This probably goes without saying, but--2021 was a weird year to release a record. In some ways, it was such a godsend—to reestablish my sense of purpose, and remember how it felt to be connected to the world again, after so much isolation. But it was also heartbreaking at times—to try over and over again to feel some kind of momentum, only to have our hopes dashed due to circumstances out of our control. The act of creation is a snapshot of a moment in time. You “finish” the thing, and you share it, but the story doesn’t end there. Time keeps moving. Perspectives shift, feelings change, and the truths we relied upon to keep us afloat start to feel less and less essential. There is always more than one story, and as our hearts soften and become less hurt, we begin to be capable of seeing beyond our own fragile egos and reaching toward something like truth. Although I certainly didn’t get to play as many live shows as I had hoped, the performances that did happen felt more joyful and vital and embodied than anything I can remember. So, included here are a selection of my favorite live performances from 2020 and 2021—many with my great band, and a few solo. There are also covers from two of my favorite songwriters—Joan Armatrading and Joni Mitchell—and an assortment of songs written around the same time as Head of Roses but that didn’t end up fitting with the story I wanted to tell. I’m very happy that they all are going to see the light of day, and I feel ready to complete this cycle and move on to the next one, whatever it will be. I can’t wait to celebrate all of this with a short run of east coast shows, all with @karimawalker, next month. Please join us if you can! In many ways it’s never been harder, riskier or more expensive for a smaller band to try and tour—after so many disappointments, I’m nervous to try again. But I also realize that time and money are extremely tight for most people right now, so I’m grateful for any and all support in whatever form it takes. And thx to @subpop and @theglowmgmt for working so hard on my behalf and believing in me and my songs, even though I hate social media and don’t post enough promotional selfies.