Will Kimbrough "I Like It Down Here"

SXSW© is next week. I have been attending for over two decades, though many of my music biz friends have given up on the experience. Yes it is crowded, yes it is unwieldy, and yes it is difficult to even naviagte around Austin. It is, however, still a thrill for me to be in the company of thousands of music lovers and artists from all over the world. We become a community with a single purpose; to revel in the wonder of all the music brought forth by people of every stripe. I dunno, it just quickens my breath. Of course you know my radio station WMOT is broadcasting and videocasting 30 artists for the 895 Sessions from The Backstage at El Mercado on South 1st starting Tuesday. Also, we are partnering in the day party at the Cactus Cafe on Tuesday with KUTX Radio. We are presenting sets by Shinyribs, Carrie Rodriguez, Carson McHone, Ben Dickey, Chris Shiflett, and Robert Ellis. You will hear all these sets on the air at WMOT afterwards and the broadcast schedule will be announced.

"Getting down in it" is the sentiment of the brand new title from Will Kimbrough. I Like It Down Here is coming out on April 19th, but its already generating buzz. Will was accompanied by Bryan Owings, and Chris Donohue for the Music Fog video session at the beginning of February. Frankly, we couldn't wait to get this one out. Effortless playing, intoxicating lyrics and the gruff and grit that Will always brings make for a compeling title track. See for yourself, here is "I Like It Down Here."

- Jessie Scott

Waylon Payne "Santa Ana Winds"

Bonnaroo 2017 is now a memory. Bonnaroo, and road crewing, when we were all at XM Satellite Radio played such a huge part in Music Fog even existing at all. We loved being on the bus together, building something out of nothing. It gets the adrenaline cranking, living by one’s wits and performing in extreme circumstances. Kinda like those reality TV competitions. We thought there should be a show to capture the back story of what we encountered on the road. That includes the magic moments, having some of the best artists in the world come up on our bus and perform in an intimate setting. Good times, indeed. I was at this year's Bonnaroo to broadcast live, Saturday and Sunday afternoon, on my new radio station, WMOT. And then we carried The Bluegrass Situation’s Super Roots Jam with Ede Helms and friends, including Margo Price, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Lillie Mae, Greensky Bluegrass, The River Whyless, Baskery, and more. By the way, you can listen to my new radio station at 89.5 FM in Middle Tennessee, on the app (iPhone/iPad or Android)at WMOT.org or RootsRadio.com.

There was another bus trip during SXSW© several years back, in the XM days, when we had Waylon Payne aboard. We drove him from a Willie Nelson concert at The Backyard in Austin, to the Saxon Pub, to a waiting Stephen Bruton. Stephen passed a few years ago, and I miss him mightily! Fellow travelers all.

Waylon has been living in Nashville for a while now. He has been working on a new album with Frank Liddell producing, and the big news is that it will see light of day soon. Music Fog captured Waylon doing this song at Nashville's 3rd & Lindsley Backstage in January, 2016. Here is the Music Fog edition of “Santa Ana Winds,” a song of longing and yearning, and of the Santa Ana’s which blow hot in the summer.

- Jessie Scott

Gary Nicholson "Smile Millionaire"

I wanted to take a minute to report the passing of my friend Greg Trooper. Greg was a raconteur, troubadour, and curmudgeon with a perpetual twinkle in his eye. He left us too soon, succumbing to cancer over the weekend. My condolences to his family, and to all of those who are the legion of his friends. In another life, I asked him to open for Emmylou Harris at The Bottom Line in New York, in the late 90's. He blew the room away, as did Emmy with Buddy and Julie Miller accompanying her on stage. It was a golden night.

With so many music legends leaving us in 2016, I am a little melancholic. But there are a couple of things that I need to emphasize. We should continue to support our artists: buy their records, stream their music, come out to see them play live.

Today’s video comes from Gary Nicholson, who had Colin Linden in tow for this Music Fog session from January 2016. Gary is one of those guys that has a rich and deep catalog – check out all the stuff he has co-written with Delbert McClinton, and you will see. (Explore all the artists that have recorded his songs here.) By the way, Delbert has a new album just coming out called, “Prick of the Litter.” Look for Gary touring solo, and under his blues persona Whitey Johnson. He is a magic man.

Remember too, that music heals. So do smiles. Here is Gary’s Music Fog exclusive video for "Smile Millionaire."

- Jessie Scott