I am out at the FMQB Triple A Conference in Boulder.  This is an industry event for artists, radio station decision makers, promoters and record labels; all of which makes for a very simpatico, music loving tribe.  On Wednesday night, I was hanging at the Fox Theatre watching Brett Dennon, and Matt Nathanson; this after a day which included Jimmy Cliff singing a gospel song simply and beautifully accompanied himself on guitar. WOW. Right after that Edwin McCain played a set in the tent, and after dinner, we were entertained by Blackie & The Rodeo Kings. You know, I thought of them as Canadian, but tonight talking to Colin Linden, I found out he grew up where I did, in Westchester County, NY, before he made his way to Canada in his teens.

Blackie & The Rodeo Kings have an amazing new record out which was over two years in the making. Kings & Queens features duets with some of the best and brightest; Rosanne Cash, EmmyLou Harris, and Lucinda Williams among them. It is an incredible offering that I highly recommend.

I was thinking that we should look to the north today to pick up another tune from Elliott BROOD. They have a new album, Days Into Years coming out at the end of September, and are offering a 7“ single of "Northern Companion," that’s just a heads-up if you are a collector.  We MF-ers are entrenched in the collection of music ourselves, and are happy to bring you an Elliott BROOD tune from last year’s Music Fog Marathon at Threadgill’s. Love these guys, can’t wait for the new record!  Your next chance to see them is at the Wapiti Fernie Music Festival, in British Columbia on August 20th. That sounds like fun! Here is the Music Fog take on “Oh, Alberta.”

- Jessie Scott