He’s come further than the NSW South Coast though, to be here.

Just before Christmas, Scullion left the frigid, snowy climes of Nashville, where he’s been based for several years, to fly home for a visit.

In the songwriting department he’s no slouch, having had 80 songs cut by Lee Kernaghan, Sara Storer, Adam Harvey and O’Shea and quite a few others.

Eleven have reached that magical #1 position, four were nominated for Golden Guitars and two for APRA Song of the Year.

Oh – and his songs have been on the telly and big screen, too.

He’s excited to be hosting The Scullion Sessions for the fourth consecutive year.

It’s an intimate songwriters-in-the-round show, with three songwriters on stage taking turns singing songs, swapping stories and sharing laughs. And what a guest list he has for this month: Pete Denahy, Kirsty Lee Akers, Allan Caswell and Rod Dowsett.

These free gigs are not to be missed – from 4pm to 6pm on Thursday, January 22, and Friday, January 23, upstairs at the Tudor. Since he was here last January, Scullion has not been  in the least idle.

“It’s been another busy year for me over here in Nashville, writing most every day and performing gigs in and around Music City,” he said. 

“I’ve been writing with a lot of diverse folk, young up-and-coming artists to old hands such as Jim Lauderdale and Jerry Salley.

“I’ve also had the pleasure of writing with a bunch of Aussies lately who have been hanging out in Nashville – including Ian Moss, Rick Price, Kevin Bennett, Morgan Evans, Jasmine Rae, Pete Denahy and Lachlan Bryan.

“I actually got to write two songs with Mossy and hang out and have a few beers with him, which was pinch-my-cheek stuff, as he’s been one of my music heroes for as long as I can remember.”

Although living and working in Nashville now, he’s always an Aussie and stepped up to the plate to help Destination Tamworth and Tamworth Regional Council at its booth at the CMA Fest in June.

“I was part of the team sent over from Tamworth to educate Nashvilleans about the festival, which suited me to a tee as I’m very passionate about Aussie country music and I know a bit about Tamworth.”

Songwise, it’s been a satisfying year for Scullion with Thom Bresh, son of legendary guitar picker Merle Travis, picking up Just A Song, which hopefully for Scullion, won’t just be any old song.

“He’s started performing it live, which is very cool. He’s played with everyone from Johnny Cash to Chet Atkins, so it’s definitely a thrill to hear him sing my song,” Scullion said.  

Rub It In, a song he penned with Jasmine Rae, was recorded by a successful Swedish country singer Linda Lundqvist, who just released it as a single in Sweden.

He also has a cut on the new Wolfe Brothers album, Beer Tastes Better, a song he wrote with good mates Fiona Kernaghan and Nick Wolfe.

He’s also got two cuts on Amber Lawrence’s latest album and two on Making Hay, Simply Bushed’s latest. After some respectable chart action, this song has also been nominated for two Golden Guitars.

Welcome back to the Land of Oz, Matt Scullion.

Thanks for keeping the Aussie flag waving year-round in Nashville.

ONE of the most enjoyable shows I attended last year during the festival was the 4Highwaymen gig at the Longyard.

Hearing the songs of Cash, Kristofferson, Nelson and Jennings was music to this country girl’s ears.

Bruce McCumstie in the guise of Willie Nelson and Rob Wilson doing his Waylon Jennings thing were two of the stars of that show.

When they’re not hanging out with the other two Highwaymen – Alan Bowles (Cash) and Bryen Willems (Kris) – “Waylon” and “Willie” go off and do their outlaw thing on their own, as outlaws do.

You can enjoy Waylon and Willie – Songs of the Outlaws at the Longyard for two great shows on Sunday, January 18 at 3pm and again on Monday, January 19 at 7pm.

Jennings and Nelson were at the forefront of the outlaw movement, branded for being different.

Bruce and Rob don’t find shame in that tag, either.

Some of their famous duets such as Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys, Good Hearted Woman and Luckenbach, Texas, proved outlaws were cool and went on to become international hits.  

Rob proudly plays a replica “Waylon” guitar, made in Australia and sponsored by Tomkins Custom Guitars.

Tickets are now on sale at the Longyard bottle shop, from the new Tourist Information Centre at the Big Golden Guitar and online at www.4highwaymen.com

ON MONDAY night, if you’re at a loose end and chasing a little country in the capital, here’s a handy gig.

Country in the Village is held from 6.30pm at the Lifestyle Village hall, Warral Rd, West Tamworth and is open to all country music artists and fans.

This monthly musical event is hosted by Kevin Harris, who will introduce Lynette Guest, Rodney Walker, Maurie 

Marion, Chris Teddy, John Brand and Graeme Doubleday – and that’s just for starters!

Entry is only $5 and for that you will receive a free tea or coffee and a light supper.

It’s a great night of casual entertainment for the whole family.

If you need more details or directions, phone0403 322 472.

AS IT’S officially Country Music Month in Tamworth, you can get a little warm-up practice for the big event tonight at the Family Hotel.

The Capital Country Music Association, the group that started the essence of the festival way back in the late 1960s, will gather tonight at the Family for a jam in the Honky Tonk Bar.

Things kick off at the venue on the corner of Bridge and Belmore streets, West Tamworth, from 7pm and, like all the best things in life, it’s free.

Each month, there’s a different host chosen from among the membership of professional musicians and dedicated fans.

There are always giveaways and prizes to spice up the night of music, encouragement and instruction. 

Everyone is welcome to come along and sing, recite, play, perform or  simply soak up the friendly atmosphere with a cold beer and some great-tasting food from the Family kitchen.

Find out more about the CCMA by visiting www.ccma.net.au 

ON MONDAY night, if you’re at a loose end and chasing a little country in the capital, here’s a handy gig.

Country in the Village is held from 6.30pm at the Lifestyle Village hall, Warral Rd, West Tamworth and is open to all country music artists and fans.

This monthly musical event is hosted by Kevin Harris, who will introduce Lynette Guest, Rodney Walker, Maurie Marion, Chris Teddy, John Brand and Graeme Doubleday – and that’s just for starters!

Entry is only $5 and for that you will receive a free tea or coffee and a light supper.

It’s a great night of casual entertainment for the whole family.

If you need more details or directions, phone 0403 322 472.