Becky Warren "Dabbs Avenue"

Oh boy! Next week is the WMOT membership drive, and we are hoping to bring another 300 listeners into the family to become members. It’s non-profit radio, which gives us all kinds of latitude to be a home for music discovery. When the Music Foggers were all at XM, it laid the groundwork for me for what this initiative is, a direct interaction with the listener. Non-commercial radio is delivering the kind of music that can’t be found elsewhere. I take that very seriously, and our programming reflects that mission. I promise you will not hear the same ol’ stuff that everyone else is playing. If you liked XM 12, X Country back in the day, come on by and spend some time with us at WMOT. We stream worldwide at WMOT.org.

Photo Credit: Anna Haas

For those that become members we do a monthly concert series called Wired In, which are intimate music sessions. This past year we have done shows with Hayes Carll, Donna The Buffalo, I’m With Her, Yola, Steve Poltz, Mary Bragg, John Paul White, Lula Wiles, Birds of Chicago, Seth Walker, Chuck Mead, Ida Mae, Will Kimbrough, Keb’ Mo’, Honey Island Swamp Band, Maggie Rose, Shinyribs, Paul Thorn, Amy Ray, and Becky Warren. Yes, you have seen many of these folks on the pages of Music Fog through the years, too. Today’s video entry comes from Becky Warren, who is a local Nashville songwriting hero. Her last two albums have been made bravely; one digging into the emotions from a soldier returning from war, the other by cultivating relationships with Nashville street folks. Today’s song can be found on the latter, the album Undesirable, which came out in 2018. “Dabbs Avenue” is today’s Music Fog recording, filmed in early 2019, here with guitar accompaniment from Jeff Malinowski.

- Jessie Scott

The Cerny Brothers "Mower Man"

Seasons are a thing of wonder. Knowing that the temps will be changing soon makes for beautiful daydreams of sweatshirts and jackets. That said, it is the end of September, and down here in the South, summer is still ruling. Been up in the 90’s most days. This year, we planted herbs and tomatoes with a very nice yield. More to come for next year, for sure.

The good news is we are starting to see the occasional dried leaf drift across the lawn. Oh, the lawn! Yes, we are still having to tend to it. Today’s song is an homage to landscape professionals everywhere. This slice of life, “Mower Man,” comes from the uber talented duo, The Cerny Brothers, as penned by their father. Music Fog caught up with them at the beginning of this year for this exclusive recording, not yet found on an album. Hey guys, watch that particulate matter…it can cause allergies!

- Jessie Scott

Noel McKay "Flying and Falling"

It’s AmericanaFest week in Nashville and I have been drinking deep from the well of wonderful music. NPR Music, World Café and my radio station, WMOT Nashville, have teamed up to provide day stage coverage, and Saturday from 12p to 6p CT, The Wood Brothers, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Allison Moorer, The Get Ahead, Jade Jackson, and Drivin’ N Cryin’ will be performing. Watch on NPR Music, or listen worldwide at WMOT.org. Last night I caught a set by the South Austin Moonlighters, and I was reminded how much I love Texas artists, playing “hot as a pistol” and singing moving four-part harmony.

Today’s Music Fog video comes from Texas born and bred Noel McKay. He made his mark originally with his brother Hollin in The McKay Brothers, having been tutored in the ways of music by none other than Guy Clark. He has written songs with Guy, as well as David Olney, Shawn Camp, and Brennen Leigh, who takes part in this performance, as does Melissa Carper. McKay splits his time between Austin and Nashville, where he and Leigh are part of the burgeoning Neo Trad scene. Look for European Dates later this autumn, after a few Texas shows. Here is an exclusive Music Fog recording of "Flying and Falling."

- Jessie Scott