On the School Night Sessions at Threadgill’s this past Monday night there was a very cool double bill, in essence a baton pass of tradition. The first band, Aidan, an Austin based traditional Irish outfit, plays as a three piece: guitar, flute and fiddle. There were jigs and reels and mournful songs of lost love and separation. The second set was from Wood & Wire, an articulate bluegrass band with unearthly harmonies that calls Austin home, though they will be heading to record an album in Nashville soon. Their lineup was banjo, mando, guitar and upright bass. The evening provided a unmistakable sonic connection through the generations. It was simply an amazing evening with an avid audience hanging on every note. Music that makes your heart soar. YES!
There is more cool music to dig into, with the release of Mindy Smith’s fifth, self-titled album, which hit the street yesterday. You might remember her haunting rendition of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” in 2004 or the plaintiff track “Come to Jesus,” from her One Moment More album the same year. Mindy wrote or co-wrote all eleven songs on her new album. She will be touring like crazy this summer, showcasing her jewel-toned voice, torching and twanging and digging down deep. See for yourself, as the first song has been posted from the new CD, “Closer.”
-Jessie Scott
