David Olney & Sergio Webb "If I Were You"

Ain’t no telling what you will find when you start looking at the internets. I wanted to hear the lyrics to today’s song, so I could write about it. Oh, it is “If I Were You” from David Olney and Sergio Webb. First I tried those hoser lyric sites, you know, the ones that immediately want to sell you the ring tone, and tease you into believing that they have the lyrics, but then they don’t? And then I found some TV appearance, with the obligatory straight, non-hip, overdressed anchorwoman asking all the wrong questions with all the wrong attitude. When is TV going to realize that a pretty face is not enough? When is television going to be dragged kicking and screaming into this century? They are losing audience for a reason. But I shouldn’t complain, as they gave airtime to David Olney and Sergio Webb, and that counts for something in my book!

You will find David Olney plying his abundant craft on the web; unedited, direct and unexpected on his “Hear & Now” series on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm EST. David comments on what’s going on in the world, and performs. Sometimes it is even a brand new song that was just written that day. You can post comments and questions while he is webcasting, if you become a member of Ustream.

We filmed David and Sergio at last year’s Folk Alliance in Memphis up on the Music Fog bus. Sergio Webb provides a beautiful lace to David Olney’s tapestry. You won’t find a more beautiful song. “If I Were You,” wistful, yearning, resigned.

- Jessie Scott

Stonehoney "Movin' On"

Abbey, from Luckenbach, and I were hanging out last night in Gruene at the bar (no surprise, right?), talking music with Zach and Shane from Lone Star Music. These were hours spent comparing stories, extolling virtues, and sharing strategizing. You might know that the Lone Star folks are getting ready for their annual Music Awards, coming up the weekend after SXSW on March 27th. Though it is hard to think past SXSW and its smorgasbord of music, too much is never enough, so bring it on! The Lone Star Music Awards will take place at the brand new, and we hear totally fabulous Texas Music Theater in San Marcos, TX. Appearing are Javi Garcia, Lincoln Durham, The Trishas, Max Stalling, and Hayes Carll.

We were sitting across from the legendary venue Gruene Hall. That space has had a huge impact on the Texas music scene through the years. Tonight Stonehoney is playing a free show there! I can’t believe it has been months since I have caught up with the Stonehoney crew. After all, we supposedly live in the same town! But between my trips and theirs, it has been a while since I've seen them. I know they ripped it up at Folk Alliance, as it was their fourth time in Memphis for that event just a couple of weeks ago. We had a wild time with them this past summer at WoodyFest, and today we bring you an unreleased song from our session with them during that festival in Okemah, Oklahoma.

- Jessie Scott

Dustin & Kevin Welch "Jolly Johnny Junker"

Toward the end of the last century, I got to be part of the team for the release of the Emmylou Harris album Spyboy, with Monty Hitchcock and Bob Goldstone putting an amazing cadre together. We were almost all outsourced, a harbinger of what has become a very common occurrence. We took lots of conference calls, and even the occasional face to face meeting to get things done. It was exhilarating working that way, with respected peers. Holly Gleason was our publicity person. I have simply been in awe of her ever since. She has the most amazing facility for description, coupled with impeccable taste. She has worn many hats throughout her career. You might know her from The Yummy List, in which she touts music, movies, books, fashion, products, and food for a head’s up on cool stuff. You can also become a fan on Facebook.

Now remember a week ago when I referenced the “country gets integrity” period? Holly Gleason just wrote an epic piece for the LA Times about the torch being passed to the offspring of those brave iconoclasts from the 80s. You have to read this article, there are so many people we love mentioned in it. Among the elders are Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Kevin Welch. The second generation includes Justin Townes Earle, Colin Gilmore (who will be joining us for the Music Fog Marathon in Austin coming up in a couple of weeks), Savannah Welch and The Trishas (so will they), and her brother Dustin Welch. The article talks about being true to one’s vision, and following the path. We love that Dustin does that, that these brave artists all do; it is the reason Music Fog chases down this rabbit hole in the first place.

We witnessed a very special occasion at MusicFest at Steamboat in January, as we were so fortunate to record some Welch family. First Kevin with Dustin, then Dustin with Kevin, and on this song, Trisha Keefer from The Trishas joining in, too. Plus, we filmed Savannah Welch with The Trishas on the very next session! Here's an as yet unreleased tune from Dustin, "Jolly Johnny Junker."

- Jessie Scott