Chuck Mead “Tap Into Your Misery”

Thursday, April 16th, was the first ever Public Radio Music Day, and some 70 stations in 30 states took part in it. Every station did different specials, and ours, WMOT Nashville, was a radio festival. We broadcast 15 sessions from different events that took place in the last year. 15 hours is a lot of live music, and I was living vicariously through it. I actually tried to feel what it is like when we presented these events which is very physical. By the end of the day, I felt like I had run a marathon and danced through all the sets. I would say that is “Mission Accomplished” in the new normal. We presented amazing music all day long, including from The Wood Brothers, Yola, Sierra Hull, The Mavericks, Robert Randolph & The Family Band and ten more. Can’t wait until we can present live music again, in person.

Photo Credit: Joshua Black Wilkins

Ah, the virtual will have to do for now. Me, I am loving how much live music is bubbling up all the time on the socials. Chuck Mead, of BR549 fame, is doing a series of shows. The Lil’ SOB Jamboree is happening again today at 5pm CDT. Well worth your time to grab a libation, roll up the rug and get busy. Cause, you gotta get your exercise, so why not dance? Today we bring you “Tap Into Your Misery” from a private session Music Fog did with Chuck last year in Nashville. Not that he is talking about tap dancing, but hey, why not?

- Jessie Scott

Logan Ledger "Let the Mermaids Flirt with Me"

The Nashville songwriting community took a hit this week with the loss of John Prine from COVID-19 complications. Mourning was immediate and widespread, as John’s music touched so many people during his fifty-year career. He was a portraitist, a storyteller and a soothsayer. He could make you laugh and cry, and all delivered in a simple, tuneful, three minute long, slice of life. It’s so hard to make it seem so easy.

Here is hoping your stay at home, or work from home time is going alright. Wash your hands, keep to yourself, and wear a mask if you must go out. Oh yeah, now is a prime time to do a YouTube deep dive.

Allow us to introduce you to a major new voice. Logan Ledger’s self-titled album just came out, produced by T Bone Burnett who discovered Logan and signed him to his label. Dreamy voice, right? This is a simple, beautiful, evocative tune. Here is the Music Fog recording of “Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me,” from a private Nashville session last year. We trust that John Prine is flirting with them right now, and that Logan has miles and miles to go before he meets up on the banks of that river. Stay safe, stay healthy!

- Jessie Scott

Jason Ringenberg "God Bless the Ramones"

I want to take you back to a happier era in NYC. I moved back to my home state in 1975 to work on the radio at WPIX and then WHN. It was a magical time, lots of possibilities, lots of different threads of creativity. There were some amazingly cool hangs, from the uber hip Max’s Kansas City, to the Texas-centric Lone Star Caféwhich was about to open, to the legendary CBGB & OMFUG. The name stood for Country, Bluegrass, Blues, and Other Music for Uplifting Gormandizers. It rapidly descended into a home for punk and new wave, with Blondie, Patti Smith, and of course, The Ramones leading the way. It was a heady yet innocent time, and everyone was pushing the limits. And of course, NYC was a pretty inexpensive place to live then, which always encourages artist communities.

Ahhh the Ramones, they were ever so earnest in their mission. And so were Jason & The Scorchers. Rock and Roll reminds us there are no rules to success. And though neither band generated superstar income, they both left their indelible marks on society. Today’s video comes from the inimitable Jason Ringenberg, as he chronicles a Texas tour The Scorchers did with The Ramones. Music Fog filmed Jason's kicking legs and frenetic energy last year in a private session in Nashville. I love this video! "God Bless The Ramones." And God Bless New York.

-Jessie Scott