This group’s weekly gig at Nashville institution American Legion Post 82 was required attendance even before their AmericanaFest blowout. Their performance alone was a thrill. Then came the special guests: Margo Price delivering a rip-roaring “9 to 5,” Shakey Graves joining Price for an incredible duet of “Islands in the Stream,” and Duane Betts (with Price on vocals) leading the band through a spectacular “Blue Sky” to close out the show. It was the party of the week, with an audience full of Americana’s finest enjoying the late-night celebration.
Kathleen Edwards / Maggie Rose / Brandy Clark / Ruthie Foster
This incredible quartet shared the stage at a SiriusXM taping. Each would have been a must-see in her own right, but seeing them together was both magical and moving. The admiration among them was plain, and they seemed to sing as much to one another as to the room.
If you know my last name (or check the byline above), you’ll understand why I stepped away from AmericanaFest for a bit to catch Danzig. It was as great as I hoped and expected, and proof that Nashville can host Americana and heavy metal in the same week.
I caught Gault twice, with her full band and solo. The band’s mid-day set was a rocking affair that leaned heavily on her most recent rock burner, with a throwback gem in “Heavy Metal.” A second acoustic set was equally striking, a testament to the range of Gault’s talent.
Mayfield played only one show this year, and I damn sure wasn’t going to miss it. His Saturday afternoon set was exactly what I was hoping for, with his band’s ragged sound digging deep into Neil Young and Crazy Horse territory. (Mayfield will playing Twangville showcases in Boston and New York City later this month. Join us!)
If you’re looking for an artist to close out AmericanaFest, it’s hard to top Steve Poltz. His songwriting and effervescent personality would have been enough, but he also brought up Mary Gauthier, Jim Lauderdale, and Jaimee Harris to play musical compatriots and comedic foils, a glorious send-off to the week.
Mulekick Productions’ Palomino Club Tribute
Our friends at Mulekick Productions sure know how to throw a party. Their Saturday throwdown was a guest-filled afternoon paying homage to the rock-infused country that was a staple at Los Angeles’ legendary Palomino Club. Think Dwight Yoakam, Los Lobos, The Blasters, Lone Justice, Rosie Flores, Lucinda Williams, and countless other Americana standard-bearers.
No one was better suited to close out the day than Jason Ringenberg of Jason & the Scorchers, who between songs shared stories of his time at the club. (Keep an eye out for the upcoming Palomino Club documentary.)
I’ve seen one-man-band extraordinaire Matt Lorenz countless times and still can’t get enough. His latest album, a meditation on loss sparked by the death of his sister, is as inviting as it is profound. Hearing the songs live made them all the more moving, and Lorenz still fills his shows with warmth and wit.
I first saw this rising Nashville duo at SXSW earlier this year, and their energy, presence, and songs stood out then. They brought more of the same to a spirited Americana set.
A Twangville favorite, Plaine played an under-the-radar gig where he previewed new songs that increased my anticipation for his next album. Not sure when that’ll be, but I’m eagerly awaiting, Austin.
It’s always a treat to see Carll. Doing so on the BMI rooftop, with the Nashville skyline as a backdrop, made this set extra special. His new band gave the show an added lift, and the icing on the cake was hearing a bunch of personal favorites.
One of my favorite and most unexpected discoveries of the week. I arrived early to see another artist and was transfixed by this quartet, who deliver old-time, really old-school country with authenticity and flair.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.