Band of Heathens "One More Song"

On Friday, April 20th, The Band Of Heathens posted a simple, heartfelt tribute to the late Levon Helm that we'd like to share:

"Yesterday, one of our musical heroes, a true American original, Levon Helm passed on. By some strange twist of cosmic fate, we were in his birth-state of Arkansas when we heard the news. There was some sort of comfort in knowing we were treading on the ground that sculpted the man and set him on the path to utter and complete righteousness. We wrote this song ) right before our show in Little Rock last night to play during a mini-Levon tribute encore. This is a demo of the song as we recorded it in the parking lot. Although we’ll never get to hear his voice in the present anymore, we are incredibly lucky to be able to be with our friend whenever our ears are open. Play us one more song cuz.

  Love, The Band of Heathens"

You can download or stream the song "One More Song" here. 

- Jessie Scott

Blind Boys of Alabama "Free At Last"

My friend Stephen Bruton passed in 2009 from cancer. He commented that he wished that help would come for others before they needed it. So many illnesses are best treated at the onset. But it is even better if the markers for them are detected in advance when changes to one’s lifestyle would prevent the illnesses from developing at all. The Stephen Bruton Wellness Initiative will seek to provide screening programs to do just that.

This Wednesday evening found me in a most idyllic spot for an incredible evening to celebrate Stephen’s life and spirit, at Star Hill Ranch in Dripping Springs. This place is like the set of a movie, with building rescued from the wrecking ball, ripe for weddings, movie set usage, and parties like this one. Austin’s music community was in attendance as a film clip was presented about the forthcoming movie, and the concept of the Wellness Initiative was discussed. That was followed by an intimate performance by Kris Kristofferson, long time Bruton collaborator and friend. There were tears, let me just say that. There was the healing that the music provided, too, both while listening to Kris, and while driving back home. 

Music is really good for that, and there are times I just want to dive into it, and let the rest of the world go by. In light of the two deaths this week, and more tears for Dick Clark and Levon Helm, we dedicate this tune to them, and to you if you are hurting.

For the full effect of that musical healing, we encourage you to go see the Blind Boys Of Alabama, as their summer touring schedule starts next month. They came to our Music Fog Fall Marathon at Marathon Recorders in October during Americana Fest and graced us with this song, which can also be found on their 2008 album Down In New Orleans, “Free At Last.”

- Jessie Scott

Sons of Fathers "Ruthless"

A few years back when I first moved to Texas, I attended my first show at a then new venue, Whitewater Amphitheatre. It provides a spectacular place to see music, as it sits on the banks of the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, Texas. Beautiful scenery, easy on the soul, and yeah, there is the music, too, sailing spectacularly into the night air. Since that night, I have visited frequently…mighty fine indeed.  Whitewater is getting ready to kick off the 2012 Season.  

Back in 2009, I saw Matt King perform there, and that night, he had an explosive young man playing upright bass named David Beck. David is a tour de force; he writes, sings, plays a ton of instruments, composes, arranges, and produces. He bumped into Paul Cauthen when both had guitars and notebooks in hand near a waterfall in San Marcos, Texas, and they started writing and performing together just over a year ago.

They are an unstoppable combination with a great band, that somehow gets even better every time you see them. They are hot, tight, and expansive with harmonies that are unique and haunting, and songs that are hook-filled and memorable. Their debut album, Sons Of Fathers, came out back in November, and they are in the midst of producing album number two. Music Fog had the pleasure of filming David two years ago, during our 2010 Music Marathon at Threadgill’s, but this year, we invited them to play as Sons Of Fathers. The song “Ruthless” can be found on their debut record. Here is the Music Fog version, from Threadgill’s WHQ in March. We can’t wait to see what they do next.

- Jessie Scott