The Farewell Drifters "Tip of the Iceberg"

On the final day of our Nashville marathon, the waning hours of the afternoon were filled with exhilarating, explosively talented young bands.  Lake Street Dive, New Country Rehab (we haven’t brought you one from them yet, but we will soon), Sunday Valley, and the Farewell Drifters rounded out our three day webcast.  These four did our hearts good, brought the magic, and reconfirmed why we do what we do at Music Fog.  I'm not saying that the other sets didn’t bring the cool; honestly, we are so lucky to be doing what we do, that we all pinch ourselves at the good fortune to be able to witness the artistry. (Now if we could just accelerate a revenue stream that sustains us, but, whatever, it's still a blast!)

I liked the symbolism of having the Farewell Drifters for the last set of our Marathon. It made for a lovely lyricism. And they were awesome, coming to support the release of their third album, Echo Boom. The song we bring you today is “Tip Of The Iceberg.”

I was much taken with the lyrics, as Zach Bevill writes about being both in the public eye, while having one’s feelings remain hidden; “You hear me sing/you don’t see me bleed.” There are tour dates in the Midwest this month, and then a date at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville on December 8th.  Catch them if you can!  Here are Zach Bevill, Joshua Britt, Clayton Britt, Christian Sedelmyer, and Dean Marold, with “Tip Of The Iceberg.”

- Jessie Scott

Guy Clark "My Favorite Picture of You"

“Wish I was in Austin,” is the opening line from the classic Guy Clark tune “Dublin Blues.”  For those who have never visited Austin, it is a compelling and lyrical place.  Friendly, arty, a tad weird, laissez faire, interesting, urbane; unlike any other place in Texas, that’s for sure…maybe even the world.  It is the confluence of the University of Texas, government, High Tech and the arts that makes it so.  To even spend a bit of time here makes you yearn to come back. And when you live here, there is nothing like the welcoming feeling to have one’s feet back on this turf.  

“Wish I Was In Austin” is also the title of tonight's celebration of Guy Clark’s 70th birthday at The Long Center in Austin.  So many people will gather in salute, onstage and off, to mark this occasion, and to profess gratitude for the works and persona that is Guy Clark. I can hardly wait. That is not the only Guy news however, as December 6th is the release of the tribute album, This One’s For Him. Many artists who recorded tracks for the thirty song CD will debut them at the Long Center concert.  By the way, tonight’s house band includes Lloyd Maines, Verlon Thompson, Shawn Camp, Jen Gunderman, Glenn Fukunaga and John Silva. Yowsa.  Can’t wait for that either.  Now to the business at hand.  Music Fog was honored to have a visit from Guy Clark, as he has released his own new CD, Songs and Stories, recorded in Nashville at The Belcourt Theater. When Guy walked into Marathon Recorders during Americana Fest 2011 last month, as you can imagine, a hush fell upon us all. Beans and Chris bathed him in blue light. He anointed us in the holy water of his craft. Here is a brand new song. “My Favorite Picture Of You.”

-- Jessie Scott

Terry Allen "Amarillo Highway"

You know, we gather as many of the cream of the crop of the roots world as we can, but haven’t yet had everyone in front of the Music Fog cameras!  There are miles to go before we sleep!  Tomorrow is the “Wish I Was In Austin” Tribute to Guy Clark, at the The Long Center in Austin.  It's Guy's 70th birthday, and the concert is a fundraiser for The Center for Texas Music History at Texas State University, San Marcos. Tout le monde of Americana will be in the house: Guy Clark will perform a set, which of course is a cause for joy, plus performances from Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin, Rodney Crowell, Joe Ely, Rosie Flores, Radney Foster, Terri Hendrix, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Jack Ingram, James McMurtry, The Trishas, Jerry Jeff Walker, Kevin Welch and Terry Allen.

"Split Decision" by Terry Allen. We have not had the honor to record Terry, as of yet, but we wanted to bring you a video from this mercurial songwriter and renaissance man.  Terry Allen writes amazing songs, he makes enduring art, and he is witty and endearing on stage.  Since 1966, he has explored more than music; also theatrical performances, sculpture, painting, drawing, and video.  His concerts, rare as they are, are a thing to behold, and I recommend you running to see him if you get the opportunity. Do not pass go. He has released 11 albums, and his songs have been recorded by the likes of Bobby Bare, Guy Clark, Little Feat, Robert Earl Keen, David Byrne, Doug Sahm, Ricky Nelson, Cracker, and Lucinda Williams.  Last year, KDHX in St. Louis taped him doing Amarillo Highway. Here goes!

PS – Here is a head’s up…Music Fog will have an exclusive Guy Clark video for you tomorrow, so tell all your friends!

-- Jessie Scott