Band of Heathens "Talking Out Loud"

They walk with grace in the sunshine of their music. When it came to the attention of The Band Of Heathens that an $8 surcharge was added to ticket sales for the February 5th House of Blues Houston date, the Heathens did something very cool. They counter offered a ticket buy on their website, with an $8 voucher toward merch in the BOH store. They got some cool things there, oh yeah! Including a T that just says HEATHEN, bold as you please, white on black. I'm in!

What, you still haven't seen them yet? We are talking gospel, soul, roots, taste and touch rock and roll, earthy Americana music. Steeped in the flavors of the past, but anchored in right this minute. Mostly Texas dates ahead, with a spur in early March that takes them up to the Tennessee Valley, with a stop at the world famous Loveless Café in Nashville for the Music City Roots WSM live broadcast on Wednesday, March 10. So, even if you can't see them, you can hear them on the radio, or catch it on the web. Or check them out here!

-Jessie

Neither Snow, Nor Rain

What was the Post Office's unofficial credo? "Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these courageous couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." It was actually said about 2500 years ago by the Greek historian, Herodotus.

I sit in Austin, where it is unusually damn cold, and we just had a bout of very noisy sleet...but that pales in comparison to what my Music Fog compadres, as well as you if you are in the North East corridor, are experiencing. STAY HOME! Do not drive in this! From what Beans says, it is even hard to let the dog out, what with the snow piled beyond the bottom of the door, making it impossible to open. What's worse, watching the Weather Channel, there are more storms coming across the nation. But by late this weekend, it looks like the temperature might moderate, though. I am praying for 40s and 50s, and melting. Why? Because next week is Folk Alliance in Memphis, and I am wondering if we will even be able to leave our respective houses! Will The Fog roll? That is the question!!!!!

-Jessie

Sean McConnell "Looking For A Good Time"

He calls it Lyric Driven Roots Rock. He has such a pure voice. And is a spectacular songwriter. Sean McConnell breathes fresh air into the Texas Music scene. He sets the bar really high. I was fortunate to attend an after party in May in Mattson Rainer's back yard celebrating the KNBT Americana Jam. Sean's turns performing stopped time. So very special.

Good news is that he is road doggin' it, and we await an album from him…hurry Sean, there is a hungry audience out here! We were lucky to have him at the Music Fog condo during MusicFest at Steamboat Springs, and we bring you "Lookin' For A Good Time," a tune that will be on the new album. Also, for a mindbender, watch his tour manager Derek Shampine shooting us with an iPhone while we were shooting Sean.

-Jessie