One of my AMA highlights was hearing AHI preview his forthcoming album Prospect. The setting was his producer Paul Mabury’s home studio, nestled in the mountains south of Nashville. A handful of us sat in the studio with AHI, Mabury, and several of the musicians who appeared on the album. In between listening to the studio recordings, AHI talked about the songs and the musicians reminisced about the sessions. The songs were stunning and inspired; the stories of their creation heartfelt and enlightening.
All My Shame is one of my favorite albums this year so it was a special treat to hear Mando Saenz and his band bring the songs to life. The edginess of the album was even more gloriously pronounced on an outdoor stage under the stars.
Hiatt, for all intents and purposes, was my welcome to Nashville 2021, performing at the first show I attended upon arriving in town. And what a welcome it was. She hit the stage and rocked through her set. The featured songs from her forthcoming album, in particular, packed a musical punch.
Ingram is the real deal. Despite his relatively young age, his writes, sings, and plays like a seasoned professional. Actually, better. While his music is clearly rooted in the blues, he infuses it with rock and roll intensity. His Friday afternoon set was so ferocious that the stage couldn’t contain him – he and his guitar wandered into the crowd for an electrifying solo.
One of the joys of 16+ years of Twangville is watching artists develop from the earliest days of their careers. The best of ‘em – like Lydia Loveless – continue to push and push themselves creatively. Loveless reunited with two of her bandmates to perform songs from her wonderful 2020 release Daughter.
Tim Easton’s Wednesday showcase was an abject lesson in perseverance. Just as his set was to begin, his guitar decided to call it a day. Numerous attempts to revive it were unsuccessful as Easton’s allotted time ticked away. Another artist on the bill eventually loaned him a guitar and Easton muscled through several of the gems from You Don’t Really Know Me, his latest release.
ELI “PAPERBOY” REED (WITH THE HARLEM GOSPEL TRAVELERS)
Eli Paperboy Reed is one of the most electrifying performers today, channeling all that was great about 1960’s R&B and infusing it with his own infectious personality. Throw in a crack band and gospel group The Harlem Gospel Travelers and it was one of the most invigorating sets of the week.
Another first time experience for me was explosive singer-songwriter-guitarist Celisse. She didn’t play a lot of notes, at least during this set, but the ones that she did play packed one hell of a wallop.
I’ve long appreciated Rosie Flores but even more so after she reflected on her career in an interview with us. It had been quite some time since I last saw her perform and am happy to report that she as fierce as ever with her guitar.
Enjoy more Twangville coverage of the Americana Conference and Awards.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.