Sable Sisters | Scarlet Town | Western AF

Western AF made its first trip to the Fort Worth African American Roots Music Festival (FWAARM Fest) this year and found something special. There were more incredible artists than we could possibly film, and every conversation and performance reminded us why this gathering has become such an important home for Black roots music. One performance, though, stopped us in our tracks. The Sable Sisters are a trio of singers, songwriters, and multi-instrumentalists whose sound draws from old-time, folk, blues, and jazz traditions. The group brings together Kaïa Kater, who longtime Western AF viewers will recognize from her previous appearance on the channel, alongside Atlanta-raised, Fort Worth-based Brandi Waller-Pace and New Orleans musician Shanice Richards, who joined the group in 2026. Together, the three have a remarkable musical chemistry. Their voices weave effortlessly around one another, each bringing a distinct perspective while creating something that feels timeless. The group first performed as a duo at the 2023 Fort Worth African American Roots Music Festival before growing into the trio they are today, and it's hard to imagine these songs without the interplay between Kaïa, Brandi, and Shanice. We're honored to share this beautiful performance of Gillian Welch's "Scarlet Town." We hope it's the first of many Sable Sisters sessions on Western AF. 🔔 Subscribe to Western AF: https://bit.ly/4h0PK56 Lyrics: Buddy, I went down to Scarlet Town, ain't never been there before Where you slept on a feather bed, Islept on the floor I don't mind a lean old time or drinking my coffee cold But the things I seen in Scarlet Town did mortify my soul I look at that deep well Look at that dark grave Ringing that iron bell In Scarlet Town today I spent some time in New Orleans and in Cairo on a bend But Scarlet Town brought me down low as I ever been I look at that deep well Look at that dark grave Ringing that iron bell In Scarlet Town today On the day I came to Scarlet Town, you promised I'd be your bride But you left me here to rot away like Polly on the mountainside I look at that deep well Look at that dark ray Ringing that iron bell In Scarlet Town today Now you may hide in Scarlet Town for a hundred years or more But the man who knows what time it is is knocking at the door So fare you well, my own true love If you never see me around I'll be looking through a telescope from hell to Scarlet Town I look at that deep well Look at that dark ray Ringing that iron bell In Scarlet Town today ... More music from Sable Sisters: Instagram:   / sablesistersmusic   Follow Kaïa Kater (banjo): Website: https://www.kaiakater.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaiakater/?... Facebook:   / kaiakatermusic   Follow Brandi Waller-Pace (vocals/bass): Instagram:   / brandipacemusic   Facebook:   / brandipacemusic   Follow Shanice Richards (fiddle): Instagram:   / shayfiddles   ... Support Western AF videos: Facebook: / westernaf X/Twitter: / westernaf Patreon: / westernaf Instagram: / westernasfuck ... Recorded by: Mike Vanata Mixed & Mastered: Will Ross Editor: Manuel Deakins Executive Producers: Irvin Maddox, Arron Tschida, and Frank Stelter Producers: Brian Harrington, Will Ross, Travis Blankenship & Mike Vanata Special Thanks: Ian Connally ... All rights reserved 2026 © WAF Media For more WESTERN AF videos and content visit https://www.westernaf.net