john Arthur martinez "Before I Could Even Learn Her Name"

I am in Nashville, having a wonderful time driving around this verdant city. I lucked out on the weather this week, as last week there was a heat wave; but a couple of nights ago I needed a long sleeve shirt! It is always interesting to return to a place you know. Nashville is growing, sparkling. Truth be told, I haven't been in the neighborhoods with flood damage, but I must say, places that were blighted or undeveloped when I lived here in the 90's are blossoming today, and it feels great. And you know I love to travel. Later this summer, I get to return to DC, to The Mansion on O, where they have quite the SRO lineup: Freedy Johnston on August 8th, Tom Freund on August 14th, then on August 16th it's Walt Wilkins & The Mystiqueros and Bill Small. The Mansion, it is a place of awe, art and ideas. So looking forward!

In January, john Arthur martinez showcased at The Mansion with Chris 'Superman' Reeves on guitar, and we were lucky enough to film a private session before the show. john Arthur performed an unreleased song, in fact this is the first ever recording of "Before I Could Even Learn Her Name," set in New Orleans with a touch of French lyrics, and a loving Spanish roll to the guitar. The melting pot at work, and poignant stuff indeed. I need to get back to NOLA, haven't been in a while, but that city, that whole region actually, sure could use an infusion of tourism dollars especially in light of the Gulf disaster. Don't forget, we are America from sea to shining sea. With liberty and justice for all. And a hand UP to those that need it, because after all, we are all in this grand experiment together.

john Arthur will be on the road off and on until the end of the year, so check his website often as new dates are being posted.

- Jessie Scott

Uncle Lucius - "A Million Ways"

Austin called to the members of Uncle Lucius, as each in turn came to the Live Music Capital of The World and found each other. They are hot and happening. They bring sheer joy, swinging and swaying when you see them live. They dress funky, their hair is funky, hell they PLAY funky, which to my ear, is always a welcome treat. On a recent Saturday night at Threadgill's, the crowd was rocking to this Southern Rocking Soul outfit, with horns and plenty of groove, all night long.

Cool things have been happening to Uncle Lucius. They had been enjoying a residency at the Saxon Pub since the beginning of the year before taking to the road this tour, growing their audience, honing the songs, and holding court. Their latest CD, Live At The Saxon Pub, was recorded there. And a few months back, they did an East Coast jaunt opening for none other than Leon Russell. Tasty, mighty tasty!

Now, you know Uncle Lucius is talented, but I am here to testify that they are also hardworking, incredibly sweet, and a pleasure to know. A pleasure to watch, too, as we bring you a sort of 'Friday date-night slow song.' One to sway to...cheek to cheek now for "A Million Ways," from 2009's Pick Your Head Up. Here are Kevin Galloway, Mike Carpenter (lead guitar), Hal Vorpahl, and Josh Greco. Catch 'em soon at a venue near you! 

-- Jessie Scott

Sam Baker "Pony"

Sam Baker called me early in the morning yesterday from Charlotte, NC. There was occasional dinging in the background, as if he were riding on an elevator. He is on the road with John Fullbright and Natalia Zuckerman through July 2. They are sharing the stage together, playing on each other's songs. He speaks of a generosity of spirit, and of the give and take of this, quoting Kevin Welch's song "…that makes me a millionaire." These folks do music for those of us that need that kind of energy. It transcends the voice and music to become a more intimate connection. It speaks to your soul.

I asked Sam how he crafted the recording process. He told me he likes to do it all at one time, in the studio. "My voice has different textures. I generally like to get a sonically consistent sound. I do that in a short period of time. Kind of a dream-like fog, which can color how we all hear that body of work. It adds a certain narrative, a sonic sequential. I am able to work with some beautiful players, but it takes some time to relax into each other's lives. The entity that comes can be both on the conscious and subconscious levels. I think you get a little broader bandwidth in the subconscious." Throughout our conversation, he mentioned other artists he is impressed with, calling them "the new players." Artists like Carrie Elkin, Danny Schmidt, Band Of Heathens, Grace Pettis, and Dustin Welch. "So many wonderful young writers and players. They are great people to tour with. Special guest Kevin Welch got up with us in Norfolk, and we just seem to roll together."

We hope you get to catch this limited run, and we trust that there will be more trio dates scheduled in the future. Sam Baker is on his way to teach at a three day retreat leading up to the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Then he heads to WoodyFest in Okemah, OK and then onto the Telluride Americana Weekend. Music Fog will be at both of the latter festivals. See you there? C'mon!!!!

-- Jessie Scott