Noel McKay "Flying and Falling"

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

Crackerboots "Lemonade"

Are we about to turn the corner on August? Dang that just doesn’t seem possible. But then, this year has flown by. I am looking forward to a bit of down time at the lake, and then it’s gang busters until Christmas. If you have never been to Nashville, think about coming in for AmericanaFest in September. Nearly 300 artists will be gigging in clubs all over town. Wristbands for the week's nighttime music are a great buy. And oh, the grand smorgasbord of flavors that will be served up that week. Musical diversity is key. Actually, that is one of the things I like best about Nashville all the time. There is so much here to explore!

Today we bring you an aggregation of Nashville A-Listers! Crackerboots is jam packed with talent, and led by the enigmatic gypsy presence of Luella. I got to do a double-bill show a year or so ago with Luella and the McCrary Sisters that was a “take you higher” kind of evening. Luella is a bright spirit, steeped in the love of song. She breezes effortlessly from Gospel to Blues, Soul to Brazilian, whether she is solo, performing as Luella & The Sun, or here with Crackerboots as they bring the jazz. Music Fog filmed “Lemonade” in a private session in February. Drink deep.

- Jessie Scott