I saw sisters Veronica and Jess Pal deliver two blistering sets of rock and roll, sweetened by their catchy pop melodies and perfect sibling harmonies. Even those two times was not enough – here’s hoping they return soon for a proper tour.
My favorite Americana discovery was Nashville by way of Texas songwriter Joelton Mayfield. Great songs delivered with compelling sincerity. At times his set veered into Neil Young and Crazy Horse territory, letting Mayfield showcase his guitar-playing prowess.
Australia’s Cap Carter told the story of how he tried to quit music. Thankfully it didn’t take. Carter was a SXSW highlight, so much so that I caught him twice over a 13 hour period. The power of his voice was matched only by the intensity of his songs.
UK rock band Himalayas were a SXSW discovery from a few year’s back. They returned this year in advance of their upcoming sophomore album release. The set I caught was at an upscale hotel bar, a odd location for a fiery rock band. It amused the band as much as the crowd – “We’re more used to playing in dive bars than places like this… This is clearly a very fancy hotel that deserves to be trashed.”
Virginia folk trio Palmyra are on the cusp of releasing their debut album on John Prine’s Oh Boy Records. Their excitement was on fine display as they spent early Saturday afternoon playing a hotel courtyard as part of the Luck Reunion day party. Fun songs, a lively performance, and a sunny afternoon – who could ask for anything more?
I kicked off my Thursday at the annual Bloody Mary Morning event. No bloody mary but a fine set from Austin’s David Ramirez. His songs and performance, as always, bristled with intensity.
Lucero closed out Thursday’s day long Memphis music party with their signature brand of rock and roll. Ain’t no party like a Lucero party.
BONNIE WHITMORE and MANDO SAENZ
I stepped off the official SXSW path for Bonnie Whitmore’s weekly residency at the intimate Continental Club Gallery. Whitmore took advantage of SXSW to invite visiting artist friends, including Nashville’s Mando Saenz, to join her for a few songs.
Brooklyn’s Paisley Fields has a personality as lively as his songs. It’s been a minute since his last album and while it was great to hear songs from that release, the real treat was hearing an outstanding new one planned for the next release.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.