It is wholly fitting that Music Fog convened at The Mansion On O Street in Washington, DC to film Madison Violet. We are talking light, love, art, glitteringly delivered in an evening of song, amazing food and beautiful backdrop. True wine, women and song, or is it women OF song? No matter. If you are visiting DC, do check out The Mansion for your stay. Unforgettable. And/or check out their brunches, dinners and other concerts and events.
Now to Madison Violet. What can I say. I have a girl crush on them, just looking at them...and I ain't that kind of girl. And then when they sing...well, see for yourself. Canadian songbirds indeed! Here is "Crying."
Anne McCue perked up our ears when she sent a note announcing an international concert that she's performing. Yes, a real show, but attended by avatars online! Dig it. Here's a bit of what she wrote:
"Mike Nesmith's Video Ranch is this alternate reality - a world unto itself - with venues, bars and other amusements etc. You log in, choose an avatar and go seeking adventure. We are playing 2 shows that can be seen worldwide. The times are 12 noon and 6pm L.A. time (U.S. Pacific) on Saturday, November 21st. I hope you will be able to attend the show! I recommend you log in tonight and get your avatar working."
These are free shows and there is no cost to log in. Anne explains more in this Facebook post, including some limitations for Mac users. What a great idea, though, huh? Anne joins an impressive list of Americana and Roots artists who have played to the Videoranch3D global audience. The Boxmasters, Slaid Cleaves, the Greencards, Chuck Prophet and James McMurtry have all performed on this stage. Being a sound guy, I wonder if anyone has spilled a virtual beer on the house's audio console yet?
All is going swimmingly well in the world of Gabriel Kelley. His website is being redesigned, and Dualtone has posted both of his EP's for digital download: Light at the Bottom and Stranded in Nashville. Gabe comes to Americana naturally, as he was raised in the foothills of the Appalachians, steeped in the music of his forefathers. Added were layers of rock and roll, blues and soul, making for a heady stew.
The Music Fog crew was blown away by his band set (the same evening at 3rd & Lindsley), I dig the beard, and Beans thinks the song "Panic" is a stone smash.
Chris Smither has been a troubadour for over four decades and eleven albums, the most recent of which Time Stands Still, is just out. It is a stripped down affair, says Chris, who when invited to play the Americana-friendly Utrecht Blue Highway Fest in The Netherlands, was told he had to bring a band. And so the three piece was born. We got to catch up with them in the magic space of The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA. Time, indeed, does stand still!
It has arrived! " target="_blank">Keep The Light Alive, Celebrating The Music Of Lowen and Navarro just came out a week ago. It has contributions from lots of amazing artists doing L&N tunes.Jackson Browne, Keb'Mo, John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting), The Refugees and The Bangles are just some of the folks who have contributed. As you might know, Eric Lowen has had to retire as he is ailing from ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).
When Dan was on the bus with us in Nashville this past September, he talked about what a turn around it was to have Jackson Browne record one of their songs instead of the other way around! Dan laid this one down for us...here 'tis!
