Jimmy Davis "Sanctuary"

Photo Credit: Steve RobertsAllow me to introduce you to someone who I have been loving since the late 90's, when he was with a band called the RiverBluff Clan. Someone who is so steeped in all the flavors of the Memphis music tradition, that he is the five time recipient of "Premier Male Vocalist" by the Memphis Chapter of NARAS. His has been a genre bending romp through bluegrass, country and country-tinged rock. Jimmy Davis put out his first solo effort in 2004, and he stays busy, touring incessantly, and contributing to other artist's CD's, too; including background vocals on the Grammy-nominated record from the North Mississippi Allstars, Electric Blue Watermelon, as well as their new one, Hernando. His work with that family dates back to helping out on their pop's (Jim Dickinson) 2006 release, Jungle Jim and the VooDoo Tiger plus Killers From Space. In addition, he sang on William Lee Ellis' record God’s Tattoo, and provided all the backing vocals for Keith Sykes’ record, Let It Roll. The Reba Russell Band album Broke Down But Not Out features Jimmy's vocals and guitar playing as well as his song, "Sister Friend." He contributed vocals, guitar, as well as a cover of "Waiting in the Wings" to Jed and Kelley's CD Songs To Take Home. The really cool thing about all of this is that it could serve as a great point of reference into these artists' music, all of whom are worthy too.

I am so happy that Jimmy comes to Texas frequently, 'cause I get to see him more. I am delighted that he plays with Walt Wilkins and The Mystiqueros a bunch...that just seems right, and makes for a great night of music. He is on tour this summer doing festivals and gigs. Hope you get to see him! He has powerful pipes, that is for sure. He blew us away as the sun went down in Memphis during Folk Alliance in February. From the Music Fog bus here is "Sanctuary."

- Jessie Scott

Wyatt Easterling "Anymore"

I am trying to remember the exact moment that I met Wyatt Easterling. Hazy details: it was Nashville in the late 90's. There was a studio involved, and there was Paul Thorn music playing, as Wyatt produced his first A&M CD Hammer and Nail. Wyatt has had an incredible ride, as head of A&R for Atlantic Records, and then as Miles Copeland's partner for the Nashville division of Bugle Music Publishing and Firstars Management. As Director of Operations there he spear headed the Printemps de Troubadours songwriter's retreat held twice a year at the Chateau de Mourette in France, a lauded trip which is still going on today. Wyatt remains on the cutting edge as CEO of High Horse Records, stepping out to embrace the new model for record labels in these ever shifting times for the music biz.

In my mind, I am revisiting Folk Alliance in Memphis this past February. Watching the procession of artists come to our bus, seeming to gather more friends along the way, to bring them aboard for accompaniment as they walked through the lobby of the Memphis Marriott Hotel. The deal is, when we plan our shoots, we try to get as much info from the artists as possible so we are prepared. But some things have a life of their own, and this was one of those sessions. We were transfixed by the beauty of the harmonies and artistry when the Rhythm Angels and Wyatt Easterling came aboard. The Angels were up first, and then sat in on Wyatt's set. From his second album Where This River Goes, released in 2009, here is "Anymore."

- Jessie Scott

Freebo with Dan Navarro "Something To Believe"

Freebo. The name says all kinds of things, just on its own, and about the legend that it belongs to. We are not talking freebo.com, as that is one of those newfangled free car advertisement sites. We are talking Freebo on the WIKI...

Freebo is a bass and tuba player, guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer noted primarily for his work with Bonnie Raitt. He is also a respected session musician who has recorded and performed with Ringo Starr, John Mayall, John Hall, Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Willy DeVille, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Maria Muldaur, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, and many others.

His long collaboration with Raitt began when he attracted Raitt's attention as a member of Philadelphia's Edison Electric Band in the 1960s. Freebo was soon in great demand for studio work and touring.

In recent years, he has recorded three solo albums: The End Of The Beginning (1999), Dog People (2002), and Before The Separation (2006).

Wow, what a career! Now Freebo has embarked on a deeper exploration, which manifests in his songwriting and beyond. He is working on a brand new album, which we are hoping to see in the near future. His love of all earthy, real, roots music and rock 'n roll will make it a treat, I am sure. When he was up on our bus in February he contributed to the Keep The Light Alive recording for Eric Lowen, and then he asked to lay down one of his brand new songs. He wrote this with Eric Lowen, and performed it for us with Dan Navarro.

- Jessie Scott