Natalie Maines performs with Ben Harper during the SXSW Music Festival, on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP Images)
AUSTIN -- Sporting a new haircut and a new batch of songs, Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines took the stage Wednesday night at South By Southwest for one of the first times as a solo artist.
Since her band won four Grammys in 2007, Maines has gained a Bieber 'do and her voice hasn't lost anything. It's strong, clear -- and sorely missed. However, she lacked the spunk that used to be on display as lead singer of the beloved band.
So perhaps we should consider this gig at the Austin City Limits Live hall as spring training for a longtime respected pro attempting a new approach. She played for about an hour and -- according to her website -- the 10 songs matched, in order, the expected song list for Maines' new album "Mother," due out May 7.
Backed by a six-piece band for most of the songs, the lineup included guitarist Ben Harper, who is co-producing the new release. The opening song, "Without You," was an Americana take on a song on Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder's own solo album of ukulele tunes. She sang "let's fall in love again with music as our guide" on the song "Free Life," written by Semisonic's Dan Wilson, who also wrote the Dixie Chicks' Grammy-winning song "Not Ready to Make Nice."
Maybe Maines is learning to reconnect with her audience in the wake of her anti-Bush comments in 2003. She didn't have much banter with the crowd, taking the stage with a "Hi, y'all," and launching into the second number, a faithful rendition of Pink Floyd's Mother, with no introduction.
Later, she noted that Harper co-wrote the bluesy "Vein in Vain," and that the Jayhawks' Gary Louris and fellow Chick Emily Robison helped write another song, "Come Cryin' to Me." Other than that, there were no references to her past group.
The energy rose at the end of the set. Maines' clear, strong voice filled the hall on a spirited cover of "I'd Run Away," a lively melodic song from Louris' band.
After Maines thanked the crowd for coming out, the set finished with a jam band-style crescendo on "Take it On Faith." Her father, Lloyd, joined her on stage and concocted some much-welcomed pedal steel pandemonium with Harper.
For fans, this new Maines and her less-engaged rock-influenced stance may take a bit of getting used to. Possibly, the singer needs some time to become comfortable with it, too.
-Mike Snider, USA TODAY
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