Band of Heathens "Talking Out Loud"

They walk with grace in the sunshine of their music. When it came to the attention of The Band Of Heathens that an $8 surcharge was added to ticket sales for the February 5th House of Blues Houston date, the Heathens did something very cool. They counter offered a ticket buy on their website, with an $8 voucher toward merch in the BOH store. They got some cool things there, oh yeah! Including a T that just says HEATHEN, bold as you please, white on black. I'm in!

What, you still haven't seen them yet? We are talking gospel, soul, roots, taste and touch rock and roll, earthy Americana music. Steeped in the flavors of the past, but anchored in right this minute. Mostly Texas dates ahead, with a spur in early March that takes them up to the Tennessee Valley, with a stop at the world famous Loveless Café in Nashville for the Music City Roots WSM live broadcast on Wednesday, March 10. So, even if you can't see them, you can hear them on the radio, or catch it on the web. Or check them out here!

-Jessie

Sean McConnell "Looking For A Good Time"

He calls it Lyric Driven Roots Rock. He has such a pure voice. And is a spectacular songwriter. Sean McConnell breathes fresh air into the Texas Music scene. He sets the bar really high. I was fortunate to attend an after party in May in Mattson Rainer's back yard celebrating the KNBT Americana Jam. Sean's turns performing stopped time. So very special.

Good news is that he is road doggin' it, and we await an album from him…hurry Sean, there is a hungry audience out here! We were lucky to have him at the Music Fog condo during MusicFest at Steamboat Springs, and we bring you "Lookin' For A Good Time," a tune that will be on the new album. Also, for a mindbender, watch his tour manager Derek Shampine shooting us with an iPhone while we were shooting Sean.

-Jessie

Reckless Kelly with Micky Braun "I'll Hold the Bottle"

Every once in a while, a band changes up and does an album that feels like the right thing to do, even if it is a departure from what might be considered the norm for them. Reckless Kelly pays homage to one of their heroes, Pinto Bennett, on their latest project Somewhere In Time, out tomorrow.

Pinto BennettCody Braun commented for All Access Music Group, "We had more fun making this record than we ever have before. Partly because it was a record we have been wanting to make for almost 10 years, and partly because we were in complete control. Another treat for us was having Pinto Bennett and friends in the studio with us for a few days."

Of course, the Reckless Road Trip continues in support of the new CD with lots of Texas dates, and a swing up to NYC! Catch them if you can, but for the meantime, here is one of the tunes from our Steamboat sessions.

-Jessie