Stonehoney "Independence Day"

Having spent a wonderful weekend amidst the music in the mountains at High Sierra Music Festival, I can attest that freedom is a wonderful thing to celebrate. Like the freedom of these road trips I take to music events, whereupon people get to immerse themselves in their passion, share the experience with one another, and in essence, create a city out of a rural pasture or fairgrounds. Often overheard at these events is "Why can't life be like this all the time?" With good friends, good music, good food and good times. And I would also suggest good citizenship, so that we can keep the lifestyle afloat. That means tending to our environs, to keeping engaged in our democracy.

In years gone by, Independence Day has signified so many things for me, from the days with radio where we did the fireworks and programmed the music, to the ones where you savor patriotism like after 911, to the personal declaring of separation from a co-dependent relationship, and everything in between.

We hung out with Stonehoney in May at the Cherokee Creek Music Festival, and they played us some brand new songs. Stonehoney tour dates are listed here. They are powerful players. And what ever you do, however you declare your own version of independence this 4th, remember the troops, and all who came before in support of Lady Liberty. Watch the fireworks, observe the burn ban, and get home safe.

We bring you Stonehoney's Dave Phenicie, taking the lead on "Independence Day."

-Jessie Scott

Uncle Lucius "I Am You"

Often my point of view is defined as much by my boundaries, as it is by my position.  I have been in Austin a couple of years now, and pretty much have been going to the same restaurants.  Nothing wrong with that, but you know how easy it is to get into a rut.  Mine has been Tex Mex, one of the two hugely celebrated cuisines here, the other, of course, being barbecue.  Being so close to the border, with so many many Mexican families that called Texas home long before it became a republic, Tex Mex is the local flavor.  Recently, there is another label that has been dancing on the edge of my consciousness, Interior Mexican, especially one of my favorite Mexican cuisines, Yucatecan.  Fortunately, we have several glorious restaurants that specialize in it, like Polvos and Sazon and El Chile, so I've been able to go exploring right here in Austin.

"Pushing boundaries" is an interesting concept when applied to the band Uncle Lucius.  Are they "Southern Rock?" Or "Southern Boogie," as we called it back in the day?  Are they a jam band, or does their R&B, or Country, or Rock and Roll flavor define them?  And does any of it even matter, when they can just whip you into a frenzy when you see them live.  So whatever border you are near; whether urban or rural, Mason or Dixon, Canadian or Mexican, there is something for you here.  Today, it's a brand new tune from Uncle Lucius from the Music Fog Marathon in March at Threadgill’s WHQ, crossing the ultimate border - that of ourselves. “I Am You.” Catch them in concert near you soon.

- Jessie Scott

Guy Forsyth "Everything Breaks"

Tomorrow, I take off for the High Sierra Music Festival on one of those WAY early in the morning flights. So weird to get to the airport before the sun comes up, and have it be a bustling hive of activity. Only way I have ever been able to get up early is by not going to bed the night before.  But I am gonna hook up with my old buddy Felton Pruitt from Fat Music, for a multiday webcast.  I can't wait to see the California mountains again, and Felton has put together quite the broadcast line up.

Photo by Aaron SettipaneIt'll be good to escape the 100 degree days in Austin, it's been way too hot this season.  I feel very comfortable here, even with the thermometer topping out in the triple digits.  A couple of Friday nights ago, Denise and I went to the Saxon Pub for the Guy Forsyth show.  He was in a deep indigo mood, with an unreal richness to the blues he was bringing.  He is one of those guys who can do it all, for real.  Name the genre, even Broadway, and Guy is a master at it.  He teaches Tai Chi once a week, and is working on his new album, which will have a philosophical bent. We should see the release next year. In the meantime, when Guy came by the Music Fog Marathon at Threadgill’s in March, he played some brand new tunes for us, like this one, “Everything Breaks."  Enjoy.

- Jessie Scott