Americana Music

Will Kimbrough "I Like It Down Here"

SXSW© is next week. I have been attending for over two decades, though many of my music biz friends have given up on the experience. Yes it is crowded, yes it is unwieldy, and yes it is difficult to even naviagte around Austin. It is, however, still a thrill for me to be in the company of thousands of music lovers and artists from all over the world. We become a community with a single purpose; to revel in the wonder of all the music brought forth by people of every stripe. I dunno, it just quickens my breath. Of course you know my radio station WMOT is broadcasting and videocasting 30 artists for the 895 Sessions from The Backstage at El Mercado on South 1st starting Tuesday. Also, we are partnering in the day party at the Cactus Cafe on Tuesday with KUTX Radio. We are presenting sets by Shinyribs, Carrie Rodriguez, Carson McHone, Ben Dickey, Chris Shiflett, and Robert Ellis. You will hear all these sets on the air at WMOT afterwards and the broadcast schedule will be announced.

"Getting down in it" is the sentiment of the brand new title from Will Kimbrough. I Like It Down Here is coming out on April 19th, but its already generating buzz. Will was accompanied by Bryan Owings, and Chris Donohue for the Music Fog video session at the beginning of February. Frankly, we couldn't wait to get this one out. Effortless playing, intoxicating lyrics and the gruff and grit that Will always brings make for a compeling title track. See for yourself, here is "I Like It Down Here."

- Jessie Scott

Brennen Leigh "Analog"

I think it was two years ago, at Ray Benson's (Asleep at the Wheel) 66th birthday party. It is a Tuesday event, kicking off music week of SXSW©, and Ray raises money for the Austin musicians health organization, HAAM that evening. He also invites lots of friends to the stage as part of the festivities, and as I entered, the song “Analog” was wafting through the air. The writer of that tune was singing, and she is Brennen Leigh. She speaks of an easier time, when human connection wasn’t so challenged by competing electronics.

Brennen Leigh and Noel McKay came to play for the Music Fog cameras while we were filming in Nashville early February. Brennen and Noel will be playing for my bash in Austin for SXSW©, which I am happy to say will be broadcast live on WMOT.org, and live video on the WMOT/VuHaus/NPR Music channel. Sorry to say the Foggers are not making this trip, but here are the artists WMOT Roots Radio will be showcasing at El Mercado, 1302 S 1st from Noon to 6pm, Tuesday March 12th through Saturday March 16th. Listen, watch or come by if you are in Austin.

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Tuesday 3/12 

  • 12:00PM Rosie Flores

  • 1:00PM Dale Watson

  • 2:00PM Pat Byrne

  • 3:00PM Kelly Willis

  • 4:00PM Brother Brothers

  • 5:00PM Ray Wylie Hubbard

Wednesday 3/13

  • 12:00PM Chuck Mead

  • 1:00PM Cactus Blossoms

  • 2:00PM Sam Morrow

  • 3:00PM Bill Kirchen

  • 4:00PM Bonnie Bishop

  • 5:00PM Logan Ledger

Thursday 3/14

  • 12:00PM Liz Brasher

  • 1:00PM Bailen

  • 2:00PM Band of Heathens

  • 3:00PM Joshua Ray Walker

  • 4:00PM Brennen Leigh & Noel McKay

  • 5:00PM Sarah Potenza

Friday 3/15

  • 12:00PM John Paul White

  • 1:00PM Cedric Burnside

  • 2:00PM John The Martyr

  • 3:00PM Nakia & The Blues Grifters

  • 4:00PM Tyler Ramsey

  • 5:00PM Marcus King Band

Saturday 3/16

  • 12:00PM Jamestown Revival

  • 1:00PM Drivin’ & Cryin’

  • 2:00PM Garrett LaBeau

  • 3:00PM Marcia Ball

  • 4:00PM Jared Deck

  • 5:00PM The Peterson Brothers

Something to get you excitied now, the the Music Fog recording of "Analog" from Brennen Leigh, filmed in Nashville just a few weeks ago.

- Jessie Scott

Parker Millsap "Other Arrangements"

New sessions are at hand at last for Music Fog, as the Foggers traveled to Nashville, just over a week ago, to film 29 artists over 3 days. It was good to be back in recording mode, and we will have lots of tasty music to bring you in the coming months.

First up, we welcome Parker Millsap! Parker has been on quite the ride since his first of four albums arrived in 2012. Accolades from major newspapers have rolled in, along with a Conan appearance, a duet with Elton John, an Austin City Limits taping, and an award nomination for Album of the Year from The Americana Music Association. Having watched him since he was 20, I can attest first hand to the excitement being generated by his dynamic performances.

Millsap's latest album, Other Arrangements, came out last year and brought new instrumentation and intensity to his ever soulful and raw vocals. His fine eye for detail in song is being honed further with every project, and though he is just 25, his talent is remarkable; sophisticated and exhuberent. Of late, he has been touring solo, and that is what we bring you today. Here is the Music Fog recording of the title track from Parker Millsap’s Other Arrangements, filmed in Nashville during a private session on February 8th.

- Jessie Scott