Sara Watkins

It is true that much of this album is on the quiet side-- but there's a lot there if you delve. Not as experimental as her Nickel Creek bandmate Chris Thile's solos-- and if her voice bears comparison to Alison Kraus, there's a different, somewhat 'bluer' aspect, kinship with Gillian Welch (who guests here). The most striking tracks for me are the sad and gorgeous 'Pony' by Tom Waits (almost an update of 'Old Paint,' but with some kind of modern twists), the lovingly rendered simple Gospel of 'Give Me Jesus,'the spare, beautiful ballad closer 'Where Will You Be,' and the Celtic drone in the short but powerful 'Bygones.' A few are more pop, and nice more upbeat renderings of 'Long Hot Summer Day' and 'Any Old Time." Though I like 'em, I wish the instrumentals were a little more expansive/experimental--
but effective interludes in the context of the whole album. I also like the layered (if mostly unplugged), subtle accompaniment. The gentle 'acoustic' sheen may make the...Read more

Nickel Creek's appeal was a youthful, fresh, crisp, clean approach to both folk and bluegrass. They did each style well. Sara's style leans far to the folk side and the quality is as good as ever. The foot stomping rhythms are there at times, but the more delicate vocals and fiddle work are the centerpiece. The album's melodies are complex, addictive, and exceed what any artist should be able to produce for their first solo album. The album is peppered with hooks, yet full of depth. Every song on the album feels new and more original than your typical folk album. Sara Watkins' album pulls off the same thing Nickel Creek did for bluegrass, a broader appeal, a fresh sound, and a new perspective on what young singer-songwriters can do.

Like many fans, I was pretty broken up when Nickel Creek stopped playing together. When I heard Sara Watkins had a CD coming, I was pretty certain I was going to get it.

The CD's a little quieter than I'd hoped for, yet, there are some brilliant spots. Love the bluesy spiritual feel of "Long Hot Summer Day." "Pony" almost brought me to tears. Then again, what can I say--it's Tom Waits. "Lord Won't you Help Me" is a great road song and it's good to hear Watkins with Gillian Welch.

If you're a fan of Nickel Creek and just want a fix, getting Sara Watkins' CD isn't such a bad idea. If you enjoy bluesy-roots music, you're also going to like this collection.

Rebecca Kyle, August 2009