Music is not a competition, though coming off the GRAMMYs®, we do have to acknowledge that there are "winners," and I suppose only one at a time can be at the top of the heap. I do like the visual of the long distance race, especially when you think of it being a marathon, with all those runners lining up at the start. People can finish at their own pace. They run their own race, some to conclusion, no matter when that happens. There is plenty of room in the field for everyone who wants to participate. I actually think of the 'music biz' that same way. There is always plenty of competition. A runner knows they cannot get there by looking over their shoulders. Eyes on the prize, hold on, and just keep going.

Photo Credit: Alicia Rose It is not ever enough just to make great music. That is just the first part, then you have to go out and work it. And that goes on from year to year. It is great when a band can just keep working the cycle. Keep growing, keep becoming, keep creating, keep touring. I knew The Bridge, who hail from Baltimore, had that kind of drive, when I met them around 5 years ago. We had them come into the XM performance studio to lay a set of live music down for us at X Country. They brought some personal touches that were a tad weird for a roots band, like that Kenny beatboxed and played his mando through a pedal board, so he could get it to sound like horns. All good, all inventive stuff.

The Bridge has just released a new CD, National Bohemian, produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, and there are a serious string of tour dates coming. Cris Jacobs is lead vocals and guitar, Kenny Liner on mandolin (and mouth), Dave Markowitz does bass and vocals, Patrick Rainey plays saxophone, it's Mike Gambone on drums, and keys are Mark Brown; they swing it sweet for a roots rocking good time. "Rosie" is the first video from the album. Note the retro hipster attire and engaging vibe.

- Jessie Scott