It was on everyone's lips while we were in Nashville, "Where is Music Fog going next?" Truth be told, we have no idea! Right now, we feel like the Boa Constrictor that has yet to digest its latest meal. We happily caught up with so many artists, some appearing for us for the very first time. I have been chasing Mary since we founded Music Fog almost 2 years ago, hoping we would finally catch up with her in Nashville. I reached out to her on Facebook to make this session happen at Americana Fest last week. And on Day One, she and Tania Elizabeth brought class and eloquence to our set. If you are in or around Nashville this week, they are playing the Belcourt Theatre tomorrow evening, Thursday, September 16th. For more tour dates, check her website here. Then, at the end of the year, she is hosting a Songwriting Intensive Workshop Week with Cris Williamson in Costa Rica. Wish I was a songwriter! Aside from that, I can't believe I just mentioned the end of the year, which is a total yikes!
For six album's worth, Mary Gauthier (pronounced go-SHAY) has written from an interior place with a poet's economy. She paints with syllables, the sparseness of the music, and the quietude. Tania provides color and punctuation on backup vocals and violin. This is heartbreakingly beautiful music; Mary has made a career out of introspection, self examination, and portraiture. I see those mentioned fully fleshed. "Cheaters, liars, outlaws, and fallen angels," is a lyric that comes from the song "Camelot Motel," one of the many we played while X Country reigned. We relate. We miss it, along with the many others of her tunes that were in rotation. She didn't play them all for us, as we just didn't have time, but we sure loved what she brought us. "Mercy Now" is the title song from her 4th album. Always moving toward a state of grace. We bring it to you now from the Sweet Suite at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown last week. If you like it, know that it's just the tip of the iceberg.
- Jessie Scott
