Sir Woman celebrated their 2023 Austin Music Awards Band of the Year award by, well, playing all over town. I caught their last set – on Sunday afternoon – where singer-songwriter Kelsey Wilson led the group, including featured vocalists Spice and Roy Jr., through a wonderous and soulful performance.
Another band who are so good that I had to see them twice. Songwriters Avi Vinocur and Patrick Dyer Wolf each bring their own personality and style to the band yet compliment each other wonderfully. There’s tremendous storytelling in their songs, all the better when set to their captivating melodies.
Even stripped down, there is still a moving intensity to Sunny War’s songs. Accompanied by the talented Anthony Da Costa, I saw her captivate crowds at the BMI brunch on Friday and the New West Records day party on Saturday.
Not only was it a treat to see Margo Price deliver a high energy and entertaining performance, it was all the more special that the occasion was the kick-off of the 49th season(!) of the Austin City Limits television series. Look for me in the crowd when the show airs…
In the meantime, photos weren’t allowed during the actual taping, so here’s a snapshot of the pre-show set.
I haven’t spent any time in West Texas so I am not sure what would drive someont to live in exile. Nonetheless, the three singer-songwriters and the dynamic rhythm section brought one heck of a party to their adopted home town of Austin on Sunday. Their set was a mix of country and rock & roll, Texas style. And as a special surprise, Texas music legend Jimmie Dale Gilmore joined them for one rockin’ tune.
I caught The Nude Party twice. First closing out the New West party on Saturday night and then closing out my SXSW trip on Sunday night. While the former showcased songs from their newly released album Rides On, the latter was a freewheeling set heavy on covers that included Sam Cooke, the Rolling Stones, and Doug Sahm. It made for a great way to wrap the week.
I kicked off Thursday with Nashville singer-songwriter Gabe Lee. He captivated with an earnestness to both his songs and performance.
New York by way of Buffalo singer-songwriter was on my short list of new to me artists to catch at SXSW. While I only caught a handful of songs, I’m eager to hear more. Raekwon switched effortlessly between piano and guitar, performing songs that were both heartfelt and powerful.
Austin rockers Broken Gold have been on my radar for a number of years but I was finally able to catch them live this year. Their music is earnest, melodic… and loud.
Sometimes you need a little punk rock to kick start the evening, ya know? UK trio provided the spark that I needed early Friday night.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.