Bishop Gunn "Keep It in the Red"

Are you digging the Olympics? Not that I watch a lot of sports, but the choices are so varied, and the team spirit of it all has me enrapt. I am ever impressed with watching folks that have dedicated themselves to their sport, and kudos to all who have seen their dream take them to Tokyo, even without crowds in the stands. Life in rock and roll seems to be equally tough, as audiences are filtering in finally and bands are beginning to tour again. I have my hopes high that things will continue to open up, and that we will return to whatever “normal” looks like in the after times. Heck, here’s hoping that the Foggers will be making a trek to Nashville soon to record!

As we look forward, I’d like to revisit something we have been holding on to. Bishop Gunn came before our cameras in February of 2019, and they asked us to wait to post this song, as it was meant to be on their next album. And then the band dispersed. The group has not reformed, but they have decided to release that final album they recorded together, so Gypsy Cadillac just came out. We thank Travis McCready for permission to post, and look forward to his upcoming solo album to be released soon! Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy the Music Fog recording of “Keep It In The Red!”

This was filmed during a private Music Fog recording session on February 10th, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. Travis McCready (vocals, electric guitar), Drew Smithers (electric guitar), Ben Lewis (bass), and Burne Sharp (drums).

• Jessie Scott

Jenny Leigh "Good Men"

Are you still sequestered? Are you getting antsy? Have you been interacting on FaceTime or Zoom, or are you at home with only your core folks? What kind of things have been keeping you busy, what is giving you joy? Music still does that for me, thank goodness. There are a dizzying array of streams to check out and I find that I am listening to more music in general. My radio station, WMOT, was planning to do our second live festival this weekend, and we didn’t even get a chance to unveil the line up before all was silenced due to the pandemic. So, this weekend, we are streaming and broadcasting last year’s 895 Fest sets, all 18 of them! It goes 12p to 6p CT Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and you can listen at WMOT.org or go to NPR Music/Live Sessions/WMOT if you would like to watch.

Today’s video comes from Nashville songstress Jenny Leigh, who just put out a new track a couple of weeks ago with Adam Wakefield. Check out “Where The Real Love Starts." The thing about music that I most love is that it stops your mind from reeling, and centers you while you are experiencing it. Jenny does that on this tune, which Music Fog filmed in a private session last year in Nashville. Here is our exclusive studio recording of "Good Men."

- Jessie Scott

Shannon McNally "Where Are You Tonight?"

Here is hoping you are safe and healthy in this weirdest of times. Staying busy helps, as so many of us are working from home. Of course, my mission has been keeping my radio station WMOT on the air, both for the comfort of the music, and to keep the audience updated about COVID-19. Music provides a link to normalcy which is most welcome right now. I love how creative people are being on the socials, and it is amazing how many live streaming shows are happening every day.

So much of an artist’s income comes from touring, which is just not possible at the moment. Over the course of the last couple of decades, Shannon McNally has become quite the gig MVP. When we filmed her last year, she was about to go on the road with Steve Earle & The Dukes. She’s done stints with Rodney Crowell, who produced her Black Irish album, and most recently contributed to Just Like Moby Dick from the iconic Terry Allen & The Panhandle Mystery Band. Oh yeah and she has new music coming sometime this year, too! Speaking of which, especially now, artists need your support. Buy a CD or some merch, or leave a tip for their live streaming sessions. It is shocking to have the entire live audience construct crumble before our eyes. Please help if you are able. Today’s Music Fog tune is brand new premiere from Shannon McNally's forthcoming album. “Where Are You Tonight?” was filmed during a private recording session in Nashville.

- Jessie Scott