Man, oh man, it's been hard knocks all week! From last Friday on, it has just been one thing after another, between the Gulf Coast oil spill, the tragic Nashville floods, and countless people suffering in one way or another. Sorry to have been so serious all this week, do know that I have wanted to change it up, but have not been able to. But the weekend is almost upon us! That is some good news! And here is your head's up that Mother's Day is this Sunday, so you are forewarned about procuring a present while there is still time.

Now to the matter at hand. I was first introduced to Travis Linville through his work with The Burtschi Brothers. He is a producer of note, an inspired sideman, a magnetic frontman, and he is Red Dirt through and through. I am continually astounded as to the depth and breadth of the Oklahoma scene. They must have some extra minerals in the water there to grow so many talented musicians! Travis is presently on the road with an amazing cast of characters: Hayes Carll, The Travelin' McCoury's with Dierks Bentley who has just recorded a definitive and highly recommended (by me) new album of roots music called Up On The Ridge. Check Travis' website for Northeast tour dates.

The song we bring you here from Travis Linville is "Hard Knocks," filmed in Memphis, at Folk Alliance, on the celebrated Music Fog bus. You will find it on the twenty song CD (yikes!) See You Around from 2007. And here's hoping that things start to moderate, all the way around!

- Jessie Scott