It was a Sunday night, and I was at Momo's in Austin, just a couple of weeks before SX this year. Warren Hood and The Hoodlums were holding court on stage. They were doing what they always do, weaving intricate rhythms and intelligent jams. Creating joy. They were spectacular. I cornered Warren, who thankfully I had met a few years ago when we taped a Waybacks session at XM in DC, and invited him to play our showcase at Threadgill's. So good to see him! Right here, this is it exactly, this is the reason I moved to Austin, because I believe in the music being made here. Warren. Wow. He began playing fiddle at 11. So if the instrument looks like it ought to be in his hands, it ought to, and the mando, too. He is the proverbial child prodigy. His Dad was the celebrated Champ Hood from the equally celebrated Uncle Walt's Band.

Of course Warren has surrounded himself with stellar players, including Emily Gimble on piano and vocals, granddaughter of the legendary Johnny Gimble. Also on stage making a mighty sound are Willie Pipkin, Chris Gilson and Nate Rowe. They could have played all day, and all night for that matter. This music just makes me happy! It might make you happy, too, that is if you're in Texas or California...primary stops on his spring/summer tour. Watch the red line on the map for the journey at hand on Warren's website.

-Jessie Scott