A staple of Donelson cuisine and a former Buffalo Bills’ backer bar, McNamara’s Irish Pub offers more than just Shepherds Pie and Caledonia Scotch Eggs.
Every Wednesday night, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Josh Washam hosts his weekly songwriter session in the upstairs listening lounge from 6 PM – 8 PM. Washam will often bring a rotating cast of local songwriters to join him, as they serenade the crowd while they may or may not sip Guinness and chow down on some Corned Beef Bites.
Washam has a distinct blend of folk and roots fused with country, which is best displayed on his single, “Don’t Cost Nothin’.”
“Don’t Cost Nothin,’” which appeared on Washam’s album Squash Blossom released back in April, is a laid-back, breezy tune that offers the message that so many great things in life are free: writing a song, embracing nature, and spending time with a partner, among other soul-fulfilling things.
The track features Washam’s gentle, meandering acoustic strumming and his charming and quaint country-tinged vocals. He is joined by a smooth steel guitar that glides through the mix, as well as some steady click-clackin’ drums. The single is ripe with charisma, and is perfect for floating down a river or sipping a beer on a cool autumn night.
Originally a Souderton, PA, native, Washam later moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music, where he studied music production and engineering. In 2011, he moved to Nashville where he and his band, Natural Forces, tirelessly played shows and released four self-produced and engineered records. In 2016, Natural Forces decided to part ways, leading Washam to pursue a solo project.
He released his first solo record, The Washam Machine, that next year, in which he ditched the garage-rock sound of Natural Forces, instead embracing an acoustic-centric Americana sound. His second album, Squash Blossom, would be released some four years later. With help from Will Cafaro (bass) and John Wood (drums), the record was recorded both at Magnetic Sound Studios in East Nashville and at Josh’s home studio.
When Washam isn’t playing shows at local venues and hosting his gig at McNamara’s, he is often working with master luthier Marty MacMillan building acoustic guitars.
