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As Jess Williamson takes the stage at a bustling Lexington venue, a respectful quiet settles upon the audience. Her outfit gives off a hipster vibe, as if she stumbled upon the set of Little House on the Prairie. Tonight, she performs solo with just her guitar and occasionally incorporates demo drumlines from her iPhone, which played a crucial role in her latest album.
The album, titled Time Ain’t Accidental, marks the fifth solo release for the artist and is a departure from her previous work which often evoked a somber tone. After years of performing country-folk music, she was on the verge of a major breakthrough, but unfortunately, the pandemic disrupted her plans. Despite this setback, she remains optimistic and tonight, as she performs songs from her 2023 record, she cheerfully invites those who are unable to see due to their height to join her on stage where there is plenty of space. She expresses her desire for company, stating that it can get lonely on stage. However, no one takes her up on her offer.
Some may call it British reserve, but why would anyone choose to sit behind the speakers and miss out on the full impact of Williamson’s smooth, velvety voice? After each line, she retreats from the microphone as if hesitant to release any more of her talent. The most captivating moments in every song are delivered with a hint of a country sneer, sung from the corner of her mouth. In “Ponies in Town,” she sings about the luxury of being able to afford fancy eggs, showcasing her ability to seamlessly shift between throaty intimacy and soaring, flute-like notes. During her guitar solos, she sways and moves with the instrument, almost as if she is dancing a ballroom routine.
In the second act, she finally brings out the iPhone drums, even though she has been dancing as if she’s missing them. When she performs “God in Everything”, it creates a jarring effect similar to a Christian band playing at a school assembly, but on “Time Ain’t Accidental”, the drums are almost necessary. This song is her best and most romantic, filling the room with energy like a firework before she quiets down to end the show. She started with “Sorceress”, where she reassured the audience that she is not one, but the next hour proved otherwise – there is a bit of magic in her performance, and she shared it with us tonight.
Source: theguardian.com
