Roger Creager "Tangle Me In You"

Sometimes getting things done in the crazy environment of a busy festival is like trying to follow the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. Last year, we ran into Roger Creager a bunch of times during MusicFest at Steamboat. But we never were able to 'consummate the relationship,' so to speak...we didn't get a chance to have quality time to film him. For this year's MusicFest 2011 in Steamboat Springs, he was on our short list to capture, so we were leaving no stone unturned.

I usually like to set things up in advance with artists. That works most of the time, in most of the circumstances for Music Fog. I have to say we have great luck scheduling people and having them show up on time. We are so thankful for that. But Steamboat poses its own set of challenges, though they are all good. Everyone there is so happy to see and spend time with one another, it makes it difficult to button down some of the specifics. Friends are asking friends to perform with them, jam, hang, and the spontaneity of that HAS to take precedence.

We really wanted Roger Creager to come play, though. And we were trying to get a message to him. So to get the word out to his camp, I reached out to a trusted source, Abbey at Luckenbach, though she wasn't even in Colorado! The traffic on cell phones was making it hard to reach anyone on their cell phones, as calls were just going directly to voice mail with no ring, and no ability to take the call. Festival Overload Syndrome at work. Texts were still coming in though, and Facebook ALWAYS seems to work, so Abbey sounded the alarm amongst the Creager camp. We tried to schedule the appointment for the afternoon, but that ultimately didn't allow us to block out enough time. So we invited Roger back at the very end of our production day. He arrived with Paul Overstreet, and we proceeded to raise the rafters. Here is one of the songs from that session, "Tangle Me In You." And we dedicate it to Abbey - thanks for the long distance assist!

- Jessie Scott

The Defibulators "Ol' Winchester"

This is an homage to the power of plaid in rock and roll. Creedence Clearwater Revival stepped up first in the 60s when they refused to appear in the mode of that day, which included rich fabrics, textures, and dramatic colors. The British bands, especially, draped themselves in velvet, wide wale corduroy, ruffled Edwardian blouses, silk, satin, and brocade. It was 'everything all the time.'  But when CCR played the Fillmore East in New York, they were notable in their simplicity - ragged jeans, hair a little too long over the ears, and plaid flannel. OMG, it was about the music! Plaid returned with Seattle Grunge, an era that focused on the music again. Remember, that was when hair bands had taken things way too far. And plaid and flannel are back in a big way today. Isn't it interesting that it seems to reemerge as a centering agent? Music Fog has lost count of how many deconstructed silhouettes we have filmed.

One of them is the rapidly rising Brooklyn based band The Defibulators. They are getting ready to make their yearly pilgrimage to Austin, TX, the home of the scruffy, during SXSW for their second annual Brooklyn Country Cookout. It will feature beer, tons of music and, we bet, plenty of plaid flannel will be in plain view! Of course, there are tour dates on the way down south. We bring you one from their Corn Money CD, this version recorded during September's Americana Music Festival in Nashville. "Ol' Winchester," featuring guns and a bit of plaid flannel. What could be better?

- Jessie Scott

Wade Bowen "Trouble"

Dawn, and I am heading to the airport. I am a solitary figure, hauling bags. The roads are quiet early, and I feel a decided empathy for all the musicians and crew that are doing the same thing. Leaving home, leaving the folks they love, behind. That said, I have this travel thing wired. Bloody Mary, aisle seat on the right side of the plane so I have left side elbow room. Pillow and pashmina for wrapping up in. It's even relatively easy to get the security thing done: slide off the jewelry while on the line, my computer is in an X-Ray-able case, boots off, and pocket check for metal, coins, keys, phone and such.

Flying through Denver this trip, I have kept moving this last year, propelled to places I've never been, a willing participant in the journey. Take the ride, the meeting, the trip, and get out of your hotel room, to see old and make new friends. You just have to start talking to find the simpatico. For me, that kindred spirit landscape is the music and the people who make it. Yesterday, I was scanning the radio dial, hearing mostly too loud, too produced stuff, when suddenly Reckless Kelly's "Wicked, Twisted Road" came on. I was instantly singing along. It just feels good to my DNA, what can I say?

Photo Credit: Chuck ClarkToday we bring you Wade Bowen, from last month's MusicFest at Steamboat. The Waco born and bred singer songwriter now lives in New Braunfels, Texas. Hey, I have an idea! There should be a concert sometime with the 'family' in NB, and y'all should call yourself the New Braunfellows. It does answer the question of where the "S" goes! Wade joined us early, after a late night with his buds, for "Trouble."

- Jessie Scott