James Hyland "Radio City"

I'd have to say the South Austin Jug Band was my initial entrée to the music of James Hyland. I was at XM, programming a whole lot of Texas music on X Country, trying to stay on top of the rich scene, though I was doing it from long distance and periodic trips to Austin. The rest of the time, I relied on trusted sources to make sure I was aware of cool stuff going on. I think the first time I saw SAJB might have been at MusicFest in Steamboat Springs, but there was solo James Hyland that I played on the radio as well, from the album Place I Call Home from 2001. Sorry to say the SAJB has come to an end after a nine year run. Now James' solo career has kicked into high gear. There was recently a plea for a fan funded album production budget…don't know whether this is still going on, but it's an interesting document about how the music business is changing, in any case.

A word about this song, "Radio City." It is desperately sad what the radio industry has come to, what with homogenized playlists and a lack of willingness to try anything new. Play the same songs over and over for decades, and see where that gets you. Radio used to reflect the market it was in, Miami sounded different than Detroit. Programmers once trusted their gut, and the best ones were channeling their audience. It was innate. And it was magical. Today, what with so many other choices for your attention, one would think that passionate radio could make a comeback. Most owners are too scared to even think about bringing the golden days of radio back. So we are left with a medium that is no longer a focal point. Watch the film Pirate Radio to see the difference. Radio used to be evocative, personal, compelling. And yes, it could be again. (We don't mean to condemn ALL radio, as there are still some shining lights out there!)

None other than the Austin American Statesman calls James "The Leader of the New Old School." He and his kick-ass band The Joint Chiefs have a Sunday night residency at Momo's in Austin. We were happy to welcome James Hyland, with Kim Deschamps, to the Threadgill's stage during our March showcase.

- Jessie Scott

Bonnie Bishop "Lucky Ones"

I know there is stuff going on with Bonnie Bishop, I can just feel it in my bones. I looked on MySpace, and Facebook, and Googled her and such, but I wasn't seeing what was really going on, so I picked up that old analog device, the telephone, and I called her. I caught her on the way to hosting the Red Carpet at the City of Hope/CMA Celebrity Softball Tournament. Posts about Celebrity Softball games twice in one week...who'da thunk it? Bonnie said she hoped she'd do OK, as she didn't know anything about baseball. But then she said she is going to channel her inner Chelsea Handler. I told her just ask lots of weird questions, and that she would be just fine. Doing a Red Carpet is one of the stranger things on the planet. The "journalists" on the red velvet rope approximate newborn birds in the nest, caw-ing really loudly to get the attention of "mom," played by the artists and their handlers that are walking the path, stopping here or there to give quotes to tape decks being waved in the air. Exhausting, really. Of course, this game is part of the CMA Music Fest, which is going on this week in Nashville. So if you like your country in the mainstream, that's certainly where you should be.

Bonnie is heading out on the road this week, after doing the Andy Griggs Celebrity Poker Tournament and Jam. Bonnie is becoming quite the celebrity sports woman! She'll be heading back home to Texas on this run, and I can't wait to see her! Meantime, let's revisit her from MusicFest at Steamboat! "Lucky Ones" with the master, Michael Webb.

- Jessie Scott

Joe Ely "Live Forever"

Telluride. The word conjures up clean, breathable air, and pine trees majestically towering over the steep terrain. You gotta remember, I live in Texas now, and summer has descended upon us in a big way! Telluride also has this amazing Americana commitment. There are festivals planned all summer long. First up is the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, which starts on June 17th. Then on August 13th, you have the Rocky Mt. Folks Festival.

Smack dab in the middle, July 21st to 24th, it's the Americana Music Weekend at the Historic Sheridan Opera House in Telluride. You might have noticed their ad on our website. If you haven't clicked on it, then you don't know 'bout this sweet deal! And there is an added bonus, now, as the Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association, which puts on free Sunset Concerts in the Mountain Village on Wednesday evenings in the summer, has announced that its July 21st guest will be Corey Harris. That will be immediately followed by the VIP party with Darden Smith. Then, on Thursday, July 22nd, it's a Song Swap featuring Amanda Shires, Rod Picott, Stacey Earle, and Mark Stuart. Friday, July 23rd brings you Jason Eady and The Band of Heathens, and on Saturday, July 24th it's Sam Baker and Joe Ely. Beans and I are going! You should too! We can caucus in the high mountain air for some sweet times with great music. Summer camp, indeed.

So let's get you some Joe Ely, as inspiration!!! This is Billy Joe's "Live Forever" recorded in front of an avid audience at Threadgill's during SXSW in March. I am counting the days 'til Telluride!

- Jessie Scott