I spent yesterday, June 5th, in downtown Nashville at the CMA Fan Fair. I went because this fine young musician and singer was to perform at the outdoor “free” stage at the Sommet Center. Sierra Hull is a bluegrass mandolin player and singer in the same vein as Alison Krauss. Her band is actually a mix of folks, some of which play with her almost exclusively, and some of which play with other, more mainstream bluegrass bands. She just released her first CD, entitled Secrets on the Rounder Records label where she co-produced the CD along with Ron Block, the banjo/guitar player in Union Station, Alison Krauss’ band. She also wrote 3 of the songs including an instrumental song that simply RIPS IT UP!
She was the final act at the outdoor stage for the day. She followed the Dan Tyminski band. Dan is the lead guitar player for Union Station. They are on a break since Alison Krauss is touring with Robert Plant for the year. Dan is also about to release a solo CD that features many of the Union Station boys as well as other guys. Dan was the singing voice for George Clooney in O Brother, where art thou? where he sang the lead in A man of constant sorrow.
Anyhow, I was able to meet Sierra before the bluegrass really got started since she had just finished a short interview with the XM satellite radio folks. She is one of the most gracious, kind, and sweet hearted folks you could ever hope to meet. We spoke for a moment and I got a picture with her before she went off to get ready for her set.
Finally, it was time for her and her band, Highway 111, to come on stage. She had with her, Ron Block on guitar and banjo, Clay Hess (another bluegrass all-star with the band Mountain Heart) on guitar and about the greatest guitar flat-picker I have ever seen, Cory Walker – an eighteen year old banjo/guitar/dobro player that is the equal of any of the other flat-pick players I saw all day. She also had a bass player, but sadly, I didn’t catch his name.
They started their set but it was marred by a stream of annoying sound issues. However, inspite of this, she played with grace and style and sang with her beautiful voice. She was very obviously in her element, on stage, performing to the crowd and loving the opportunity to do so. She played four or five songs from her CD as well as a couple songs not on the CD.
Sadly, the set finished all too soon and they left the stage. However, luck was with me and I managed to speak to Sierra, Ron, Clay and Cory off to the side for several minutes where they signed some things and just generally talked and shared with this “old” fan. Just like Sierra, this group of guys is as great a group of guys as you could ever hope to hang out with. All VERY cool indeed.
Oh, and this is the part that you wouldn’t expect. Sierra is all of 16 years old!!! She’s been playing mandolin since she was 8. She’s played with Alison Krauss and Union Station at the Grand Ol Opry (when she was in the 6th grade!!!!) as well as numerous other performances with other bluegrass legends. She tours with her band when she’s not busy with high school where she’s a very solid student. I can only imagine where she’ll be in another year when she has graduated and can really concentrate on her music. I really, truly expect that she’ll be a star as bright as Alison Krauss. And, the best part is that she’s humble and down-to-earth. She’s definitely my new favorite musician and performer.
