Americana Music

Elliott BROOD "Oh, Alberta"

I am out at the FMQB Triple A Conference in Boulder.  This is an industry event for artists, radio station decision makers, promoters and record labels; all of which makes for a very simpatico, music loving tribe.  On Wednesday night, I was hanging at the Fox Theatre watching Brett Dennon, and Matt Nathanson; this after a day which included Jimmy Cliff singing a gospel song simply and beautifully accompanied himself on guitar. WOW. Right after that Edwin McCain played a set in the tent, and after dinner, we were entertained by Blackie & The Rodeo Kings. You know, I thought of them as Canadian, but tonight talking to Colin Linden, I found out he grew up where I did, in Westchester County, NY, before he made his way to Canada in his teens.

Blackie & The Rodeo Kings have an amazing new record out which was over two years in the making. Kings & Queens features duets with some of the best and brightest; Rosanne Cash, EmmyLou Harris, and Lucinda Williams among them. It is an incredible offering that I highly recommend.

I was thinking that we should look to the north today to pick up another tune from Elliott BROOD. They have a new album, Days Into Years coming out at the end of September, and are offering a 7“ single of "Northern Companion," that’s just a heads-up if you are a collector.  We MF-ers are entrenched in the collection of music ourselves, and are happy to bring you an Elliott BROOD tune from last year’s Music Fog Marathon at Threadgill’s. Love these guys, can’t wait for the new record!  Your next chance to see them is at the Wapiti Fernie Music Festival, in British Columbia on August 20th. That sounds like fun! Here is the Music Fog take on “Oh, Alberta.”

- Jessie Scott

Oh, Alberta - Tin Type

Ha Ha Tonka "12-inch 3-speed Oscillating Fan"

Today melts into tomorrow. HalleyAnna and the Tennessee Volunteers and friends came to Threadgill's on Tuesday night and played a sweet alt-country set.  I went over to the Continental Club, which was hopping with a retro 80's band with the clever name of Motel Aviv,  and then our rock and roll princess friend Ruby James blew the doors off. Ahhh, such as it is with my rock and roll lifestyle.  Then I jumped a plane to Colorado to attend the FMQB AAA Conference. Lots of bands playing here of every description. Life is a banquet!

Tedeschi Trucks Band "Learn How To Love"

In the kaleidoscope that is life, many things flash in front of one's eyes. Why some imprint on our consciousness, and not others, of course is a total mystery.  From the safe haven of 20/20 hindsight, it is also really cool to look back and realize that the path you walk is rooted in some powerful moments of acknowledgement.  My path to music was set early, before I hit the big 1-0, as they say.  It stayed with me though my teens, and then it got solidified during the folk revolution, and whipped to a frenzy with the blues, and that has served to shape my taste, even to this day.