Luke Olson "Everyday"

Today is an homage to love that has been separated; whether by jobs in different cities or by military assignment. It is ever so hard to keep it together when you are not in the same place, but true love and commitment somehow prevails. I want to take a minute to honor our Armed Forces. I saw a mom in the supermarket yesterday with two kids under three years old. She is raising them on her own, as her husband is overseas in Afghanistan. I overheard her story while waiting in line at the checkout. You know we thank our uniform military regularly for their service, as they are easy to spot. But I would like to thank their spouses, too, for doing a heroic job indeed.

Today's song is one from the heart by Luke Olson. He came to visit Music Fog in our temporary studio at the Steamboat Grand during MusicFest last month. He has been performing since the age of eight, singing and playing to appreciative audiences all over Texas with five albums to his credit. One of my favs is his 1999 release Panhandle Sunset, which was produced by the legendary Lloyd Maines. We got to play that one back in the old days at X Country. Today's video is a song from his latest album Red River Blue, love that title! When I checked what we are posting today, the DJ in me starting reeling. How many different songs can you name that are called "Everyday," or have the lyric "Everyday" featured prominently in the song. Let's do an hour's worth! There's Buddy Holly, Elvis Costello, Dave Matthews Band, etc...! We'll get it started with Luke Olson, "Everyday."

- Jessie Scott

The Bowmans "Southern Sky"

I really missed Folk Alliance this year. I know I said that earlier this week, but it is true. It's hard not to be there when you know your friends are all attending, and now that the tales are being told and the pictures are being posted on Facebook, I am sighing. Oh well, I guess there is always next year. While the crew was working on other Music Fog projects, I kept busy spring cleaning and trying to catch up before the next wave of madness starts as SXSW® is approaching. Hey, I even assembled my Weber grill and cooked out for the very first time this season. Maybe my moodiness is made more so by the music I am listening to.

It is The Bowmans, twins from Davenport, Iowa now living in New York City. Drummer and percussionist Mike Meadows introduced us to them at last year's Folk Alliance in Memphis. They seem to sing with almost one voice, it was magical to watch them, even very first thing in the morning coming aboard the Music Fog bus, as I recall. Last winter, they recorded an album Songs for the Holidays which will be released next year. This past Fall, The Bowmans released their Live at Powerplay Studios, which was recorded in Maur, Switzerland. They head back to Europe for a tour in April. Here are Claire and Sarah with the Fog recording of "Southern Sky," a song you'll find on their self-titled CD, and on the new album.

- Jessie Scott

James McMurtry "Too Long In the Wasteland"

It is warming up in Austin. Trees are starting to bud, and the air feels great. There were kids playing in the street after school. This evening, folks were outside grilling in the neighborhood, with clouds of fragrant smoke wafting in the wind. I am so excited about the coming of SXSW®, now just weeks away, because that says spring in Austin more than anything else. It is like a rite of passage. We are busy confirming our Music Fog Marathon four day event at Threadgill’s South. We will be joined by some brand new and some longtime friends, too. Can I name drop? OK...but this is a partial list: Malford Milligan, Ian Moore, Foster & Lloyd, The Civil Wars, Dave Alvin, Dash Rip Rock, Tim Easton, Susan Gibson, Jon Dee Graham, Carolyn Wonderland, Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis, Eilen Jewell, Sons of Bill, The Trishas, just to name some. I could go on and on, but we have to confirm everyone first, and that should be very soon.

I am thinking with delight about the back room at Threadgill’s South. It always feels like home when we get to work there. We love being part of the Austin legacy that Threadgill’s has had such a mighty part in building. I love the coming craziness of Austin at this time of year, after all it IS the "Live Music Capital Of The World," I would add with bells on, and tats and purple hair, or no hair for that matter. Austin is pretty weird, anyway. This event, as the world descends, goes a long way to further illustrate that “Keep Austin Weird” campaign.

Today’s vid is “Too Long In The Wasteland” from James McMurtry, taken from his Threadgill’s performance in front of the Music Fog cameras last year. It is the title track from James' 1989 debut, and also can be found on 2004’s Live In Aught-Three CD. That CD has been remastered and rereleased, including in vinyl. The Childish Things CD was just reissued as well. We had hope to get to see James again this year at SXSW, but alas, he is on a solo tour! Kinda like this video!

- Jessie Scott