The Larry Joe Taylor Songwriters Contest preliminary rounds wrapped up on Monday night at Poodie’s Roadhouse. The finals are September 10th and are being judged by Larry Joe himself, as the grand prize is passage for two on his January cruise, with a performance slot on a guitar in the round session. I have been at 7 of 8 of these weeks, and so many times, it has been hard to just pick one winner to be a finalist. It has been great getting to know a whole crop of new artists too. I have to say that it takes a lotta guts to stand up and play your songs to be judged, especially. But everyone that hears the muse has to start somewhere.
The band Lucero has been around for 14 years, and you know it had to start way back with the vision of a life of music; the idea of crafting songs, the endless hours to get good and then to get out there and ply their craft. I got to play their music a decade ago at XM, and have avidly watched them progress into the force they are today. Women & Work is the 8th album for the band from Memphis, on this offering you will find horns, pedal steel guitar, all manner of keyboards, and a gospel chorus. Music Fog has the honor of debuting the video for the title cut, which by the way is the first one the band has made in their 14 year history. It was directed by Jonathan Pekar from Memphis’ legendary Ardent Studios, at beautiful Massey Farm in the North Mississippi Hill Country of Senatobia. It’s time to kick up your heels and party.
-Jessie Scott