Jandek/Bill Callahan

Central Presbyterian Church, Saturday, March 17

The past year has witnessed a coming out for both Jandek and Bill Callahan, a somewhat unsettling emergence in both cases. After all, what could be more antithetical to the former’s 30-year reclusiveness than a SXSW performance? Yet even as the pale, black-clad Houstonian stood before the cross inside the Presbyterian Church, his presence was still as spectral and intangible as his music. Backed by drums, bass, and a furiously bellowed harmonium, the ghost of Corwood conducted an unholy drone that at times called down an almost industrial clamor behind his monotone litanies. Though he spoke nary a word, a wry grin betrayed his stoicism amid the applause. Conversely, Austin’s Bill Callahan was downright playful, joking through new songs “Sycamore” and “Honeymoon Child” as Joanna Newsom contributed piano and Elizabeth Warren violin. The new material seemed uncharacteristically uplifting, with Newsom’s tinkling even lightening the pulse of “Cold Blooded Old Times” and adding an extra shuffle to the Callahan kick-step. The Smog, it seems, has lifted.

This article appears in March 23 • 2007.

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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.