Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers "Banditos/King of the Hill"

I had a pure New Orleans red beans and rice dinner a couple of days ago, during which I was regaled with the history of this traditional Monday dish in South Louisiana. You might know that Monday was laundry day, so it was a good day to slow simmer dinner, adding the ham bone from Sunday’s leftovers. Voila, you have a cheap and mighty tasty complete protein. I love the foods along the I-10 corridor. From Florida Cracker, Gulf Coast, Cajun and Creole Country, to Tex Mex, Hatch Chiles in the "Land Of Enchantment," to the further Southwestern cuisines of Arizona and California, it makes for varied bounty for sure. A friend of mine, John Wooler, produced a couple of tasty albums just over a decade ago. He called them I-10 Chronicles, which started from California to Texas, and then moved eastward in volume two.

Roger Clyne starts his biography by referencing food. He doesn't like serving the musical version of junk food. "I like to put a little more heart into my cooking than that," Clyne said. To continue the theme, Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers most recent album is called Unida Cantina, and Roger has put out Mexican Moonshine, which is a for-real tequila This all makes for a recipe to eat, drink, and be merry.

Today’s tune comes from our 2011 MusicFest at Steamboat Springs sessions, from the Steamboat Grand. “Banditos” originally came out as a Refreshments tune, the band Roger was in before he started RCPM. You will find the coda is “King Of The Hill,” yes, the theme music from the TV show, which Roger penned. They were cooking. (But, as I recall, so were we!)

-Jessie Scott

Bob Schneider "Honeypot"

Bob Schneider is a bona fide Austin force of nature. He has been not so quietly biding his time playing multiple places around town, in whatever configuration suits the vibe of the moment. He fearlessly makes his sets available to all who want to purchase it at the end of the performance. At the Saxon Pub for the last two Monday nights, he has webcast the festivities, too. I am so impressed with his artistry and his output, especially  the quality of his last couple of albums. The writing is relatable and the production value imaginative.

We really wanted Bob to come to visit us during the Cherokee Creek Music Festival in May outside of Llano, TX. I tried to reach out in advance to set it up, but didn’t hear back. I had my fingers crossed that it would somehow work itself out. He wandered up to our "studio" in the house near the main stage during Jack Ingram’s session with us. He watched quietly for a time; then I asked, and he said yes! We were stoked to have him do a couple of songs for us. His new album A Perfect Day was inspired by a boat trip last summer on Lake Austin, crafted with ease and sunshine in mind. “Honeypot” is from the new CD. We wish that it brings you the sigh of a “day off” feeling, even if for a few minutes, and especially if you are at work today.

-Jessie Scott

BettySoo with Randy Weeks "Still Small Voice"

I stopped for a giant breakfast at a restaurant in Oroville, California. Eggs, bacon, home fries, toast and orange marmalade. It was awesome, but yes, I know this stuff is not good for me. In fact, looking at the people all over this country, and then looking around at the amount of people with walkers, canes and wheelchairs in this restaurant alone, I would have to say that the writing is on the wall. We are a country of spreading middles. Which begs the question, what will it take for me to reclaim a slender body? Do you feel the same way?

BettySoo is our featured artist today. She has a new album just out with Doug Cox called Lie To Me. She is one amazing performer, with a bell like voice and a never wavering commitment to delivering the truth. What with WoodyFest around the corner, we bring you back to the Thompson's loft in Okemah, OK which was our studio location from last year's festival. BettySoo was joined by Randy Weeks. "Still Small Voice" is a song that would have pleased Woody Guthrie. It is exactly how movements start, with one tiny step. May that step lead to a campaign for us all to get fit.

-Jessie Scott