Since an incredibly young age Sara Watkins has been singing and playing fiddle with Grammy Award-winning roots trio Nickel Creek. On April 7th however, Watkins steps out on her own with the release of her self-titled debut solo album.
Watkins has plenty of big name back-up on the album. Not only are there guest appearances from her Nickel Creek bandmates, but Benmont Tench, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, and Greg Leisz all join in the fun. The biggest name may be in the producer's chair, as Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones holds a guiding hand on the record.
Leaning heavily on her roots music background, Watkins has created an album that blends country, bluegrass, and folk music in an undeniably soulful melange. Whether it's the gritty blues groove of "Long Hot Summer", the lilting fun of "Any Old Time", or the pop rock influence of "Too Much", the arrangements never stray far from good, down home music.
Watkins' vocals are not lost amongst the craftsman-like musical arrangements. Her voice is understated, with an adorable twang. The haunting harmonies (with Aoife O'Donovan and Claire Lynch) on "Bygones" are a textbook example.
Among the Watkins originals are a sprinkling of cover songs, originally written by the likes of Norman Blake, Jimmie Rogers, and Tom Waits. Two spirited instrumentals are included as well: the fierce fiddle hoedown "Freiderick" and the stomp-worthy "Jefferson".
A fan of hip hop certainly won't be converted by Sara Watkins, however, if you like your music soulful and close to the earth, this is a record for you.
Best Tracks: "Any Old Time", "Lord Won't You Help Me"
Track listing for Sara Watkins:
- All This Time
- Long Hot Summer Days
- My Friend
- Freiderick
- Same Mistakes
- Any Old Time
- Pony
- Lord Waon't You Help Me
- Jefferson
- Give Me Jesus
- Bygones
- Too Much
- Will We Go
- Where Will You Be
8.0/10
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