The Howlin' Brothers "Quiet Town"

Happy Summer! It’s official and it’s finally here. Last Friday was the longest day of the year, but don’t fret, it will be a glorious season of stretching out, taking trips, and exploring. Don’t forget to take some time before summer’s end to enjoy the delights, including the aroma of honeysuckle, and the taste of fresh blackberries and homegrown tomatoes, just as a starter.

Now where do you get these things? Might I suggest a drive to a town outside the city, with the hum of insects and the still of the midday? Today’s video extols the virtues of living on the outskirts of a “Quiet Town,” and it’s from our good buddies The Howlin’ Brothers. Jared Green, Ian Craft and Dan Swan came to play for the Music Fog cameras in Nashville this past February. They bring some mighty fine pickin’ to their old timey and folk vibe, with a traditional sentiment here, in “Quiet Town.” You’ll find the original on their new album Still Howlin’. Here is the Music Fog recording. Savor summer!

- Jessie Scott

Bishop Gunn "Makin' It"

I was perusing the internets yesterday and came upon an Esquire Magazine article that ranked Rolling Stones albums to celebrate their 55th anniversary. I am not going to spoil it for you but the top five are all desert island albums for me. But then, I was always a Stones vs. Beatles girl. My very first show was The Stones at The Academy of Music in NYC, in 1964. I am so happy that their No Filter Tour has been rescheduled, what with Mick’s heart surgery. I swear I'm going to catch one of these shows, not sure which yet, since they are not playing Nashville.

The band Bishop Gunn is based in Nashville, but they don't play here much. Those fundamental rock and roll career building planks still hold true: Play out as much as you can, put on a great show, and gather your audience as you keep moving. Bishop Gunn is originally from Natchez, which is the title of their debut full-length album, released in 2018. They are readying their second album, and they have some great news to share. They will be opening for the Stones in Houston on July 27th! Yeah, I may have to go to THAT one! Music Fog filmed Bishop Gunn during our recent recording sessions in Nashville. Here are Travis McCready (vocals, acoustic guitar), Drew Smithers (electric slide guitar), Ben Lewis (bass), and Burne Sharp (drums) bringing soul, grit, and chops for days to “Makin’ It.”

- Jessie Scott

Chuck Mead "Close to Home"

Back in the saddle again after road trippin’ for the month of May, and so it’s back to “work.” I have been determining sonics for the 10,000 songs in the library at my radio station, WMOT. It is a process that splits hairs a tad, trying to figure out where one genre ends and another begins can be a total judgment call. Plus, I have some whacky categories like Spaghetti Western, and Circus, the latter being the jug band or calliope influenced stuff. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it. Haha only kidding.

Today’s song splits the difference between Honky Tonk and Rockabilly. Chuck Mead, of BR5-49 and Million Dollar Quartet (musical) fame has a brand new album coming out on June 21st, his first in five years. Close to Home was produced by red hot Matt Ross-Spang at Sam Phillips Recording Studios in Memphis. Music Fog caught up with Chuck this past February in Nashville. Today’s video is the title track, “Close To Home,” solo electric style.

- Jessie Scott