Credit: Photo by Shelley Hiam

Gillian Welch

Sunday, Sept. 28, Zilker Park

“Everybody loves a chick with a banjo,” laughed Gillian Welch as she strapped on the instrument for the bluesy “My First Lover,” and though the Americana stalwart delivered a mesmerizing and mellow set, it was guitarist David Rawlings who stole the show. The duo worked through a generous, if haphazardly organized, portion of her catalog, from Revival‘s “Orphan Girl” to Soul Journey‘s “Look at Miss Ohio,” with Rawlings’ immaculate picking given free reign throughout, mimicking Willie Nelson on “I’m Not Afraid to Die” and distinguishing impressive solos on “I Want to Sing That Rock and Roll” and the extended jam of “Revelator.” The pair’s harmonies pitched perfectly together on the gorgeous, unreleased, slow-burn ballad “Throw Me a Rope,” but it was Alison Krauss joining for the a cappella “Didn’t Leave Nobody but the Baby” reprise from O Brother, Where Art Thou? that supplied the set’s surprise highlight.

This article appears in October 3 • 2008.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.