Phil Lee with Tom Mason "Blues In Reverse"

The Music Fog world is populated with characters. Hot house grown in nutrient rich soil, so they might develop into their own brand of flower. Though, Phil Lee might take issue with me calling him a flower. He ain't no pansy, and I don't mean it that way anyway. He is a total trip. Smart mouthing, risk taking, exploring life with his craft. It is no wonder he wanted to do a show in the Mississippi Delta at Po' Monkey's...talk about fertile ground!

He brought Tom Mason with him on guitar. During Folk Alliance, when I would just randomly look around, Tom Mason would materialize. Maybe they time travel, materialize through walls when you conjure them; maybe they just use astral projection. I don't know, but there is something going on. Check out this first ever recorded version of "Blues In Reverse." Phil Lee is inventive and fun, even when he's singing the blues.

-Jessie

Will Kimbrough "A Couple Hundred Miracles"

We're back home from Folk Alliance in Memphis, and just marveling at all the incredible artists and songs that we recorded aboard the magic bus from Celebrity Coaches. One song that popped out at me was this from Will Kimbrough. I believe I'm twisting the meaning of the song, as opposed to the author's intention, but that's the beauty of music, right? It's subjective. I'm talking about the Couple Hundred Miracles that have to happen in order for us to present this music to you. Behind the scenes, there are so many sacrifices made by friends, family, artists, managers, sponsors, etc. And while we do months of advance planning to pull off these remote recording events, there's always a touch of adapting to "the moment" in every situation---I think that's what keeps it exciting and real for all involved. You never really know what's going to happen. One thing is for certain, though. It's an honor for us to work with so many talented musicians, to be welcomed into their hearts with trust, to share their music with you on this ever-reaching platform, and to ponder the mystery and rewards that may unfold tomorrow. We're truly grateful for the sense of adventure it brings to our lives.

That was my take on the song. I'd love to hear how it relates to your life or surroundings. Leave a comment below, if it moves you. This song is on Will's new album, Wings, which is out today. Take a look at the album review Tommy Womack wrote for Music Fog. What a wonderful collection of well crafted songs. Once you snag your copy, I'm sure you'll agree. This is one of those records that other musicians rush out to buy, too...it's that good. Here's to A Couple Hundred Miracles, Will, and the mystery of tomorrow.

-Aaron

Jimmy LaFave "Restless Spirits"

There were plenty of artists with an axe to grind at Folk Alliance. Final Music Fog count of songs that involved:

• Guns - 2
• Songs about scorned love - 17
• Dead dogs - 2
• Ex-wives - 7
• And restless spirits - 1

The restless spirit stuff always comes from Jimmy Lafave. He was the last to perform on the Celebrity Coaches bus on night #1. After a couple of delays on the first day, Jimmy did make it on board. The delay helped because it gave time for Rad, Jimmy's squeeze box player, to make it in from Iowa for the session. Jimmy also brought along John Fullbright on guitar and vocals. John is the latest Americana Music buzz around Austin, and you will see why on later videos we will post of him performing his music with Jimmy and Rad. For now, here is "Restless Spirits."

-Beans