Moreland & Arbuckle "Just a Dream"

This is a word about the blues and how cathartic it can be. When you pour yourself into the pure emotion of it, the release approximates crying or even primal screaming. All I know, is that it feels good to get it out of your system, and somehow that magically makes you better. Then there is the form itself, which can be simple but it can be deceptively imaginative, too, as it takes flight in an almost mantra like form. There are so many artists who have added to the language of the blues through the years: Robert Johnson, Otis Spann, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Otis Rush, Skip James, Lightning Hopkins, Memphis Slim, Little Willie John, Elmore James, Slim Harpo. It is impossible to list them all. And then there are the British guys who took the guitar parts up a notch and ripped a hole in your heart, The Stones, Zeppelin, Clapton, Beck. The blues. It is a living, breathing thing.

I listened to my first Moreland & Arbuckle album a couple of years ago, and was delighted in the places they transported me to. The Kansas duo has a new album out, Just A Dream, and they have a couple of mighty cool videos spotlighting the tunes. So on this Tuesday, let’s celebrate the blues and Moreland & Arbuckle with something that I guarantee will make you feel better if you are feeling bad. And I promise it will make you dance if you are feeling good. Steve Cropper adds his playing on the album for the title track, “Just A Dream.” Also, M&A are offering a free download of "Purgatory," which is a smokin’ track, featuring Aaron Moreland playing a cigar box guitar, that you can check out in this video. They are on tour, if you want to catch them out in person.

- Jessie Scott

Eilen Jewell "Queen of the Minor Key"

Back a long time ago, when music was shared in a room with everyone listening to the same thing at the same time, we reveled in moving to it or even dancing, whether that meant touching or not. With the advent of personal devices, we now spin in our own orbit, which makes for some awkward moments, like when you come upon someone with his earbuds in, who is unaware of how loudly he is singing. I find it almost impossible to listen to my iPod and not respond to the music. People must think I am possessed, as I am like a jumping jack, bursting with energy as the music pulses through my brain and body. I haven't mastered the modern day skill of being detached. It happens when I attend a show, too. I see no reason to be hipper than thou, and cool, calm, and collected.

I challenge you not to react to Eilen Jewell’s “Queen Of The Minor Key,” which we filmed during the Music Fog Marathon in March, at Threadgill’s in Austin, Texas. This song, which is the title track from her new album, calls for finger snapping, hip swaying, and pounding on whatever is close or jumping up and doing the jitterbug. Eilen and the band make a glorious ruckus. And what a tight band this is. Jerry Miller (electric, acoustic and steel guitars), Johnny Sciascia (upright bass), and Jason Beek (drums, harmony vocals), are absolutely undeniable. You must obey, and then make sure you catch them when they are in your neck of the woods. And as Eilen’s website says...ENTER. Yes Ma’am!

- Jessie Scott

The Deep Dark Woods "Two Time Loser"

We live in the age of wonder, with our magic tablets, and our communication flying through the air. A couple of nights ago I watched Brandon Jenkins and his band perform via Skype™ from a club in San Antonio as I was ensconsed in the comfort of my gingham couch. At the same time, I was monitoring a gig in New York via text, and checking in with friends playing all over the country on Facebook. Action Central, from the comfort of one’s living room. Oh yes, it is pretty awe-inspiring to be so connected. I am struck again by the rootsiness of the music that I love, juxtaposed with this hi tech communication. Buddy Miller told me several years back that he was a beta tester for Pro Tools, which is the state of the art studio recording program. I found that kind of funny, that his earthy music was captured by 1 and 0s.

I am happy to have this window into the scene. Some news blip crossed my consciousness about The Deep Dark Woods, a band I love dearly. They are newly signed to Sugar Hill Records, and their debut CD on that label, The Place I Left Behind, will be out in the US this October. It was released in Canada at the beginning of the month. I have loved them since their 2007 CD Hang Me Oh Hang Me. There is something so haunting and spare, yet intricate and emotional about their music. I am delighted that goods things are happening for them. Catch them on the road. Here is the Music Fog recording of "Two Time Loser," with special guest Kendel Carson, filmed during the Music Fog Marathon at Threadgill’s during SXSW© music week 2010.

-Jessie Scott