Red Dirt Rangers "Heaven & Hell"

Black Friday. The very words wring terror in my heart. I drive past the parking lots of shopping Mecca's with a genuine wonder as to the constitutions of those that would treat shopping like camping out all night to buy tickets for a major concert. Well, at least it is a physical exercise! And after yesterday's turkey, ham, roast beef, root vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy, and 4 gooey desserts, I guess it is not a bad idea to do some 'power shopping' and a rousing round of mall-walking in your tennies.

If you are going to send out cards this year, there are cool ones at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum from Hatch Show Printers. These are the prints that have accompanied the Grand Ole Opry Shows, among others, for decades. The Nashville store started operating in 1879, actually predating the Opry by 44 years. They employ hand-carved blocks and wood type, and their iconic posters appeared on buildings and barns across rural America back in the day.

Lots of other gift giving options at the CMHOF, too, and they are having their first-ever Black Friday and Cyber Monday online deals which includes free shipping on orders until December 15th. Check their website for any updates. And there are discounts on Country Music Foundation originals, among them, the Johnny Cash Christmas Specials 1976-1979 DVD Box Set. Me, I want the Johnny Cash - Triple Johnny poster! (Alvin, Alvin...Alvin!).

Next year it would be great if the Hatch folks would do a Red Dirt Christmas Card...maybe it could say 'Have A Green and Red Dirt Christmas,' or maybe it could be an homage to 'Rudolph The Red Dirt Reindeer.' Either sentiment would go along side their Honky Tonky Christmas Cards. And in honor of different strokes for different folks, whether you are avoiding the shopping or embracing it, let's all be thankful that this is the time of year that we celebrate, give gifts, and get together, whatever your choices.

We got to hook up with The Red Dirt Rangers during the heat of the summer at WoodyFest in Okemah, Oklahoma, but inside the cool air conditioning of the Thompson's Loft. We bring you an exclusive track from July's sessions, "Heaven & Hell," which will likely be on their next album. The Red Dirt Rangers for Music Fog.

- Jessie Scott

Over the Rhine "The Laugh of Recognition"

They are a storied duo, Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist, and have been around for 20 years at the core of Over the Rhine. OtR began in 1990, starting band life as most do; with four pieces as a rock outfit. "I was continuing my education, considering my masters degree, when this tall, lanky fella approached me about singing lead for some rock band in Cincinnati," recalls the classically trained Bergquist. "I didn’t just jump at the chance. I lunged."

The name came from the gritty neighborhood Over-the-Rhine, which the band first called home base. They found local success, and started to attract a wider audience with the release of two indie, and beautifully packaged, records. Then they signed to IRS, which re-released their second record Patience with its original artwork. I can tell you that the packaging caught my attention first when I was a radio programmer, and a listen proved that their art wasn't just skin deep. Their catalog is impressive, abundant, and artful.

We all just missed their train trip into the Southwest with Lucy Wainwright Roche, Mickey Grimm, Swan Dive, Michael Wilson and Lynn Neal, as it wrapped up on November 10th, but there are shows ahead that will drench you in sonics and wonder.

And REJOICE! There is a new CD on the way, The Long Surrender, set for release on February 8th, 2011. No need to fret, though, as Music Fog was given the opportunity to record the band in preparation for the new album to come out. Here's an exclusive from Over the Rhine, filmed during our sessions at Americana Fest in Nashville this past September. From the forthcoming CD, enjoy "The Laugh of Recognition." Yum!

- Jessie Scott

Amy Speace "Ghost"

She is a rare bird, with exotic plumage, and a bell-like tone to her exquisite and expressive voice. Amy Speace has three albums under her belt, plus an EP called Into the New: Alternates, Leftovers, & Orphans, that she put out at the beginning of the year. When we were in Nashville this September, Music Fog wound up with some time in the schedule, so we summoned her. I believe we actually had the audacity to call her at 8am, but she is the kind of artist who you can wake early, and won't be surly when you do. She even called her band mates to roust them, too! Alas, festival life means burning the candle at both ends!

Amy has a new tour and project, because, after all, you have to keep things interesting. It is called Decembersongs, and the idea for it was hatched back in February at Folk Alliance, in Memphis, following each artist's separate showcase. Amy thought bringing these voices and personalities together would be, as she says, "extraordinary." The equally intrepid artists are: Dan Navarro, Sally Barris, and Jon Vezner. They will hit the road for eleven shows, criss crossing the regions of the country, for a Christmas Tour. The group plans to play in-the-round, with mostly original holiday songs being performed. And of course, the Decembersongs EP will be available. All the cool kids are doing it!

Sorry to keep the drum pounding on the Christmas stuff, when we haven't even had our turkey yet. But at least it is after Halloween. Ah, but now that I think of it, maybe we should have brought you this song during that holiday! It's called "Ghost," and it will be found on Amy's next CD, which she recently finished recording. It's called Land Like a Bird, and we hear it will be out at the end of March. Here is Amy, who couldn't quite rouse the band during the early morning hours, at Americana Fest in Nashville. We'll take it any way she wants to bring it!

- Jessie Scott

Update on 2010-11-18 14:14 by Music Fog

Amy just announced that you can download two songs free, from her upcoming album, via her website. One of the songs is "Ghost," featured in this article, and the other is "It's Too Late to Call it a Night." Click here.