Artist - Better Than Ezra Holler Pilgrimage Session 1

This is Better Than Ezra for the Holler Pilgrimage Sessions Presented by George Dickel, performing their songs 'Good', 'Mystified' and 'A Lifetime'.

George Dickel Presents Better Than Ezra for the Holler Pilgrimage Sessions, performing their songs 'Good', 'Mystified' and 'A Lifetime'.

Holler Pilgrimage Sessions Presented by George Dickel: Better Than Ezra

Kevin Griffin and Tom Drummond of the platinum-selling band deliver a greatest hits performance for George Dickel and the Holler Pilgrimage Sessions.

Holler Pilgrimage Sessions Presented by George Dickel: Better Than Ezra 

Ross

Author - Ross Jones 2

Artist - Tommy Prine Holler Pilgrimage Sessions 1

As the sun set on the final day of Pilgrimage Festival 2023, Tommy Prine entered the fray; ready to gift us with the final session of a thoroughly exciting and gratifying weekend in Franklin, Tennessee. 

There's not many better to sit, listen and ponder with than Tommy. An inventive, markedly watchful and emotionally resilient songwriter, Prine has this magical ability to transcend universes and make time stand still, all from sitting and observing a stranger playing chess. Where his debut album, 

, swirls in the heavy dynamism of its atmospheric production, Prine's live performance is an altogether different beast; an exposed and raw proposition that further displays Prine's way with a word.

"This first song is called 'Long Way Down'; it's the newest one that I wrote just about last week, so I hope it goes well and I hope you all like it" Tommy gently prefaces as he introduces his performance. There was no need for Prine to fear, as he delivers an observant and imaginative number that showcases the acutely introspective nature of his songwriting.

"If you were in the cosmos / i'd spend a thousand nights / diving into wormholes / hoping you're on the other side". While at face value it's a rather sombre and heavy song, Prines' adventurous curiosity offers hope and comfort in the fact tomorrows another day.

"I've always found myself to be someone that has a good disposition, meaning that I feel like whenever anything bad happened in life I had a voice inside my head that said get back up; pick yourself up and you'll keep going". 

"But I'm sure, as everyone knows, sometimes something bad happens and that voice is nowhere to be found. I wrote this song kind of about that theme".

That song is 'Caught In The Wake'; a frank and vulnerable rumination on being lost and feeling like no one can save you in testing times. Prine's lyricism once again pierces through, his vivid and exhaustive way with a narrative not only engulfs you in the world of his song, but naturally makes you look inwards into where you're are and where you're lighthouse is, particularly if you feel like you are constantly floating.

Closing with fan favorite 'Gandalf', Prine looks back on his young life when he was trying to find himself, looking how far he's come and how he's finally found everything he wanted. It's a colourful and beautiful examination of the self, and how through battling life's hurdles you can become the person you want to be.

This is Tommy Prine for the Holler Pilgrimage Sessions Presented by George Dickel, performing his songs 'Long Way Down', 'Caught In The Wake' and 'Gandalf'.

George Dickel Presents Tommy Prine for the Holler Pilgrimage Sessions, performing his songs 'Long Way Down', 'Caught In The Wake' and 'Gandalf'.

Holler Pilgrimage Sessions Presented By George Dickel: Tommy Prine

Tommy Prine - 'Gandalf' Video | Holler Pilgrimage Sessions Presented by George Dickel

Artist - The Watson Twins Holler Pilgrimage Sessions 1

It's safe to say, here at Holler, we're big fans of The Watson Twins. Now sure, their latest album may share a thing or two in common with your favourite publication, but does that make us biased? Heck no! We can't get enough of their lofty harmonies and enduring songwriting that has had 

 remain on the office stereo since it's release in June.

So upon welcoming them to the George Dickel Tent for the Holler Pilgrimage sessions, were we in for a treat when we found out they'd brought an ol' buddy along... Aaron Lee Tasjan! Joining the duo for their session on the trusty acoustic guitar, the trio certainly delivered something special.

"For any of those who love a good honky tonk, this is about the Nashville Palace", Chandra says as the duo introduce their first song, 'The Palace'.

A fun-time reverie that's determined to wash away the heart break blues with a tall boy and a double shot to chase, the twins ensure that all your cares are a million miles away when you enter the palace. It's a breezy and celebratory way to kick off their session, Chandra and Aaron playfully ringing the major chords with knowing winks as the duo's harmonies soar through our very own bar.

"This next song is called 'Never Be Another You', and it's about that person you just can't shake', Leigh explains. It's a poignant and pertinent title for this soulful, 70s songwriter-esque number, the pair lingering on the line "this love is an addiction" as they deliver a worldly declaration of affection that doesn't hide any of it's grief in that same ol' heartbreak.

"This one is the title track of our new record, and we hope you enjoy it. This one's for Holler Country", Leigh kindly dedicates as the trio get the hymnbook out for their new anthem, 'Holler'. A reverie that washes away your fears and empowers you to take on any hurdles that stands in your way head first, it'll have you jumping out of your chair and hollering to the skies in delight as Tasjan rips a nifty solo to close.

This is The Watson Twins and Aaron Lee Tasjan for the Holler Pilgrimage Sessions, performing their songs 'The Palace', 'Never Be Another You' and 'Holler'.

George Dickel Presents The Watson Twins for the Holler Pilgrimage Sessions, performing their songs 'The Palace', 'Never Be Another You' and 'Holler'.

Holler Pilgrimage Sessions Presented by George Dickel: The Watson Twins

Chandra and Leigh Watson join George Dickel for the Holler Pilgrimage Sessions.

The Watson Twins - 'Holler' Video | Holler Pilgrimage Sessions Presented by George Dickel

Artist - Bones Owens - Holler Pilgrimage Sessions 2

Under the haunting and mysterious moniker of Bones Owens, Missouri-songwriter Caleb Owens has been known for brewing up soul-stirring and swampy rock and blues, the sort you'd find belting out of the smokiest of honky tonks and dive bars in Nashville's East Side. 

His self-titled debut, released in 2021 via Thirty Tigers, channelled this into a raw, alluring collection of songs that was as accessible and melodic-driven as it was boisterous and unrestrained. 

But, having recently been out on the road with Koe Wetzel and co-written with one of Holler's new favourites in Peco and The Rooftops, it shows Owens certainly doesn't package himself in one box. He uses the power of his songwriting to explore vast feelings and themes that show him to be a mature and affecting songwriter.

Joining George Dickel for the Holler Pilgrimage Sessions, Owens' performance of three new, unreleased songs certainly cements such an opinion. 

His session is dark and brooding, most suitable for the gently lit bar where the performances are recorded. With the stripped-back nature of the session, Owens is able to really lean in to the raw, sombre nature of these songs. Be sure though, this is no sorrowful tale; Owens growls at times, almost cries at others, ensuring the whiskey blues take hold and ruminate in your mind and soul.

'Bring Me Back' veers into the former. A brazen, petrol-doused murder ballad that would've been as suitable on 

Owens' caustic and defeated vocal rings heavily, as he admits there's nothing that will bring him back; "got no one to call / go on, sell my records off / mama now". 

'Eighteen Wheeler' and 'Heavy Arms', while softer in their tender desire, lose none of their emotional weight. Whether he's leaving someone behind to head back out on the road or observing his own fragility in the wake of a loss, Owens gently pines in hope, playing on the edges of finality while grasping onto the softly burning embers of hope.

Delivering one of Holler's most unreserved and passionate sessions to date, this is Bones Owens for the Holler Pilgrimage Sessions Presented by George Dickel.

George Dickel Presents Bones Owens for the Holler Pilgrimage Sessions, performing his songs 'Bring Me Back', 'Eighteen Wheeler' and 'Heavy Arms'.

Laura

Laura Ord

Holler Pilgrimage Sessions Presented by George Dickel: Bones Owens

Under the haunting and mysterious moniker of Bones Owens, Missouri-songwriter Caleb Owens delivers one of Holler's most unreserved and passionate sessions to date.

Bones Owens - 'Eighteen Wheeler' | Holler Pilgrimage Sessions Presented by George Dickel

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Holler Pilgrimage Sessions Presented by George Dickel: Better Than Ezra

Holler Pilgrimage Sessions Presented By George Dickel: Tommy Prine

Holler Pilgrimage Sessions Presented by George Dickel: The Watson Twins

Holler Pilgrimage Sessions Presented by George Dickel: Bones Owens