Stonehoney "I Don't Wanna Go Home"

They are tearing it up out west. When last I talked to Shawn Davis of Stonehoney, he was telling me of the vista, up in the high Sierra Nevada Mountains, with limited phone service but maximum beauty. You still have time to catch a few west coast dates before the guys swing back through WoodyFest in Okemah, OK and then on to Texas. They alight for just a bit before they take back off for a Nashville, Kentucky and then east coast leg. Busy, busy, busy!

But it is about damn time for Stonehoney to strike, because today is release day for the Stonehoney CD The Cedar Creek Sessions. In April, they recorded 40 tunes in the studio the old-school way; with no overdubs, auto-tuning, or any other recording manipulation. It is an album of just the pure wholesome goodness of a band that can really bring it with each other. They are comfortable in their skin. They live for their music in an 'all for one' kind of way.

We filmed the Stonehoney guys doing the song "I Don't Wanna Go Home" in two places, each with different configurations. They stripped it down to a three piece on our bus at the Cherokee Creek Music Festival. They performed it full band on stage at Threadgill's for our artist showcase during SXSW. Either way, this is a song that stands up next to classics like The Eagles "Take It Easy," Sammy Johns' tune "Chevy Van," and "You Better Think Twice" from Poco. Tight, tuneful, sweet. We couldn't make up our minds which version to post, so here are both of them! Nick Randolph takes the mic for "I Don't Wanna Go Home," which he co-wrote with someone else you should get to know, unsung hero Bob Woodruff.

- Jessie Scott

Melissa McClelland with Luke Doucet "God Loves Me"

Time was when there were some grand opportunities for an artist to showcase in front of an appropriate audience. If you could bring it, if the booking was smart, it was like capturing lightning in a bottle. The business is so different now. What with album sales down, and the record labels in disarray, up until now, arguably the healthiest part of the business was touring. This summer, that came to a screeching halt, too. While we bemoan the loss of ticket sales, let us pause a moment to salute Lilith Fair. When it was founded in 1997, it heralded the coming of age of imaginative women artists. There was the feeling of collectiveness and celebration. This year's line-up has been inspired...only one problem, they have cancelled ten shows so far. Which is a damn shame.

Luke Doucet is Sarah McLachlan's (Lilith Fair co-founder) long time guitar player. Melissa McClelland sings back up for her, and has been taking the stage under her own moniker. We are talking herald angels here, as they performed for Music Fog in March. You know what? At the end of the day, the grass has to grow through the concrete. However! Witness this haunting version of Melissa's "God Loves Me."

- Jessie Scott

Uncle Lucius - "A Million Ways"

Austin called to the members of Uncle Lucius, as each in turn came to the Live Music Capital of The World and found each other. They are hot and happening. They bring sheer joy, swinging and swaying when you see them live. They dress funky, their hair is funky, hell they PLAY funky, which to my ear, is always a welcome treat. On a recent Saturday night at Threadgill's, the crowd was rocking to this Southern Rocking Soul outfit, with horns and plenty of groove, all night long.

Cool things have been happening to Uncle Lucius. They had been enjoying a residency at the Saxon Pub since the beginning of the year before taking to the road this tour, growing their audience, honing the songs, and holding court. Their latest CD, Live At The Saxon Pub, was recorded there. And a few months back, they did an East Coast jaunt opening for none other than Leon Russell. Tasty, mighty tasty!

Now, you know Uncle Lucius is talented, but I am here to testify that they are also hardworking, incredibly sweet, and a pleasure to know. A pleasure to watch, too, as we bring you a sort of 'Friday date-night slow song.' One to sway to...cheek to cheek now for "A Million Ways," from 2009's Pick Your Head Up. Here are Kevin Galloway, Mike Carpenter (lead guitar), Hal Vorpahl, and Josh Greco. Catch 'em soon at a venue near you! 

-- Jessie Scott