The festival was graced this year by hundreds of acts performing to thousands of music lovers from all corners, gathered across the various venues and bars of this iconic city. They are all an integral part of the extended family that share a common thread of community that is the key inspiration over this unique experience.
Another selection of the performances that impressed Lonesome Highway included;
CAM
A festival debut for an artist who has her roots in country music, but has risen beyond genre classification in her career. Her crystal clear vocal range and flawless performance are highly impressive. Recently she contributed on five songs for Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter album and it was a privilege to witness her special talent in such intimate surroundings. Joined by her long-time friend Tyler Johnson on guitars, the personal storytelling of CAM was given room to shine and her sophisticated vocals did the rest.
CAROLINE SPENCE
Playing songs from her recently released fifth album Heart Go Wild Caroline played a beautifully constructed set of songs joined by two talented musicians on guitar and keyboards, and the sonic treatments were a perfect accompaniment for her subtly strong vocal delivery. On each song the nuance in her writing is very evident and the insights between songs highlight an artist very much at the centre of her creativity right now.
KIP MOORE
Country Rock sometimes gets a raw deal among critics and so-called experts, but from a fan perspective Kip Moore is at the cutting edge of all that is currently relevant in this area. Playing a stripped down set with his talented band, he showcased songs in a light that framed what a good songwriter he is. The audience loved it and Moore performed with great character and colour.
THE WATSON TWINS
Very much the darlings of Nashville recording studios and go-to favourites for their superb sibling harmony vocals, sisters Chandra and Leight Watson were playing songs from the recent Live album release, Seeing Double. Their band was terrific in the energy delivered and the twins are always good value for in-song conversation and interplay with each other. A real highlight.
AARON LEE TASJAN
Always open to crossing genres in his music and surrounded by his excellent band, he delivered real value for money in live performance. This show was a real pleasure to attend and Tasjan played a varied song set from his impressive back catalogue. He also delivered lots of witty between-song insights and wisdom from the years of playing and touring. A great guitar-driven set.
BUFFALO NICHOLS
His songs carry a deep resonance and a power that is compelling in a live setting. An impressive guitar virtuoso, Nichols’ lyrics reflect everything from racial bigotry to social injustice, moral poverty, political corruption, subjugation of the working class, and the relentless pursuit of wealth to the detriment of all else. Classic blues delivered in a soulful tour de force commentary.
ZANDI HOLUP
The current media ripple surrounding this new talent is well-founded and her set was littered with insightful observations on life and relationships; challenges faced in growing up within abusive environments, and much more. Her powerful songs are delivered with a shy confidence and a steely determination. Zandi was accompanied by a sole fiddle player and won many new admirers.
KYSHONA
A festival highlight with her powerful vocal delivery and strong messages of inequality and racial segregation over the ages. Everyone can identify with the truth in her writing and the gospel-infused soul sound would move the hardest heart to the plight of the under-privileged in any society. Kyshona sings of hope and loving awareness in these dark times of moral myopia.
CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN
The continued rise of this singer songwriter was captured here by his superbly talented band and the songs they performed had a real energy. Lots to enjoy across a performance that had everything, including a few songs from a recently released EP and also a foretaste of the new live album that is coming soon. Godwin is well on his way to real stardom.
STEPHEN WILSON JR.
A high powered rocking performance from the electrically-charged Stephen Wilson Jr and his three-piece band. Hypnotic stage presence as a frontman, assisted by great songs and the trademark strong delivery – driving rhythms and impressive quality – a real crowd favourite.
It was a very enjoyable festival and some other highlights included an invite to the Folk Alliance International event at the historic RCA Studio A and the day party hosted by New West and Oh Boy Records, with both events adorned by a list of superb acts and artists. A visit to the Grand Ole Opry was also great fun. The sun shone throughout the five days and the joyful atmosphere was infectious.
Review and photos by Paul McGee