Secrets Sierra Hull Artist

Everyone loves a child prodigy, and music history is littered with their tales, from {|Mozart|} to {|Michael Jackson|}. Yet it's rare that a young musician exudes not only talent but the inescapable impression that he or she is here to stay, destined... Read more

Everyone loves a child prodigy, and music history is littered with their tales, from {|Mozart|} to {|Michael Jackson|}. Yet it's rare that a young musician exudes not only talent but the inescapable impression that he or she is here to stay, destined for greatness and lasting contributions. {|Sierra Hull|} is such an artist. Playing since she was eight, discovered by {|Alison Krauss|} at 11, {|Hull|} is an extraordinarily gifted bluegrass mandolinist, but more than that, she's a sophisticated all-around artist. On her {|Rounder|} debut, {|Secrets|}, which follows a self-released CD, {|Hull|} proves an engaging vocalist and interpreter of songs as well as an ace picker. Working within the traditional format -- surrounded by acoustic guitar ({|Tony Rice|} is among the guests, peeling out a sublime solo on {|That's All I Can Say|}), banjo, fiddle, bass, and occasional Dobro -- {|Hull|} never lets on that she was 16 when she made this record. Whether on a vocal harmony-dominated take on the oldie {|Everybody's Somebody's Fool|} or the instrumental breakdown {|Hullarious,|} on which she doubles on guitar, {|Hull|} is in complete control. This isn't an experimental or newgrass record but it's not meant to be: {|Hull|} is carrying on a tradition with honor and style. It's in good hands with her. ~ Jeff Tamarkin Less