Brigitte DeMeyer "Amen Said The Deacon"

Before I left for Bonnaroo, I got the kind of news you never want to get - about the passing of a dear friend, Steve Popovich. I had known him since 1975 when he was the head of promotion for Epic Records. He then was the founder of Cleveland International Records, which released the Meatloaf album Bat Out Of Hell. Steve later was embroiled in lawsuits over royalties with "the machine." He was a kindred spirit, a man about the music. I loved to hang with him, to see shows, to eat, to share conversation and good times. To say I loved him is only half of the story. The rest is maximum respect. I am happy to have known him, and saddened that he is gone from this planet. Music has lost a defender.

Make no mistake, we are on a mission ourselves here at Music Fog. The discovery, the moment, the music, that is what it is all about. Today we bring you a video we did with Brigitte DeMeyer during SXSW at Threadgill's during the Music Fog Marathon. We had the opportunity earlier to film her when we taped our SX 2009 extravaganza. This year, on the precipice of a her fifth CD, Rose Of Jericho, coming out at the end of August, we have a preview for you. Here is "Amen, Said The Deacon."

-Jessie Scott

Rod Picott "Welding Burns"

We have been chasing Rod Picott here and there for several years, in multiple cities and circumstances. More than anyone else, he is the ‘one that got away’ from Music Fog. Repeatedly. Our intentions were honorable, you must know that, as were his, but the twists of fate that prevented the consummation of our sessions should have been serialized like a Dickens story. Plus there was no way of knowing, as every time it didn’t happen, it was for a different reason than the one before. Since they were all unexpected, and when we planned to overcome one, we got bogged down into something else. I don’t want to make this sound convoluted, but it was pretty weird. Sometimes there was no time, sometimes there were ghosts in the machine, and sometimes it was the mojo not working thing. But this is where the new dawns out of the markers streaking pastel colors across the Plexiglas. And finally a new day has been animated.

It is the morn of the release of his brand new CD Welding Burns, Rod Picott’s 8th, counting one he released with Amanda Shires. He has gigs in support all week. We have the title song from the album, "Welding Burns" from our Music Fog Marathon in March at Threadgill’s WHQ.

-Jessie Scott

Matt Hillyer "This Ain't The First Time"

There’s been something in the water this week, with heartfelt songs and mellifluous voices delivering them here at Music Fog. I am road tripping for the launch of Hill Country Live in DC and NY.  HC Live is the music venue and perfomance series at the Hill Country Barbecue Markets.   In DC on Thursday, I felt immediately at home walking into the Texas feeling establishment. And I dare say, it would have been my home away from home if it had been opened when I was living in DC. Great food, great vibe, and great music. Heaven.

What is it about honky-tonks that so touches me? It has been a lifelong pursuit, suffice it to say. Today’s song is from Eleven Hundred Springs’ principal, Matt Hillyer.  His music is right at home, as am I, in the dark bar with an icy libation parked in front, considering the rivulets running down the Mason Jar.  Eleven Hundred Springs just recently graced us with a new album Eight The Hard Way.  Get to know these guys, they run real, and after all, isn’t that what it’s all about? “This Ain’t The First Time” is on the latest album, but today we bring you a solo version from the Music Fog Marathon at Threadgill’s during SXSW in March. Here is Matt Hillyer, whose voice rings rich with the ghosts of the great frontier. Yes, Country AND Western. My two favorites!

-- Jessie Scott