Summer got you sweating? Yeah, it has been an extra hot one for sure. I am looking forward to fall and AmericanaFest coming in September. One wonders if it’s just gonna stay hot forever. While we are talking sultry conditions, I have the perfect song. You might need some sort of chilled libation to drink while listening. I see a frosty glass, and you in a white linen suit, or maybe it’s pinstriped seersucker. There has been a move afoot of late in celebration of traditional music, as well as a new movement of real country coming back. For the latter, check out Cody Jinks, Paul Cauthen, and Joshua Hedley. For the former, of course Pokey LaFarge, Charley Crockett, Charlie Parr, and Paul Burch.

Paul captured the feel of a summer day in New Orleans on the tune “Black Lady Blues,” with an able assist from string player extraordinaire, Fats Kaplin on fiddle. The song can be found on Paul’s homage to the life of Jimmie Rodgers, Meridian Rising. Burch had the idea for this concept album for twenty years before he made it a reality, imagining songs as a musical autobiography, wrapped around Jimmie’s life, and set sonically in the era. That the era is still alive today is super cool. Look for Paul Burch at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival this weekend in Okemah, OK and check out the Music Fog video of “Black Lady Blues” from 3rd & Lindsley Backstage a couple of seasons back.

- Jessie Scott