Folk Alliance was a real test. There were SO many people we wanted to have come your way, but there just wasn't enough time. I do, however, like to bring some folks on the bus at the suggestion of other people, in this case Mike Meadows of Black Swan fame.

We were outside the first day talking, sitting on the wall outside the bus before it got balls to the wall crazy, and he recommended that we have the Bowmans up. I said I would check out our spreadsheet, my handy dandy guide to the Music Fog universe. And just by happenstance, there they were the next morning as I attempted to walk through the lobby of The Marriott. There Mike was with Claire and Sarah sitting having brunch, and I actually knew when there was a hole in our schedule. First thing in the morning. 

We seem to have a newfound tradition of beautiful girls first thing, which goes all the way back to Nashville for the AMA's with The Trishas and The Lovell Sisters. It helps the guys , um, focus. But back to The Bowmans, they are twins, it is close harmony. A perfectly beautiful way to wake up. They have a brand new self titled CD, and through the month of March, they will donate 50% of the sales to Haiti. Read all about it here. This song, "Twenty Days (The Slumber)," is from that brand new CD.

-Jessie

When Madison Violet played the Mansion on O last year, I have to confess I didn't know anything about them. All that changed in the space of a few minutes during soundcheck. Their sound is unforgettable, feeling at once brand-new and warmly familiar. Their songs are equally distinct, and so it's no wonder they just took the Folk Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for their song "The Ransom". It was fantastic to see them again in Memphis, where they joined us on the bus for a few songs, including this one, the title cut from their last album. Check out the rest of the album at the link below.

-Chris

She was the seventh artist due on the Celebrity Coaches bus that day. It was the third day of taping, so we were all getting a bit punchy. Meeting new Americana artists is always a thrill. There is an allure to it. It's just like bait on the end of a fishing line for me. But Amelia Curran had something that transfixed me.

There she was just outside of the bus smoking a cigarette. I had announced to the crew that I would "blaze the way" for them and go outside to meet her. She was sitting on the curb with an almost "go away kid you bother me" air about her. We exchanged a few words, then sat in silence. She then announced to me that she would prefer "not to have direct eye contact" and that she could be a "problem." I didn't think that I was being chastised, but what else could it have been? Was she serious? Or was this her wry sense of humor? And did the "no direct eye contact" rule apply only to me?

Amelia gets on the bus and the barbs began to fly. She was Steven Wright like. And every bit as funny. She explained that she wasn't only a musician, but also a producer of major Canadian music festivals. So she has obviously seen all sides of the backstage drama. Aaron plowed through the set-up unaffected, but Chris was drawn in just like I was.

Then came this song, "The Mistress." It is a spot-on reflection of her personality. And what happens at the end of the song is not to be believed.

OK Amelia, you got me.

-Beans

Keep The Light Alive. One hell of an idea. For hope, for inspiration, for life. For Eric Lowen. As you might already know, Eric was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) around 6 years ago. Since that time, he has chosen to live with purpose. Dan Navarro, of Lowen and Navarro, says, "Eric makes that his commitment every day." Dan, himself, is uncomfortable being included in a "tribute" album, as he chooses to deflect the attention. This project simply celebrates Eric Lowen, and the contributions that he makes as a singer, songwriter, and performer. As Dan has tried to take the focus off himself, we credit this performance accordingly, even though it is Dan with the legendary Freebo at the helm.

For more information on the project, check out the website here. This album supports The Eric Lowen Trust, which was created to offset the enormous costs of fighting his illness and helps support his family, which includes his wife and their 5 children. Music Fog is honored to have had these fine musicians on the bus during Folk Alliance to further the cause.

-Jessie

Get ready to soak in some rich, velvety harmonies. Rebecca Folsom and Celeste Krenz have voices that were meant to be blended together. Their sound was a welcome savior on our second morning of filming aboard the Celebrity Coaches bus in Memphis. I believe it was only our second session of the day, but we were already running late and had to quickly figure out where to place everybody in this tight space to achieve the best sound, and get the right look for the cameras. The arrival of their cellist was a surprise, so I quickly broke out the old standby line, "There's always room for cello." They were kind enough to act like they'd never heard that joke before, but probably wondered if I had been drinking already. Well, moments later my head was floatin' in what you're about to hear. Whether this is your first introduction to the Rhythm Angels, or you've been to this church before, I think you'll agree everyone is groovin' on this track, "29 Ways."

-Aaron

The Music Fog bus attracts a lot of unusual and mysterious visitors, among them Nudie and the Turks. Jessie saw them at last year's Folk Alliance, playing the Canadian Sweet Beaver Suite.  This year, she invited them to join us on the bus.
They appeared suddenly, drank some beer, sang some songs, and disappeared once again, leaving us with more questions than answers.

Who are these mysterious gentlemen? I'm pretty sure that his real name isn't Nudie, and that none of them are really Turkish. I know they are from Canada, a "neo honky-tonk" band from Prince Edward Island, to be specific. Their website offers some clues, but no firm answers.

What is this song about? It's so catchy, at first I just bopped along to it, and then tried to parse the words. "Oh, he loves her...no wait, he hates her...oops, no he loves her....oh, there he goes again, I guess it really is a country song." So enjoy it.  It's a heckuva song, this exclusive Music Fog version, and it's from those mysterious cowboys from the North, Nudie and the Turks.

- Chris