Young Sierra Hull impresses with bluegrass 'Secrets' - 5/10/08
May 10, 2008
FROM:www.Azcentral.com
Young Sierra Hull impresses with bluegrass 'Secrets'
by Keith Lawrence - May. 9, 2008 12:00 AM
Owensboro, Messenger
If you haven't yet heard of Sierra Hull, you will soon.
The 16-year-old mandolin player from tiny Byrdstown, Tenn. (pop. 880) is the new teen queen of bluegrass.
And the buzz about a new act hasn't been this loud since Alison Krauss began fronting Union Station two decades ago.
Comparisons to Krauss are inevitable.
In fact, Hull has worked with Krauss and Union Station off and on since she appeared with them on the Grand Ole Opry when she was 11.
Ron Block, Union Station's banjo man, co-produced "Secrets" with Hull, sings harmony on the album and plays banjo and guitar.
The other three members of Union Station - Dan Tyminski, Barry Bales and Jerry Douglas - also appear on Hull's album.
Block worked hard to keep from having all the members of Union Station featured on the same tracks. But they're all featured on different songs.
Cory Walker, the 17-year-old banjo prodigy from Hull's Highway 111 band, is featured on the album along with Clay Hess, Rob Ickes, Stuart Duncan, Jim VanCleve, Chris Jones, Tony Rice, Dennis Crouch and Jason Moore.
So how's the album?
As good as you would expect from a lineup like that.
Hull has a soft voice like Krauss that critics call "tender" and "eloquent." But while Krauss has a tendency toward soft ballads, Hull is still making hard-driving bluegrass on much of the album.
"From Now On," "Two Winding Rails" and "That's All I Can Take" all have a strong banjo presence.
Hull wrote three of the tracks - "Two Winding Rails" (with her father, Stacy Hull), "Pretend" and the instrumental "Hullarious."
She's a well-rounded musician already. And with the push she's getting from Rounder, expect great things from Hull in the future.
Young Sierra Hull impresses with bluegrass 'Secrets'
by Keith Lawrence - May. 9, 2008 12:00 AM
Owensboro, Messenger
If you haven't yet heard of Sierra Hull, you will soon.
The 16-year-old mandolin player from tiny Byrdstown, Tenn. (pop. 880) is the new teen queen of bluegrass.
And the buzz about a new act hasn't been this loud since Alison Krauss began fronting Union Station two decades ago.
Comparisons to Krauss are inevitable.
In fact, Hull has worked with Krauss and Union Station off and on since she appeared with them on the Grand Ole Opry when she was 11.
Ron Block, Union Station's banjo man, co-produced "Secrets" with Hull, sings harmony on the album and plays banjo and guitar.
The other three members of Union Station - Dan Tyminski, Barry Bales and Jerry Douglas - also appear on Hull's album.
Block worked hard to keep from having all the members of Union Station featured on the same tracks. But they're all featured on different songs.
Cory Walker, the 17-year-old banjo prodigy from Hull's Highway 111 band, is featured on the album along with Clay Hess, Rob Ickes, Stuart Duncan, Jim VanCleve, Chris Jones, Tony Rice, Dennis Crouch and Jason Moore.
So how's the album?
As good as you would expect from a lineup like that.
Hull has a soft voice like Krauss that critics call "tender" and "eloquent." But while Krauss has a tendency toward soft ballads, Hull is still making hard-driving bluegrass on much of the album.
"From Now On," "Two Winding Rails" and "That's All I Can Take" all have a strong banjo presence.
Hull wrote three of the tracks - "Two Winding Rails" (with her father, Stacy Hull), "Pretend" and the instrumental "Hullarious."
She's a well-rounded musician already. And with the push she's getting from Rounder, expect great things from Hull in the future.
Music Phenom Ready for Break Out - 5/10/08
May 10, 2008
Front & Center: Sierra Hull's New Album's Out
By TheImproper.com
Music Phenom Ready for Break Out
New Album Showcases 16-Year-Old's Virtuosity on Mandolin
For the moment, Sierra Hull is known mostly in the small world of blue grass music. But today her first album is being released. Now it's only a matter of time before she skyrockets into a major star. And, she’s only 16! But don’t let her age fool you. Hull is an amazing music phenom. Her skills on the guitar and mandolin are almost beyond comparison. Plus she has the looks and voice of an angel. She blows away Miley Cyrus. Country star Alison Krauss has taken her under her wing, and Hull’s record, Secrets, (Rounder) is astonishing.
Hull began playing the mandolin at age 8, and quickly became noted on the blue grass festival scene for her fluid, inventive picking – winning several mandolin and guitar championships in the process, according to her official biography. Beyond her instrumental skills, Hull has developed into an exquisite vocalist since first starting to sing publicly two years ago. Working closely with co-producer Ron Block (Alison Krauss and Union Station), Hull’s vocals on the album are disarmingly tender and eloquent, yet delivered with the confidence and honesty necessary to cut through a top-notch bluegrass ensemble. Among the musicians and vocalists joining her on Secrets are Block, Barry Bales, Dennis Crouch, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Clay Hess, Rob Ickes, Chris Jones, Jason Moore, Tony Rice, Dan Tyminski, Jim VanCleve, and the remarkably hard-driving seventeen-year-old banjo phenom Cory Walker, who has already played alongside Sierra for several years.
Her title track includes a furious mandolin run and her driving vocals. All four members of Union Station — Tyminski on vocals, Block on guitar and vocals, Bales on bass and Douglas on dobro, support her. Hull's mandolin skills are on display on "Smashville" by Jim VanCleve, who plays fiddle on the track, and Hull's "Hullarious. Teen phenom Walker who also plays in Hull's band Highway 111, accompanies her on banjo.
Though she self-released an instrumental CD, Angel Mountain, in 2002, when she was just 10, Secrets is a far more mature professionally and emotinally. “What I’ve seen in Sierra over the months of working on Secrets is a passion for music in general – and specifically for bluegrass,” says co-producer Block. “She has an intense desire for excellence, a love of good songs, and an attention to detail that is not often found in someone so young…she’s only going to get better and better as time goes on. It’ll be intriguing to watch how her vision and creativity affect the future of bluegrass in the coming years.”
By TheImproper.com
Music Phenom Ready for Break Out
New Album Showcases 16-Year-Old's Virtuosity on Mandolin
For the moment, Sierra Hull is known mostly in the small world of blue grass music. But today her first album is being released. Now it's only a matter of time before she skyrockets into a major star. And, she’s only 16! But don’t let her age fool you. Hull is an amazing music phenom. Her skills on the guitar and mandolin are almost beyond comparison. Plus she has the looks and voice of an angel. She blows away Miley Cyrus. Country star Alison Krauss has taken her under her wing, and Hull’s record, Secrets, (Rounder) is astonishing.
Hull began playing the mandolin at age 8, and quickly became noted on the blue grass festival scene for her fluid, inventive picking – winning several mandolin and guitar championships in the process, according to her official biography. Beyond her instrumental skills, Hull has developed into an exquisite vocalist since first starting to sing publicly two years ago. Working closely with co-producer Ron Block (Alison Krauss and Union Station), Hull’s vocals on the album are disarmingly tender and eloquent, yet delivered with the confidence and honesty necessary to cut through a top-notch bluegrass ensemble. Among the musicians and vocalists joining her on Secrets are Block, Barry Bales, Dennis Crouch, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Clay Hess, Rob Ickes, Chris Jones, Jason Moore, Tony Rice, Dan Tyminski, Jim VanCleve, and the remarkably hard-driving seventeen-year-old banjo phenom Cory Walker, who has already played alongside Sierra for several years.
Her title track includes a furious mandolin run and her driving vocals. All four members of Union Station — Tyminski on vocals, Block on guitar and vocals, Bales on bass and Douglas on dobro, support her. Hull's mandolin skills are on display on "Smashville" by Jim VanCleve, who plays fiddle on the track, and Hull's "Hullarious. Teen phenom Walker who also plays in Hull's band Highway 111, accompanies her on banjo.
Though she self-released an instrumental CD, Angel Mountain, in 2002, when she was just 10, Secrets is a far more mature professionally and emotinally. “What I’ve seen in Sierra over the months of working on Secrets is a passion for music in general – and specifically for bluegrass,” says co-producer Block. “She has an intense desire for excellence, a love of good songs, and an attention to detail that is not often found in someone so young…she’s only going to get better and better as time goes on. It’ll be intriguing to watch how her vision and creativity affect the future of bluegrass in the coming years.”
Ability Beyond Her Years - 5/09/08
May 9, 2008
FROM: Smokey Mountain News
May 7th, 2008
Ability Beyond Her Years
By Chris Cooper
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At 16, Sierra Hull has a confidence and command of the mandolin that eludes players easily twice her age. Like her friend and mentor Alison Krauss, Hull fits the concept of “child prodigy” perfectly, gifted from the get go with a musical understanding that must’ve begun sometime in the womb.
In her early teens Hull was on the road with Krauss and Union Station, along with her mother and brother. She recorded her first album at the ripe old age of 10, performed at the Grand Ole Opry shortly thereafter, won scads of awards at bluegrass festivals, and on Secrets finds herself in the company of players like Jerry Douglas, Ron Block, Dan Tyminski and Tony Rice, to name a few.
Ron Block’s lush and warm production gives Secrets a modern sheen, and Hull’s affinity for the kind of forward thinking “crossover” bluegrass of players like Krauss, Alison Brown and another group of virtuosi, Nickel Creek, is immediately apparent. Lest anyone get the impression that the instrumental firepower is carried mostly by the stellar cast of sidemen and guests on Secrets, just cue up the Hull penned instrumental “Hullarious,” which highlights her supple picking on both mandolin and lead guitar. The knuckle busting melody that carries the tune is your first hint that you’re not listening to just any wunderkind — this one can hold her own with the best, and has an ear for unexpected melodic twists that make her solos not just impressive, but inventive. Cory Walker’s mile-a-minute banjo break isn’t so bad, either.
Fiddler Jim Van Cleve lends his instrumental “Smashville” to the proceedings, letting Hull take the opening melody and solo before a series of fantastic breaks from Ron Block on banjo, guitarist Clay Hess and Van Cleve himself. Hearing Hull’s mandolin doubling the twisting melody with the fiddle is a treat, and her rippling fills towards the song’s end make for some real inspiration to put in more practice time on whatever instrument you might play.
Secrets isn’t just about burning instrumentals, though. Hull is gifted with a marvelous voice as well, as evidenced by the title track. The always sublime Dobro picking of Jerry Douglas weaves between the verses, and Dan Tyminski and Ron Block’s harmony vocals bolster Hull’s lead beautifully. The playful “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” features Tony Rice on guitar (what, no lead?) but again gives ample playing room to all involved, with Hull’s leaping lead break the highlight. “Pretend” spins a tale of two friends debating whether to take the next step in love, and stands out amongst the other tunes in its almost bluesy feel and super crossover friendly production- and yeah, another tasteful and melodic solo from Hull.
“That’s All I Can Say” steps back into a more straight ahead bluegrass vein, with plenty of high and lonesome vocal work from Hull and Block, and a sparkling solo from Tony Rice. “The Hard Way” is a lilting piece of heartbroken pop-country that digs into the realities of a couple’s choice to walk away or keep going, and here Sierra Hull’s potential to astound instrumentally isn’t the star; vocally she can get you right in the chest when she wants to.
Sierra Hull seems poised to make a huge impact on the modern bluegrass scene. She’s a gifted player and singer, and one thing that may very well set her apart from the other barn burning virtuosi is an element that usually doesn’t become apparent until much later in a musician’s career — and that’s taste. As stunning as her playing often is, she keeps it grounded in melody, which — come to think of it — is another trait that eludes many players twice her age. Gosh darn kids.
May 7th, 2008
Ability Beyond Her Years
By Chris Cooper
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At 16, Sierra Hull has a confidence and command of the mandolin that eludes players easily twice her age. Like her friend and mentor Alison Krauss, Hull fits the concept of “child prodigy” perfectly, gifted from the get go with a musical understanding that must’ve begun sometime in the womb.
In her early teens Hull was on the road with Krauss and Union Station, along with her mother and brother. She recorded her first album at the ripe old age of 10, performed at the Grand Ole Opry shortly thereafter, won scads of awards at bluegrass festivals, and on Secrets finds herself in the company of players like Jerry Douglas, Ron Block, Dan Tyminski and Tony Rice, to name a few.
Ron Block’s lush and warm production gives Secrets a modern sheen, and Hull’s affinity for the kind of forward thinking “crossover” bluegrass of players like Krauss, Alison Brown and another group of virtuosi, Nickel Creek, is immediately apparent. Lest anyone get the impression that the instrumental firepower is carried mostly by the stellar cast of sidemen and guests on Secrets, just cue up the Hull penned instrumental “Hullarious,” which highlights her supple picking on both mandolin and lead guitar. The knuckle busting melody that carries the tune is your first hint that you’re not listening to just any wunderkind — this one can hold her own with the best, and has an ear for unexpected melodic twists that make her solos not just impressive, but inventive. Cory Walker’s mile-a-minute banjo break isn’t so bad, either.
Fiddler Jim Van Cleve lends his instrumental “Smashville” to the proceedings, letting Hull take the opening melody and solo before a series of fantastic breaks from Ron Block on banjo, guitarist Clay Hess and Van Cleve himself. Hearing Hull’s mandolin doubling the twisting melody with the fiddle is a treat, and her rippling fills towards the song’s end make for some real inspiration to put in more practice time on whatever instrument you might play.
Secrets isn’t just about burning instrumentals, though. Hull is gifted with a marvelous voice as well, as evidenced by the title track. The always sublime Dobro picking of Jerry Douglas weaves between the verses, and Dan Tyminski and Ron Block’s harmony vocals bolster Hull’s lead beautifully. The playful “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” features Tony Rice on guitar (what, no lead?) but again gives ample playing room to all involved, with Hull’s leaping lead break the highlight. “Pretend” spins a tale of two friends debating whether to take the next step in love, and stands out amongst the other tunes in its almost bluesy feel and super crossover friendly production- and yeah, another tasteful and melodic solo from Hull.
“That’s All I Can Say” steps back into a more straight ahead bluegrass vein, with plenty of high and lonesome vocal work from Hull and Block, and a sparkling solo from Tony Rice. “The Hard Way” is a lilting piece of heartbroken pop-country that digs into the realities of a couple’s choice to walk away or keep going, and here Sierra Hull’s potential to astound instrumentally isn’t the star; vocally she can get you right in the chest when she wants to.
Sierra Hull seems poised to make a huge impact on the modern bluegrass scene. She’s a gifted player and singer, and one thing that may very well set her apart from the other barn burning virtuosi is an element that usually doesn’t become apparent until much later in a musician’s career — and that’s taste. As stunning as her playing often is, she keeps it grounded in melody, which — come to think of it — is another trait that eludes many players twice her age. Gosh darn kids.
Sierra on XM Satelittle Radio w/ Kyle Cantrell - 5/07/08
May 7, 2008
Sierra visted Kyle Cantrell of XM Radio's Bluegrass Junction at the studio this past Tuesday to celebrate the release of her debut album, Secrets, on Rounder Records. Sierra and Kyle discussed songs off the new record as well as the experience of making the album. The show will first air this coming Tuesday - May 13th - at 2:00 p.m.CST. Be sure to tune in and hear the new music!
Sierra's Secrets Revealed - a review by Bob Dieterlen - 5/5/08
May 5, 2008
Sierra’s “Secrets” Revealed
By Bob Dieterlen Filed under: CD Review Tagged with:
Sierra Hull “Secrets” (Rounder Records) will be released tomorrow, May 6, 2008
Time is ticking and May 6 is almost here. Mark it as a date in Bluegrass History.
Why the big fuss? May 6, 2008 marks the date 16 year old mandolin prodigy Sierra Hull releases “Secrets,” her first solo album on Rounder Records.
Sierra is a one of a kind, pure gem with an astounding talent for playing our beloved Bluegrass. The technical knowledge she possesses for Mandolin and Guitar is decades beyong her years.
But wait, it gets better. The girl sings with emotion, phrasing and intonation that I can only compare to the singing on Alison Krauss’ 1987 album “Too Late To Cry.” To tell the truth, I have not heard a young female in the Bluegrass genre since Alison’s ‘87 release with more promise than Miss Hull.
“Secrets” does not disappoint the hype surrounding its release. Co-Produced by Hull and Ron Block of Alison Krauss and Union Station fame, the album is incredible. Yes, “Secrets” is jam packed with great pickers. Sierra and Block recruited some help from the guys in Union Station, Tony Rice, Chris Jones, Jim VanCleve, Stuart Duncan, Rob Ickes, Jason Moore and Cory Walker, an incredible 18 year old banjo picker that also plays in Sierra’s band Highway 111.
The real story here is Sierra herself. There is not a track on this album I do not love. It’s the first album in a while where I have not found myself using the fast forward button on the old CD player. Just one listen to the songs “The Hard Way,” and You’ll fall in love with this album. The song is mature, mellow, tasteful and beautiful.
The tune “Hullarious,” written by Sierra, is a lesson in flawless mandolin picking. Another beautiful song on the album, written by Sierra and Stacey Hull is “Two Winding Rails.” It is another testament to this young lady’s seemingly endless talent.
Obviously this is an album I believe everyone should have on the shelf and in the CD player. Sierra Hull is the real deal. “Secrets” is the first stepping stone of what I believe to be a future legend.
I am so looking forward to listening and watching Sierra Hull’s career blossom.
By Bob Dieterlen Filed under: CD Review Tagged with:
Sierra Hull “Secrets” (Rounder Records) will be released tomorrow, May 6, 2008
Time is ticking and May 6 is almost here. Mark it as a date in Bluegrass History.
Why the big fuss? May 6, 2008 marks the date 16 year old mandolin prodigy Sierra Hull releases “Secrets,” her first solo album on Rounder Records.
Sierra is a one of a kind, pure gem with an astounding talent for playing our beloved Bluegrass. The technical knowledge she possesses for Mandolin and Guitar is decades beyong her years.
But wait, it gets better. The girl sings with emotion, phrasing and intonation that I can only compare to the singing on Alison Krauss’ 1987 album “Too Late To Cry.” To tell the truth, I have not heard a young female in the Bluegrass genre since Alison’s ‘87 release with more promise than Miss Hull.
“Secrets” does not disappoint the hype surrounding its release. Co-Produced by Hull and Ron Block of Alison Krauss and Union Station fame, the album is incredible. Yes, “Secrets” is jam packed with great pickers. Sierra and Block recruited some help from the guys in Union Station, Tony Rice, Chris Jones, Jim VanCleve, Stuart Duncan, Rob Ickes, Jason Moore and Cory Walker, an incredible 18 year old banjo picker that also plays in Sierra’s band Highway 111.
The real story here is Sierra herself. There is not a track on this album I do not love. It’s the first album in a while where I have not found myself using the fast forward button on the old CD player. Just one listen to the songs “The Hard Way,” and You’ll fall in love with this album. The song is mature, mellow, tasteful and beautiful.
The tune “Hullarious,” written by Sierra, is a lesson in flawless mandolin picking. Another beautiful song on the album, written by Sierra and Stacey Hull is “Two Winding Rails.” It is another testament to this young lady’s seemingly endless talent.
Obviously this is an album I believe everyone should have on the shelf and in the CD player. Sierra Hull is the real deal. “Secrets” is the first stepping stone of what I believe to be a future legend.
I am so looking forward to listening and watching Sierra Hull’s career blossom.
Bluegrass Journal Interviews Sierra - 4/22/08
April 22, 2008
Apr 21, 2008
An Interview With Sierra Hull
FROM: www.bluegrassjournal.com
By Bob Dieterlen Filed under:
Spotlight Tagged with: Sierra Hull
Small town girl. Sweet 16, in fact.
A stellar student, judging by her membership in the Beta Club, a national organization for the cream of the crop among America’s youths.
All that, and a bluegrass recording artist to boot. Rubbing elbows and picking in studios with some of the genre’s hottest picker,
And now, filming scenes in a movie. Not to mention, being part of its soundtrack.
That’s the whirlwind life of Sierra Hull, a Tennessee teenager with all the makings of becoming a bluegrass mandolin master. She is on the verge of releasing her first CD for Rounder, titled “Secrets.”
BluegrassJournal.com had an opportunity to hear her skills and visit with her during an industry showcase for “Secrets” at Edgehill Studios Cafe in Nashville, Tenn.
The interview follows:
Bob Dieterlen - With your upcoming album “Secrets” on the Rounder label due out on shelves May 6, what has 2008 been like for you?
Sierra Hull - It has definitely been a whirlwind, that’s for sure! I’m still in high school and with classes and my music, it gets pretty crazy.
Bob Dieterlen - So, you’re still in a public school, no home school or private tutors while your on the road?
Sierra Hull - Yes, I still go to public school. Actually, I have been off for a week attending the Beta Club convention in Nashville this week. ( The National Beta Club is a club that recognizes academic achievement, promotes character, develops leadership skills, encourages service involvement, and provides technological advantages to students in grades 5-12.)
Bob Dieterlen - Your 16 now. What grade are you in?
Sierra Hull - I’m a junior in high school. So, I have a whole other year before graduation, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel!
Bob Dieterlen - Some in the profession get out of school early to pursue their music. Do you think that’s something you would be interested in?
Sierra Hull - No, I don’t have any plans on quitting or getting a GED or anything like that. I plan on finishing what I started and toughing it out. I really like school and it is important for me to finish. But, it’s hard when I am missing so much school to try to stay caught up. I do look forward to getting out though so I can concentrate fully on playing my music.
Bob Dieterlen - Where are you originally from?
Sierra Hull - I’m from a town about two hours north east of Nashville called Byrdstown in Tennessee. It’s a small town where I still live.
Bob Dieterlen - How did you get into playing bluegrass?
Sierra Hull - My dad always liked bluegrass, but it was not unusal to hear a rock station playing on the boom box. Actually, when he started getting into bluegrass, it was kind of a shocker for my mom because he went from listening to rock to buying tapes of Larry Sparks. Larry is pretty hardcore traditional bluegrass, so I guess that was a pretty big jump! My brother and I also sang in church, but it was when I was eight that my dad bought a mandolin for himself and started taking lessons that really sparked my interest in playing bluegrass.
Bob Dieterlen - You also have a band, right?
Sierra Hull - Yes, Sierra Hull & Highway 111.
Bob Dieterlen - Will you be touring this summer promoting your new album “Secrets”?
Sierra Hull - Yeah as much as possible, with school still going on it’s kind of hard, because I feel like I have to try to promote a record in half the time that most people get because of my schooling. But, we are going to try to tour as much as we can. Actually, we are going to Japan to play, around the end of July. It should be real fun and interesting. I have never had the chance to do anything like that before, so I’m really looking forward to it.
Bob Dieterlen - Ron Block (AK & Union Station) produced your album, and played banjo and guitar with you tonight. Because Union Station is not touring this summer, will Ron be playing with your band?
Sierra Hull - Well Ron’s doing his own shows this summer, and sometimes if one of us is not busy, we will sit in together, but no, Ron will not be touring with us. Actually, Corey Walker plays banjo in my band Highway 111. He also did most of the banjo work on “Secrets”. Corey is 18 years old and from Florida. He is a great, great banjo player, and I’m not just saying that! He truely is one of the best on the scene today. I’m lucky to get the opportunity to play with him.
Bob Dieterlen - What’s coming up for you as far as professionally?
Sierra Hull - Well actually, I recently was asked to be a part of a new movie being made about the life of Billy Graham. It’s a movie being directed by Robbie Benson. Anastasia Brown from Nashville Star called me about a small part in the movie. I am playing Billy Graham’s sister, Catherine Graham. The movie is called “Billy Graham, The Early Years.”
I also just recorded for the (soundtrack) album at John Carter Cash’s studio. He’s kind of producing the music side of the movie. I was in the studio with Ronnie Bowman, John Cowan, Ronnie McCoury and two or three others. It was a blast. I recorded “Just As I Am”. It was kind of Billy’s theme song. I’m real excited about the whole thing.
Bob Dieterlen - Have you filmed anything yet?
Sierra Hull - Not yet. I go in April and in May for the filming, so I have’nt got to do all that yet. It should be a very interesting experience!
Bob Dieterlen - Do you listen only to bluegrass or have other types of music had an influence on you?
Sierra Hull - I think it’s good not to be closed minded to just one type of music. Some people get caught up into saying “bluegrass, that’s the only type of music there is.” and I understand where they are coming from, cause bluegrass is really where my heart and sole lie. I love bluegrass and I love playing it, but I think it’s good to pull influences from every kind of music.
It kinda helps you (as a musician) to find your own voice, find you. I’m really still working on that some, still workin on me. I mean I’ve listened to everything, Journey, Air Supply, Def Leppard, and things like that. Even one of dad’s favorites, ZZ Top! In the same breath, I listen to people like Larry Sparks and Doyle Lawson.
We used to drive to and from church listening to Doyle sing gospel on the car radio. My brother and I always tried to sing like Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver in the car. I feel like I’m just now finding my singing voice. I mean, I’ve been playing mandolin for eight years, and I have always been thought of and thought of myself as just a mandolin player. I did sing harmonies with my brother, but mostly worked on mandolin. In the last couple of years, I have really tried to work more on my singing because it has totally become a big part of me and a big part of what I want out of my music. I really want people to be able to think of me as a singer who can also play mandolin, rather than a mandolin player that can sorta sing! (Laugh)
Bob Dieterlen - You’re a heck of a guitar player to, let’s not forget that!
Sierra Hull - Well thanks! I’ve been playing guitar a little less time than mandolin.
Bob Dieterlen - Anything else in the arsenal?!
Sierra Hull - No not really. Well actually fiddle really was the first instrument I tried to learn to play, but I had a full size and it was too big for my hands. But because my dad was learning to play mandolin, he showed me a couple of tunes on the mandolin. Because the mandolin and fiddle are tuned the same, he thought that would help me learn the fiddle. I’ve been playing mandolin ever since! I still play fiddle a little bit, but I would not consider myself a fiddle player.
Bob Dieterlen - I noticed by your style of picking that you must have listened to alot of Adam Steffey. What others are your biggest influences?
Sierra Hull - Yeah definitely Adam. I listened to alot of Chris Thile of course. He’s really turned some heads and made people say “wow, you really can do that, you can do that on a mandolin?” Andy Leftwich is another, Sam Bush, Wayne Benson, Alan Bibey, and of course Doyle Lawson. But I would have to say influence-wise definitely Adam Steffey and Chris Thile.
Bob Dieterlen - Have you ever had the chance to play with Chris Thile at all?
Sierra Hull - Yeah, I met Chris the first time at MerleFest. See I was and still am a huge Allison Krauss fan. She, hands down, has had the biggest influence on my music. My parents found out Allison would be at Merlefest, and decided to take me. We had no idea how big the festival would be. We had never been to a festival like that before.
Bob Dieterlen - Let me interrupt, how old were you at the time?
Sierra Hull - I was 10 and really hadn’t done much traveling to festivals or anything at that point. I remember how big the festival was and thinking there is no way I will ever get to meet Allison.
My parents and I ended up running into Chris Thile right after he got off stage, and I asked him to sign my mandolin strap. Afterward, another little girl that was there asked me to play a song for her, so I started playing a song and Chris walked over and knelt down to listen to me, and said “holy crap your good, do you want to play?!” He was really great! He jammed with me for almost two hours the first time meeting me. He was just really nice. It was really cool that someone like Chris would take the time out to stop what he is doing and sit and play that long with a little kid. What was really cool was he ended up taking me backstage to meet Allison. It was a dream come true! It is a great memory.
Bob Dieterlen - What is it about bluegrass that you love the most?
Sierra Hull - There’s just something about bluegrass and the people involved that makes it such a great environment to learn music and play. I would never have gotten as far as I have, had it not been for all the people I have met along the way. I feel so blessed to be a part of this music.
An Interview With Sierra Hull
FROM: www.bluegrassjournal.com
By Bob Dieterlen Filed under:
Spotlight Tagged with: Sierra Hull
Small town girl. Sweet 16, in fact.
A stellar student, judging by her membership in the Beta Club, a national organization for the cream of the crop among America’s youths.
All that, and a bluegrass recording artist to boot. Rubbing elbows and picking in studios with some of the genre’s hottest picker,
And now, filming scenes in a movie. Not to mention, being part of its soundtrack.
That’s the whirlwind life of Sierra Hull, a Tennessee teenager with all the makings of becoming a bluegrass mandolin master. She is on the verge of releasing her first CD for Rounder, titled “Secrets.”
BluegrassJournal.com had an opportunity to hear her skills and visit with her during an industry showcase for “Secrets” at Edgehill Studios Cafe in Nashville, Tenn.
The interview follows:
Bob Dieterlen - With your upcoming album “Secrets” on the Rounder label due out on shelves May 6, what has 2008 been like for you?
Sierra Hull - It has definitely been a whirlwind, that’s for sure! I’m still in high school and with classes and my music, it gets pretty crazy.
Bob Dieterlen - So, you’re still in a public school, no home school or private tutors while your on the road?
Sierra Hull - Yes, I still go to public school. Actually, I have been off for a week attending the Beta Club convention in Nashville this week. ( The National Beta Club is a club that recognizes academic achievement, promotes character, develops leadership skills, encourages service involvement, and provides technological advantages to students in grades 5-12.)
Bob Dieterlen - Your 16 now. What grade are you in?
Sierra Hull - I’m a junior in high school. So, I have a whole other year before graduation, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel!
Bob Dieterlen - Some in the profession get out of school early to pursue their music. Do you think that’s something you would be interested in?
Sierra Hull - No, I don’t have any plans on quitting or getting a GED or anything like that. I plan on finishing what I started and toughing it out. I really like school and it is important for me to finish. But, it’s hard when I am missing so much school to try to stay caught up. I do look forward to getting out though so I can concentrate fully on playing my music.
Bob Dieterlen - Where are you originally from?
Sierra Hull - I’m from a town about two hours north east of Nashville called Byrdstown in Tennessee. It’s a small town where I still live.
Bob Dieterlen - How did you get into playing bluegrass?
Sierra Hull - My dad always liked bluegrass, but it was not unusal to hear a rock station playing on the boom box. Actually, when he started getting into bluegrass, it was kind of a shocker for my mom because he went from listening to rock to buying tapes of Larry Sparks. Larry is pretty hardcore traditional bluegrass, so I guess that was a pretty big jump! My brother and I also sang in church, but it was when I was eight that my dad bought a mandolin for himself and started taking lessons that really sparked my interest in playing bluegrass.
Bob Dieterlen - You also have a band, right?
Sierra Hull - Yes, Sierra Hull & Highway 111.
Bob Dieterlen - Will you be touring this summer promoting your new album “Secrets”?
Sierra Hull - Yeah as much as possible, with school still going on it’s kind of hard, because I feel like I have to try to promote a record in half the time that most people get because of my schooling. But, we are going to try to tour as much as we can. Actually, we are going to Japan to play, around the end of July. It should be real fun and interesting. I have never had the chance to do anything like that before, so I’m really looking forward to it.
Bob Dieterlen - Ron Block (AK & Union Station) produced your album, and played banjo and guitar with you tonight. Because Union Station is not touring this summer, will Ron be playing with your band?
Sierra Hull - Well Ron’s doing his own shows this summer, and sometimes if one of us is not busy, we will sit in together, but no, Ron will not be touring with us. Actually, Corey Walker plays banjo in my band Highway 111. He also did most of the banjo work on “Secrets”. Corey is 18 years old and from Florida. He is a great, great banjo player, and I’m not just saying that! He truely is one of the best on the scene today. I’m lucky to get the opportunity to play with him.
Bob Dieterlen - What’s coming up for you as far as professionally?
Sierra Hull - Well actually, I recently was asked to be a part of a new movie being made about the life of Billy Graham. It’s a movie being directed by Robbie Benson. Anastasia Brown from Nashville Star called me about a small part in the movie. I am playing Billy Graham’s sister, Catherine Graham. The movie is called “Billy Graham, The Early Years.”
I also just recorded for the (soundtrack) album at John Carter Cash’s studio. He’s kind of producing the music side of the movie. I was in the studio with Ronnie Bowman, John Cowan, Ronnie McCoury and two or three others. It was a blast. I recorded “Just As I Am”. It was kind of Billy’s theme song. I’m real excited about the whole thing.
Bob Dieterlen - Have you filmed anything yet?
Sierra Hull - Not yet. I go in April and in May for the filming, so I have’nt got to do all that yet. It should be a very interesting experience!
Bob Dieterlen - Do you listen only to bluegrass or have other types of music had an influence on you?
Sierra Hull - I think it’s good not to be closed minded to just one type of music. Some people get caught up into saying “bluegrass, that’s the only type of music there is.” and I understand where they are coming from, cause bluegrass is really where my heart and sole lie. I love bluegrass and I love playing it, but I think it’s good to pull influences from every kind of music.
It kinda helps you (as a musician) to find your own voice, find you. I’m really still working on that some, still workin on me. I mean I’ve listened to everything, Journey, Air Supply, Def Leppard, and things like that. Even one of dad’s favorites, ZZ Top! In the same breath, I listen to people like Larry Sparks and Doyle Lawson.
We used to drive to and from church listening to Doyle sing gospel on the car radio. My brother and I always tried to sing like Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver in the car. I feel like I’m just now finding my singing voice. I mean, I’ve been playing mandolin for eight years, and I have always been thought of and thought of myself as just a mandolin player. I did sing harmonies with my brother, but mostly worked on mandolin. In the last couple of years, I have really tried to work more on my singing because it has totally become a big part of me and a big part of what I want out of my music. I really want people to be able to think of me as a singer who can also play mandolin, rather than a mandolin player that can sorta sing! (Laugh)
Bob Dieterlen - You’re a heck of a guitar player to, let’s not forget that!
Sierra Hull - Well thanks! I’ve been playing guitar a little less time than mandolin.
Bob Dieterlen - Anything else in the arsenal?!
Sierra Hull - No not really. Well actually fiddle really was the first instrument I tried to learn to play, but I had a full size and it was too big for my hands. But because my dad was learning to play mandolin, he showed me a couple of tunes on the mandolin. Because the mandolin and fiddle are tuned the same, he thought that would help me learn the fiddle. I’ve been playing mandolin ever since! I still play fiddle a little bit, but I would not consider myself a fiddle player.
Bob Dieterlen - I noticed by your style of picking that you must have listened to alot of Adam Steffey. What others are your biggest influences?
Sierra Hull - Yeah definitely Adam. I listened to alot of Chris Thile of course. He’s really turned some heads and made people say “wow, you really can do that, you can do that on a mandolin?” Andy Leftwich is another, Sam Bush, Wayne Benson, Alan Bibey, and of course Doyle Lawson. But I would have to say influence-wise definitely Adam Steffey and Chris Thile.
Bob Dieterlen - Have you ever had the chance to play with Chris Thile at all?
Sierra Hull - Yeah, I met Chris the first time at MerleFest. See I was and still am a huge Allison Krauss fan. She, hands down, has had the biggest influence on my music. My parents found out Allison would be at Merlefest, and decided to take me. We had no idea how big the festival would be. We had never been to a festival like that before.
Bob Dieterlen - Let me interrupt, how old were you at the time?
Sierra Hull - I was 10 and really hadn’t done much traveling to festivals or anything at that point. I remember how big the festival was and thinking there is no way I will ever get to meet Allison.
My parents and I ended up running into Chris Thile right after he got off stage, and I asked him to sign my mandolin strap. Afterward, another little girl that was there asked me to play a song for her, so I started playing a song and Chris walked over and knelt down to listen to me, and said “holy crap your good, do you want to play?!” He was really great! He jammed with me for almost two hours the first time meeting me. He was just really nice. It was really cool that someone like Chris would take the time out to stop what he is doing and sit and play that long with a little kid. What was really cool was he ended up taking me backstage to meet Allison. It was a dream come true! It is a great memory.
Bob Dieterlen - What is it about bluegrass that you love the most?
Sierra Hull - There’s just something about bluegrass and the people involved that makes it such a great environment to learn music and play. I would never have gotten as far as I have, had it not been for all the people I have met along the way. I feel so blessed to be a part of this music.
Recent Happenings for Sierra - 4/22/08
April 22, 2008
Sierra has been keeping very busy as of late with her debut album on Rounder Records intitled "Secrets", set to be released in only 2 weeks!(May 6th)
The new album features some of Sierra's favorite musicians including: Ron Block, Dan Tyminski, Clay Hess, Barry Bales, Tony Rice, Cory Walker, Stuart Duncan, Rob Ickes, Dennis Crouch, Jason Moore, Jerry Douglas, Chris Jones, and Jim Van Cleve.
The new music can be ordered now on the Music page! You can also hear 3 cuts from "Secrets" by visiting www.myspace.com/sierrahullmusic
NOTE: The CD release party for "Secrets" is set for Wednesday, May 14th at the world famous Station Inn in Nashville, TN. Sierra will host a show with guest appearances by Ron Block, Dan Tyminski, Clay Hess, Barry Bales, Cory Walker, Jim Van Cleve and Rob Ickes. Come join the fun and be a part of the CD celebration!
---------------
Sierra has also recently spent time on set of the upcoming Billy Graham film. Sierra is playing the role of Catherine Graham (Billy's sister) as well as singing in the movie.
The movie is being directed by actor Robbie Benson and features Armie Hammer, Martin Landau and Lindsey Wagner. Kristopher Polaha, Josh Turner, Stefanie Butler, Jennifer O'Neill and Sierra Hull also star.
Sierra is very excited about this new adventure and has enjoyed the experience thus far!
---------------
This weekend, Sierra and the band will be headed to MerleFest in Wilksboro, NC. This 4 day event is definitly one you won't want to miss out on with preformances by some of your favorite artist! This will be the first festival that Sierra will have "Secrets" for sale. Come hear some great music, and be one of the first to get a copy of Sierra's new music! For more info please visit: www.merlefest.org
The new album features some of Sierra's favorite musicians including: Ron Block, Dan Tyminski, Clay Hess, Barry Bales, Tony Rice, Cory Walker, Stuart Duncan, Rob Ickes, Dennis Crouch, Jason Moore, Jerry Douglas, Chris Jones, and Jim Van Cleve.
The new music can be ordered now on the Music page! You can also hear 3 cuts from "Secrets" by visiting www.myspace.com/sierrahullmusic
NOTE: The CD release party for "Secrets" is set for Wednesday, May 14th at the world famous Station Inn in Nashville, TN. Sierra will host a show with guest appearances by Ron Block, Dan Tyminski, Clay Hess, Barry Bales, Cory Walker, Jim Van Cleve and Rob Ickes. Come join the fun and be a part of the CD celebration!
---------------
Sierra has also recently spent time on set of the upcoming Billy Graham film. Sierra is playing the role of Catherine Graham (Billy's sister) as well as singing in the movie.
The movie is being directed by actor Robbie Benson and features Armie Hammer, Martin Landau and Lindsey Wagner. Kristopher Polaha, Josh Turner, Stefanie Butler, Jennifer O'Neill and Sierra Hull also star.
Sierra is very excited about this new adventure and has enjoyed the experience thus far!
---------------
This weekend, Sierra and the band will be headed to MerleFest in Wilksboro, NC. This 4 day event is definitly one you won't want to miss out on with preformances by some of your favorite artist! This will be the first festival that Sierra will have "Secrets" for sale. Come hear some great music, and be one of the first to get a copy of Sierra's new music! For more info please visit: www.merlefest.org
Preview 3 Full Songs from Secrets! - 4/06/08
April 6, 2008
You can now hear three new songs from Secrets at the Sierra Hull Music Myspace Page! - www.myspace.com/sierrahullmusic
Be sure to go give the songs a listen and let us know what you think!
Be sure to go give the songs a listen and let us know what you think!
Sierra Lands Role as Billy Grahams Sister in New Film - 3/30/08
March 30, 2008
FROM - THE TENNESSEAN
www.tennessean.com
Teen Lands Role as Billy Graham's Sister in New Film
BY BEVERLY KEEL • MARCH 30, 2008
That's the lesson we've learned from 16-year-old Sierra Hull, who landed the part of the Rev. Billy Graham's sister, Catherine, in the movie about him that's being shot here in Nashville.
In February, I ran a column announcing that a movie on a young Billy Graham would be shot in Middle Tennessee. In that column, music supervisor Anastasia Brown said she was looking for a young girl with a voice like Alison Krauss. I asked people who knew of interested girls to send me packages containing photos and CDs. I received several armfuls of packages that I forwarded to Anastasia.
Claire Armbruster of Nashville's Keith Case & Associates saw the item and immediately thought of one of her firm's clients, Sierra, who lives in Byrdstown, Tenn. Sierra will release her debut for Rounder Records, an album called Secrets, in May.
"I sent it in without (Sierra) knowing," Claire says. "When I read what Anastasia said about needing an 11- or 12-year-old that sounded like Alison Krauss, I thought of Sierra, even though she's 16, because she's so petite. They do miracles in the movies.
"About a week later, Anastasia called and said Sierra was her number one pick."
Anastasia says, "She was the one that had the exact voice I was hearing in my head for this really important role. Director Robby Benson fell in love with her voice as well.
"I called and told her my vision and that I loved her voice. I said, 'Would you be willing to do this for the movie?' She said, 'Yes, ma'am, I sure would.' "
On Thursday, Sierra recorded "Just As I Am" and "I'll Fly Away" with producer John Carter Cash at his famed log cabin studio in Hendersonville. Participating in the sessions were top-notch musicians Randy Scruggs, Harry Stinson, John Cowan, Ronnie McCoury, Ronnie Bowman, Sarah Peasall and John Wesley Ryles. "Robbie and I were in the studio, and both of us got goosebumps about 10 times. We kept on showing each other our goosebumps," Anastasia says.
" 'Just As I Am' was being sung when Billy had his conversion and walked the sawdust trail to the altar," Anastasia says. "Her voice will be extremely highlighted during this climax of the film."
Many of the actors appearing in Billy: The Early Years are expected to arrive in Nashville today. Armie Hammer has been cast as the famed preacher. Armie, the great-grandson of industrialist/philanthropist Armand Hammer, is also slated to play Batman in George Miller's Justice League of America. He has appeared in Desperate Housewives, Veronica Mars, Flicka and Blackout.
Martin Landau will play Billy's mentor, Charles Templeton, in a role that was originally to have been played by Hal Holbrook. The movie also will feature Lindsay Wagner, Jennifer O'Neill and Stephanie Butler. The actors will meet to read the script on Monday and filming starts Wednesday. Nashville-based Ruckus Films is a production partner in the film.
www.tennessean.com
Teen Lands Role as Billy Graham's Sister in New Film
BY BEVERLY KEEL • MARCH 30, 2008
That's the lesson we've learned from 16-year-old Sierra Hull, who landed the part of the Rev. Billy Graham's sister, Catherine, in the movie about him that's being shot here in Nashville.
In February, I ran a column announcing that a movie on a young Billy Graham would be shot in Middle Tennessee. In that column, music supervisor Anastasia Brown said she was looking for a young girl with a voice like Alison Krauss. I asked people who knew of interested girls to send me packages containing photos and CDs. I received several armfuls of packages that I forwarded to Anastasia.
Claire Armbruster of Nashville's Keith Case & Associates saw the item and immediately thought of one of her firm's clients, Sierra, who lives in Byrdstown, Tenn. Sierra will release her debut for Rounder Records, an album called Secrets, in May.
"I sent it in without (Sierra) knowing," Claire says. "When I read what Anastasia said about needing an 11- or 12-year-old that sounded like Alison Krauss, I thought of Sierra, even though she's 16, because she's so petite. They do miracles in the movies.
"About a week later, Anastasia called and said Sierra was her number one pick."
Anastasia says, "She was the one that had the exact voice I was hearing in my head for this really important role. Director Robby Benson fell in love with her voice as well.
"I called and told her my vision and that I loved her voice. I said, 'Would you be willing to do this for the movie?' She said, 'Yes, ma'am, I sure would.' "
On Thursday, Sierra recorded "Just As I Am" and "I'll Fly Away" with producer John Carter Cash at his famed log cabin studio in Hendersonville. Participating in the sessions were top-notch musicians Randy Scruggs, Harry Stinson, John Cowan, Ronnie McCoury, Ronnie Bowman, Sarah Peasall and John Wesley Ryles. "Robbie and I were in the studio, and both of us got goosebumps about 10 times. We kept on showing each other our goosebumps," Anastasia says.
" 'Just As I Am' was being sung when Billy had his conversion and walked the sawdust trail to the altar," Anastasia says. "Her voice will be extremely highlighted during this climax of the film."
Many of the actors appearing in Billy: The Early Years are expected to arrive in Nashville today. Armie Hammer has been cast as the famed preacher. Armie, the great-grandson of industrialist/philanthropist Armand Hammer, is also slated to play Batman in George Miller's Justice League of America. He has appeared in Desperate Housewives, Veronica Mars, Flicka and Blackout.
Martin Landau will play Billy's mentor, Charles Templeton, in a role that was originally to have been played by Hal Holbrook. The movie also will feature Lindsay Wagner, Jennifer O'Neill and Stephanie Butler. The actors will meet to read the script on Monday and filming starts Wednesday. Nashville-based Ruckus Films is a production partner in the film.
Bluegrass Royalty – And Critics– Love 'Secrets' - 03/20/08
March 20, 2008
FROM WWW.ROUNDER.COM:
Rounder Records -
Bluegrass Royalty – And Critics– Love 'Secrets,' the Highly Anticipated Debut from 16-Year-Old Sierra Hull, Due May 6
(Posted 03/19/08) TOUR DATES ALSO ANNOUNCED
Burlington, MA – The bluegrass world – and critics – are buzzing about Secrets, the forthcoming national debut album from 16-year old mandolin prodigy Sierra Hull. Due May 6 on Rounder Records, Secrets is an astonishingly mature album that balances hard-driving bluegrass with introspective ballads and features a who’s who of bluegrass all-stars including Ron Block, Dan Tyminski, Barry Bales, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Tony Rice, Jim VanCleve, Rob Ickes, Chris Jones, Jason Moore, and 17-year-old banjo whiz Cory Walker (who is in Sierra’s band, Highway 111).
____________________________________
“Sierra is a remarkably talented, beautiful human being. Success could not come to a more worthy person. I adore her.”
– Alison Krauss
“…displayed instrumental dexterity far beyond [her] years…”
– Michael Parrish, Chicago Tribune
“Sierra Hull is without doubt my favorite mandolin player! Her approach to building solos and working in all situations, both on vocal numbers and instrumentals, is SO far beyond her years that I constantly stand amazed. It’s always good to hear fresh young players with a hunger to pick and create good music, and I am convinced that Sierra Hull is going to be a player and singer that we’ll all be listening to and trying to emulate for years and years. If you’re a mandolin player and haven’t listened to Sierra, you are in for a TREAT. Get your mando out and prepare to rip off as many licks as you can figure out. I know I am! She’s a true inspiration and an even better person!!! I’m so glad I can call her my friend and you’re going to LOVE this recording.”
– Adam Steffey
“On the mandolin, she is wonderfully adept - unshowy and musical. And she is a lovely singer…pure and unaffected. Indeed, her whole personality [is] that way.”
– Jay Nordlinger, New York Sun
“With Secrets, Sierra Hull takes charge and leads the band with full authority. Her vocals are effortless and straight to the point, while keeping the focus on melody. Her mandolin playing is smooth, in time, and downright slippery. It’s amazing to listen to her precision and agility, and the potential for musical growth is tremendous. I can’t wait to hear what Sierra comes up with next. Every so often, a talent comes along that makes us sit up and take notice. That time is now for Sierra Hull. This CD is HULLACIOUS!!!”
– Sam Bush
“…rising bluegrass star…”
– Nancy Cardwell, Bluegrass Now
____________________________________
Rounder Records -
Bluegrass Royalty – And Critics– Love 'Secrets,' the Highly Anticipated Debut from 16-Year-Old Sierra Hull, Due May 6
(Posted 03/19/08) TOUR DATES ALSO ANNOUNCED
Burlington, MA – The bluegrass world – and critics – are buzzing about Secrets, the forthcoming national debut album from 16-year old mandolin prodigy Sierra Hull. Due May 6 on Rounder Records, Secrets is an astonishingly mature album that balances hard-driving bluegrass with introspective ballads and features a who’s who of bluegrass all-stars including Ron Block, Dan Tyminski, Barry Bales, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Tony Rice, Jim VanCleve, Rob Ickes, Chris Jones, Jason Moore, and 17-year-old banjo whiz Cory Walker (who is in Sierra’s band, Highway 111).
____________________________________
“Sierra is a remarkably talented, beautiful human being. Success could not come to a more worthy person. I adore her.”
– Alison Krauss
“…displayed instrumental dexterity far beyond [her] years…”
– Michael Parrish, Chicago Tribune
“Sierra Hull is without doubt my favorite mandolin player! Her approach to building solos and working in all situations, both on vocal numbers and instrumentals, is SO far beyond her years that I constantly stand amazed. It’s always good to hear fresh young players with a hunger to pick and create good music, and I am convinced that Sierra Hull is going to be a player and singer that we’ll all be listening to and trying to emulate for years and years. If you’re a mandolin player and haven’t listened to Sierra, you are in for a TREAT. Get your mando out and prepare to rip off as many licks as you can figure out. I know I am! She’s a true inspiration and an even better person!!! I’m so glad I can call her my friend and you’re going to LOVE this recording.”
– Adam Steffey
“On the mandolin, she is wonderfully adept - unshowy and musical. And she is a lovely singer…pure and unaffected. Indeed, her whole personality [is] that way.”
– Jay Nordlinger, New York Sun
“With Secrets, Sierra Hull takes charge and leads the band with full authority. Her vocals are effortless and straight to the point, while keeping the focus on melody. Her mandolin playing is smooth, in time, and downright slippery. It’s amazing to listen to her precision and agility, and the potential for musical growth is tremendous. I can’t wait to hear what Sierra comes up with next. Every so often, a talent comes along that makes us sit up and take notice. That time is now for Sierra Hull. This CD is HULLACIOUS!!!”
– Sam Bush
“…rising bluegrass star…”
– Nancy Cardwell, Bluegrass Now
____________________________________
A Great First Review of 'Secrets' by Bob Cherry - 02/25/08
February 25, 2008
FROM WWW.CYBERGRASS.COM
REVIEW: Secrets: The Amazing Sierra Hull
Bob Cherry wrote: on Feb. 21, 2008:
Every once and a while, a bluegrass prodigy comes along that just stands above the rest. Ricky Skaggs was one. Alison Krauss was another. We've watched as Chris Thile perfected his music. These are the young artists that keep the music alive for at least another generation. Their music is just a notch above the norm - sometimes many notches. Such is the case with 16-year old Sierra Hull who, along with Union Station's Ron Block, have produced Secrets on Rounder Records. I've been listening to the music on this debut release for a couple of days now and, well, it is sincerely amazing.
Sierra is getting a big boost from Alison Krauss and her band, Union Station. Most of the musicians on the album are Union Station members. Ron Block even co-produced the album. But, the artists on the album are not limited to just Union Station. You'll also find Tony Rice, Stuart Duncan, Jim VanCleve, Rob Ickes, Chris Jones, Jason Moore and 17-year old banjoist Cory Walker who, by the way, is also in Hull's own Highway 111 band. With all this outstanding talent, you would expect an outstanding album. It's no secret that this group of artists are some of the best.
One thing that young artists seem to lack is mature vocals. This young lady is beyond her years in vocal quality. It's smooth, on target, emotional and strong. Once again, this album surprised me. I haven't heard vocal maturity from a younger artist since early Alison Krauss when she was also 16 years old. Again, the secret is out. This young lady can sing and sing well!
OK, lets pick the album apart a bit more. Instrumentation. Bluegrass is an art form that doesn't leave any room for inexperience in a quality release. If you want to leave your mark and mark it well, your playing has to be alive, perfectly timed and carry some soul throughout an entire piece. Hull's mandolin work does just that. It too is right on target. Smooth, articulate and bright. It's no secret either since, Hull has been playing for many years already. Five years ago, on her Grand Ole Opry debut, she performed mandolin with Alison Krauss and Union Station! (see video below.) No secret there. Here's another little secret...She plays guitar too and some of her guitar playing is also featured on this album.
So are there any other surprises with this album? Many. Most debut albums give you the stock 10 tracks to show off what an artist can do. Not here. This album features 13 wonderful tracks of instrumentation, vocals, harmonies, and some Hull original songwriting all wrapped up in a most amazing collection. We will all be hearing a lot more of her songs and her playing in the future. This young lady has talent and a lot of it too! The song "Hullarious" was written by Hull and "Two Winding Rails" was written by Stacy and Sierra Hull.
So, what about the music? It's wonderful. If you didn't know Sierra was only 16, you certainly would not guess it by the maturity and sincerity of the sound of this album. Hull's presentation has soul and emotion. The range is strong anywhere she puts her voice. The music is tight and bright. The selection of music is broad with a great appeal range. Her production of this album is top-notch. Professional all the way!
While the album doesn't officially come out until early May, keep your ears tuned to the radio. This is one secret that is going to get out early. People will talk about this new artist and her latest release, Secrets
REVIEW: Secrets: The Amazing Sierra Hull
Bob Cherry wrote: on Feb. 21, 2008:
Every once and a while, a bluegrass prodigy comes along that just stands above the rest. Ricky Skaggs was one. Alison Krauss was another. We've watched as Chris Thile perfected his music. These are the young artists that keep the music alive for at least another generation. Their music is just a notch above the norm - sometimes many notches. Such is the case with 16-year old Sierra Hull who, along with Union Station's Ron Block, have produced Secrets on Rounder Records. I've been listening to the music on this debut release for a couple of days now and, well, it is sincerely amazing.
Sierra is getting a big boost from Alison Krauss and her band, Union Station. Most of the musicians on the album are Union Station members. Ron Block even co-produced the album. But, the artists on the album are not limited to just Union Station. You'll also find Tony Rice, Stuart Duncan, Jim VanCleve, Rob Ickes, Chris Jones, Jason Moore and 17-year old banjoist Cory Walker who, by the way, is also in Hull's own Highway 111 band. With all this outstanding talent, you would expect an outstanding album. It's no secret that this group of artists are some of the best.
One thing that young artists seem to lack is mature vocals. This young lady is beyond her years in vocal quality. It's smooth, on target, emotional and strong. Once again, this album surprised me. I haven't heard vocal maturity from a younger artist since early Alison Krauss when she was also 16 years old. Again, the secret is out. This young lady can sing and sing well!
OK, lets pick the album apart a bit more. Instrumentation. Bluegrass is an art form that doesn't leave any room for inexperience in a quality release. If you want to leave your mark and mark it well, your playing has to be alive, perfectly timed and carry some soul throughout an entire piece. Hull's mandolin work does just that. It too is right on target. Smooth, articulate and bright. It's no secret either since, Hull has been playing for many years already. Five years ago, on her Grand Ole Opry debut, she performed mandolin with Alison Krauss and Union Station! (see video below.) No secret there. Here's another little secret...She plays guitar too and some of her guitar playing is also featured on this album.
So are there any other surprises with this album? Many. Most debut albums give you the stock 10 tracks to show off what an artist can do. Not here. This album features 13 wonderful tracks of instrumentation, vocals, harmonies, and some Hull original songwriting all wrapped up in a most amazing collection. We will all be hearing a lot more of her songs and her playing in the future. This young lady has talent and a lot of it too! The song "Hullarious" was written by Hull and "Two Winding Rails" was written by Stacy and Sierra Hull.
So, what about the music? It's wonderful. If you didn't know Sierra was only 16, you certainly would not guess it by the maturity and sincerity of the sound of this album. Hull's presentation has soul and emotion. The range is strong anywhere she puts her voice. The music is tight and bright. The selection of music is broad with a great appeal range. Her production of this album is top-notch. Professional all the way!
While the album doesn't officially come out until early May, keep your ears tuned to the radio. This is one secret that is going to get out early. People will talk about this new artist and her latest release, Secrets
Official Release Date for the New Record! - 02/24/08
February 24, 2008
Rounder Records has announced May 6th as the official release date of Sierra's upcoming record, Secrets!
For information please visit: www.rounder.com
For information please visit: www.rounder.com
Carnegie Hall Show w/ Alison Krauss, Edgar Meyer, Ron Block, Bobby McFerrin, and Sierra - 2/13/08
February 13, 2008
Sierra will be performing at New York City's Carnegie Hall on Thursday, Feb. 21st, with Alison Krauss, Edgar Meyer, Ron Block, and Bobby McFerrin. See below for more details!
Carnegie Hall
154 West 57th Street
New York, NY
Showtime: 8:00pm
Ticket Price: $23.00 - $76.00
To Purchase Tickets: Visit the venue box office or Carnegie Hall website.
This concert is part of the "Around The Globe" series, and will be for one night only. Come out and see Alison, Bobby, and Edgar all performing together with special guests Ron Block and Sierra Hull.
Carnegie Hall
154 West 57th Street
New York, NY
Showtime: 8:00pm
Ticket Price: $23.00 - $76.00
To Purchase Tickets: Visit the venue box office or Carnegie Hall website.
This concert is part of the "Around The Globe" series, and will be for one night only. Come out and see Alison, Bobby, and Edgar all performing together with special guests Ron Block and Sierra Hull.
Sierra Finishes First Rounder Records Release - 1/03/08
January 3, 2008
After months of hard work and patience, Sierra's debut record for Rounder is finally finished! The new record entitled 'Secrets', produced by Sierra and Union Station member, Ron Block, includes many of Sierra's favorite musicians and singers. The album has a large variety of songs from some incredible songwriters, as well as some of Sierra's own original material.
With a street date yet to be determined, the release is to be expected around late March/early April by Rounder Records. More info will be posted in the upcoming months so please check back often for updates!
With a street date yet to be determined, the release is to be expected around late March/early April by Rounder Records. More info will be posted in the upcoming months so please check back often for updates!
Getting Close.... 11/17/07
November 17, 2007
Hello Friends!
FYI:
Sierra and Producer, Ron Block, are currently in the last stages of finishing up her upcoming Rounder Records release. With only 10 more days left before flying out to California for a week of mixing, Ron and Sierra have been hard at work, and are getting close to completing the project. More info. will be posted soon, so please check back soon for more updates during this exciting time!
FYI:
Sierra and Producer, Ron Block, are currently in the last stages of finishing up her upcoming Rounder Records release. With only 10 more days left before flying out to California for a week of mixing, Ron and Sierra have been hard at work, and are getting close to completing the project. More info. will be posted soon, so please check back soon for more updates during this exciting time!
Recording Update: A Note from Ron Block - 10/31/07
October 31, 2007
Work has resumed in my studio on Sierra's first Rounder release. I first met Sierra at the International Bluegrass Music Association's big convention up in Louisville back when she was a wee 11 year old. Sierra and I tracked 12 songs at 17 Grand in Nashville earlier this year; several great original songs written by Sierra are included. Musicians so far include Dan Tyminski, Clay Hess, and Tony Rice on guitars, Barry Bales, Dennis Crouch, and Jason Moore on bass, Rob Ickes on dobro, Jim Van Cleve on fiddle, Cory Walker on banjo, and myself on guitar and banjo. The record will be handed in at the end of November for a release in late March - it will be a strong showcase for her immense and rapidly developing mandolin, guitar, singing, and songwriting abilities.
-Ron
-Ron
New Pictures Added to the Gallery! - 10/14/07
October 14, 2007
We have now loaded some new pictures to the photo gallery of recent performances. New ones are still soon to come, so be sure to check back. Enjoy!
Randy Kohrs Video featuring Sierra now on CMT & GAC - 10/12/07
October 12, 2007
The new video from Randy Kohrs, "Who's Going With Me?", in which Sierra took on the role as the preacher's daughter, has now been added to the rotation on CMT, as well as GAC. The video can also be viewed online at www.cmt.com.
Sierra & Highway111 chosen as an IBMA Official Showcase Artist and well as Fan Fest Performer.
September 13, 2007
The International Bluegrass Music Association's World of Bluegrass to be held at the Nashville Convention Center October 1-7, 2007 has invited Sierra Hull & Highway 111 to be an Official Showcase Artist as well as Fan Fest Performer. Sierra and the band will also take part in workshop activities throughout this exciting week. We invite you to come join us as this amazing event!
For more information please visit: www.ibma.org
Be sure to check the schedule page to find out when Sierra and the band will be playing.
For more information please visit: www.ibma.org
Be sure to check the schedule page to find out when Sierra and the band will be playing.
Make Plans for the 5th Annual Sierra Hull Festival -Sept.8th
August 30, 2007
The 5th Annual Sierra Hull Bluegrass Festival(which is always held the 2nd weekend in September) will take place this year on Saturday, September 8th. The festival is held in Sierra's hometown of Byrdstown, TN, and is a much anticipated event each year. This year's music line-up includes - Sierra Hull & Highway 111, Kenny & Amanda Smith, and Newfound Road. We hope you'll come join us, and make plans to bring a friend for a day filled with great music,food and fun!
2007 Festival Schedule:
11:00 AM- Gates & Registration Opens
12:00 PM-DAVA-presenting of the Colors
12:15 PM- National Anthem-Sierra Hull
1:00 PM- Competition Begins
4:00 PM- Cloggers (TBA) & Live Remote Broadcast Begins 94.7 FM Radio
4:30 PM- Sierra Hull & Hwy 111
5:00 PM- Kenny & Amanda Smith
6:00 PM- NewFound Road
7:30 PM- Kenny & Amanda Smith
8:30 PM- Sierra Hull & Hwy 111
For More Information on this Festival please visit:
http://www.dalehollow.com/bg.htm#schedule
Or visit:
www.kenny-amandasmith.com
www.newfoundroad.com
2007 Festival Schedule:
11:00 AM- Gates & Registration Opens
12:00 PM-DAVA-presenting of the Colors
12:15 PM- National Anthem-Sierra Hull
1:00 PM- Competition Begins
4:00 PM- Cloggers (TBA) & Live Remote Broadcast Begins 94.7 FM Radio
4:30 PM- Sierra Hull & Hwy 111
5:00 PM- Kenny & Amanda Smith
6:00 PM- NewFound Road
7:30 PM- Kenny & Amanda Smith
8:30 PM- Sierra Hull & Hwy 111
For More Information on this Festival please visit:
http://www.dalehollow.com/bg.htm#schedule
Or visit:
www.kenny-amandasmith.com
www.newfoundroad.com
Sierra featured in Randy Kohrs Music Video
August 27, 2007
A recent two day video shoot took place in Hendersonville,TN that featured Sierra in Randy Kohrs & The Lites upcoming music video.
The song, Who’s Goin’ With Me, is about a boy who has a crush on the preacher’s daughter and ends up getting baptized by default. While Sierra played the flirty preacher's daughter, the role of the boy was played by Clay Hess's son, Brennen.
The video was produced by Bell-Jarboe Films, a production company with a track record of producing music videos that ascend to the #1 position on the video charts.
In addition, the shoot went really well, and they are all excited to see the end results!
The song, Who’s Goin’ With Me, is about a boy who has a crush on the preacher’s daughter and ends up getting baptized by default. While Sierra played the flirty preacher's daughter, the role of the boy was played by Clay Hess's son, Brennen.
The video was produced by Bell-Jarboe Films, a production company with a track record of producing music videos that ascend to the #1 position on the video charts.
In addition, the shoot went really well, and they are all excited to see the end results!
Sierra Hull - Featured on Gibson "Backstage Pass" Online Article
July 28, 2007
A true prodigy and one of the youngest of the new players, 15-year-old Sierra Hull began playing mandolin at the age of eight and has since won numerous awards for her instrumental prowess. In 2002, she appeared twice at the Grand Ole Opry-performing the bluegrass-gospel classic "The Sea of Life" with her brother Cody, and accompanying bluegrass veteran Mike Snider on the much-covered instrumental "Big Mon." That same year she also took the stage at Nashville's famous Ryman Auditorium, accompanying Alison Krauss and Union Station for a performance that aired live on CMT.
Since developing her skills on an Adam Steffey Signature Series Gibson mandolin, Hull has become a seasoned bluegrass artist. Fronting her own band, HWY 111, she's toured with the likes of Krauss, Ralph Stanley, and other bluegrass greats. At the age of 11 she made her debut with the independently released Angel Mountain, to stellar reviews. For the past four years she's hosted a one-day bluegrass festival in her hometown of Byrdstown, Tennessee.
"Bluegrass musicians are different than pop stars," Hull has said. "Many of the best-known songs are heirlooms passed down in impromptu gatherings. The music they play is driven by a sense of tradition and place."
Since developing her skills on an Adam Steffey Signature Series Gibson mandolin, Hull has become a seasoned bluegrass artist. Fronting her own band, HWY 111, she's toured with the likes of Krauss, Ralph Stanley, and other bluegrass greats. At the age of 11 she made her debut with the independently released Angel Mountain, to stellar reviews. For the past four years she's hosted a one-day bluegrass festival in her hometown of Byrdstown, Tennessee.
"Bluegrass musicians are different than pop stars," Hull has said. "Many of the best-known songs are heirlooms passed down in impromptu gatherings. The music they play is driven by a sense of tradition and place."
