Austin City Limits Season 47 Episode 5 Brandy Clark; Charley Crockett
- October 30, 2021
Brandy Clark and Charley Crockett take center stage in this episode of Austin City Limits season 46 episode 5. Brandy Clark, an American country music singer-songwriter, has become known for her storytelling approach to songwriting. Charley Crockett, a Texas blues and soul singer, has gained a following for his unique sound that blends traditional Texas music with contemporary influences.
The episode opens with a dynamic performance from Charley Crockett, whose high-energy presence immediately raises the bar for the rest of the show. His distinct vocal style, marked by a mix of soulful crooning and gritty rasp, is on full display as he delivers a selection of new and old songs, including "Borrowed Time" and "How Low Can You Go". His backing band, featuring a horn section and a keyboard player, adds layers of rich instrumentation to his songs and brings each one to life.
Next up is Brandy Clark, who takes the stage with her signature acoustic guitar. Her understated stage presence belies the strength and wit of her lyrics, which she delivers with an effortless ease. Clark's setlist is a mix of old and new, with songs spanning her career from her debut album to her latest release, "Your Life is a Record". From the melancholy ballad "Who Broke Whose Heart" to the tongue-in-cheek "Bigger Boat", Clark's lyrics reveal the complexities of the human experience with nuance and empathy.
Both Crockett and Clark have a way of imbuing their songs with a sense of timelessness, and their performances on Austin City Limits season 46 episode 5 are no exception. They tap into a classic sound while making it feel fresh and relevant, reminding audiences of the enduring power of good songwriting.
Throughout the episode, Crockett and Clark's performances are interspersed with behind-the-scenes segments that give insight into their creative processes. In one segment, Clark talks about how she approaches songwriting as a craft, commenting that "the more you hone it, the better you get". In another segment, Crockett speaks about drawing from his family's musical legacy in Louisiana and how that influences his sound.
The episode also features a duet between Crockett and Clark, who combine their voices on the song "I Need a Heart to Come Home To". Their harmony is pitch-perfect, with Clark's honeyed vocals and Crockett's soulful grit complementing each other perfectly.
As the episode comes to a close, it's clear that Crockett and Clark are both artists to watch. They bring a fresh approach to classic genres like country and blues, injecting new life into well-worn traditions. Austin City Limits season 46 episode 5 is a testament to the enduring power of music and the talent of these two rising stars.