The Belleville Outfit burst onto the Austin scene a few years back with incredible energy and PRESENCE! The first time I saw them was two and a half years ago at Threadgill's South, and it was a challenge getting all of them onto the stage in the back room, but we made it work.

I love their dynamic, the definition of the vocals, the interplay of instruments, and the pure joy they bring. They speak a special language, and it translates, no matter what tongue is native to you. From their second album released earlier this year, Time To Stand, savor the magic of "Sunday Morning" from the Nashville Music Fog sessions.

-Jessie

"Filled With Gold" shimmers, eloquently yet simply. What is it about Canada that grows such beautiful songbirds? By the way, there is a contest going on until 10/23, CBC Radio 2's Great Canadian Song Quest. Canadians will choose the place they want written about, from their home province/territory, and the singer/songwriter from that region they'd like to write it. Then, each artist will compose and record an original song. Suzie is on the short list of songwriters from British Columbia and if you are Canadian, you can vote for both Suzie and your favorite location ONCE each day by visiting CBC.

-Jessie

It's funny, I had heard his name well before I heard his music. It danced on the periphery of my awareness for years. I don't know whether I had actually received his prior CDs, or had just read about him, but for whatever reason, it is now that I am catching up to john Arthur martinez. And having just moved to Texas, that has tripled. He has a new band, and they rock. He writes with so many people I have been fortunate to make the acquaintance of through the years, that it is a wonder how I missed him in the first place. No longer. From his new CD Purgatory Road, here is a solo take on Cobalt Blue, written for his wife when they were courting. And listen at the end of the song for the Nashville rain pouring down on the roof of the bus...

-Jessie