James McMurtry "Levelland"

My life is a series of hills and valleys. Seemingly impossible hills to climb at that, as Music Fog forges its way onto the landscape, and then valleys of enforced solitude to repair and catch one's breath before the next hill arises. Not that I would want it any other way. Back in the mid 90s, when the term Americana began to be used to describe this blend of roots music, there was a voice cutting its way out of the wilderness with a machete. A social critic of acute eye and attention to meter. It is a joy to welcome James McMurtry back in front of the Music Fog cameras. This time, James is bringing the classic, "Levelland."

By the time this song came out in 1995 on the album Where'd You Hide The Body, I was already in love with this Americana Emeritus songwriter. My "James" addiction began with the songs "Too Long In The Wasteland" and "Safe Side." The sardonic writing pulled me in, along with the clarity of vision and simplicity of delivery. Robert Earl Keen covered "Levelland" on his 1997 CD Picnic; there is no higher endorsement as to the quality of James' songwriting.

Levelland is a Texas panhandle town. As of the 2000 census, there were 12,866 residents. (Don't forget to get YOUR census survey back in!) Prominently featured in the WIKI for Levelland are reports of UFOs. Somehow, that doesn't surprise me. Wonder if they'll count them in this year's census?!

-Jessie

Stonehoney "White Knuckle Wind"

We have been chasing each other around the country, the Stonehoney boys and the Music Fog crew. It almost happened on the bus in Memphis, as they might have come on board to support the Keep The Light Alive project, to which they contributed. But it didn't happen then. Dang, we got SO behind in Memphis anyway! I was so happy that we could make it work for Austin, now home base for the band. And what with a new CD imminent, well it was indeed the perfect time. They created quite the buzz at the Folk Alliance in Memphis in 2008. The band relocated to Austin from LA in the winter of 2009, where the scene is growing organically and they are a dead on fit. We can't wait, as Stonehoney is about to deliver their first official solo recording, and are making plans to tour this summer. Catch them now in all their glory!

-Jessie

Joe Ely "It's a Little Like Love"

The second day of Music Fog showcases came upon us way too early, and after working too late on too little sleep. We were all a bit bleary eyed when we got to Threadgill's. The doors opened at 11 am, and a crowd collectively marched into to the back room and sat down, filling all the tables! Wow. We were treated to amazing performances by Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland, then Kasey Anderson, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Gurf Morlix, and Joe Ely. And the room just kept filling. Then there was a gaggle of people listening outside our room as they gathered by the doorways and partitions, plus a slew of people sitting on the floor at the foot of the stage. And when Ely entered and stepped on, it was to thunderous applause. He said he was not around much for SXSW this year. I am not certain how many performances he made, I only know we are so honored that he graced the Music Fog stage! Here is the first song he did for us, "It's a Little Like Love."

-Jessie