Noel McKay "Flying and Falling"

It’s AmericanaFest week in Nashville and I have been drinking deep from the well of wonderful music. NPR Music, World Café and my radio station, WMOT Nashville, have teamed up to provide day stage coverage, and Saturday from 12p to 6p CT, The Wood Brothers, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Allison Moorer, The Get Ahead, Jade Jackson, and Drivin’ N Cryin’ will be performing. Watch on NPR Music, or listen worldwide at WMOT.org. Last night I caught a set by the South Austin Moonlighters, and I was reminded how much I love Texas artists, playing “hot as a pistol” and singing moving four-part harmony.

Today’s Music Fog video comes from Texas born and bred Noel McKay. He made his mark originally with his brother Hollin in The McKay Brothers, having been tutored in the ways of music by none other than Guy Clark. He has written songs with Guy, as well as David Olney, Shawn Camp, and Brennen Leigh, who takes part in this performance, as does Melissa Carper. McKay splits his time between Austin and Nashville, where he and Leigh are part of the burgeoning Neo Trad scene. Look for European Dates later this autumn, after a few Texas shows. Here is an exclusive Music Fog recording of "Flying and Falling."

- Jessie Scott

Jenny Leigh "Talk Myself Out"

AMERICANAFEST® is next week! Fans, friends, colleagues, and artists are all so excited to be attending this one, the 20th annual Americana Music Festival and Conference. Over 300 artists will be playing official showcases, and there are parties and panels all over Nashville. As I have said before, if you love Americana Music, this week is where you can drink deep from the well. If you are not planning on making your way here this year, consider doing it next year! Click here for the details.

Music discovery quickens my pulse, when a new song touches your heart. I especially love when it is delivered with crystalline vocals that makes the heartache palpable. Such is the power of Jenny Leigh. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, she is now Nashville based. You might recognize her from season 6 of the TV show Nashville on CMT. This one leaves it all on the floor. Here is the Music Fog recording of “Talk Myself Out.”

- Jessie Scott

Watson Twins "Hustle and Shake"

Happy Labor Day. This is the weekend we might thank Labor Unions for 5 day weeks, 8 hour days, weekends off. The occasional 3 day weekend is always a wonderful time to take a deep breath and recalibrate. Enjoy this last weekend of summer, well unofficially, anyway.

The Watson Twins have accompanied countless artists with glorious backing vocals, likely the most famous of them is the Jenny Lewis and The Watson Twins “Rise Up With Fists!!” a song I dearly love to this day. In fact, the sisters are on tour now, opening for Jenny Lewis, and they've also been added to the Pilgimage Festival in Franklin, TN September 21st & 22nd.

Around five years ago, the twins decided to come back to the South, leaving L.A. behind, to relocate to the adjacent state of their Kentucky childhood. Nashville loves them, and I hope they feel the same way about Music City. They were inspired by being here to write together for their latest album, and of course all is graced by their impeccable close harmonies. The song “Hustle & Shake” can be found on the Duo album from last year. Here is the Music Fog recording, Chandra and Leigh Watson, AKA The Watson Twins, from a private session this past February in Nashville.

- Jessie Scott