Austin City Limits Season 27 Episode 4 Mary Chapin Carpenter / Nanci Griffith

Mary Chapin Carpenter and Nanci Griffith join forces on stage in this episode of Austin City Limits, Season 27 Episode 4. Both women are legendary singer-songwriters, known for their heartfelt and honest lyrics that touch on everything from love and loss to political and social issues.

Mary Chapin Carpenter takes the stage first, with her band backing her up as she performs a mix of hits from her earlier albums and newer material. Her distinctive voice and acoustic guitar playing are as powerful as ever, and fans of her work will be delighted to hear classic tracks like "I Take My Chances" and "He Thinks He'll Keep Her" alongside newer songs like "The Middle Ages" and "What If We Went to Italy."

Throughout her set, Carpenter opens up about her life and experiences, particularly talking about the challenges of being a female musician in a male-dominated industry. She also shares insights into the creative process that goes into making an album, and how she finds inspiration for her songwriting.

Next up is Nanci Griffith, who performs a mix of her own songs as well as covers of some of her favorite tracks by other artists. Her sweet, clear voice is accompanied by her trusty guitar and a small band of musicians, who offer up stirring renditions of songs like "Love at the Five and Dime," "Across the Great Divide," and "Once in a Very Blue Moon."

Griffith's set is filled with moments of warmth and humor, as she shares stories about how she first got into music and the inspirations behind many of her songs. She also touches on some of the social and political issues that have inspired her throughout her career, particularly issues related to the environment and social justice.

As the show comes to a close, Carpenter and Griffith take the stage together for a few duets, including a stunning rendition of the classic folk song "The Streets of Baltimore." Their voices blend together beautifully, and it's clear that these two women share a deep respect and admiration for each other's work.

Overall, this episode of Austin City Limits is a real treat for fans of Mary Chapin Carpenter and Nanci Griffith, showcasing two of the most talented and influential singer-songwriters of their generation. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering their music for the first time, this episode is not to be missed.