13 Comes Up Lucky, Drew Kennedy Drops Wisdom on New Episode of The Hook
It was lucky number 13 for the 13th taping of The Hook in Austin where some great songs and songwriters were featured, and special guest performer/panelist Drew Kennedy dropped some monster wisdom everyone should hear. Taped on Sunday, August 30th at Sagebrush in Austin, Kennedy started the show off singing the song “Every Man” that he co-wrote and that ended up on the Cody Johnson album Banks of the Trinity. It was a great performance, but it really was Kennedy’s pearls of insight dropped throughout the show that made this episode of The Hook feel premier.
When traditional country guitar player and songwriter Jerry Renshaw of the band Bakersfield TX took the stage singing his Waylon tribute called “Jericho Blues,” he dropped numerous references to the number 13 in the song. After a discussion ensued about the song and how it was the 13th episode of The Hook, it happened to be that the very next number picked out of the hopper was 13. That ended up corresponding with songwriter David Allan, who despite saying his song was unnamed, might as well have called it “Shit or Get Off The Pot.”
Other performers on the week included Blaise Weir. Blaise had signed up to The Hook numerous times previous, but due to a standing gig he plays on Sundays, had to leave early. He finally got his opportunity on stage, and made the most of it singing his song “Superhero.” Inne Agular became a Hook favorite when she persevered through a shaky start on Episode 10. On Episode 13, she brought a renewed confidence and her song “I’m Lying” inspired by her love for her family. It was extra cool that most of her family also happened to be there to enjoy it.
Spencer Elijah from Kerrville made it 2 for 2 with quality songs on The Hook, and hopefully becomes a recurring character we get to see grow on The Hook stage. Lou Kyme is from slightly farther away—the U.K. to be specific—though she’s living in Austin studying music at Austin Community College. “The Cowboy” earned her a silver patch, and hopefully extra credit in her music classes at ACC.
Cliff Westfall came pretty far himself to be in Austin. Currently living in New York State, he was there to perform at another show at Sagebrush a few days before, but stuck around to see if he could get pulled out of the Hook hopper. It happened to be that he didn’t, but his friend Jesse Ebaugh of the Austin-based bad The Tender Things did, and Ebaugh secretly slid his number to the out-of-towner so Westfall could perform his song “Family Curse.” Westfall and his song drew comparisons from the panel of both Dylan and John Prine.
Palestine Williams is a songwriter The Hook had heard a lot about previously, and he finally had an opportunity to take the stage singing his song “Leon River Blues” to a positive reception. Returning songwriter Nitin Anish never disappoints, and though he introduced it as an “older” song, “Run Away” felt fresh to The Hook, and Nitin had everyone grooving as usual. Though the show was running short on time, Philip Gibbs was able to make his debut on The Hook stage and squeeze his performance of “Loch Ness” last minute.
Episode 13 also saw a couple of Gold Patch winners take the stage, and if they could have earned a second one, they would have. Owen Salerno’s “Carolina” was yet another exquisite piece of work, not just from the writing, but the excellent fingerpicked guitar playing reminiscent of Paul Simon. Tom Pritchett closed the show out, and left everyone stunned with the emotional moments and excellent perspective embodied in his song “All Your Guitars.”
Episode 13 did not see any new Gold Patch winners, but it was also one of those episode where the songs were so great across the board, it didn’t matter. It has been decided that another honor will be given out each week called “Song of The Day.” This is a way for artists who might not achieve Gold Patch status to still be recognized for a stellar composition, or it could also be given to a Gold Patch winner if they elevate their craft even further. On Episode 13, it was T.D. Stevens with his song “Dancing Through The Thistles” that earned that distinction.
The next taping of The Hook happens on Sunday, September 6th from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at Sagebrush in Austin. If you want to sign up for a chance to perform, make sure to arrive by 2:30.
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The Hook is not just for songwriters. Fans of songwriting are also encouraged to stop by. For more information, visit savingcountrymusic.com/thehook. Please subscribe to The Hook’s YouTube Channel, and follow The Hook on Instagram and Facebook.
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The Hook is sponsored by Ear Trumpet Labs, Keystone Artist Connect, Mule Kick Productions, JWA Media, and Sagebrush.
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