Lucinda Williams, often referred to as the queen of Americana, delved deep into her extensive songbook during her two-hour set at the Auckland Town Hall last night.
With up-and-coming Australian songsmith Henri Wagons warming up the crowd with an often comedic solo set, Williams and her excellent four-piece band were greeted with warm applause as they dove straight into early classics like Can't Let Go and Pineola.
Winding through tracks from Car Wheels On A Gravel Road, West, Little Honey and last year's Blessed, a rock 'n' roll-looking Williams - dressed in good old westie black with bleached blonde hair - seemed most comfortable when holding her acoustic or brushed steel electric, and proved she still has the guitar chops to hold her own after nearly 35 years on stage (and approaching 60).
The double bass on the beautiful lilting Jackson, and the burning torchlight ballad Born To Be Loved were early highlights, with Williams in fine voice.
Blessed also had a lovely contented quality, and is indicative of the special space which Williams leaves in her songwriting, allowing her band to shine.
