subdudes "Wedding Rites (I Already Knew You)"

I don't think we were prepared for the subdudes exposure explosion when we put up their last video, "Carved In Stone," from our Music Fog bus session with them at the Cherokee Creek Music Festival. It spread like wildfire on the web, YouTube, and Facebook, and it was fun tracking it as it spread around the world. The subdudes have such an illustrious history. In 1987, four musicians got together for what they thought would be a one time show at the legendary Tipitina's in New Orleans, and as magic was in the air that night, the subdudes were born.

Twenty-two years later, the three original members, joined by two close friends who became members in 2002; Tommy Malone, John Magnie, Steve Amedée, Tim Cook and Jimmy Messa, released their 2009 album, Flower Petals. It follows numerous albums, several years of touring, and countless nights of gigging. Flower Petals is a somewhat thematic CD, set at the turn of the last century and mostly told from the point of view of a soldier who has passed on. On this album, the guys found themselves returning to the stripped-down sound that recalls their earliest days together. The band performs their magnificent acoustic based gumbo of roots music out west this month.

There is such joy to the music the subdudes bring. They have enriched my life with their music. When I was at WMMO-FM in Orlando in the 90's, we played them prominently, and I will never forget bringing them into the studio on the 22nd floor of the Sun Bank Building to play live on the air. I was equally excited to ask them to come aboard to play for our cameras this past May in Cherokee, TX. And once again, I was given over to the beauty of their cadence, their lyrics, and the downright authenticity of their delivery. You just believe every word. And you feel it. "Wedding Rites (I Already Knew You)" is a tune from Flower Petals.

- Jessie Scott

Elliot Randall & The Deadmen "Good Love"

A recent Facebook post from Elliot Randall says he needs a Dallas gig in September. Oh goody! That means he is bringing the band, The Deadmen, back this way, and I will have another opportunity to bask in the warmth of the harmonies, the country rock artistry, and the lyrics that belie his age in their worldliness. His website only lists shows up to the beginning of September, so the Texas dates have not been announced yet. I wanna know!

Elliot spent much of his childhood exploring the marshes near his grandparents' home in Charleston, South Carolina. His music throbs with that lush southern landscape. His dad loved the piano, his Mom is a published writer, which proves to be a rich launching pad. The old sobriquet "there are no coincidences" comes to mind. Elliot taught himself to play the piano and guitar, and the writing came easily. His family relocated to California in his high school years, that would be the more gritty northern part of the state, which feeds his soul well. At the tender age of 27, he has a lot of fans in the industry and in the audience, as was the case when we recorded him at Threadgill's during this year's SXSW. Here's one from Caffeine & Gasoline, his latest, with the Deadmen: Danilo Lopez, James DePrato and Kyle Caprista. The groove and voices stop time. "Good Love." Good gracious!

- Jessie Scott

Sons, Daughters, & Brothers

Jessie Scott, Sheila Francis (not related)When we last saw Fogger Sheila, she was jumping in her car in Telluride to make the trek back to Idaho, as Beans and I were heading south to Albuquerque. Lo and behold, one week later, Sheila is rolling through Texas! We went to Luckenbach. She had never been, and there was an ever so cool double bill yesterday afternoon, under the live oaks, with Clay McClinton and then Paula Nelson. Each of them have new albums coming. Clay's new CD is called Livin' Out Loud. His CD Release Party at Luckenbach had some special guests, his dad Delbert and amazing musical MVP Gary Nicholson! Clay was wonderful yesterday, and I really dig the new CD. There is another CD Release Party at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville coming up on August 31st, which is the actual street date.

Paula Nelson was up next, with Waylon Payne in tow. Always good to see those two! Paula has a new CD also, called Little Cities, with her band The Guilty Pleasures. Paula invited some family and friends to join her on the album, including father Willie Nelson and brother Lukas Nelson, both of whom appear on "Have You Ever Seen The Rain." Weird. I was sure I saw a video for it, but I can't find it online anywhere! It is an awesome rendition, and I love the rest of Paula's new CD, too, as she wrote the rest of the songs.

While we are on the generational kick, let me turn it over to Sheila now, who wrote about the Braun Brothers Reunion, upcoming on August 12th.

- Jessie Scott

Summertime is here, meaning BBQs, camping and of course, outdoor concerts. For all of the above, the Braun Brothers Reunion Festival is in its 7th year, drawing several thousand people from far and wide for three days of music and fun. Set on the edge of the Lost River Range in Challis, Idaho, the Reunion is more than a Braun family get-together; it’s a reunion for friends who have traveled from different parts of the country to see familiar faces from years past. Dad Muzzie Braun and the boys started off making a name for themselves years ago, but 'the boys' have their own projects...Reckless Kelly and Micky & the Motorcars.

The line-up changes from year to year and the Braun's have booked an incredible group of artists for 2010. The famed Asleep at the Wheel, celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, plays Thursday night and their western swing is likely to turn this outdoor venue into a dancehall. Two Tons of Steel bring the party. The Randy Rogers Band are making the trip again, and will undoubtedly play some tunes off their forthcoming album Burning the Day. After many attempts to get them to the Reunion, Jason Boland & the Stragglers have been added! Of course Reckless Kelly, fronted by Braun brothers Cody and Willy, will rock the small town off its hinges. Not to be outdone, younger brothers Micky and Gary have also found success as Micky & the Motorcars, and they have come a long way since starting in Idaho eight years ago. Absent from the line-up is Cross Canadian Ragweed, but Cody Canada will make it for an acoustic set with Hayes Carll and Slaid Cleaves.

For more information and to take advantage of a special discounted price for a three-day pass, visit the Bruan Brothers Reunion website. See you in Challis!

- Sheila Francis