DISQUS

alandb · 2 months ago

I also so the show but my experience was a little different. Congratulations on getting a parking space. That, in itself, was a singular achievement. I must have come later than you because I could not find a seat. I sat in the park area just behind. I believe you are very kind in your descriptions. I too did not like the opening act. I am not a person who listens to words much. As a singer, I did not find her very interesting. I was also not impressed with Sierra Hull. I only stayed for about half the show. Maybe my expectations were off. I thought she would play more mandolin. From the little I heard, it is clear she is very talented. The banjo/dobro player got most of the solos. The guitar player is a very good flatpicker. I was somewhat disappointed with the singing. I wasn't crazy about her voice but that is always a subjective matter. I found the harmonies a little peculiar. In typical bluegrass harmony, there is always a high tenor voice. As a female, that is where she sang but there was also a high male voice. I just didn't like the blend. No food issues this time? You didn't stand on line at the Shake Shack for an hour? I almost didn't write this response as I am not sure that you want this blog to countermand anything you are trying to communicate.

hadar · 2 months ago

I am very glad you weighed in, so please don't ever hesitate! Taking your points in the order you made them:

1) I was being kind about the opening act. I believe what I said, that she is talented in many ways, but it just didn't work for me (and you either).

2) Aside from the one long instrumental song (which perhaps occurred after you left?), it's not typical in Bluegrass for solos to last too long. So, Sierra was playing the mandolin as she normally would. On the one instrumental number, she was highlighted more than the others (quite a bit), but the song was long, and they each took at least 3 solos a piece!).

3) Sierra's voice is usually stronger than it appeared on Saturday. I wouldn't be surprised to find out she had a bit of a cold, or was just run down a bit. So, I'm not actually surprised at your comment. That said, I still liked it. And, I definitely liked the harmonies, so perhaps I'm just more used to their particular blend (after all, I do listen to the CD, so most of the tunes are very familiar to me).

4) Believe it or not, having never come to one of these, our first instinct was to get in the back of the line to wait to be seated. Thankfully, we immediately asked what line it was, and were told it was the line for the Shake Shack. :-) So, no, we didn't wait, nor eat there. Interestingly, while I've heard from quite a number of people that they have the best burgers in town, the guy we sat next to told us he tried it, and wasn't impressed...

Finally, and this is just a general comment, musical tastes run the gamut, so it wouldn't surprise me if we "heard it differently", even if I wasn't able to "explain" the difference from my perspective this time. For example, U2 has to be one of the biggest phenomenons in music history. I don't really know them well. I taped SNL this week to see what the fuss was all about. I couldn't believe my ears. It was pure noise, nothing musical at all. And yes, I _love_ good Rock, so it wasn't Bluegrass snobbery. ;-)

Thanks again Alan, we really did love it, and we have you to thank for us getting to see it!

billblevins · 2 months ago

I just bought Sierra Hull's Secrets. Great! When you run into her again, and if it is available, please pick me up a copy of Angel Mountain and I'll send you some cash!

billblevins · 2 months ago

Never mind! I found the "buy" link for Angel Mountain on her site and the CD is on the way. Cool! I have a mandolin but really am horrible at playing it.

hadar · 2 months ago

Awesome! They're really a treat to see in person (musically), and she's as nice as you could hope for a person to be! :-)