Writing about the LA cowpunk scene earlier this week when we posted the Marvin Etzioni video sent me down a rabbit hole of my own, thinking about all the amazing roots music that has bubbled out of California. I lived in the LA area for a few years in the 80s, and recalling the blue skies, the quality of the light, and the incredible vistas is enough to make me jump in my car to visit. That is made even more intense by the call of the fine music that is being made there.

I am trying to remember when I first got turned onto Rose’s Pawn Shop. In my reptilian brain, think it might have had something to do with Cindy Wasserman and Dead Rock West coming up on my tour bus at SXSW in the mid 2000’s while I was still at X Country. Then again, maybe not. There was always such a flood of CDs coming my way, it might just have been the cool art on the cover that drew me to listen to the CD back then. In any case, play them I did, and I have been watching them ever since. I love the marriage of bluegrass elements with country rock. The band recently shot and recorded a series of live videos for 5 of their songs at a loft in downtown Los Angeles, and here is one of them, “Arsonist.”

-Jessie Scott

What a lovely week in Austin, actually any week is before it gets to the 100’s and stays there for the summer. Music has been spilling out of windows and doorways, and the beat, it never stops here. Just a few highlights, K. Phillips and Kevin McKinney did a Stephen Wright-ish evening of absurdist humor and intimate songs at Threadgill’s. The White Ghost Shivers were on fire on Saturday night at the Saxon Pub. Slaid Cleaves and Paul Orta were awesome in the Oak Garden at Gueros, and Dustin Perkins played an impromptu front porch picking set at the Waring General Store. And then, I am loving a bunch of new CDs: JD McPherson, Honeyhoney, The Damn Quails, Sons Of Fathers, and Sugar & The Hi-Lows.

When I first played Sugar & The Hi–Lows a couple of months ago at KNBT FM in New Braunfels, TX, I got an immediate phone call from Terri Hendrix, asking “Who WAS that?” She even tried to buy the song on line there and then, but it wasn’t out yet. Infectious stuff, indeed. Pop, infused with a sense of songwriting craft from the 50’s and  60’s. So, when I got the email to book them for the Spring Music Fog Marathon, I jumped at the chance. Trent Dabbs and Amy Stroup came to us as a duo. They brought the sweet, for sure. Here is the song that Terri Hendrix loved, “Skip The Line,” Music Fog style, from March 2012 at Threadgill’s WHQ in Austin, Texas.

-Jessie Scott

I want to take you into the annals of music history. The year was 1982. I had been doing Country Radio in New York for 6 years or so and was very familiar with all the flavors of music that were being made under that umbrella. It was a righteous palette in those days; there were the likes of Don Williams and Porter and Dolly, George and Tammy, Waylon and Willie. I was in New York City working at the country station WHN. I think even then, there was an “other” music not included in the mainstream of the time, that was country infused with a rock and roll vitality. There were several bands playing around town that we called cowpunk, one of them was Rubber Rodeo. In other cities, X, The Blasters, Jason & The Scorchers, and  Rank & File held court. Lone Justice came out of the LA cowpunk scene, to be signed to a record label deal in 1982. It was a new wave, but it never found a mainstream audience. That isn’t to say they weren’t worthy, but just that the music wasn’t in sync with the moment. Maria McKee was an iconic presence, there was simply no one like her; sensual, intense, lusty-voiced. She partnered with Ryan Hedgecock to form Lone Justice , and they were joined by Don Heffington and Marvin Etzioni, to put out two albums back in the day.

Cut to today - Marvin Etzioni is still infused with the spirit, and has just put out a solo album called Marvin Country!.  He recruited some heavy hitters to help him out, including Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Buddy Miller, Richard Thompson, John Doe, and his old Lone Justice band mates Maria McKee, Don Heffington, and Shane Fontayne. Marvin came solo to the Spring Music Fog Marathon in March at Threadgill’s WHQ in Austin. He played us a tune from the new album, here is the MF version of “The Grapes of Wrath."

-Jessie Scott

You may think this is crazy talk. I am not sure I quite believe it, but I have spent most of my adult life in radio stations, and I evidently have been absorbing the negative ions that abound there. I was complaining recently that my touch screen phone was ignoring my touch, when someone told me it was because I had spent so much time near radio waves. I have no earthly idea whether any of that is true, but doing some research I guess that is not a bad thing. It appears that negative ions are good for one’s health. And of course being under a waterfall is one of the most energizing experiences ever, and that is smack dab in the cradle of the negative ionization epicenter. But then so is the shower in your house (ahhh!!) Here is WebMD’s take on it. I really don’t know whether radio stations emit these molecules, but it would explain why I have been so happy to sit in a room for 40 years, basically talking into a microphone with no one in sight on the receiving end of that monologue. Sitting in a room talking to yourself…hmm that sounds a little odd. It IS a little odd for that matter.

I am always baffled by the songs that tie the concepts of love and foolishness together. This makes as much sense to me as negative ionization does. If it doesn’t feel good why do it? If you are heading for the rocks, why prolong the agony? My inability to process all this stuff may just be the reason why I am not dating, and honestly, I don’t mind that at all either. Don’t get me wrong, it is great to listen to songs about being love struck. I remember, vaguely, all that love stuff. Tasmanian songstress Ange Boxall played a song for us during our Americana Fest on October in Nashville called “Fool For Now.” I guess you put up with it for a little while, if the sex is good…right? Anyway, here is Ange with Tom Mason on guitar and Bones Hillman on bass, with a song found on her 2011 album, Writing Letters. Here is the Music Fog version, filmed at Marathon Recorders.

-Jessie Scott

The album Mercyland: Hymns For The Rest of Us comes out today. Don’t know if you have heard about it yet, but producer and writer Phil Madeira set out with an interesting goal; to find the common ground and positive qualities of faith. Phil put together a diverse and amazing group of musical friends, including The Civil Wars, Shawn Mullins, Buddy Miller, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, The North Mississippi Allstars, Dan Tyminski, and Emmylou Harris who contribute ten original and two  traditional songs to the compilation album. The selections come from varying philosophies and beliefs; in humanity, the joy of music itself, or the affirmation of a higher power, be that God or spirituality or transcendent love.

Today Music Fog gives you a special (hush, we are not EVER going to call it a two-fer!!!) But indeed, we are giving you two videos to peruse from the album Mercyland. First is a spirited song from the Carolina Chocolate Drops called “Lights In The Valley.”

Second is a simmering, politically charged tune from Shawn Mullins, “Give God The Blues.”

-Jessie Scott

It's the start of another week, and it was a really busy weekend 'round these Austin parts, starting with the dedication of the new Willie Nelson statue on 4/20, and then a glorious tribute concert to Johnny Cash at the ACL Moody Theater on Friday night. Old Settler's Music Festival went on all weekend, and then yesterday was the Reckless Kelly Celebrity Baseball Jam. Founding Nitty Gritty Dirt Band member John McEuen sat in with me for an interview on KNBT.FM on Saturday, as the legendary band was playing the legendary venue of Gruene Hall on Saturday evening. John and his sons have a new album called The McEuen Sessions, which is mighty fine stuff as well!

Hope you had a fun weekend. We have news from our trusty analytics department that Music Fog hit 9,000,000 views on 4/20 on our YouTube channel, so we got to celebrate 4/20 also. Today we bring you a rousing tune from The Sweetback Sisters, who brought down the house when they performed for us during our Spring Music Fog Marathon at Threadgill’s in March. They are serious joy purveyors, even when they are singing about crying! OMG, they are playing my old college town on Wednesday, Athens, Ohio! Catch them when they come round! We have an as yet unrecorded, and therefore unreleased, tune for you today from the Sweetback’s, “I’m Gonna Cry.”

-Jessie Scott

On Friday, April 20th, The Band Of Heathens posted a simple, heartfelt tribute to the late Levon Helm that we'd like to share:

"Yesterday, one of our musical heroes, a true American original, Levon Helm passed on. By some strange twist of cosmic fate, we were in his birth-state of Arkansas when we heard the news. There was some sort of comfort in knowing we were treading on the ground that sculpted the man and set him on the path to utter and complete righteousness. We wrote this song ) right before our show in Little Rock last night to play during a mini-Levon tribute encore. This is a demo of the song as we recorded it in the parking lot. Although we’ll never get to hear his voice in the present anymore, we are incredibly lucky to be able to be with our friend whenever our ears are open. Play us one more song cuz.

  Love, The Band of Heathens"

You can download or stream the song "One More Song" here. 

- Jessie Scott

My friend Stephen Bruton passed in 2009 from cancer. He commented that he wished that help would come for others before they needed it. So many illnesses are best treated at the onset. But it is even better if the markers for them are detected in advance when changes to one’s lifestyle would prevent the illnesses from developing at all. The Stephen Bruton Wellness Initiative will seek to provide screening programs to do just that.

This Wednesday evening found me in a most idyllic spot for an incredible evening to celebrate Stephen’s life and spirit, at Star Hill Ranch in Dripping Springs. This place is like the set of a movie, with building rescued from the wrecking ball, ripe for weddings, movie set usage, and parties like this one. Austin’s music community was in attendance as a film clip was presented about the forthcoming movie, and the concept of the Wellness Initiative was discussed. That was followed by an intimate performance by Kris Kristofferson, long time Bruton collaborator and friend. There were tears, let me just say that. There was the healing that the music provided, too, both while listening to Kris, and while driving back home. 

Music is really good for that, and there are times I just want to dive into it, and let the rest of the world go by. In light of the two deaths this week, and more tears for Dick Clark and Levon Helm, we dedicate this tune to them, and to you if you are hurting.

For the full effect of that musical healing, we encourage you to go see the Blind Boys Of Alabama, as their summer touring schedule starts next month. They came to our Music Fog Fall Marathon at Marathon Recorders in October during Americana Fest and graced us with this song, which can also be found on their 2008 album Down In New Orleans, “Free At Last.”

- Jessie Scott

A few years back when I first moved to Texas, I attended my first show at a then new venue, Whitewater Amphitheatre. It provides a spectacular place to see music, as it sits on the banks of the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, Texas. Beautiful scenery, easy on the soul, and yeah, there is the music, too, sailing spectacularly into the night air. Since that night, I have visited frequently…mighty fine indeed.  Whitewater is getting ready to kick off the 2012 Season.  

Back in 2009, I saw Matt King perform there, and that night, he had an explosive young man playing upright bass named David Beck. David is a tour de force; he writes, sings, plays a ton of instruments, composes, arranges, and produces. He bumped into Paul Cauthen when both had guitars and notebooks in hand near a waterfall in San Marcos, Texas, and they started writing and performing together just over a year ago.

They are an unstoppable combination with a great band, that somehow gets even better every time you see them. They are hot, tight, and expansive with harmonies that are unique and haunting, and songs that are hook-filled and memorable. Their debut album, Sons Of Fathers, came out back in November, and they are in the midst of producing album number two. Music Fog had the pleasure of filming David two years ago, during our 2010 Music Marathon at Threadgill’s, but this year, we invited them to play as Sons Of Fathers. The song “Ruthless” can be found on their debut record. Here is the Music Fog version, from Threadgill’s WHQ in March. We can’t wait to see what they do next.

- Jessie Scott

Word came yesterday afternoon that Levon Helm is in the final stages of his battle with cancer, when a note was posted on his website by his wife Sandy and daughter Amy.  Levon had been diagnosed with throat cancer more than a decade ago, lost his voice for a while, but returned to the stage to play the music that moved him throughout his life.

He did regain his voice, though it was more ragged, and these last few years have yielded fine albums and have solidified Levon’s reputation as an Americana icon. He was the only non-Canadian in the seminal group, The Band. His contribution to that ensemble is incalculable, his legacy to us is monumental. Join us in praying for Levon and his family at this time.

- Jessie Scott

I am basking in the afterglow of a long weekend in New Orleans. Between the food, and the music, and listening to WWOZ Radio,  I am infused with the spirit. Just before leaving town, I attended a for real, full tilt NOLA Crawfish boil. Beautiful day, cool music, amazing crawfish, corn and potatoes, fried oysters and shrimp. I drove the eight hours back to Austin reveling in how good it was to be there, while I listened to my iPod kicking out the tunes from Professor Longhair, Slim Harpo, Little Willie John, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Carl Perkins, and Little Richard, just to name a few. Not to say these folks are all from NOLA, but listening to this music in that town sure feels right. It is still alive, and you can hear the echoes today in the sonics of JD McPherson.

First, a note, we would have loved to catch up with JD during our Spring Music Fog Marathon in March at Threadgill’s, but we didn’t hook it up in time. That is, we were already booked when we found out he was available. Just goes to show, you can’t do it all! Today is the day that his long awaited album Signs & Signifiers comes out, which features bassist and producer Jimmy Sutton, and Alex Hall on drums. If you like the vitality of the early days of rock and roll, you will feel right at home with this stuff. JD McPherson is a former art teacher from Broken Arrow, OK. He and his band traveled to Chicago to record analog at Hi-Style studio, which is housed in Jimmy Sutton’s attic. JD directed the video shoot at Hi-Style studio for “North Side Gal,” which features the classic gear used for the recording of the album.  

- Jessie Scott

P.S. - JD is giving away free downloads of "North Side Gal" on his site for a limited time.

Or you can:

I spent an idyllic evening Friday night in the Sculpture Garden at New Orleans Museum of Art, where you can roam on the winding footpaths to view over sixty sculptures from artists from all over the world. It was perfect spring weather with amazing stuff to look at and engaging people to meet along the way, making for a very special moment indeed. This is a friendly reminder to attend a museum, whether NOMA or a local institution, especially if you haven’t done that recently. It just puts you in a reverent place. Somehow, it calls upon your best self. Oh yeah, bring the kids!

Looking at today’s video, I am struck by the notion that Sarah Jarosz could have been a Botticelli painting. Ethereal, magical, and pure, Sarah creates from a deep well of harmonics that conjure up a stillness that is at once moving and peaceful. Sarah is playing the Old Settler’s Music Festival this Saturday, and then kicks off some more touring, which start with a May 4th appearance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. . Sarah attends school at The New England Conservatory, so tours have to be worked around her studies. But if you get the chance to see her, you simply have to go. She is such a bright light. “Little Song” comes from her 2009 debut album, Song Up In Her Head. We were fortunate to have spent some time with her at the 2010 Americana Fest in Nashville. Here is the Music Fog recording of “Little Song.”

- Jessie Scott

If you happen to be in New Orleans this weekend, here is the hot tip. The French Quarter Music Festival is free to the public in Jackson Square, with music and oh yeah – there is lots of food, so come hungry. There are carts from some of the finest restaurants in NOLA. You know I am usually ALL OVER the music, which I will get to in a minute, but ya gotta check out the food! I recommend just walking around and chasing the aromas wafting your way before you commit to anything. There are so many choices, and there is going to have to be some mighty serious decisions made! Now to the music, it will make you dance in place, and you know everyone else will be shaking to it too! Click-through for the music schedules on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Now, if you are indeed lucky enough to be in New Orleans, I want you to promise to go see Theresa Andersson. She is playing on the Abita Beer Stage at Woldenberg Riverfront Park at 2:15 on Sunday. She is a simply incredible live performer, and to see her in her adopted city of New Orleans, has to be an extra special treat. Today’s video was filmed during Mardi Gras a couple of months ago, and features Theresa marching with the Krewe of Muses. The song is "Hold On To Me," and is on the upcoming album Street Parade, which will come out on April 24th.

- Jessie Scott

My mother didn’t need to have a job, my father was able to support our family with just one salary. That is SO last century! Do you remember those days? Things are so different for so many people now, with two people working, sometimes needing to have two jobs to make ends meet. As I drive around the country, I see boarded up factories decaying along the rivers and train tracks bearing silent witness to degenerating buildings along their right of ways. They use to bring goods to the nation from every corner of the country. And I have to say, how do we remain a first world country when we don’t manufacture what we need?

When the song “We Can’t Make It Here Anymore,” by James McMurtry first came out in 2005 on the Childish Things CD, we were unaware of the chaos that would befall the financial world just a few years later in 2008. Upon the album’s release, Stephen King commented, "...this may be the best American protest song since (Bob Dylan's) Masters of War." I still believe that poets take the temperature of a society, and shine it back at us with white hot truth, warts and all. So you know, we were totally honored by James McMurtry’s appearance at the Spring Music Fog Marathon at Threadgill’s WHQ last month. And we were super stoked that he laid a solo version down of “We Can’t Make It Here.”

- Jessie Scott

A long time ago, I wanted to do a documentary on a road that runs from Delaware up to the Canadian border, US-9. I was taken with how the landscape changed along the way, from the interior farmland of Delaware, on a ferry across Delaware Bay from Lewes, DE to Cape May, NJ. Up through the New Jersey beaches into the full blown urban experience of New York. Suburban, then the exurbs and into deep and beautiful countryside, paralleling the Hudson River for a good portion of its 315 mile stretch, but US-9 keeps going. It’s path reaches past the Catskill Mountains, into the Adirondacks, to where the Hudson River officially begins at Henderson Lake in Newcomb, New York. But 9 keeps going, ultimately ending in a cul-de-sac near the Canadian border. The story is of the architecture, of the commonality which is pushed at a different pace by the amount of people congregated along its points: New York City, Albany, Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs, to the hamlet of Champlain. In essence, you can take a road like that back in time, to how the land looked, and to how our communities started when we sparsely populated this land.

I think there are a lot of people lately who yearn to go back to more carefree days, to an easier time. I like my music harkening back to then, as the band New Country Rehab presents it. They are taking a trip down from Canada, heading to Old Settlers Music Festival making pit stops for gigs along the way. They start tonight at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, and make their way down to Texas and then head back up north. NCR have been gathering rave reviews wherever they go. We had the pleasure of filming them at the Music Fog Fall Marathon last October in Nashville, during Americana Fest. Here are John Showman, James Robertson, Ben Whiteley, and Roman Tome' with the Music Fog recording of an unreleased tune, “Back In Time.”

- Jessie Scott