There’s been something in the water this week, with heartfelt songs and mellifluous voices delivering them here at Music Fog. I am road tripping for the launch of Hill Country Live in DC and NY. HC Live is the music venue and perfomance series at the Hill Country Barbecue Markets. In DC on Thursday, I felt immediately at home walking into the Texas feeling establishment. And I dare say, it would have been my home away from home if it had been opened when I was living in DC. Great food, great vibe, and great music. Heaven.
What is it about honky-tonks that so touches me? It has been a lifelong pursuit, suffice it to say. Today’s song is from Eleven Hundred Springs’ principal, Matt Hillyer. His music is right at home, as am I, in the dark bar with an icy libation parked in front, considering the rivulets running down the Mason Jar. Eleven Hundred Springs just recently graced us with a new album Eight The Hard Way. Get to know these guys, they run real, and after all, isn’t that what it’s all about? “This Ain’t The First Time” is on the latest album, but today we bring you a solo version from the Music Fog Marathon at Threadgill’s during SXSW in March. Here is Matt Hillyer, whose voice rings rich with the ghosts of the great frontier. Yes, Country AND Western. My two favorites!
-- Jessie Scott
