Brother Jackson went with it, playing some hits, some favorites, and bringing out one special guest after another. Trace Adkins, Phil Vassar, the ol' Possum himself George Jones, and in my opinion the showstopper, Little Jimmy Dickens. Somebody may be the hottest thing in their home area, sell out shows, etc., and get to Nashville and fizzle. Additionally, some artists prefer to stay outside the mainstream and do their own thing. Finally, you have the folks with more financial backing and desire than talent.
Trouble is, cream rises to the top.
As a disclaimer, let me say that I produced my own CD Journey Proud in Nashville in 1995. I used great musicians and a fine studio. I've sold it offstage and through the mail, and soon on the Internet. I've broken even to date, and that's arguably a success. Because I needed product to sell at shows and because there wasn't a snowball's chance in the Hot Place that I could get either backing or a label deal.