Stonehoney "Movin' On"

Abbey, from Luckenbach, and I were hanging out last night in Gruene at the bar (no surprise, right?), talking music with Zach and Shane from Lone Star Music. These were hours spent comparing stories, extolling virtues, and sharing strategizing. You might know that the Lone Star folks are getting ready for their annual Music Awards, coming up the weekend after SXSW on March 27th. Though it is hard to think past SXSW and its smorgasbord of music, too much is never enough, so bring it on! The Lone Star Music Awards will take place at the brand new, and we hear totally fabulous Texas Music Theater in San Marcos, TX. Appearing are Javi Garcia, Lincoln Durham, The Trishas, Max Stalling, and Hayes Carll.

We were sitting across from the legendary venue Gruene Hall. That space has had a huge impact on the Texas music scene through the years. Tonight Stonehoney is playing a free show there! I can’t believe it has been months since I have caught up with the Stonehoney crew. After all, we supposedly live in the same town! But between my trips and theirs, it has been a while since I've seen them. I know they ripped it up at Folk Alliance, as it was their fourth time in Memphis for that event just a couple of weeks ago. We had a wild time with them this past summer at WoodyFest, and today we bring you an unreleased song from our session with them during that festival in Okemah, Oklahoma.

- Jessie Scott

Terri Hendrix & Lloyd Maines "I Found the Lions"

The first time I saw Terri Hendrix perform, I was taken by how different she was. Folky, jazzy, bluesy; a genre jumper with a sense of timing all her own. It was at a KNBT Americana Jam a decade ago, and she was just such a breath of fresh, unpolluted air. I have been a fan of her music for years. She has walked her path relentlessly and pioneered, carving out a space for herself, putting out her albums on her own label. She is incredibly prolific, with 14 releases in the last 14 years. The most recent, Cry Till You Laugh, came out in June. Plus, the companion book Cry Till You Laugh - The Part That Ain't Art, Terri's first, has just been released. It's actually two books in one, with the “Part That Ain’t Art” section acting as a primer for exploring the “DIY” route in today’s music business. And Terri's essays range from fun, to confessionally honest, just as her songs do.

Photo Credit: Mary BrutonI saw her play twice this year, so I consider myself doubly blessed. Most recently, she and Lloyd Maines were at The Rock Garden House Concert series in Austin, for a spectacular evening under the stars. And in the July heat in Okemah, Oklahoma, she came to pay tribute to Woody Guthrie at WoodyFest. She wrote about her experiences in regard to Woody in her GoatNotes blog. We had the opportunity to catch up with her at WoodyFest, inviting her and Lloyd into the cool red brick environment of the Thompson Loft, out of the midday heat. She played one of my favorite songs for the Music Fog cameras, "I Found the Lions." Check here for her upcoming tour dates.

- Jessie Scott

Red Dirt Rangers "Heaven & Hell"

Black Friday. The very words wring terror in my heart. I drive past the parking lots of shopping Mecca's with a genuine wonder as to the constitutions of those that would treat shopping like camping out all night to buy tickets for a major concert. Well, at least it is a physical exercise! And after yesterday's turkey, ham, roast beef, root vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy, and 4 gooey desserts, I guess it is not a bad idea to do some 'power shopping' and a rousing round of mall-walking in your tennies.

If you are going to send out cards this year, there are cool ones at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum from Hatch Show Printers. These are the prints that have accompanied the Grand Ole Opry Shows, among others, for decades. The Nashville store started operating in 1879, actually predating the Opry by 44 years. They employ hand-carved blocks and wood type, and their iconic posters appeared on buildings and barns across rural America back in the day.

Lots of other gift giving options at the CMHOF, too, and they are having their first-ever Black Friday and Cyber Monday online deals which includes free shipping on orders until December 15th. Check their website for any updates. And there are discounts on Country Music Foundation originals, among them, the Johnny Cash Christmas Specials 1976-1979 DVD Box Set. Me, I want the Johnny Cash - Triple Johnny poster! (Alvin, Alvin...Alvin!).

Next year it would be great if the Hatch folks would do a Red Dirt Christmas Card...maybe it could say 'Have A Green and Red Dirt Christmas,' or maybe it could be an homage to 'Rudolph The Red Dirt Reindeer.' Either sentiment would go along side their Honky Tonky Christmas Cards. And in honor of different strokes for different folks, whether you are avoiding the shopping or embracing it, let's all be thankful that this is the time of year that we celebrate, give gifts, and get together, whatever your choices.

We got to hook up with The Red Dirt Rangers during the heat of the summer at WoodyFest in Okemah, Oklahoma, but inside the cool air conditioning of the Thompson's Loft. We bring you an exclusive track from July's sessions, "Heaven & Hell," which will likely be on their next album. The Red Dirt Rangers for Music Fog.

- Jessie Scott