Amy Speace "It's Too Late To Call It A Night"

I went to the friendly neighborhood mall today, and was set on by some of the kiosk folks, promising collagen production, lifted skin and your basic “youth in a jar” impossibilities.  Then I headed to Sephora, for a wander into major Girlville, with colors and lotions and potions galore.  I was looking for something specific, but I encountered fruit juice infusions of every description.  Cherry lip gloss, Guava Body Butter, Vanilla Body Wash, along with so many other sweet and edible things that you get the feeling it all should be plated for dessert. The one thing I did purchase was hair (un)dressing cream, for that just out of bed look.  What can I say, are you sensing a theme here?

I know I'm not alone in cruising these aisles for retail therapy.  I'm sure it's something I could quite easily do with Amy Speace, and I’ll bet she uses some tres cool products.  I've asked many artists about the products they use, especially for wild looking hair, though I haven’t asked Amy.  She has a new album out, Land Like A Bird, and she has some cool stuff IN her hair; feathers, bows, I don’t exactly know, but it looks good.  And as always, Amy SOUNDS divine, and she's in the midst of a busy summer.  So today, we have a Music Fog solo from an early morning session in Nashville last September, “It’s Too Late To Call It A Night.”  In that case, the hair (un)dressing cream would be superfluous.

- Jessie Scott

David Jacobs-Strain "Rainbow Junkies"

Yoga DogSnap Crackle and Pop. I took my first yoga class after two decades, and am hearing the creaking. I am launching an offensive against the settling in of stiffness after surgery a few months back. And the class was glorious, with all the stretching and breathing. I bet I will be sore tomorrow, but I feel like I have accomplished something. As always, they played music in the class, which enhances the experience. The quiver of the peaceful woodwind reminds you to breathe deep.

So does the intro to today’s tune, “Rainbow Junkies” from David Jacobs-Strain. It’s from his 2008 release, Liar’s Day, which was produced by Kenny Passarelli, who is also playing bass on the record. They are joined on the album by Joe Vitale, who played Bonnaroo with Buffalo Springfield, on drums. By the way, Joe and Kenny were Joe Walsh’s rhythm section in the 70s. I guess if your interest is piqued, that means is you probably should pick up the album. We have David doing the song solo, from our Music Fog sessions during Americana Fest in Nashville in September.

-Jessie Scott

Hayes Carll "Chances Are"

I have got to quote some Townes Van Zandt here from “White Freight Liner,” “….Half of my friends are dying.” Monday I heard the news that Carl Gardner, who was a founding member of The Coasters, passed. I got to know him during my tenure at Old Town in Kissimmee, Florida, when I was working with the larger-than-life Wolfman Jack. My heart goes out to Carl’s wife and manager Veta and the rest of family. He was an American original, that’s for sure.

It has been a tapestry of rich threads, memorable characters, and as much present time as I can muster. During Bonnaroo on Friday, I wandered over to the Sonic Stage to see Hayes Carll’s performance there. Got to chat with him a minute afterwards. I am so proud of him for this album, and for being so nose to the grindstone as he has been for the last 5 years. The song that we bring you today speaks of all the broken heartedness that life has to offer, yet, the glimmer of hope that lives in each of our hearts. Keep it safe, protect it from the cold winds blowing it out, and it will serve you well. If it was 20 years ago, this would be a stone smash on country radio. But mainstream country don’t swing this way that much anymore. Good thing we do. “Chances Are” was filmed during our AmericanaFest coverage in Nashville in September.

-Jessie Scott

PS: There is now an official video for “Another Like You,” with a cameo from Mary Matalin and James Carville (WARNING: It starts with a commercial. We are sorry, but we can’t do anything about that.)
And there are a pile of dates coming.