The season is changing, the leaves are actually turning in Texas - burnished amber, mahogany and gold. It is time to get out the sweaters and sweatshirts, the flannel PJs, the microfiber and fleece, and to pack away the incredibly lightweight t-shirts that are favored here in the triple digit summer. There is a Zen to the task and the accompanying taking stock, the particular days that tell you time is ticking on; birthdays, holidays, the relentless march. The only peace is to be strong in yourself. Everything else is change. To think back on it is a kaleidoscope, a rich tapestry of sights and sounds, of cities and country, of friends and family, and of laughter and tears and love. Of the ones that got away, through whatever means.

"Don't the last leaves look lonely on a cold autumn day," sings Carrie Rodriguez, from the song she wrote with Mary Gauthier, "Absence." The fiddle is insistent, the voice post melancholy, steadfast, somehow accepting. Both women take pleasure and have such command in the craft of wordsmithing, and of plumbing the emotions; it is wonderful to have them writing together. You will find this song on Carrie's second solo album She Ain't Me. There is new Carrie music, too, this time with Chip Taylor, The New Bye & Bye just came out a few weeks back. Some of the best of their past work, plus four new tunes, and some tour dates have been announced. A quick word about Chip Taylor, who is a force of nature...it was so wonderful to work with him on the Americana Live in New York event last month. And so wonderful for his discoveries to become ours, as is what happened with Carrie Rodriguez. We bring you Carrie from our artist showcase at Threadgill's during SXSW 2010. "Absence," here in its simplicity with just Carrie Rodriguez and Hans Holzen sharing the stage.

- Jessie Scott