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.

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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: https://www.instagram.com/sablesistersmusic/

Follow Kaïa Kater (banjo):
Website: https://www.kaiakater.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaiakater/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaiakatermusic/

Follow Brandi Waller-Pace (vocals/bass):
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandipacemusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandipacemusic/

Follow Shanice Richards (fiddle):
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shayfiddles/
…
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…
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
…
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Written by Western AF