Photo of Brandy Clark and her band by Pariss Brown
Washington Avenue was bustling as I stepped into The Sovereign to catch “An Evening with Brandy Clark,” the sixteen-time Grammy Award nominee’s current tour. Clark is one of the most celebrated Country and Americana singer/songwriters of the century, penning country radio hits like The Band Perry’s “Better Dig Two” and the late Toby Keith’s “Drunk Americans.” Clark has also released multiple award-winning tunes herself, such as “Dear Insecurity,” which secured her and Brandi Carlile the 2024 Best Americana Performance Grammy.
Clark’s set had an incredible mix of old songs, popular radio hits, and new unreleased tracks from her upcoming project, American Roots. After a crowd favorite, “Who You Thought I Was,” Clark turned and introduced her band. I was shocked to find out they had only been playing together a year. The band members included: Gabe Burdulis on vocals/guitar, Amanda McCoy on vocals/guitar, and Erin “Pepper” Nelson on drums. They were lively and in-sync, interacting together on stage and with the audience. Amanda McCoy is one hell of a guitar player and performer. When she ripped an acoustic guitar solo, waist length hair swinging behind her in a halo of light, I was mesmerized. Be sure to catch the band on “Goodnight Los Angeles” and other new songs on their upcoming album.
Clark’s set continued on with a mix of cowboy anthems, broken-hearted serenades, heartfelt dialogue, and humorous feel-good ballads. The crowd was treated to a few profoundly touching songs, including an unreleased one called “If I Get to Be an Old Woman.”
To close out a rather gentle first half of the set, the band kicked it up a notch with “The Loner and The Lonely,” only performed at live shows. The band then went to take a break while Clark treated everyone to a solo set that included “Buried,” “Trailblazer,” and “Mama’s Broken Heart,” which the crowd sang back to her with fervor. The band then returned for an acoustic cover of “Follow Your Arrow,” the vocal harmonies bringing out the endearing side of this tongue-in-cheek favorite. I felt a flash of comfort, hearing lyrics that affirmed to me as a queer teen in rural Alabama that I belonged.
Clark wound down the set with two more unreleased songs-one from her new album and one she co-wrote with Ben Platt for his upcoming Americana album. (You might be surprised to learn Clark is a proud Tony nominee as well.) Then, she let loose the long-time favorites: “Get High,” “Stripes,” and “Broke.” The crowd ended on their feet, clapping and dancing.
Clark was joined by STL local artist Mattie Schell, a previous member of the band River Kittens. Effortlessly cool girl, I would have loved to sit down next to her in a bar. Her voice scraped the rafters and rolled off the stage, gritty and radiant. She was accompanied only by her guitar. Schell and her husband are talented lyricists and have written most of her songs together. My favorites included “Is the Party Really Over?”, “And So It Goes,” and “Everything Means Nothing.” I found myself several times rapid-firing lyrics into my notes app that had just cracked my heart open. Her playful crowd banter and candid talks made you feel like you were getting to know a new friend for the first time. She was a great choice for an opener and someone I would love to see again.
All in all, it was a great night listening to two incredible female artists who offered an evening meant for everyone and anyone to enjoy. | Pariss Brown
