The Nadas "Drink It 'til It's Gone"

The Nadas are no strangers to our cameras, as we welcomed them on the bus for our first outing to Memphis for coverage of Folk Alliance in 2009. And they brought booze, rye whiskey, I believe. I was not a rye drinker until that moment, but I saw the light!

The guys formed at college in Ames, Iowa in 1995. By 2001, they were heralded by Playboy Magazine as "The Best College Band You've Never Heard Of." After 16 years together, Mike Butterworth (vocals, guitar) and Jason Walsmith (vocals, guitar) have recently released their 7th album, Almanac, a year-long project, during which they wrote, recorded and released a new song each month, crafting a portrait of 2009. What’s more, every step of the process was streamed live on the band’s website, delivering unprecedented access to the creative process. Fans were allowed to offer critique on everything from lyrics to instruments, and some of the suggestions were even incorporated into The Nadas’ music. In September of 2009, select fans that had joined the Almanac project were extended an exclusive invitation to a special songwriting session to write that month’s addition to this most unique album. That's brave and head's up stuff indeed, but it doesn't surprise us that they are embracing social networking in such an interactive way, as The Nadas were our Twitter spiritual guides early on.

“We started The Nadas sixteen years ago with just a couple of songs, a van and a newsletter, then grew a community from there,” said Walsmith. “The tools we have now to communicate with and build that community are crazy. But it’s still about the songs, and our fans. They’re why we do this.” Music Fog, as fans, invited them back for a session on the Threadgill's stage in Austin, TX this past March. And what do you know, they gave us a drinking song!

- Jessie Scott

Travis Linville "Hard Knocks"

Man, oh man, it's been hard knocks all week! From last Friday on, it has just been one thing after another, between the Gulf Coast oil spill, the tragic Nashville floods, and countless people suffering in one way or another. Sorry to have been so serious all this week, do know that I have wanted to change it up, but have not been able to. But the weekend is almost upon us! That is some good news! And here is your head's up that Mother's Day is this Sunday, so you are forewarned about procuring a present while there is still time.

Now to the matter at hand. I was first introduced to Travis Linville through his work with The Burtschi Brothers. He is a producer of note, an inspired sideman, a magnetic frontman, and he is Red Dirt through and through. I am continually astounded as to the depth and breadth of the Oklahoma scene. They must have some extra minerals in the water there to grow so many talented musicians! Travis is presently on the road with an amazing cast of characters: Hayes Carll, The Travelin' McCoury's with Dierks Bentley who has just recorded a definitive and highly recommended (by me) new album of roots music called Up On The Ridge. Check Travis' website for Northeast tour dates.

The song we bring you here from Travis Linville is "Hard Knocks," filmed in Memphis, at Folk Alliance, on the celebrated Music Fog bus. You will find it on the twenty song CD (yikes!) See You Around from 2007. And here's hoping that things start to moderate, all the way around!

- Jessie Scott

Catherine MacLellan "Sparrows"

She walks in the grace of her talent. I can only wonder what will unfold for her as, it seems to me, her career takes her places that will be ivory towered. We first met up with Catherine MacLellan on a press jaunt to DC, where she arrived a bit road worn but game, adorned in omnipresent plaid flannel. Life has been frenetic for her of late, winning a bunch of awards (Canadian Folk Music Award for Solo Performer of the Year, East Coast Music Awards for Folk Recording and Female Performer), being on stage with some of her heroes (Gordon Lightfoot, Gord Downie), but also continuing to create, write, and be a mom. There are a string of BC dates coming, before she flies into NB and New England at the end of May. You can read her blog by clicking here.

Catherine reminds me of an early Emmylou Harris in this video, it's just something about the set of her jaw and the sweetness of her voice. If you listen closely, you can imagine Gram singing harmony on this tune. You know what, I would LOVE to see a duet featuring Catherine and Emmy together. That would be close harmony heaven! Catherine wrote this as yet unreleased song "Sparrows" about a guy who has departed. The marvelous Chris Gauthier is seen here playing Lynn Miles' guitar, Lynn having played right after MacLellan on our Music Fog showcase at Threadgill's during SXSW. We thank True North Records for setting us up!

- Jessie Scott