Logan Ledger "Let the Mermaids Flirt with Me"

The Nashville songwriting community took a hit this week with the loss of John Prine from COVID-19 complications. Mourning was immediate and widespread, as John’s music touched so many people during his fifty-year career. He was a portraitist, a storyteller and a soothsayer. He could make you laugh and cry, and all delivered in a simple, tuneful, three minute long, slice of life. It’s so hard to make it seem so easy.

Here is hoping your stay at home, or work from home time is going alright. Wash your hands, keep to yourself, and wear a mask if you must go out. Oh yeah, now is a prime time to do a YouTube deep dive.

Allow us to introduce you to a major new voice. Logan Ledger’s self-titled album just came out, produced by T Bone Burnett who discovered Logan and signed him to his label. Dreamy voice, right? This is a simple, beautiful, evocative tune. Here is the Music Fog recording of “Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me,” from a private Nashville session last year. We trust that John Prine is flirting with them right now, and that Logan has miles and miles to go before he meets up on the banks of that river. Stay safe, stay healthy!

- Jessie Scott

Jason Ringenberg "God Bless the Ramones"

I want to take you back to a happier era in NYC. I moved back to my home state in 1975 to work on the radio at WPIX and then WHN. It was a magical time, lots of possibilities, lots of different threads of creativity. There were some amazingly cool hangs, from the uber hip Max’s Kansas City, to the Texas-centric Lone Star Caféwhich was about to open, to the legendary CBGB & OMFUG. The name stood for Country, Bluegrass, Blues, and Other Music for Uplifting Gormandizers. It rapidly descended into a home for punk and new wave, with Blondie, Patti Smith, and of course, The Ramones leading the way. It was a heady yet innocent time, and everyone was pushing the limits. And of course, NYC was a pretty inexpensive place to live then, which always encourages artist communities.

Ahhh the Ramones, they were ever so earnest in their mission. And so were Jason & The Scorchers. Rock and Roll reminds us there are no rules to success. And though neither band generated superstar income, they both left their indelible marks on society. Today’s video comes from the inimitable Jason Ringenberg, as he chronicles a Texas tour The Scorchers did with The Ramones. Music Fog filmed Jason's kicking legs and frenetic energy last year in a private session in Nashville. I love this video! "God Bless The Ramones." And God Bless New York.

-Jessie Scott

Shannon McNally "Where Are You Tonight?"

Here is hoping you are safe and healthy in this weirdest of times. Staying busy helps, as so many of us are working from home. Of course, my mission has been keeping my radio station WMOT on the air, both for the comfort of the music, and to keep the audience updated about COVID-19. Music provides a link to normalcy which is most welcome right now. I love how creative people are being on the socials, and it is amazing how many live streaming shows are happening every day.

So much of an artist’s income comes from touring, which is just not possible at the moment. Over the course of the last couple of decades, Shannon McNally has become quite the gig MVP. When we filmed her last year, she was about to go on the road with Steve Earle & The Dukes. She’s done stints with Rodney Crowell, who produced her Black Irish album, and most recently contributed to Just Like Moby Dick from the iconic Terry Allen & The Panhandle Mystery Band. Oh yeah and she has new music coming sometime this year, too! Speaking of which, especially now, artists need your support. Buy a CD or some merch, or leave a tip for their live streaming sessions. It is shocking to have the entire live audience construct crumble before our eyes. Please help if you are able. Today’s Music Fog tune is brand new premiere from Shannon McNally's forthcoming album. “Where Are You Tonight?” was filmed during a private recording session in Nashville.

- Jessie Scott