The Americana Music Association Conference and Awards made a welcome return from the virtual world this year. The annual event showcased several hundred artists who collectively illustrate the breadth of the Americana umbrella.
Going back through the schedule to consider the highlights is always a frustrating experience. Not only is it tough to feature just a few of the many outstanding sets that I saw, it also forces me to reflect on all that I missed! Here are some of my highlights from Americana 2021.
Edwards’ heralded return to music with last year’s outstanding Total Freedom was only the beginning. Her featured showcase was something to behold. Edwards, backed by a rocking band, roaring through songs both new and old. “This song goes out to the fucking asshole who didn’t want me to play music again. He’s not here tonight,” she said before kicking off the rollicking tell-off “Hard on Everyone”.
You’re so hard on me
Why would you want to be?
Am I not the one you love?
You’re so hard on everyone.
Walker made the most of his AMA experience, bouncing around town to preview songs from his just-released album. I caught him at a pair of hotel performances on Thursday. First, an afternoon gig on the roof of the Bobby Hotel, then later at a speakeasy underneath the Virgin Hotel. The former was a glorious full band (and rocking) extravaganza while the latter was a sublime stripped down set. Both were tremendous showcases of Walker’s songs and talent.
I closed out my Friday night with Great Peacock at the renowned Mercy Lounge. The hour may have been late but the band was ready to rumble. And rumble they did, delivering an incendiary set that featured songs from last year’s Forever Worse Better. Great Peacock are one of those bands that, as good as they sound on record, are even better live.
As I said, there’s something special about the Mercy Lounge. I caught Ramirez three times in 24 hours, the most memorable of which was his Wednesday night Mercy Lounge performance. Like Great Peacock, Ramirez unleashed his electric guitar. This picture may be a bit blurry but it conveys the explosive onslaught of Ramirez and his band.
Two decades is a mighty long time between albums. Made a welcome return with the just released A Thousand Turns. The brothers perfectly marry power pop melodies with jangly roots rock. Toss in some wonderful brotherly harmonies and it’s clear why they are considered one of the pioneers of the alt country movement.
The definition of maximum R&B. ‘nuf said.
On the occasion of my first timing seeing Sacramento, CA singer-songwriter Tre Burt, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Friday night at the Mercy Lounge, he captivated with a solo acoustic set that called to mind a young Bob Dylan.
For artists, being the last band of the evening may not be a desireable experience. For me, however, it has led to some wonderful surprises. On Thursday night I wandered into the High Watt to enjoy the last few songs of the last band playing. In this case it was Louisville, KY-based Bendigo Fletcher. Hailing from the indie rock branch of the Americana family, their music was both soothing and energetic.
A rooftop on a sunny afternoon – what could be better? Let me tell you: listening to Dallas outfit The 40 Acre Mule unleashed some intense R&B on said rooftop.
Chris J. Norwood and Billy Law share more than a label. If you look closely at the photos, you’ll see they also shared a guitar at their Thursday afternoon showcase. (In this case, it was Norwood borrowing Law’s guitar after his own guitar hit a rough patch.) Their back-to-back sets were a fine kick off to my musical day.
Enjoy more Twangville coverage of the Americana Conference and Awards.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.