Goose bump alert. If you don't like that chilling sensation that runs up the back of your neck when a vocal performance moves you, then don't watch this video!
We always enjoy spending time with Bonnie Bishop, and our MusicFest visit was no different. In fact, we actually got to hang out a little longer than usual, and share a home cooked meal. But the emotion she shares with us in this version of "Little by Little" will be remembered far beyond our next visit. I love the "wink" to Michael Webb (keys) at the end of the song...a little visual confirmation that they just nailed it! Maybe she can share some of that confidence with us, too, huh?
It never ceases to amaze me the misconceptions that the term Americana spawns. Like that it is a format that only appeals to gray-hairs, for instance. Here is the definition from the Americana Music Association website:
"Americana is music that honors and is derived from the traditions of American roots music. It is music inspired by American culture traditions which is not only represented in classic man made / roots based sounds but also through new and contemporary artists whose music is clearly inspired by these great traditions."
As we grow the Music Fog presence, we are now seeing a spike in 18-34 year olds. That is exciting news, as it reflects the demographics of attendance at many of the events we cover. And it mirrors the demos of many of the artists we film. And it stands to reason, because if these artists are interested in keeping the roots alive, then maybe, just maybe, their fans might include those of a similar age as well.
Enter Sons Of Bill. Sweet, soulful renderings; and cuties to boot. And hasn't that been the recipe for success for decades? Sex appeal and the ability to touch you with their music? Maybe the rest of the entertainment world is auto-tuning and manipulating. In Americana, the water is pure, the artistry is real. To wit, Rainin' from SOB.
I love it in Texas. There is always something cool to do, and lots of great folks around to do it with. The days are a jangle of phone calls and meetings, scheduling and planning, and then out to the clubs! And so it was that last Sunday I walked into Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, TX, one of the oldest Texas Dance Halls. You need to visit the Texas Dance Hall Preservation Inc. to see how this tradition shaped Texas, and furthermore Austin, into the live music hub that it is.
When you attend a dance hall growing up, it is a multi generational social outing. As a little one, you dance on your Dad, or Granddad's shoes, or with your Mom or Grandma. It plants the seeds in you to embrace live music, to dance, to meet and greet, and it is a wholly joyous occasion. The tradition is alive and well at Gruene Hall. The band as I arrived? Jason Eady with a special appearance from Jamie Wilson! How wonderful to casually drop in and have the music be this hot! I stepped up to the bar, ordered a Michelob Ultra, and proceeded to sing along. Watering Hole indeed!
Goose bump alert. If you don't like that chilling sensation that runs up the back of your neck when a vocal performance moves you, then don't watch this video!
