon-Panthers not long ago, and in the Friday, Aug. 21 edition of Weekend, you can read a brand new story on the band and the making of their new EP, “Ride Again.” They’ve graciously agreed to allow us to give away a song as well:

Download “Curses,” by the Diacon-Panthers: Right-click here (choose “Save Target As” or “Save Link As”)
Buy “Make It Feel Better,” the 2008 full-length album by the Diacon-Panthers: Click here

And finally … regular readers know what fans we are of local singer-songwriter Christopher Scum, who earned a reputation as Knoxville’s answer to G.G. Allin for years. Here, you can read a review of his solo album that we did last year, and a recent interview with him here. Well, his punk band, The Dirty Works, will celebrate five years together on Saturday night at The Longbranch Saloon in Knoxville, and for Friday’s entertainment section, we decided to tell the band’s story from the perspective of his two mates, drummer B. Riot and guitarist Steven Crime. Read that interview here, then get a free mp3 from The Dirty Works!

Download “Wife Beater,” by The Dirty Works: Right-click here (choose “Save Target As” or “Save Link As”)
Buy “Biscuits and Liquor” by The Dirty Works: Click here

Got lunch plans on Friday? You do now — because we guarantee you won’t want to miss what’s cooking over at Bread of Heaven, 1366 N. Wright Road in Alcoa, across from First Baptist of Alcoa. Not only does owner Michael Colquitt cook up soul food so good you’ll weep, but now he’s serving it with a side of live music on Fridays.

Local singer-songwriter Scott McMahan, a dude we’ve written about several times (most recently back in May), is now performing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday at Bread of Heaven, helping Colquitt drum up some business.

(If I could editorialize here, it’s a shame he needs the help. What’s wrong with you people?!? I beg them to adopt me every time I eat there — the food alone should keep folks lined up out the door!)

Anyway … the prices are reasonable, especially considering it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet, and the opportunity to hear McMahan’s work-in-progress — a forthcoming album tentatively titled “Dying on the Vine,” which features an all-star cast of backing musicians that includes Keith Brown, son of local jazz legend Donald Brown, on piano; local session phenom Greg Horne on fiddle and guitar; Marty Hodge on drums; and bass player Dave Peeples, who gigs with Blount County songbird Robinella — is even more incentive to skip breakfast on Fridays and head over to Alcoa.