Music Fog

Jonell Mosser "Tennessee Blues"

What a great visit to Nashville we had for the Americana Music Festival this past September. I love that we can barrel into a town known for the glitzy side of country music, and not even be phased by it. The last time I was there it was to work on a project that involved George Jones, and this time I was surrounded by top-notch Americana artists. The way I see it, I'm two-fer-two on Nashville trips!

Our sessions got a dose of Tennessee authenticity when Nashville's own Jonell Mosser stepped on board the Celebrity Coach. She brought her fun-loving, laid-back attitude, a huge smile, and couple of comfy songs. Some people watching the session cracked open a bottle of Jack, and Jonell busted out the Tennessee Blues. That's Tom Britt on guitar, and Jimmie Fadden from the NGDB on harp. Yes, this thing drips with authenticity.

-Aaron

YouTube Comment Report

A couple of weeks ago we put up a YouTube Report on who was being watched, and in what countries. A very riveting read indeed. I am proud to report that Chuck Mead is still #1 (with a bullet) in Portugal. Eilen Jewell and Madison Violet are being watched all over the world, and Eilen's Music Fog video is being used as part of her nomination treatment for the Boston Music Awards. That makes us Foggers very happy. And if you go to the Boston Music Awards site today (11/30/09 deadline) you can vote for your favorites. Please note that Annie & The Beekeepers are listed under Jazz Act Of The Year. We are not sure why.

As for comments, we get them in two locations. 
1. On this website itself.
2. On the Music Fog YouTube channel.
Comments are good. After all, isn't the interactive nature of the web what this thing is all about? So we get a lot of smiley faces (; and one word comments.  That's the nature of the beast. Some comments are truly heartfelt and insightful.

The video with the most comments is James McMurtry "Choctaw Bingo" (59). And "awesome" is the most commonly used single word.  "Awesome" stands alone as well. And that's fine by us. Here are some of the other comments - listed by artist alone.

Otis Gibbs "Small Town Saturday Night"

This long holiday weekend made me think about the times we used to have after Thanksgiving, years ago. That's when the cousins, friends, neighbors and visiting relatives would all get together and just hang out. Usually some innocent trouble was found, probably rooted from simply having that many people together with nothing to do. Something is bound to go wrong in this small "one flashing light" town, huh?

Otis Gibbs is telling the more peaceful version, I think, with sweeter memories, indeed. In fact, he'll never be able to produce a video for this song because it won't match the pictures that each of us have in our head while listening to this gem. A true flashback...I love it! Oh, and bonus "cool factor" points to Otis for A.) dedication to the beard and B.) not snipping his guitar string ends.

I hope you're diggin' a small town Saturday night somewhere!

-Aaron

Madison Violet "Best Part of Your Love"

 All in a day's work. What am I talking about? Everything it takes for an artist to even be afforded the opportunity to share their music. Before the cameras rolled for this Music Fog session, Madison Violet had played late into the evening before at Mountain Stage in West Virginia, woke up at 4am to catch a flight to DC, shuttled to The Mansion on O Street to drop off some gear (minus an airline-lost piece of luggage with equipment), whisked over to Bob Edward's studio for a performance and interview, then taken back to The Mansion for our session! They filmed three songs with us, then went straight into soundcheck for that evening's show. Afterwards, they finally got the first meal of the day, a quick break, and then performed into the evening---a full set in front of an audience. A van was waiting for them at 7am the next day to jump a flight to New York to do it all over again.

That's just a mini-snapshot of one day. This repeats daily for as long as an artist is out on the road. So, if you like an artist's music, by all means tell your friends and co-workers...it helps more than you may think. This video doesn't show how hard these women worked just to make this session happen, but you certainly can see the passion that is the result. A passion fueled by your love of the music.

-Aaron

James McMurtry "Choctaw Bingo"

A twisted take on over the river and through the woods to Grandfathers house we go, for a wacky family reunion. Currier and Ives it's not. James McMurtry from his latest Live In Europe, with the classic, "Choctaw Bingo." Happy T Day Foggers!

-Jessie & Crew @ Music Fog

Planes, Trains, Buses & Pickups to Steamboat

The Music Fog crew is preparing for The MusicFest in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Sounds simple enough…but you would marvel at the various alternate plans we have considered to get there.

It is akin to those old WWII movies that feature the “War Room” where troop movements are monitored on a large glass map in the middle of the room. There are uniformed men and women swarming around the map with long wooden sticks, pushing toy soldiers, tanks, airplanes and supplies around on the map. All of them are smoking. Some are yelling on telephones to god knows who. That is what we look like right now.

Plan A: Get on a plane and fly to Denver. Then take a Go Alpine taxi up the mountain to Steamboat. Total cost (with equipment) One bazillion dollars.

Chris Smither "I Told You So"

Those who know Chris Smither's solo work may be surprised by the spare, powerful trio he's put together for his latest album Time Stands Still. The full story behind the trio is here, and we were fortunate to catch them recently at The Birchmere in Virginia.

During soundcheck, Chris wanted to make sure his vocals were coming through clearly, explaining simply, "If they can't hear the words, I think they'll be missing out on about fifty percent of the value of my performance." So pay attention, you don't want to miss any fraction of this great cut! Or better yet, catch them live while you can.

-Chris Walsh

New Reckless Kelly Preview

The wait is coming closer to an end! Somewhere In Time, the newest project from Reckless Kelly, will be released on February 9, 2010. They've posted a preview track from the CD, along with a cooool-ass album cover, on their website for all to soak in. Meanwhile, they've got some Texas dates leading up to their appearance at The MusicFest in Steamboat Springs. Click below to hear the tune...and rock it!

Reckless Kelly "Best Forever Yet"

-Aaron

Chuck Mead "Up On Edge Hill"

I first saw Chuck Mead play in Bakersfield, CA at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, back in 1996. I loved that debut BR5-49 album, and was even more dazzled watching them perform in my hometown, during the inaugural year of the Palace. Chuck continues to impress me and is keeping the Bakersfield honky-tonk sound alive. The further we get away from that era, it seems like the fewer musicians there are embracing that rich, classic feel. Of course, Chuck lunges towards it with open arms, and a song on his sleeve.  To me, his Journeyman's Wager album is like a sonic ride through my youth, but ever so relevant to today. See if you can picture yourself sitting around a campfire, with a jet-black sky full of bright stars, the night breeze floating through the pines, and Chuck with just his lone guitar singing Up On Edge Hill. Yup, you can see for miles and miles.

-Aaron 

2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards

Initiated in 2005, the mission of the Canadian Folk Music Awards is to promote Canadian Folk Music in all its forms. The awards show took place last night, and Music Fog is especially pleased as we have filmed three awards winners this past year! 

Vocal Group of the Year: Madison Violet – No Fool For Trying (Toronto)

Ensemble of the Year: The Deep Dark Woods – Winter Hours (Saskatoon)

Solo Artist of the Year: Catherine MacLellan – Water in the Ground (Charlottetown PE)

We commend the Canadian government for being so supportive of its artists. For a complete list of winners click here. Congratulations to all!

-Music Fog