rachael yamagata

If you've ever seen the movie Once, than you know who The Swell Season are, but if you haven't, there's a good chance you probably don't. The Oscar award-winning duo is made up of Glen Hansard, front-man of Irish rock group The Frames, and Marketa Irglova, a Czech singer-songwriter who performs predominantly on piano. They write some of the most inspirational folk music I've heard in quite some time, and a live performance by the duo is unlike any other. I first caught them live at Austin City Limits last year, and left their show glowing from its genius. They were the first act I've ever witnessed that have made being in an over-sized festival crowd feel like you were in a much smaller, more intimate venue. Hansard has a certain way of involving the crowd that makes them feel more like they are performing the set with them, rather than just being a witness. Their set was definitely a sight to see, but was too short at forty-five minutes amongst all the other great bands playing that day at ACL. Fortunately it wasn't too long before The Swell Season hit the road again, this time in support of their latest release, Strict Joy. They found themselves back in Texas at Houston's Warehouse Live for a headlining set featuring up-and-coming singer-songwriter Rachael Yamagata filling the support slot.

Read all about the show, browse my photos and watch a host of videos after the jump.