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Jess Williamson (Photo credit: Jackie Lee Young)
Jess Williamson’s last visit to the Continental Club was on his 30th birthday, when he went to see Dale Watson. Now 35, the Austin-based, LA and Marfa-based songwriter is an ideal musical home.Williamson will play two nights at the Continental with Jesse Woods on June 9 to mark the release of his incredible fifth record. time is no coincidence, and June 10th with Scott Ballue. The two openers are old friends from her time as a photojournalism student turned folk singer at the University of California, Austin.
Williamson, who has blossomed his early banjo sound into the depths of country and pop with razor-sharp writing, will also play a free solo set at Waterloo Records on Sunday, June 11 at 5pm.
“I loved Austin when I lived there,” she says. “I didn’t really want to quit, I just wanted a career. I was a little resentful of Austin because I didn’t find the footing I wanted for my music, and I said, ‘I’m not doing this. I wanted to be here, but you are here.” I can’t help Austin. We have to quit our day job. “
Williamson worked as a substitute teacher at Austin High School before leaving her home state for Los Angeles in 2016, where she cosmic wink (2018) and magician (2020) From the record label Mexican Summer. During the pandemic, the singer’s newfound inspiration came through on a collaboration with Hans Habits and a long walk with labelmate Ways Blood, who praised Williamson’s “undisturbed but hopeful” attitude on the March. Stated as Californian. rolling stone profile. Most notably, she launched the project Plains with Waxahatchie’s Katie Crutchfield, leading to a 2022 record and a tour in which the duo boldly embraced their Southern roots.
“I’ve learned that less is often more. It’s better to keep the lyrics simple, direct and truthful than trying to make the lyrics complicated, flashy, or esoteric,” William said. Song talked about recording Plains. I walked many paths with you Co-starring Brad Cook, who also produced her upcoming LP.
“I was working with some new guys, Katie and Brad, and they encouraged me in parts of my songwriting that I didn’t think I was good at. It made me trust myself.” It gave me the confidence to do it, and that really oozes out on this record.”
“I can’t wait to get [to Austin] I miss it so much that I even think it won’t be long before I live there again. – Jess Williamson
Underscoring a truly expanded genre, Williamson took the stage with Margo Price and Erin Ray on John Prine’s “Angel From Montgomery” on his Nashville tour last month. He uses country elements in an immersive and contemporary way, time is no coincidence It mixes a drum machine with the signature voice of an artist halfway between Joanna Newsom and Dolly Parton. Cat Power and Bonnie Raitt are also touchpoints, she says, to pinpoint her sphere of activity.
Among the series of Texas scenes on the new record, Williamson takes a scathing look at Austin on “God in Everything,” specifically referring to a 4 a.m. act at his favorite local brasserie. there is With a sweet, wild intonation, she sings:All the boys back home adore Dylan and Townes/And they’re at Justin’s because it’s after hours”
“Well, that song was written at a moment when I really felt like I had to let go of Austin as a place to go back. I was like, ‘Don’t look over my shoulder, but in front of me,’ she says.
“I went through the whole process of thinking I was going to let Austin go completely, but now I miss it so much. I can’t wait to go there and do a show and I really miss it, until I live there again.” I don’t even think it will be that long.”
Williamson, who was trained with a possible return to Austin in mind, has been documenting her travels in Austin over the past four years. time is no coincidence. This record was made in the wake of a farewell to a longtime musical collaborator (“Is my love song a lie now that love is gone?”) New Love Chance in Marfa (”So I don’t check Texas weather anymore/I just close my eyes”).
“Time heals us and gives us a new perspective on situations,” she summarizes. “In fact, this album is a very vulnerable and personal record for me of the last few years, and the album ends with the song ‘Roads. Because I wanted to finish with today’s exhilaration. It’s festive, exciting, and peaceful. It’s an image of driving off an endless highway with blue skies ahead, nothing is certain, no one knows how the story will end, but there’s a lot of hope. “
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