Dustin & Kevin Welch "Jolly Johnny Junker"

Toward the end of the last century, I got to be part of the team for the release of the Emmylou Harris album Spyboy, with Monty Hitchcock and Bob Goldstone putting an amazing cadre together. We were almost all outsourced, a harbinger of what has become a very common occurrence. We took lots of conference calls, and even the occasional face to face meeting to get things done. It was exhilarating working that way, with respected peers. Holly Gleason was our publicity person. I have simply been in awe of her ever since. She has the most amazing facility for description, coupled with impeccable taste. She has worn many hats throughout her career. You might know her from The Yummy List, in which she touts music, movies, books, fashion, products, and food for a head’s up on cool stuff. You can also become a fan on Facebook.

Now remember a week ago when I referenced the “country gets integrity” period? Holly Gleason just wrote an epic piece for the LA Times about the torch being passed to the offspring of those brave iconoclasts from the 80s. You have to read this article, there are so many people we love mentioned in it. Among the elders are Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Kevin Welch. The second generation includes Justin Townes Earle, Colin Gilmore (who will be joining us for the Music Fog Marathon in Austin coming up in a couple of weeks), Savannah Welch and The Trishas (so will they), and her brother Dustin Welch. The article talks about being true to one’s vision, and following the path. We love that Dustin does that, that these brave artists all do; it is the reason Music Fog chases down this rabbit hole in the first place.

We witnessed a very special occasion at MusicFest at Steamboat in January, as we were so fortunate to record some Welch family. First Kevin with Dustin, then Dustin with Kevin, and on this song, Trisha Keefer from The Trishas joining in, too. Plus, we filmed Savannah Welch with The Trishas on the very next session! Here's an as yet unreleased tune from Dustin, "Jolly Johnny Junker."

- Jessie Scott

Luke Olson "Everyday"

Today is an homage to love that has been separated; whether by jobs in different cities or by military assignment. It is ever so hard to keep it together when you are not in the same place, but true love and commitment somehow prevails. I want to take a minute to honor our Armed Forces. I saw a mom in the supermarket yesterday with two kids under three years old. She is raising them on her own, as her husband is overseas in Afghanistan. I overheard her story while waiting in line at the checkout. You know we thank our uniform military regularly for their service, as they are easy to spot. But I would like to thank their spouses, too, for doing a heroic job indeed.

Today's song is one from the heart by Luke Olson. He came to visit Music Fog in our temporary studio at the Steamboat Grand during MusicFest last month. He has been performing since the age of eight, singing and playing to appreciative audiences all over Texas with five albums to his credit. One of my favs is his 1999 release Panhandle Sunset, which was produced by the legendary Lloyd Maines. We got to play that one back in the old days at X Country. Today's video is a song from his latest album Red River Blue, love that title! When I checked what we are posting today, the DJ in me starting reeling. How many different songs can you name that are called "Everyday," or have the lyric "Everyday" featured prominently in the song. Let's do an hour's worth! There's Buddy Holly, Elvis Costello, Dave Matthews Band, etc...! We'll get it started with Luke Olson, "Everyday."

- Jessie Scott

Micky Braun "Never Been Out West"

It’s Presidents Day, whatever that means. Well I know the banks are closed and there is no mail delivery, but really, has it just become an opportunity for white sales, car sales, who knows what other kind of sales? The holiday was originally George Washington’s Birthday, designated in 1880 by an Act of Congress to honor the father of our country. It was celebrated on his actual birthday, which is tomorrow, 2/22. In 1971, the date was shifted in the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which yielded some three-day weekends. It actually makes it impossible for it ever to fall on GW’s birthday, but who is counting. And actually, the holiday is still called Washington’s Birthday, even though it is never on that day. In some states, Lincoln’s Birthday is still celebrated as a stand alone, on February 12th. In any case, we hope you have today off, and are enjoying a three day weekend, yourself, and that maybe even you are pondering the march of democracy, the history of our country.

Civilization spread relentlessly across this continent. When I think about Muzzie Braun raising the Braun sons in remote Idaho, I am awed by what it must have been like, especially as they were so self-sufficient . Two weeks ago, I toured through that spectacular Rockies landscape; Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Today’s tune is a brand new song from Micky Braun that we recorded in Colorado during last month's MusicFest at Steamboat. We expect to find it on the upcoming album, which Micky & The Motorcars will be recording in March and April. Ooh, there is a gig coming up with Micky and company, Reckless Kelly and dad Muzzie, doing a day at Luckenbach on March 12th, as Spring Break with The Braun Family. And Stonehoney will be playing a free show there earlier in the day...so you can make a day and night of it! That sounds like fun! Here is the first-ever recording of “Never Been Out West.”

- Jessie Scott