Some alt-country memories were resurrected Sunday night at 3rd & Lindsley through East Tennessee singer/songwriter Jill Andrews and Megan McCormick. A lot of Andrews fans may know her best as singer for former roots band the Everybodyfields, which was based in Johnson City, TN and included McCormick’s guitar skills for the album Nothing Is Okay. But this was no reunion; each artist did what she did best, (including American Idol star Crystal Bowersox, who also shared the bill) as parts of the show were broadcast on Lightning 100.
First up was Andrews, who opened her set with a beautiful slow number, “Blue Eyes,” written about baby son Nico (who hung around in the back of the house during the show). Her voice is powerful and almost liquid in the way it embodies the lyrics, and at times – particularly in slower songs – her vocals take on a haunting yet warm quality reminiscent of Trespassers William. Standout songs were the weepy strummer “Always Be Sorry” and soft reminiscing of “City Noise,” though the set would have been even better had she thrown in a few of her covers (she does a particularly good Fleetwood Mac “Dreams” and John Lennon “Instant Karma”).
Next onstage was Crystal Bowersox who, though she was armed with a strong, dusky voice, paled in comparison to the preceding and following sets. After getting her break as a runner-up on American Idol, Bowersox recently released her debut, Farmer’s Daughter, which is rife with her personal traumas. Like her voice, her lyrics are undeniably bold, but not as hard-hitting as Andrews’ and McCormick’s, which could change with time and experience.
Megan McCormick was last, which was probably for the best, since she completely owned the show. It was my first time seeing her live, and, though I’d heard and liked the recorded material, I did not expect as much as she brought to the performance. Whether she was playing steadier slow-burners or fiery, up-tempo stuff, each song was heated and thick with the blues – hear “Shiver” or “Take Me Out.” The set stretched to 15 songs, a large part of its success due to the talent of the upright bass player and McCormick’s expressive guitar playing, not to mention poignant, even vocals that pair well with her alt-blues-folk mash-up. – Jessica Pace