Buxton "Oh My Boy"

The march of music continues, even in the dénouement of the major records labels, who have been busy gobbling each other up, becoming the big four. This doesn’t make for boots on the ground in the way that it used to in the golden age of rock in the 60s, 70s, and even into the 80s. The faucet is still running full blast with talented tunesmiths that are pursuing their dreams, and you know nature abhors a vacuum! I am watching indie labels take root and grow. It is exciting seeing artists find a good home in the new music biz environment. A groundwork for the future is being built before our eyes, and one of the ascendants is New West Records.

They have been busy signing new acts, among them Buxton, a five piece folk-rock ensemble from Houston, TX. The bands’ third album (two previously were self-released,) is their debut for New West.  Nothing Here Seems Strange came out earlier this year. Their music marries rock and folk, with beautiful writing and intricately woven elements. Buxton is led by Sergio Trevino on Vocals/Guitar with Jason Willis on lead Guitar/Mandolin, Chris Wise on Bass Guitar, Justin Terrell on Drums, and Austin Sepulvado on Guitar/Vocals. When we filmed the Spring Music Fog Marathon in March at Threadgill’s WHQ, we had the honor of a solo performance from Sergio. Here is the Music Fog recording of “Oh My Boy," with Sergio doing one of the tunes from the new CD.

- Jessie Scott

Elliott, Rose, da Costa "Note"

Today is Memorial Day and we want to take a moment to honor the fallen. Each was an individual, set on this planet with skills and gifts a unique personality and people who loved them. They gave all for this country, but my mind wanders to what else these warriors and citizens might have accomplished had they lived. Today, take time to talk to a stranger and find out their history. Old, young, American born or foreign, neighbor or stranger; be open to making a new friend, and understanding them. Take time to cherish our hard won freedom, our blessed country, and our wonderful servicemen and women.

Lately, I have been having conversations worthy of Joni Mitchell’s Woodstock lyrics, “I came upon a child of God…” There has been a series of memorable characters to talk to, and it has been enriching and exhilarating. Some of the people that cross my path are those that come to play the Threadgill’s School Night Sessions. Right before SXSW this year, Raina Rose played it, and blew me away when she did a cover version of Joni Mitchell’s “A Case Of You.” That is a hard song to sing, and she brought an exceptional grace to it. When the Music Fog Spring Marathon came around, she brought John Elliott, Andrew Pressman, and Anthony da Costa along. Anthony has been hailed as a comer since he emerged as a fifteen year old, and two years later, he was the subject of a rave review in the New York Times. We were delighted to have them, and here is the Music Fog version of Anthony’s song “Note.”

- Jessie Scott

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit "Alabama Pines"

The Americana Music Association's nominations for this year's Honors & Awards will be announced this Thursday at the GRAMMY® Museum's Clive Davis Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. Jim Lauderdale will host, and actor John C. Reilly will unveil the list, and then Buddy Miller and The Americana Allstars; Don Was, Greg Leisz, and Don Heffington, will be the backup band for performances by Robert Ellis, Shelby Lynne, and Lucinda Williams. You can watch the nomination ceremony online at The Americana Music Association's Facebook page. Of course, don't forget this year's Americana Fest will take place from September 12-15, 2012 in Nashville, TN, and the Americana Honors & Awards Show returns to the historic Ryman Auditorium on September 12th. Americana Music Festival and Conference Registrations are now available at Early Bird rates through their online store.

Of course, we wish everyone who is eligible 'Bon Chance!' The nominees are unknowable for the moment, but we wonder if Jason Isbell will be on that list. His Here We Rest album solidifies his footprint as a major talent, and his shows with the 400 Unit at places like MusicFest at Steamboat, Cherokee Creek and Luckenbach have made legions of new fans. Jason is playing an intimate solo show tomorrow night at The Mansion On O Street in Washington, DC, and tickets are available in advance only, not at the door. Today, we bring you one of the fine tunes from that album, here's “Alabama Pines.”

- Jessie Scott