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. Here are some of my highlights from Americana 2022.
Ingram is now in the category of “when you can see Kingfish, see Kingfish”. His brand of the blues is muscular and rockin’. I can’t think of a better way to kick start my week in Nashville that watching him fire things up on a Music Row rooftop.
Ok, so it was kinda weird seeing Boston’s favorite punk band play a seated hotel ballroom – “This is the best gig we’ve ever played… in a Westin ballroom”, quipped singer Ken Casey. But if any band is gonna rock a hotel ballroom, it’s gonna be the Dropkick Murphys.
The group featured songs from their forthcoming album, This Machine Still Kills Fascists, which features Woody Guthrie lyrics that the group set to music. And who better to do so than a blue collar band from Boston. Shipping up to Boston, indeed.
HAYES CARLL / LAINEY WILSON / WILLIAM PRINCE
One of the conference highlights was these three artists who have been featured in the TV show “Yellowstone”. Each talked about their relationship with the show but the highlight was seeing them perform the associated songs. The one exception to this was Prince, who closed with a breathtaking new song – “That’s a new one called ‘Broken Heart of Mine”. It will sound better on the TV show.”
I only caught a couple of songs by Nashville-based Kyshona but it was something special. They were a mix of songs personal and inspirational that were brought to life with her soulful voice. They left me eager to hear more.
One of the first artists that I saw upon arriving in Nashville was emerging UK rock group The Heavy Heavy. The setting, as you can see, was pretty impressive (the rooftop of the BMI building). On record they have a freewheeling and harmony-drenched Northern California vibe but on this particular night they came to rock. Perhaps it was the energy from playing the show that kicks off their inaugural US tour but – whatever the reason – they provided an electrifying start to the week.
I’ve been fortunate to see Wong several times over the past year and he never ceases to impress. His songs captivate with tremendous emotion and depth, all set to striking melodies.
Johnston is returning from a seven year hiatus with a newly recorded collection of story-based songs. I caught him twice – both sets leaning heavily on some wonderful new songs alongside some Johnston classics like “Evie’s Tears” and “Bad Reputation”.
Singer-songwriter – and tremendous guitarist – Malone provided the perfect soundtrack to a sunny afternoon, featuring songs from her recent album, the relaxed 1977.
I can’t think of a better way to kick off my long overdue visit to the legendary Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge than to see Pettis and Laven. It was my first time seeing the both of them and they captivated with songs that were infused with their charismatic personalities. Bonus points for closing with a wonderful duet of Guy Clark’s “Dublin Blues”.
MELODY WALKER AND JACOB GROOPMAN
I closed out my Saturday afternoon at Dee’s with Walker and Groopman, both formerly of bluegrass band Front Country. Walker, backed by Groopman’s stellar guitar-playing, performed a number of newly written songs, each more wonderful than the next. Keep an eye out – they are something special.
Boston’s Amador was still grinning ear to ear from winning the 2022 NPR Tiny Desk contest. She, of course, played her award-winning song as well as several others that showcased the strength of her voice and the allure of her songwriting.
Purdy has had a busy year, releasing an album and three EPs. All were self-recorded by Purdy while he was spending time near Joshua Tree, California. That dusty environment found its way into his Nashville performances – they were sparse and engrossing.
Brown was another artist that I caught twice during the week, both times participating in songwriter rounds (one of which he curated). His songs are brooding yet thoughtful, set against captivating melodies.
Enjoy more Twangville coverage of the Americana Conference and Awards.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.