Joe Ely "Hard Livin"

Living in Austin has given me an even deeper appreciation for the Texas artists that I have loved from afar through the years. Take for instance, Joe Ely, who has served to define the Americana genre through his musical explorations. He's had inspired choices in tour mates, that have included Bruce Springsteen, Los Super Seven, The Clash, The Clancy Brothers, and the songwriter's dates with John Hiatt, Lyle Lovett, and Guy Clark. Joe Ely has spread his wings, and grown his catalog, keeping his eyes fixed on the skyline, while mining music of the heart. I am so glad that he and Butch Hancock and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, aka, The Flatlanders got to become the entity they are; they were just a little ahead of their time when they put their first album out in 1972. After reuniting on the Horse Whisperer Soundtrack, they put their second out in 2002, followed by two more CDs in 2004 and 2009. There are new Flatlanders tour dates this month.

Joe Ely, Jessie Scott - New York City, 1978Joe has been doing some appearances with his legendary 1987 band; Davis McLarty, David Grissom, Jimmy Petit, and Bobby Keys. They are a "not to miss!" And in his spare time (!?!), he writes books and journals, and will have two art openings featuring his photography, paintings, and drawings - one in Lubbock and one in Dallas, this January. In advance of Joe's new CD, Satisfied at Last, which also comes out first of the year, he has posted two new songs to iTunes, "Mockingbird Hill" and "You Can Bet I'm Gone." When Joe Ely first started his recording career, I was on the radio in New York. And when he played a date in 1978 at The Bitter End (which was briefly called The Other End) I was there to enjoy the show, and then afterwards for the obligatory photo op which we fondly call a "grin and grip."

A note about Joe's wife, Sharon Ely, who is a force of nature herself. With a never ending smile, and a heart as wide open as the Texas sky, she has been cooking her Holy Posole for friends for years. Holy Posole (manna from heaven) is about to hit the shelves of several stores! A visit to her website finds that her Holy Posole is sold out, but you can get put on the "notify" list. It would make a great Christmas present!

Joe Ely visited us during SXSW 2010 for a short yet magical set at Threadgill's South. "Hard Livin'" is today's Music Fog video offering. And Joe, you make it look so easy!

- Jessie Scott

Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis - Dreamin'

What a family the Robisons of Bandera, Texas are. Super talented, and they all have their own vector. Charlie Robison is a consummate performer, and when I got the chance to see him again this summer at White Water Amphitheater in New Braunfels, I was again taken with the depth and breadth of his most memorable set list. And once again I was singing along. Robyn Ludwick is the younger sister to the Robison brothers, and has an incredible new album coming out that was produced by Gurf Morlix and as you can well imagine, it is smoky, sultry and powerful. Brother Bruce Robison is doing it his way, and that's a mighty good thing. He is the storied writer of songs that were mega mainstream hits, like "Angry All The Time," "Wrapped," and "Travelin' Soldier." And Bruce is married to Kelly Willis, with whom he duets from time to time.

Bruce has readied a new album called You and Me that will be coming out later this month, but he will be putting videos up on his YouTube channel. This is very cool; Bruce is making “Song of the Month” downloads available for free on his website. Bruce expounds on the game plan, “My feeling is now, that everybody’s on their own. There’s no labels, there’s hardly any management. It’s like the 50's again; we don’t know how it’s all going to shake out. But I’m really excited about the future, and finding new ways to get the music directly to the fans. And I’m having fun doing it.” Bruce Robison has a new band, as well as a new attitude. New members include Joey Shuffield from the Austin pop-rock band Fastball, and Brian Becken and Bruce Hughes from the South Austin Jug Band. Exciting stuff, with Bruce's impeccable songwriting blending with acoustic flavor and pop chops. And the divine voice of Kelly Willis. Here they are together on a song Bruce co-wrote with Fastball's Miles Zuniga, "Dreamin," which features video of them in the studio working on the album. Oh, and here is a head's up, Bruce and Kelly's holiday show is always a treat!

- Jessie Scott

Paul Thorn "It's a Great Day to Whup Somebody's Ass"

What a weekend of music in Austin, as Denise and I headed to the Asleep At The Wheel 40th Anniversary Concert at The Long Center on Friday night. We were singing and dancing in our chairs to "Miles And Miles Of Texas," "Bump Bounce Boogie," "Choo Choo Ch' Boogie," "Roly Poly," "Route 66," and on and on, for an evening's worth of magnificent Western Swing. What a band! Multiple players for each instrument, as The Wheel brought back past members to share the stage with current ones. Leon Rausch guested, and then Willie Nelson took center stage with Brother Ray and reprised songs from his great American songbook, and then there was Willie and The Wheel stuff. It was an amazing night, and they videoed it, too, so here's hoping we'll see it in the not too distant future. Afterwards, I headed to Emo's for Ha Ha Tonka, and they were FAB! Edgy but tuneful, with really interesting time signatures. Inventive, articulate, and fun.

Saturday night was the dedication of the patio at the Saxon Pub to the late Stephen Bruton, and then a set from Malford Milliigan, who was so obviously touched by Stephen's music. Rockin' and soulful.

Then, last night at Threadgill's, there was a tribute to Gram Parsons, who would have celebrated a birthday last Friday, so Patterson Barrett saluted him with help from members of Stonehoney and The Mother Truckers, Michael Fracasso, Freddie Steady Krc and Cam King, Idgy Vaughn and lots of others.

I feel so lucky that I get to immerse myself in the music. It is such a treasure, and such a motivator for me. I guess the only thing is that I miss having a radio station to play this sumptuous smorgasbord. Wish I could be sticking it all in your ear! Here is another of my most favorites, Paul Thorn. From the sublime to the ridiculous, and this one is from the latter category. He never put this song on an album, but during one of the sessions he did for X Country at XM, with a twinkle in his eye, he played it for us. I had never heard it before, and when he was done singing, he said the phones would go nuts. And they did. He didn't really want to sing it for the Music Fog cameras, because it perpetuates an unfortunate stereotype, but I begged him. So, it seems appropriate to celebrate our 500th video with this exclusive tune, "It's A Great Day To Whup Somebody's Ass." Amen.

- Jessie Scott