There is a magical transformation that takes place when two artists join their voices together and create something bigger than the sum of their parts. Plains is an example of that kind of magic. “I Walked With You a Ways” is the debut by two artists who are already known for their solo work, Katie Crutchfield and Jess Williamson.

Crutchfield is the artist behind Waxahatchee, an experimental indie project that most recently veered off into an Americana direction with the album “St. Cloud.” Obviously wanting to continue with that, Crutchfield is joined by Jess Williamson who has a shared love of that sound.

Their partnership is helped by the fact that they both grew up in the south and have a built-in affinity for the music of Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Lucinda Williams. Although most of the songs are originals, the influence of artists like that shine through in the wind-blown dusty backroads that their songs evoke.

When Williamson and Crutchfield harmonize on each other’s songs that are evenly divided on the album they create a unique, tough, unapologetic performance that captures what they couldn't do alone.  “I Walked With You a Ways” by Plains is an effortless collaboration that takes Americana music to a whole new level.

• 
•