This performance, recorded in 1996, was a milestone in the evolution of so-called “alternative country” music (sometimes referred to as Americana). Jay Farrar, along with Jeff Tweedy, were founding members of the legendary band Uncle Tupelo, whose four albums became instant classics and helped revive the country rock genre in the late 80’s with a healthy dose of punk thrown in. Following the demise of Uncle Tupelo, songwriter and guitarist Farrar forged ahead into new musical territory, putting together drummer Mike Heidorn and multi-talented brothers, guitarist Dave Boquist and bassist Jim Boquist, to create Son Volt.

The music of Son Volt mainly takes its inspiration from old country music and blues, although it stirs elements of folk, rock, country and blues together in a style that is true to their roots while at the same time completely original. In the process the four-man band has made some of the most engaging new music east or west of the Mississippi.

The members of Son Volt stepped onto the Austin City Limits® stage right on the heels of the band’s 1995 debut album, Trace. Farrar wrote the ten original songs on the record, which ran the gamut from bleak to hopeful, more like sketches than full-blown portraits.

Many bands have followed in their footsteps, but few with the liberating feel that Son Volt put on display in Austin that night. As Farrar said at the time, “Spontaneity is nice with this band, because you never know what’s going to happen next. There are no limits.”
- Terry Lickona, Austin City Limits