Meet the Pros

The Company:  Silver Strings

Name: Linda Davis

I’m Known for:  Bringing a fresh approach to today’s popular music with a string trio or quartet.  I started arranging classic rock songs in 2001 after a friend asked me why I wasn’t playing things like “Purple Haze” with my quartet.  When I said that nobody arranged that kind of music for string quartet he simply said, “Duh!”  The light went on and I responded with, “Oh, I can do that!”, and the result has been a CD and a burgeoning library of classic and contemporary rock, many of which were requests for wedding ceremonies.

What I do for fun (when not working):   I absolutely love theater.  There are quite a number of wonderful acting companies and small theaters in the Nashville area that put on the most amazing performances.  I happen to be partial to playwright Sandy Smolen, whose labor of love, a musical called “All For A Song”, will be premiered at Chaffin’s Barn in Nashville starting July 11.  I can hardly wait for the opening night.

Favorite Nashville Area Hang:  I’d have to say my favorite hang is my own house, over a glass of wine and a fabulous dinner with friends.  I love putting together eclectic groups of friends to see where the conversations go.  With the friends we have conversations are always interesting and stimulating.

 Favorite Music: Duke Ellington said, “If it sounds good, it is good.”  From the teen thrill of “A Whiter Shade of Pale” to the Beethoven 5th Piano Concerto, my favorite music is whatever I’m listening to at that moment.  It’s all good.

What do you enjoy about doing weddings?  While I might grouse about arranging Radiohead, I actually love the choices and creativity of today’s couples and the challenges of breathing new life into their requests.  That adage “the customer is always right” still holds.  And what other job can boast so many smiles and so much joy?

What should every couple think about when choosing musicians for their ceremony?     When you interview musicians ask what is their repertoire and  experience and do they take requests.  Ask for examples of their work and then ask for references.  If you could see your wedding the way we [professionals] see it, you would know there are three things that set the tone for a wedding.  1)  How the bride looks in the dress. 2)  How the venue looks.  3)  How the music sounds .  Most of us take music for granted but music is so important, especially in a wedding where beauty and timing are everything.  This is the area where you need musicians who know what they’re doing.  Professional musicians may come with a higher price tag, but for good reason… They’re worth it!

What advice can you share to help couples pick the right kinds of songs for their special ceremony moments?  Go with what your heart tells you.  Here is your chance to showcase who you are as individuals and as a couple.  Music is the one element of a ceremony that can tweak the emotions, elevate the excitement of the moment and bring smiles as nothing else can.  Heck, if I had it to do over again I’d probably choose the aforementioned “A Whiter Shade of Pale” as part of my ceremony music just because it has meant so much to me over the years.  Some of the tunes we’ve performed at recent weddings include “Just Dance” (Lady Gaga), “Soul Meets Body” (Death Cab for Cutie) and “Come Away With Me” (Norah Jones).  Let your imagination soar.

Contact info (website, email, phone):  Visit the Silver Strings’ website at www.nashvillesilverstrings.com.  Email: [email protected]   Phone: 615-293-9730