The Hobart Brothers with Lil Sis Hobart "Why I Don't Hunt"

It is time for SXSW, the annual rite of passage into Spring, and I do hope you turned your clocks ahead on Sunday like you were supposed to. Thank goodness for computers and smart phones, cause now they do it for you.

But seriously, SXSW won't be the same for me as it is when the rest of the Music Fog crew is in attendance. I arrived Sunday, and am doing two official showcases at The Saxon Pub for Hill Country Live in NY and DC, which is my new job. As of October, I am director of the music program for Hill Country Barbecue Market. This will be HCL's third year of official SXSW showcases (badges and wristbands needed for admission.) I am also putting on a day of music at Threadgill's WHQ on Friday for KDRPlive.org. you can listen to the Saxon shows and the Threadgill's daytime show on KDRP.Alas it won't be the same without the pictures, and the Music Fog crew…and our yearly piñata!.

Today's video was filmed at SXSW last year. One of the things that is ever cool are the special events at SX, and last year that included the magic of The Hobart Brothers with Lil Sis Hobart. They are JonDee Graham, Freedy Johnston and Susan Cowsill, in case you don't know, and they kicked their heels up upon the release of their album At Least We Have Each Other last year. From that, we have the Music Fog recording of “Why I Don’t Hunt,” from last year’s Music Fog Marathon at Threadgill’s during SXSW music week.

-Jessie Scott

Shurman "Hometown Judgement Day"

Long story short, I knew Aaron Beavers from the band Shurman back when he lived in LA, and as the fates would have it, we both wound up moving to Austin. His is a tale that mirrors the twists and turns of the state of the record biz. Label deal, then not, bad management that set him back for a year to regroup. Then a new indie oriented mindset, and a new album, accompanied by a major touring schedule. That is how you do it these days, when you do it for the love of music. I am proud of him for his perseverance, his dedication to family and music and path.

The latest album is called Inspiration, hatched when backs were up against the wall, and it was released almost exactly a year ago. I think there is always this feeling of not quite finished business when one leaves to move somewhere else, illuminated by the song "Hometown Judgement Day," from the Inspiration album, as captured by the Music Fog crew in March 2012 during the Spring Marathon at Threadgills.

-Jessie Scott

Suzanna Choffel "Hold Of The Night"

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