Sometimes it’s a blessing and sometimes it’s a curse, but the word prodigy is often used to describe young artists such as Sierra Hull. With Hull, however, the label may just stick. Her mandolin playing is nimble and sure, and her wispy vocals evoke Alison Krauss. This 16-year-old is good — and she’s getting better.
Krauss, by the way, is a major fan. So is Sam Bush. And Adam Steffey. In fact, Hull has been sharing the stage with big-league bluegrass players since she was in grade school. Now she’s heading her own band, and the stars have come out to support her on her debut disc.
Produced by Ron Block, guitarist and banjo player with Alison Krauss & Union Station, Secrets is a fitting showcase for Hull’s diverse talents. Stuart Duncan and Tony Rice are on hand, along with Rob Ickes and Dan Tyminski. So is 17-year-old banjo whiz Cory Walker, who plays in Sierra’s band, Highway 111. But Hull seems entirely comfortable in the driver’s seat.
The album pulls from a variety of sources. Jim Van Cleve’s uptempo instrumental “Smashville”, Marshall Wilborn’s straight bluegrass “That’s All I Can Say”, John Pennell’s plaintive “Only My Heart” — Hull nails them all. Girl can write, too. There are three originals here, and “Two Winding Rails” and “Hullarious” (despite the corny name) are as solid as anything else on the record. For this bona fide prodigy, the future is wide open.
