Americana Music

Amelia Curran "The Mistress"

She was the seventh artist due on the Celebrity Coaches bus that day. It was the third day of taping, so we were all getting a bit punchy. Meeting new Americana artists is always a thrill. There is an allure to it. It's just like bait on the end of a fishing line for me. But Amelia Curran had something that transfixed me.

There she was just outside of the bus smoking a cigarette. I had announced to the crew that I would "blaze the way" for them and go outside to meet her. She was sitting on the curb with an almost "go away kid you bother me" air about her. We exchanged a few words, then sat in silence. She then announced to me that she would prefer "not to have direct eye contact" and that she could be a "problem." I didn't think that I was being chastised, but what else could it have been? Was she serious? Or was this her wry sense of humor? And did the "no direct eye contact" rule apply only to me?

Amelia gets on the bus and the barbs began to fly. She was Steven Wright like. And every bit as funny. She explained that she wasn't only a musician, but also a producer of major Canadian music festivals. So she has obviously seen all sides of the backstage drama. Aaron plowed through the set-up unaffected, but Chris was drawn in just like I was.

Then came this song, "The Mistress." It is a spot-on reflection of her personality. And what happens at the end of the song is not to be believed.

OK Amelia, you got me.

-Beans

Amelia Curran

Chris Knight "Hell Ain't Half Full"

What a day it was yesterday in Austin. 75, blue skies, countdown to SXSW is ON! It actually feels like "South By" has already started as the musical pilgrims are straggling into town for their first taste of spring. And it was just a magical musical day for me, too. I had dinner with Chris Berardo, then we ran the clubs. The Continental for the AMAZING Stone River Boys! Then to Threadgill's North for the SWEET music of Stonehoney. And then the nightcap, the SMOKING David Beck and The Well Dressed Thieves at The Saxon Pub. And you know, I am so thankful to be here, to be amidst this many splendored music. All who get to do what they love need to take a knee, and think for a moment about the luck of the draw. Because it could be different for any one of us.

Chris Knight knows. His stark portraits of American life resonate deeply, authentically. And there is a sense of balance, to open oneself up to these tales of not doing well, or right, of having to make a deal with the devil to eke out a living which then becomes one's prison, no life at all. So while we prepare for the good---the return of balmy weather, of good times; do something to help someone who is not. Bring a little sunshine into someone else's world. A smile, a touch, a helping hand. I don't know if that will change someone's life. But if we deal in kindness, it has got to help. Here's some pain in, "Hell Ain't Half Full." There but for fortune.

-Jessie

Chris Knight - Heart of Stone - Hell Ain't Half Full

Keep the Light Alive "I Don't Believe In Yesterday"

Keep The Light Alive. One hell of an idea. For hope, for inspiration, for life. For Eric Lowen. As you might already know, Eric was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) around 6 years ago. Since that time, he has chosen to live with purpose. Dan Navarro, of Lowen and Navarro, says, "Eric makes that his commitment every day." Dan, himself, is uncomfortable being included in a "tribute" album, as he chooses to deflect the attention. This project simply celebrates Eric Lowen, and the contributions that he makes as a singer, songwriter, and performer. As Dan has tried to take the focus off himself, we credit this performance accordingly, even though it is Dan with the legendary Freebo at the helm.

For more information on the project, check out the website here. This album supports The Eric Lowen Trust, which was created to offset the enormous costs of fighting his illness and helps support his family, which includes his wife and their 5 children. Music Fog is honored to have had these fine musicians on the bus during Folk Alliance to further the cause.

-Jessie

Freebo - Keep the Light Alive - I Don't Believe In Yesterday