They don’t get more talented than Sierra Hull.
A virtuosic mandolinist, exceptional songwriter, and talented vocalist, Hull has been a prominent figure within the bluegrass scene for over a decade and a half at this point, but it still feels as if her music is often under appreciated. Hopefully her latest album A Tip Toe High Wire will change that, though.
A native of Byrdstown, TN and current Nashville resident, Hull was a prodigious talent as a child, signing with Rounder Records at just 13 years old after being discovered at the International Bluegrass Music Awards, and releasing her official debut album Secrets in 2008, at just 17 years old, to critical acclaim.
Mentored by the legendary Alison Krauss, Hull, a two time Grammy nominated artist, Hull released three more well-received albums after Secrets, and a handful of singles in between, culminating with 25 Trips in 2020. Now, five years later, Hull is back and better than ever with a brand new item titled A Tip Toe High Wire and it’s not an album you’re going to want to miss. Especially if you’re a bluegrass fan.
With her mandolin prowess on full display, as well as her underrated lyricism, Hull’s latest album weaves seamlessly through mind blowing bluegrass ballads that feature breathtaking harmonies and an cover an array of subject matter. With an A-list band of musicians backing her, and plenty of talented collaborators involved, Hull’s 10-track projected marks some of her best work to date.
A relatively quick album release, Hull released the album’s lead single “Boom” in mid-January, before releasing follow up singles “Come Out of My Blues” and “Spitfire” two weeks apart in February. The third and final single before the whole album was released on March 7, “Spitfire” is an ode to Hull’s grandmother, and features the lyrics that inspired the album’s title in her grandmother’s honor.
“Muddy Waters” is another highlight on the album, with prominent harmonies and intricate instrumentation that bring to life Hull’s message as she encourages the listener to embrace themselves and to never feel like they need to pretend to be someone else in an effort to fit in. There truly isn’t a weak song on the track list, though, so go ahead and dive in below, and see for yourself why Sierra Hull is one of the most underrated acts in bluegrass with her brand new album A Tip Toe High Wire.
Here’s a few early favorites:
“Muddy Water”
“Spitfire”
“E Tune” ft. Bela Fleck
“Haven Hill”
What an album. These recordings are great, but bluegrass tends to be even better live, so make sure to get out and catch Sierra Hull in concert if she is coming to a city near you this spring or summer.
In addition to a handful of festivals and nine high profile dates on Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival tour alongside Nelson, Bob Dylan, and Billy Strings, Hull has quite a few headlining gigs scheduled across the country in the coming months, so there will be plenty of opportunities to hear these songs live this year.
Sierra Hull Tour Dates:
3/20 – The Concert Hall at Groton Hill Music Center – Groton, MA
3/21 – The Colonial Theatre – Keene, NH
4/4 – Garden Isle of Kauai – Kauai, HI+
4/10 – The Ark – Ann Arbor, MI*
4/11 – Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts – Mainstee, MI*
4/12 – Thalia Hall – Chicago, IL*
4/13 – Mineral Point Opera House – Mineral Point, WI*
4/17 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC*
4/18 – COHAB Space – High Point, NC*
4/19 – Pickin’ in the Peaches – Aiken Heights, SC^
4/20 – Sweetwater 420 Festival – Atlanta, GA^
4/22 – Barrelhouse Ballroom – Chattanooga, TN *
4/23 – Minglewood Hall, Memphis, TN*
4/24 – Bluebird – Bloomington, IN*
4/25 – The Sheldon – St. Louis, MO*
4/26 – Earth Day Festival – Springfield, MO^
4/27 – Old Settler’s Music Festival – Dale, TX^
5/8 – El Ganzo Oasis – San Jose Del Cabo, MX^
5/13 – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatere – Phoenix, AZ#
5.15 – North island Credit Union Amphitheatre – Chula Vista, CA#
5/16 – Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA#
5/17 – Felton Music Hall – Felton, CA#
5/18 – Toyota Amphitheatre – Wheatland, CA#
5/20 – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater – Nampa, ID#
5/22 – ONE Spokane Stadium – Spokane, WA#
5/24 – Cascades Amphitheater – Ridgefield, WA#
5/25 – The Gorge Amphitheatre – Quincy, WA#
5/31 – Railbird Music Festival – Lexington, KY^
6/28 – Big Ponderoo – Sisters, OR^
8/1 – Salmonfest – Ninilchik, AK^
9/10 – Bender Jamboree – Las Vegas, NV^
+duo show w/ Justin Moses
*w/ Mason Via
^festival date
#Outlaw Music Festival tour w/ Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Billy Strings, and more
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