SXSW Band of the Day: The Haden Triplets

Editor’s note: This article was originally published February 13, 2014

Artist: The Haden Triplets

From: Los Angeles

Online:Artist website; official SXSW page

SXSW shows: TBA

About the artist

It’s remarkable that it took so long for sisters Petra, Rachel and Tanya Haden – yes, actually triplets, born on October 11, 1971 – so long to make their debut album together.

They’ve collaborated in various configurations previously: Petra and Rachel were in the 1990s alt-pop band That Dog (with Tanya contributing cello on some recordings), and the two also later were in The Rentals with Weezer’s Matt Sharp. When Petra recorded an all-vocals remake of The Who’s album “The Who Sell Out,” Rachel joined her in the a cappella choir The Sell Outs. In 2008, all three sisters helped their father, legendary jazz bassist Charlie Haden, record the terrific album “Rambling Boy.”

“The Haden Triplets,” their self-titled formal debut as a trio released Feb. 4 on Third Man Records, focuses their talents on old-time country material, with covers of such classics as Webb Pierce’s “Slowly,” the Louvin Brothers’ “When I Stop Dreaming” and “My Baby’s Gone,” and “Will You Miss Me,” and the Carter Family’s “Will You Miss Me?” Their sibling harmonies shine on such traditional material; the backing is acoustic and mostly restrained, as producer Ry Cooder wisely allows the vocals to carry the day.

This year’s SXSW will be quite the family affair for the Hadens: Their brother Josh Haden will be at the festival with his band Spain, whose new album “Sargent Place” is due out later this month on Glitterhouse Records. Spain’s official showcase is Saturday, March 15, at 10 p.m. at the Palm Door on Sabine.

Could share a bill with: Emmylou Harris, Punch Brothers, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Carper Family