Stonehoney "There Is Light"

We had a great time filming Stonehoney at our Threadgill's showcase during SXSW this past March. So, we were looking forward to crossing paths again at the Cherokee Creek Music Festival. But they were scheduled to play the after party into the wee hours on Sunday morning, at a remote location, so we decided to slide them into the bus Saturday night first for a Music Fog session. I think Paul Thorn was on stage while we were recording inside---it's surprising that you can't hear the stage music booming through!

Stonehoney's new album The Cedar Creek Sessions will be released on July 6th. It's named after the studio in Austin where they recorded the album...live. That's the best way to capture the harmony magic of this group. Just fly some mics, roll everywhere, and let the sweet sonics flow! In this video, we've tried to stick with that theory and share with you exactly what it would sound like if you were sitting on the bus right next to the guys. "There Is Light" is featured on the forthcoming CD and is a full on participant of the big Stonehoney sound.

-Aaron

Griffin House - "Rule This World"

There are still some places left on earth that are not super served by modern communication in all its glory. We have been on site at the Cherokee Creek Music Festival in Cherokee, TX, for a beautiful weekend of unplugging. Talking to each other, sharing the experience, sharing the music, which, by the way WASN’T unplugged. The sound was awesome under the big tent, as we were entertained by a stellar lineup. We are sorry we haven’t posted more from here, but connectivity was an issue. Imagine if you will a day that lasts until 3 am recording and editing, and then a morning wake up for a 25 mile drive to Llano, where we would “appropriate” wi-fi from somewhere in town so we could post a video to the Music Fog site.

We filmed David Jacobs-Strain, Dustin Welch, John Fullbright, Sam Baker, Griffin House, Kevin Welch, subdudes, Paul Thorn, Stonehoney, and Jimmy Lafave. In the next days and weeks, we will be bringing you videos from these sessions. Yes, there were more artists here, some that we didn’t get to record...but there is always next time! A word about Jimmy Lafave. He is a visionary and bridge builder. He looks to bring people together who love music with integrity, and had a hand in the crafting of the lineup. Thanks to Fred, Mark, and Kelcy from Music Road Records for making us welcome! This was a sweet retreat, indeed.

We met Griffin House yesterday. Watching him play in the front lounge of our bus recalled the years many artists spend behind closed doors, in solitude in their bedroom or basement: songwriting, rehearsing, playing for the sheer love of it. When artists become sure of their path, and start performing their music for other people, WE love being to amplify it. His new album The Learner comes out on June 22nd. This song, featured on that album, is so quiet and gentle, it brings you to that moment in the stillness of night, behind closed doors, translating thought and feeling into song. Griffin House, drink it in.

- Jessie Scott

Asylum Street Spankers "Didn't It Rain"

The stage at Threadgill's was filled to capacity. There were so many folks on stage that their were two rows of them! The Asylum Street Spankers brought Broadway to us. The word TROUPE comes to mind, yes, and Vaudeville. There are old and loved concepts. They have been at it a long time themselves, with roots that stretch back to 1994 when Christina Marrs met Wammo at a mind expanding party in Llano, Texas. Within a year they conquered Austin, playing three SRO weekly residencies. In 1997 the band began venturing out into the wider world. Since then, Christina and Wammo have pushed their ever-evolving troupe from the early American music forms to new works for the stage and sociopolitical commentary. They are audacious, irrereverant, bubbling over with talent, and hallelujah - there is a brand new album, God's Favorite Band, their ninth.

We dedicate "Didn't It Rain" to the fine folks of Nashville who are rebuilding from the deluge. We direct your attention again to the Red Cross to help if you can.

- Jessie Scott