Son of a celebrated multi-instrumentalist, college dropout, recent tour mate of The Civil Wars, duet partner of Caitlin Rose — Rayland Baxter’s already covered a lot of ground in his quarter-century-plus. There aren’t many singer-songwriters in this town — whether their dad toured with Bob Dylan or not — with a better grasp of subtle, understated craft. Or who know as many bird names. Speaking of bird names, you won’t find many singer-songwriters in town with a less subtle, less understated song than Birdcloud’s “Warshin’ My Big Ole Pu$$y.” But if you couldn’t understand the lyrics, Birdcloud’s ribaldry would sound right at home beside Baxter’s rambling Americana — which is probably why they’re on this bill, alongside Baxter collaborators The Kingston Springs, who help flesh out his “Willie’s Song” in a willowy acoustic version you can watch online. Worth your time all the way around.
— Steve Haruch