Buxton "Oh My Boy"

The march of music continues, even in the dénouement of the major records labels, who have been busy gobbling each other up, becoming the big four. This doesn’t make for boots on the ground in the way that it used to in the golden age of rock in the 60s, 70s, and even into the 80s. The faucet is still running full blast with talented tunesmiths that are pursuing their dreams, and you know nature abhors a vacuum! I am watching indie labels take root and grow. It is exciting seeing artists find a good home in the new music biz environment. A groundwork for the future is being built before our eyes, and one of the ascendants is New West Records.

They have been busy signing new acts, among them Buxton, a five piece folk-rock ensemble from Houston, TX. The bands’ third album (two previously were self-released,) is their debut for New West.  Nothing Here Seems Strange came out earlier this year. Their music marries rock and folk, with beautiful writing and intricately woven elements. Buxton is led by Sergio Trevino on Vocals/Guitar with Jason Willis on lead Guitar/Mandolin, Chris Wise on Bass Guitar, Justin Terrell on Drums, and Austin Sepulvado on Guitar/Vocals. When we filmed the Spring Music Fog Marathon in March at Threadgill’s WHQ, we had the honor of a solo performance from Sergio. Here is the Music Fog recording of “Oh My Boy," with Sergio doing one of the tunes from the new CD.

- Jessie Scott

Elliott, Rose, da Costa "Note"

Today is Memorial Day and we want to take a moment to honor the fallen. Each was an individual, set on this planet with skills and gifts a unique personality and people who loved them. They gave all for this country, but my mind wanders to what else these warriors and citizens might have accomplished had they lived. Today, take time to talk to a stranger and find out their history. Old, young, American born or foreign, neighbor or stranger; be open to making a new friend, and understanding them. Take time to cherish our hard won freedom, our blessed country, and our wonderful servicemen and women.

Lately, I have been having conversations worthy of Joni Mitchell’s Woodstock lyrics, “I came upon a child of God…” There has been a series of memorable characters to talk to, and it has been enriching and exhilarating. Some of the people that cross my path are those that come to play the Threadgill’s School Night Sessions. Right before SXSW this year, Raina Rose played it, and blew me away when she did a cover version of Joni Mitchell’s “A Case Of You.” That is a hard song to sing, and she brought an exceptional grace to it. When the Music Fog Spring Marathon came around, she brought John Elliott, Andrew Pressman, and Anthony da Costa along. Anthony has been hailed as a comer since he emerged as a fifteen year old, and two years later, he was the subject of a rave review in the New York Times. We were delighted to have them, and here is the Music Fog version of Anthony’s song “Note.”

- Jessie Scott

Joy Kills Sorrow "New Shoes"

Sometimes it feels like the universe is conspiring to slow you down. I was flying and the connecting flight was supposed to be an hour and a half. It turned into four hours, and to make matters worse, my phone just kept going into airplane mode, rendering me out of touch...I couldn't even tether my phone to my computer! I wanted to nap, but I also wanted to keep my eye on the flight board, just in case they let us go early. But no, they just kept pushing it later and later. There is something to be said for carrying on one's bags, then you can jump on another flight. Next time for sure!

I am on a constant crusade to travel light. There were careful choices involved in packing and I scuttled the new screaming yellow Reeboks with raspberry laces for the charcoal grey Chuck's. I was raised with the notion that one had to 'dress' to go to the city. I mean wearing pearls and heels and something sophisticated, though that was a LONG time ago. Yep, Chucks will do just fine.

Joy Kills Sorrow wowed us during SXSW®, as they came to play the Threadgill's stage for the Music Fog Spring Marathon. Today's tune is called "New Shoes," and it is from their Darkness Sure Becomes This City album of 2010. They have a more recent one out, This Unknown Science came out last year. The band hails from the Boston area. You know there are a lot of musical gypsies up in New England. JKS combines mad skills and a love of all kinds of earthy, honest music. See them tonight at The Iron Horse in Northampton, Mass, and here are the rest of their dates.

- Jessie Scott