James Hyland "Radio City"

I'd have to say the South Austin Jug Band was my initial entrée to the music of James Hyland. I was at XM, programming a whole lot of Texas music on X Country, trying to stay on top of the rich scene, though I was doing it from long distance and periodic trips to Austin. The rest of the time, I relied on trusted sources to make sure I was aware of cool stuff going on. I think the first time I saw SAJB might have been at MusicFest in Steamboat Springs, but there was solo James Hyland that I played on the radio as well, from the album Place I Call Home from 2001. Sorry to say the SAJB has come to an end after a nine year run. Now James' solo career has kicked into high gear. There was recently a plea for a fan funded album production budget…don't know whether this is still going on, but it's an interesting document about how the music business is changing, in any case.

A word about this song, "Radio City." It is desperately sad what the radio industry has come to, what with homogenized playlists and a lack of willingness to try anything new. Play the same songs over and over for decades, and see where that gets you. Radio used to reflect the market it was in, Miami sounded different than Detroit. Programmers once trusted their gut, and the best ones were channeling their audience. It was innate. And it was magical. Today, what with so many other choices for your attention, one would think that passionate radio could make a comeback. Most owners are too scared to even think about bringing the golden days of radio back. So we are left with a medium that is no longer a focal point. Watch the film Pirate Radio to see the difference. Radio used to be evocative, personal, compelling. And yes, it could be again. (We don't mean to condemn ALL radio, as there are still some shining lights out there!)

None other than the Austin American Statesman calls James "The Leader of the New Old School." He and his kick-ass band The Joint Chiefs have a Sunday night residency at Momo's in Austin. We were happy to welcome James Hyland, with Kim Deschamps, to the Threadgill's stage during our March showcase.

- Jessie Scott

Joe Ely "Live Forever"

Telluride. The word conjures up clean, breathable air, and pine trees majestically towering over the steep terrain. You gotta remember, I live in Texas now, and summer has descended upon us in a big way! Telluride also has this amazing Americana commitment. There are festivals planned all summer long. First up is the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, which starts on June 17th. Then on August 13th, you have the Rocky Mt. Folks Festival.

Smack dab in the middle, July 21st to 24th, it's the Americana Music Weekend at the Historic Sheridan Opera House in Telluride. You might have noticed their ad on our website. If you haven't clicked on it, then you don't know 'bout this sweet deal! And there is an added bonus, now, as the Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association, which puts on free Sunset Concerts in the Mountain Village on Wednesday evenings in the summer, has announced that its July 21st guest will be Corey Harris. That will be immediately followed by the VIP party with Darden Smith. Then, on Thursday, July 22nd, it's a Song Swap featuring Amanda Shires, Rod Picott, Stacey Earle, and Mark Stuart. Friday, July 23rd brings you Jason Eady and The Band of Heathens, and on Saturday, July 24th it's Sam Baker and Joe Ely. Beans and I are going! You should too! We can caucus in the high mountain air for some sweet times with great music. Summer camp, indeed.

So let's get you some Joe Ely, as inspiration!!! This is Billy Joe's "Live Forever" recorded in front of an avid audience at Threadgill's during SXSW in March. I am counting the days 'til Telluride!

- Jessie Scott

Paul Thorn "Pimps and Preachers"

Paul Thorn is working it all. The charm, the sweet Southern drawl, the homespun philosophy about life. The goofy smile and the twinkle in his eyes when he is about to say something that his upbringing wouldn't have allowed in other times. I love the downright intensity of his purpose and path. It's interesting that for as old fashioned as Paul is, the fact is he is cutting-edge embracing the new music business landscape, trying to push through the minefield into becoming a household name. There is now a Paul Thorn iPhone App. He has ringtones. His blog is a hoot, and Paul has been working the fans network on Facebook, where his updates are a slice of his life and are highly recommended reading. If it were only 20 years ago, he would be known in more houses than just mine and yours, but it is so much harder today.

Also highly recommended is Paul's new album, Pimps and Preachers, due out on June 22nd. His songwriting work is articulate, having always had distinct threads running through as he casts an eye on what he sees around him. He loves to write portraits of that landscape, and he catalogs interior feelings with as much insight. On this new album, there is a heightened sense of what the Paul Thorn Band brings also; a hot, tight unit, speaking with one voice. Then there is the coffee table book, with Paul's folk-art drawings, and a demo CD of solo acoustic versions of every song on the album! In fact one can procure it all, as there is a pre-release special available through his website, for a limited time.

Here's one of our versions of the title track, recorded in Memphis while aboard the Music Fog bus.

- Jessie Scott