Ep 8. ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival 2013

ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival 2013 is a must-watch episode for any fan of Americana music. It showcases some of the biggest names in the genre, as well as emerging talents, in a two-hour special recorded live at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.

The episode opens with a rousing performance by Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, who join forces to perform a song from their collaborative album, Old Yellow Moon. Their harmonies are pitch-perfect, and there's a palpable chemistry between the two musicians. This sets the tone for the rest of the episode, which is filled with moments of musical magic.

The next act, Richard Thompson, delivers a masterful performance of his song "Good Things Happen to Bad People." His intricate guitar work and powerful vocals are a reminder of why he's considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Then, the audience is treated to performances by Milk Carton Kids, Shovels & Rope, and Jim Lauderdale, all of whom offer their own unique take on the Americana sound. The Milk Carton Kids, a duo consisting of Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale, showcase their intricate harmonies and vintage-inspired sound. Shovels & Rope, the husband-and-wife duo of Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst, bring their raw energy to the stage with a raucous performance of "Birmingham." Jim Lauderdale delivers a soulful performance of "I'm a Song," a song he co-wrote with Robert Hunter.

But it's the performances by some of the biggest names in Americana music that really steal the show. Jason Isbell, the former Drive-By Truckers guitarist who has become a superstar in his own right, delivers a passionate performance of "Stockholm." Isbell's voice is filled with emotion, and his guitar playing is virtuosic.

Then, there's the legendary Emmylou Harris, who returns to the stage to perform "Red Dirt Girl" and "Boulder to Birmingham." Her voice is as pure and powerful as ever, and she commands the stage with her effortless grace.

The episode also features performances by Buddy Miller, who is joined by Jim Lauderdale for a performance of "Looking for a Heartache Like You," and Old Crow Medicine Show, who deliver a foot-stomping rendition of "Wagon Wheel."

But perhaps the most memorable moment of the episode comes from Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters. Plant, the former Led Zeppelin frontman who has become a devotee of Americana music in recent years, delivers a mesmerizing performance of "Black Dog." His voice is still powerful and dynamic, and the Sensational Space Shifters' musicianship is top-notch.

Throughout the episode, the musicians come together for a series of collaborations that showcase the camaraderie and sense of community that defines the Americana music scene. There's a sense of joy and celebration in the air, as the musicians trade licks and harmonies and feed off each other's energy.

In the end, ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival 2013 is a celebration of a genre that has never been more vibrant or alive. The performances are raw, authentic, and deeply felt, and the sense of passion and artistry is palpable. It's a testament to the power of music to bring people together and to forge connections that transcend boundaries. Whether you're a diehard fan of Americana music or just appreciate great music and performance, this episode is not to be missed.