The Defibulators "Ol' Winchester"

This is an homage to the power of plaid in rock and roll. Creedence Clearwater Revival stepped up first in the 60s when they refused to appear in the mode of that day, which included rich fabrics, textures, and dramatic colors. The British bands, especially, draped themselves in velvet, wide wale corduroy, ruffled Edwardian blouses, silk, satin, and brocade. It was 'everything all the time.'  But when CCR played the Fillmore East in New York, they were notable in their simplicity - ragged jeans, hair a little too long over the ears, and plaid flannel. OMG, it was about the music! Plaid returned with Seattle Grunge, an era that focused on the music again. Remember, that was when hair bands had taken things way too far. And plaid and flannel are back in a big way today. Isn't it interesting that it seems to reemerge as a centering agent? Music Fog has lost count of how many deconstructed silhouettes we have filmed.

One of them is the rapidly rising Brooklyn based band The Defibulators. They are getting ready to make their yearly pilgrimage to Austin, TX, the home of the scruffy, during SXSW for their second annual Brooklyn Country Cookout. It will feature beer, tons of music and, we bet, plenty of plaid flannel will be in plain view! Of course, there are tour dates on the way down south. We bring you one from their Corn Money CD, this version recorded during September's Americana Music Festival in Nashville. "Ol' Winchester," featuring guns and a bit of plaid flannel. What could be better?

- Jessie Scott

Wade Bowen "Trouble"

Dawn, and I am heading to the airport. I am a solitary figure, hauling bags. The roads are quiet early, and I feel a decided empathy for all the musicians and crew that are doing the same thing. Leaving home, leaving the folks they love, behind. That said, I have this travel thing wired. Bloody Mary, aisle seat on the right side of the plane so I have left side elbow room. Pillow and pashmina for wrapping up in. It's even relatively easy to get the security thing done: slide off the jewelry while on the line, my computer is in an X-Ray-able case, boots off, and pocket check for metal, coins, keys, phone and such.

Flying through Denver this trip, I have kept moving this last year, propelled to places I've never been, a willing participant in the journey. Take the ride, the meeting, the trip, and get out of your hotel room, to see old and make new friends. You just have to start talking to find the simpatico. For me, that kindred spirit landscape is the music and the people who make it. Yesterday, I was scanning the radio dial, hearing mostly too loud, too produced stuff, when suddenly Reckless Kelly's "Wicked, Twisted Road" came on. I was instantly singing along. It just feels good to my DNA, what can I say?

Photo Credit: Chuck ClarkToday we bring you Wade Bowen, from last month's MusicFest at Steamboat. The Waco born and bred singer songwriter now lives in New Braunfels, Texas. Hey, I have an idea! There should be a concert sometime with the 'family' in NB, and y'all should call yourself the New Braunfellows. It does answer the question of where the "S" goes! Wade joined us early, after a late night with his buds, for "Trouble."

- Jessie Scott

The Wailin' Jennys - Bright Morning Stars

Photo Credit: Art TurnerWhat is it about the water in Canada? How could there possibly be such an amazing crop of beautiful, talented females doing roots music? We have had the pleasure of bringing you Music Fog videos from Madison Violet, Catherine MacLellan, Melissa McClelland, Kendel Carson, Lynn Miles, Amelia Curran, Oh Susanna, and Frazey Ford. There are scads that we haven't yet caught up with. On that list is The Wailin' Jennys. Yes, that sounds like a play on words of Waylon Jennings, which is a fine musical role model.

The Wailin' Jennys are Juno Award Winners from Manitoba, Canada and New York. You know there is a lot going on musically in the Great White North, where they respect and encourage artists by bestowing grants. And I do believe it is working, thanks to the help of the Canadian Government.

The Wailin' Jennys fourth full length album, Bright Morning Stars, (released today) is named for a bit of lyric taken from a traditional song they sing a capella. Ruth Moody, Heather Masse, Nicky Mehta, and Jeremy Penner embark on a tour this month as well. Take an up close look here at the band and the making of the album.

- Jessie Scott