Brian Wright "Loaded Gun"

I can’t believe how busy the last few weeks have been. From the sleep deprived Americana Festival, to coming home and packing up my house for the move, to the three day haul from Austin to NYC. I am ready for a nap! Even for someone who has moved as much as I have, the whole thing, the enormity of it, never lessens. When the boxes were being packed, it felt like they would not ever come back together. 126 pieces, between furniture, clothing, knick knacks, books, music, and so on. It is really very confusing. I have no idea how long it will take to unpack when the truck makes its way to the big city. And yet, I yearn for a simple life, a life with less possessions. Minimalist, downsized. Achievable? I don’t know.

I have a couple of guns that have been in the family for a long time. For my last two moves, they have been commented on by the crews who have moved me in and out. I don’t, however, keep them loaded. Brian Wright does, though, well...at least in this song. I saw him briefly during Americana Fest in Nashville a couple of weeks ago. No, he didn’t have a gun with him, at least not that I could see. He performed this song for the Music Fog cameras during out Spring Music Fog Marathon in March at Threadgill’s WHQ in Austin in 2011. Wow, I am not in Austin anymore. That is going to take a minute or two to settle in to my head! And of course Brian had earlier made the move from Waco to LA, a long haul in itself. Once again, thanks to Abbey and Robbyn for making this road trip with me. Thanks to Shilah and Dee and Hag, and the folks who came to the parties to say ‘so long’ for now. I have taken so many road trips lately, that it hasn’t yet crystalized that I am actually in a new place. Thanks and love to all who gave comfort and aid. I will report on this new chapter as it unfolds. Meantime, here is Brian, who is recording a new album and creating another chapter himself!

-Jessie Scott

Sons of Fathers "Burning Days"

Along I-40 from Memphis to Nashville, the leaves were just starting the change to their autumn colors. Abbey, Robbyn and I woke up today in Bristol, TN. We continue the journey, driving through the mountains in Virginia on our way to NYC. It strikes me every time I cross the country how incredible the United States is. We are blessed to be able to pick up and follow our heart to the next chapter, wherever and whatever that might be. I am excited for this next phase of my life, which not only brings me home, but marries two of my loves, Texas barbecue and roots music, at Hill Country Live. I love the opportunity at hand, and can't wait to get started.

Striving is such a wonderful thing. A few years ago, I met David Beck backstage at Whitewater Amphitheater in New Braunfels. I watched him hone his amazing talent, and helped build the team when he and Paul Cauthen formed Sons Of Fathers. What a ride they are on! And what an incredible band. They have been criss crossing the country plenty themselves, playing to ever growing audiences. I can't wait to see what they do next! We filmed them during the Music Fog Spring Marathon at Threadgill's WHQ in March. This is one of the songs you will find on their forthcoming album, "Burning Days," which I hear will be out after the first of the year.  Dream big, walk on!

- Jessie Scott

Suzanna Choffel on "The Voice"

Day one of the great northern road trip found us (me and Abbey Road and Robbyn Dodd from Luckenbach) 400 miles from Austin, and we finally made it out of the state of Texas! We are heading to the Big Apple for my move to Hill Country Barbecue Market, as I have been named Director of Hill Country Live. Though I am sad to move away from Austin, I am coming home to the city I was born in, and that is a very exciting thing indeed. Does the place of your birth always call your name? New York beckons me. For the last several years, I have visited in a constant a flurry of activity which means there is never enough time for family and friends. Going home!

As I am on the road this week, we will dig into the Fog Bank for another video. Did you see Suzanna Choffel on The Voice last night? She did “Landslide,” and totally made it her own (see it here). We are SO proud of her!

She is a fairly new resident of New York herself, transplanted from Austin last year. We did a session with her in Austin in March during the Spring Music Fog Marathon at Threadgill’s WHQ, and so we bring you the video for “Animal” once again, as we wish Suzanna ‘bon chance!’

- Jessie Scott