By: Andrew Vaughan

It’s not often that a concert surprises me these days. I’d hate to count the number of gig hours I’ve clocked writing about music these past twenty years and the truth is, sadly, that shining lights of pure musical wonder become harder and harder to find.

Taking all that into consideration and throwing in the couple of hours driving to Huntsville, Alabama to see a show, it needed to be a pretty good show to knock me off my seat.

But that’s what I got. It was Victoria Shaw and friends. For anyone wondering, Victoria Shaw is one of Nashville’s pre-eminent songwriters, responsible for several number one hits, such as Garth Brooks’ immense, "The River,” and several top notch solo albums.

Most recently, she’s tried her hand at producing—delivering, with Paul Worley, Lady Antebellum’s debut album and setting them on their road to stardom. She’s been doing similar things with CNN’s country-singing morning host, the delightful Robin Meade, who’s been winning rave reviews for her Shaw-produced debut album.

Sometimes songwriters don’t quite have the necessary chops to cut it as a performer. Not for Victoria. Indeed she started out in Nashville looking for a performer gig, but once she discovered the joys of songwriting and hit the big time, performing took a back seat.

Speaking before the show she told me, “Initially I wanted to be a performer, and came to Nashville to seek a record deal—like so many other people do. Then I discovered the Bluebird Café, found the songwriter community, and I had the ability to write hit songs. And the great thing has always been that songwriting gives you the ability to make your own hours, and of course once I had kids, going on the road was not a good option. So I have been very blessed.”

Of course the fact is: she toured the world in the ‘90s, opened for Garth Brooks in huge events—including his historic Central Park show—and has even played the prestigious London Palladium twice.

“I was very fortunate to have been able to play Europe many times. I have some great fans over there, and that’s a wonderful help these days when you’re running your own record label.”

Times have changed for artists and writers in the music business. The days of huge advances, tour support, and platinum sales (aside from the elite few) are long gone.

“It is a different world,” she told me, "but I have been very fortunate with running my own affairs. CD Baby is a great outlet and I have a website (vicctoriashaw.com) and an active Facebook page which is the future of promoting.”

One thing she’s not happy about, regarding the new digital age, is copyright infringement—the stealing of music by consumers. “It’s a big deal, especially for songwriters. It is stealing. It’s not so bad for a touring act who can afford to have their music given away free if it results in increased numbers at shows, but for the songwriters who rely on royalties for their income, it’s a very serious issue.”

On stage, Victoria is serious about her songs, but delightfully playful and relaxed between songs. The banter with her colleagues: songwriting king Gary Burr and rock and roll raconteur (and Aerosmith hit writer) Mark Hudson, is infectious. She has the audience eating out of her piano playing hands throughout the evening.

There’s something about watching pure class—listening to songs that matter—being performed by masters of their craft that makes all those wasted trips to so-so gigs in search of shows like Victoria Shaw’s more than worthwhile. If she’s playing near you, I have one word or advice. GO!