if these old fashioned window panes had eyes...

href="">

Nanci Griffith Wednesday is upon us with If These Walls Could Speak.

This performance was for the live performance of the Red Hot+Country album that came out in the early 1990s, headed by Kathy Mattea. Nancy's contribution was this beautiful song by Jimmy Webb.

You'll notice that Nanci is without her guitar in this video. Now, whenever that happens (such as in old performances of From a Distance), something magical tends to happen. It's almost as if without the protection of her guitar, Nanci is at her most open and vulnerable; her passion and connection to the song is even more palpable. In addition, her wardrobe here is even more downplayed than usual so she is really only armed with her powerful voice and the conviction of her performance. Eyes are certainly the windows to one's soul and Nanci has left those windows wide open. The famed Blue Moon Orchestra backs her up brilliantly and it really showcases their range as musicians.

This is a performance of uncommon grace and tenderness and the audience is clearly moved by it - offering Nanci rapturous applause even before the song is completed.

Definitely a favorite of mine that gets better each time I watch it.