There is an irresistible pull to Texas. It might be the weather this time of year. Or it could be the feeling of space, of chasing down endless roads, with live oaks stoutly laying claim to the land as the path unwinds. Or it could be the hospitality, the genuine welcoming, the time at hand to make memories. One thing I know, for musicians, there is something more, almost something in the water that encourages exploration. Genres, traditions and influences abound and are as limitless as the Texas sky.
I would be happy bouncing between New York and Texas season to season. I am not the only one; The Masterson's do it, as does Suzanna Choffel. I hear she is working on new material, and has put a band together. All this of course, after her appearances on NBC's The Voice at the end of the year. I think she made the best possible use of shows like that, being on long enough to make an impact and show folks what she can do, without getting sucked into the big machine and losing credibility. Music Fog captured her solo, powerful, last year at SXSW at Threadgill's WHQ in Austin. Here is "Hold Of The Night" from that session.
-Jessie Scott