Jackie Venson’s return to xBk in Des Moines put her incredible talent on display in a variety of ways. Songs like the pop driven “Keep On” and the traditional blues inspired “Always Free” showcased her evolving songwriting style, while her unique vocal modality was present throughout, serving as a platform for the real star: Venson’s fiery guitar skills.
The Austin, Texas, based guitarist treats the guitar like it's two separate instruments. She doubles most of her vocals with a tone heavy muted unison, then uses the space between her lyrics to unleash her virtuosic instrumental skills. Blues musicians and others have used a “call-and-answer” technique for over 100 years, complimenting their voices with a short fill. However, the way Venson uses it means that she's playing lead guitar for nearly every second of her performance.
How did Venson arrive at her one-of-a-kind melodic delivery? As the independent musician explains, it was derived out of necessity: “The original reason I did it is because I couldn’t hear myself over the bands I was playing with early in my career.” As she worked with it, she found she enjoyed it: “I realized that it actually sounded cool. It creates this crazy chorus effect that doesn’t sound like anything I’ve ever heard.”
The technique became an important part of her songwriting style as well, as she more and more started writing the melody on guitar, then putting the lyrics to the melody.
While plenty of artists have used their guitar to enhance their vocals, Venson's approach is entirely original.
“With the vocals, it’s a blend. If the vocals are happening, they are the most important thing always. But if the vocals aren’t happening, that role can be filled by something else,” Venson explains.
Between almost every vocal phrase of a Venson song comes a guitar riff, punctuating the lyrics and uplifting the momentum of the song. Then, when the verse comes to an end, Venson unleashes a flurry of notes that leaves the audience in a state of silent admiration, which regularly results in an eruption of applause that almost drowns out the performance.
Venson brings a much-needed shot of energy to an instrument that has lately been largely relegated to its rhythm section roots. Performing at xBk with only a drummer (the incredible Rodney Hyder, who is blind) and her sample pad, the stripped down setting leaves Venson no choice but to take total ownership of every detail. That pressure is met with an undeniable stage presence that is as magnetic as it is uplifting.
When the audience manages to take their eyes off Venson’s guitar work, they notice that her face is every bit as expressive as her instrument. Through every fill and solo she's laughing, seemingly having the time of her life.
Venson rose to prominence during the COVID-19 lockdowns by going live on social media on a nearly nightly basis. She also managed to put out one studio album, Vintage Machine, and a live album, Live in Texas, as well as two albums under her DJ moniker “jackie the robot.” Live streaming from her home, sometimes in her pajamas, along with the massive output of recorded music, gained her enough recognition to end the year with an appearance on Austin City Limits, a performance that became her second live album of 2020, Jackie Venson Live at Austin City Limits.
She was also featured on Iowa PBS’s music showcase, Studio 3 Live, in October 2025.
As an independent artist operating without a promotional team, Venson has a message for her fans. “People don’t realize that I tour every year. If you like my stuff, please follow me online. Please go to my website. Please subscribe. It’s the only way you’ll hear about me.”
Recent shows in Des Moines and Iowa City (featuring opener James Tutson) represent her third visit to Iowa in as many years. If the trend continues, she'll be back sooner than later. With her undeniable guitar skill, her arsenal of catchy and meaningful songs, her unique take on vocal/guitar collaboration and her infectious stage presence, Iowa (and indeed, the world) could use more of Jackie Venson.
