Madison Violet "No Fool For Trying"

When Madison Violet played the Mansion on O last year, I have to confess I didn't know anything about them. All that changed in the space of a few minutes during soundcheck. Their sound is unforgettable, feeling at once brand-new and warmly familiar. Their songs are equally distinct, and so it's no wonder they just took the Folk Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for their song "The Ransom". It was fantastic to see them again in Memphis, where they joined us on the bus for a few songs, including this one, the title cut from their last album. Check out the rest of the album at the link below.

-Chris

Amelia Curran "The Mistress"

She was the seventh artist due on the Celebrity Coaches bus that day. It was the third day of taping, so we were all getting a bit punchy. Meeting new Americana artists is always a thrill. There is an allure to it. It's just like bait on the end of a fishing line for me. But Amelia Curran had something that transfixed me.

There she was just outside of the bus smoking a cigarette. I had announced to the crew that I would "blaze the way" for them and go outside to meet her. She was sitting on the curb with an almost "go away kid you bother me" air about her. We exchanged a few words, then sat in silence. She then announced to me that she would prefer "not to have direct eye contact" and that she could be a "problem." I didn't think that I was being chastised, but what else could it have been? Was she serious? Or was this her wry sense of humor? And did the "no direct eye contact" rule apply only to me?

Amelia gets on the bus and the barbs began to fly. She was Steven Wright like. And every bit as funny. She explained that she wasn't only a musician, but also a producer of major Canadian music festivals. So she has obviously seen all sides of the backstage drama. Aaron plowed through the set-up unaffected, but Chris was drawn in just like I was.

Then came this song, "The Mistress." It is a spot-on reflection of her personality. And what happens at the end of the song is not to be believed.

OK Amelia, you got me.

-Beans

Keep the Light Alive "I Don't Believe In Yesterday"

Keep The Light Alive. One hell of an idea. For hope, for inspiration, for life. For Eric Lowen. As you might already know, Eric was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) around 6 years ago. Since that time, he has chosen to live with purpose. Dan Navarro, of Lowen and Navarro, says, "Eric makes that his commitment every day." Dan, himself, is uncomfortable being included in a "tribute" album, as he chooses to deflect the attention. This project simply celebrates Eric Lowen, and the contributions that he makes as a singer, songwriter, and performer. As Dan has tried to take the focus off himself, we credit this performance accordingly, even though it is Dan with the legendary Freebo at the helm.

For more information on the project, check out the website here. This album supports The Eric Lowen Trust, which was created to offset the enormous costs of fighting his illness and helps support his family, which includes his wife and their 5 children. Music Fog is honored to have had these fine musicians on the bus during Folk Alliance to further the cause.

-Jessie