On May 15, a summer storm was brewing in Austin as music industry tastemakers gathered at the intimate boutique hotel, St. Cecilia, for an Up Close & Personal Texas Chapter event with acclaimed artist, St. Vincent.
Gary Clark, Jr., Ruthie Foster, Mark Waystrach from the band Midland, southern rock duo Jamestown Revival, local legend Ray Benson from Asleep At The Wheel, and pop/rock band Fastball were among the invited attendees enjoying the sweet vibes of St. Cecilia over cheese and wine, awaiting the special guest for the evening. If anything can bring out this diverse group of notable artists, it's Annie Clark — aka St. Vincent — to talk about all things music.
Executive Producer of "Austin City Limits," Terry Lickona gathered everyone near the fireplace to welcome the group and talk a little bit about Annie, who had just taped her "Austin City Limits" episode with Lickona the night before. Liz Lambert, aka "Queen of Cool" and owner of Hotel St. Cecilia among other artists-choice hotels in Austin, San Antonio and Marfa, sat down to talk with her longtime friend about life, her guitar, and her latest album — Masseduction.
A couple of her favorite guitarists she mentioned off the bat—Mark Ribot and Adrian Belew. After she got that out of the way, Liz asked, "How was it recording your latest album." I was lucky enough to be sitting next to Gary Clark, Jr. who was nodding his head in agreement after many of her statements, specifically how she described that when she's touring she feels as though she's been floating in the atmosphere, going from place to place unsure of what day and time it is. Then, it comes to a halt and she asks, "Where the f*ck have I been?" And now it's time to be ready to record a big concept album? It's an interesting transition for her but luckily, songwriting is irrepressible (again, a lot of nodding in the room among this group and I think I may have heard an "amen"). When it comes to creating music, we know we can always count on St. Vincent to give us all the feels — equal parts groovy, sensual, and unpredictable.
Right on time for St. Vincent's performance — just her and her acoustic guitar in the living room — the storm surrounds the city with lightning and thunder. We're on the patio but no one seems to be worried about being rained on. Everyone just soaked up the electrifying performance and mood that came with it. Thankfully, the rain waits to release from the swelling clouds until we said our good byes.
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