Artist Information
The Ornaments originated in 2005 as three friends decided they would play the music of their favorite holiday tv special, Charles Schultz’ A Charlie Brown Christmas, with its brilliant soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi, at their favorite local watering hole, and since then their shows have grown steadily into a Nashville holiday tradition. Pianist Jen Gunderman, bassist James Haggerty, and drummer Martin Lynds play the classic Guaraldi album live from beginning to end, hosting a rotating cast of guest soloists who may bring along a trombone, pedal steel, harmonica, electric guitar, fiddle, saxophone, flute, or even musical saw, depending on when you catch the show. Santa Claus himself has been known to stop by with his Telecaster.
Jen Gunderman (piano) is Assistant Professor of Musicology at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music, a member of Sheryl Crow’s touring band, and an active studio session player and live musician. She has performed with a diverse variety of musicians, playing keyboards and/or singing with Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Michael McDonald, Garth Brooks, Brandi Carlile, John Prine, Stevie Nicks, and many others.
James Haggerty (bass) is a freelance musician and writer who tours with the Blues Brothers, Steve Cropper, Josh Rouse, and The Autumn Defense and records with numerous others. He is also a member of the band Joe, Marc’s Brother and the founder of bossa nova group Hags-A-Nova.
Martin Lynds (drums) is a musician and editor who tours most often with Chuck Mead and The Stalwarts but stays busy performing and/or recording with many others, including Cheap Trick’s Tom Petersson, Kevin Gordon, Marah, Bobby Bare, and Marty Stuart.
Other musicians who have joined the Ornaments:
Roy Agee, trombone (Prince, Stevie Wonder, Glenn Miller Orchestra Band) Jimmy Bowland, saxophones (Brenda Lee, Aretha Franklin, Kenny Rogers) John England, electric guitar (Trace Adkins, Darlene Love, Loretta Lynn) Pete Finney, pedal steel & guitar (Dixie Chicks, Patty Loveless, Doug Sahm) Supe Granda, aka Santa Claus (Ozark Mountain Daredevils) Austin Hoke, cello & musical saw (Dolly Parton, Rodney Crowell, Carrie Underwood) Jim Hoke, saxophones & harmonica (NRBQ, Jimmy Buffett, Stevie Nicks) Fats Kaplin, fiddle & mandolin (Jack White, John Prine, Beck) Randy Leago, saxophones & flutes (The Beach Boys, Aretha Franklin, Bob Seger) Charlie McCoy, harmonica (Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash) Joe Pisapia, electric guitar (Joe, Marc’s Brother, kd lang, Guster) Kristin Weber, fiddle (Kacey Musgraves, Eminem, Lorde)
