Cross Canadian Ragweed "Dead Man"

Cross Canadian Ragweed We hadn't planned on filming Ragweed again until MusicFest in Steamboat, but with the boys playing a show in our backyard last week, it only seemed right to catch up with them again for at least one tune before we head up the hill. Half of the Music Fog crew met up at the Recher Theatre and were quickly introduced to the house staff (good guys!) and a fish that eats other fish. The band was running late, so we took the opportunity to witness the evening's hamburger patty preparations. They were tasty looking morsels (voted Maryland's Best 1/2 lb. burger) and you know we wouldn't kid around about something like that. While we were waiting, Jim also made it a point to show me the Alan Parsons Project signed 8x10 black and white glossy in the hallway. I quickly trumped that by breaking out an 8x10 color picture of me and Alan in the studio, which I always carry with me---in case of audio emergency.

The band rolled in a little late, and thoughts of us recording in the green room quickly changed once we all realized how behind schedule things were from their bus issues earlier in the day, getting out of New York City. So, in the course of fifteen minutes we were all set up to film them on stage. This was recorded just after soundcheck, with thanks to Ragweed's monitor engineer Brian Kinzie for the audio mix. See you in Steamboat!

-Aaron

Cross Canadian Ragweed - Mission California - Dead Man

Nashville Fun - The B-Roll Movie

Fog In The Bus We have almost exhausted all of the artist footage shot in Nashville for The Americana Conference. All that was left a couple of days ago were out takes and "B-Roll." So I had the bright idea of assembling the scraps, just to see what would come out the other end.

What you will see is a collection of footage that reflects the bus environment we marinated in for 3 solid days. I would imagine that anyone who is a fan of Americana music would be jealous. You should be. The collection of artistry and the electricity that they brought with them was nothing short of brilliant. Every time we go out to do this on the Celebrity Coach it's a unique trip. And every time we go, we try to make the bus the center piece of what Music Fog does. Nobody else has ever tried this. Lots of production people would tell you that the "bus" idea is less than optimum. But this is a reflection of the "how hard can it be" attitude that makes Music Fog work.

Chris When I look at this video I can't wait for the next big event. The Musicfest at Steamboat is on the roster for the first week in January. And this time I promise to give the newest member of the crew (Chris) more camera time. He was just so elusive on the Nashville trip. If you look closely you will see him in the background looking like someone who doesn't want his wife to know where he is. Maybe that was the case. And if so, I understand. Who could ever tell their loved ones that they are going on the road with this Music Fog crew? It just doesn't make any sense. It's not a business model. It's way too much fun. And the money people leave in the guitar case outside the bus door all goes for booze.

Thankx in advance to the artists featured in this movie - they have no idea they are featured in it. And as always, a heartfelt thank you to Blake & everyone at Celebrity Coaches.

-Beans

Lyrics, An American Art Form

AMA 10 Years  As the Americana Music Association continues with their ten year anniversary celebration, a unique opportunity came up as a fundraiser. Some of the most highly regarded artists of our era have put pen to paper, personally writing down the lyrics to songs they've crafted, and these keepsakes will be available in an online auction to benefit the AMA. "I am honored that these great artists have taken the time to pen and donate their works," says Americana Music Association Executive Director Jed Hilly. "Music is an art-form. To have chance to own a visual keepsake like this is priceless."

Robert Plant lyrics An intimate benefit show is also planned, featuring performances from John Hiatt and friends, on Monday, December 14th, at Tinney Contemporary Gallery in downtown Nashville. Tickets to the event, which includes cocktails and hors d'ouerves from the Clean Plate Club, are $75 per person and are only available by calling the Americana Music Association at (615) 386-6936.

To view the artwork and bid online click here. Just a few artists who have donated the one of a kind, personally hand written and signed lyrics of their musical masterpieces include: 

  • Robert Plant (photo above)
  • Buddy Miller
  • Patty Griffin
  • Willie Nelson
  • Rosanne Cash
  • Guy Clark
  • Emmylou Harris
  • Elvis Costello
  • John Prine
  • Rodney Crowell
  • Jim Lauderdale
  • Marty Stuart
  • Lucinda Williams
  • James McMurtry

Happy bidding, and can you pass me that bar napkin?

-Music Fog