He made a name for himself as a session player, songwriter and sideman, but last year’s Nashville Obsolete, the second full-length release under his own name, was a reminder that Dave Rawlings is as compelling a frontman as any of his Americana contemporaries. The delicate firepower of his collaboration with longtime partner Gillian Welch is on full display on the record, which also features bassist Paul Kowert of Punch Brothers and Willie Watson on guitar. With his reedy voice and intricate fingerpicking, Rawlings is able to command a stage just as well as a stereo; he’ll bring Welch and company back to the Georgia Theatre Thursday for a must-see show.
Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.