It’s AmericanaFest week in Nashville and I have been drinking deep from the well of wonderful music. NPR Music, World Café and my radio station, WMOT Nashville, have teamed up to provide day stage coverage, and Saturday from 12p to 6p CT, The Wood Brothers, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Allison Moorer, The Get Ahead, Jade Jackson, and Drivin’ N Cryin’ will be performing. Watch on NPR Music, or listen worldwide at WMOT.org. Last night I caught a set by the South Austin Moonlighters, and I was reminded how much I love Texas artists, playing “hot as a pistol” and singing moving four-part harmony.
Today’s Music Fog video comes from Texas born and bred Noel McKay. He made his mark originally with his brother Hollin in The McKay Brothers, having been tutored in the ways of music by none other than Guy Clark. He has written songs with Guy, as well as David Olney, Shawn Camp, and Brennen Leigh, who takes part in this performance, as does Melissa Carper. McKay splits his time between Austin and Nashville, where he and Leigh are part of the burgeoning Neo Trad scene. Look for European Dates later this autumn, after a few Texas shows. Here is an exclusive Music Fog recording of "Flying and Falling."
- Jessie Scott