Fort Worth got a chance to see Florida-based Jenna Clark on Friday night, a long-time Dallas songwriter that moved back to her hometown of Ocala last year. The night included sets by Fort Worth artists Cory Cross and Cameron Smith.
Clark’s 8-track sophomore album West to Dallas dropped in late 2023, showcasing her unique voice and lyricism. The record was made at Cloudland Recording Studio in Fort Worth, where Clark will be working on new music while she’s in Texas.
The change of scenery has been positive for Clark’s journey – a sentiment that could be felt in the performance of her unreleased song “How I Kept Going.”
Cory Cross and Cameron Smith brought their own flavors to the stage; Cross’ stripped-down duo set with steel guitar gave listeners a more intimate performance than his full-band outfit, allowing lyrics to cut through a little deeper. Cross’ debut album There’s More dropped last month, giving his 22,000 monthly Spotify listeners something to chew on.
Smith was accompanied on electric guitar and backup vocals by Morris Holdahl, playing several songs from his 2024 EP Darker it Grows. There’s a modern nostalgia element to songs of his like title track “Darker it Grows” and “Beneath the Wheel,” while “Poison Summer” carries more rock elements reminiscent of the sounds of his youth. While Smith may often be labeled as a “folk artist,” his influences and vast discography throughout several bands has culminated into a songwriting powerhouse, with stage presence that has fortified with time.
Catch Jenna Clark at The White Horse in Austin, TX on July 26 (solo) and July 27 (full band). Find Cory Cross on the road in the West Coast July 25 – August 18 (including Washington, Idaho and California). See Cameron Smith at the Texas State Fair at the Yeungling Flight Stage on October 16., with sets a 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.
Come out to The Cicada this Saturday for the first-ever SAD PANTHER. Celestial L’amour, Soviet Space & Alexandria Gore , will perform a mix of originals and covers by bands like Paramore, Jimmy Eat World, All American Rejects, Avril Lavigne, Fall Out Boy, and more.
Jessica Waffles is a freelance photographer/videographer and regular contributor to KXT.
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