The Watkins Family Hour is a loose collective of artists assembled by Sara and Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek. What started as a jam session among friends years ago has blossomed into a Country album that would make Lefty Frizell proud. Twelve years ago the Watkins gathered some friends together to Jam at Largo, a local Los Angeles club. That jam session turned into a monthly gig. It was only a matter of time before they ended up in the studio. How could this many great musicians do anything else. The monthly sessions have been joined by many people, but the core of the group comprises the musicians on the studio project. In addition to the Watkins, there are Fiona Apple, pedal steel virtuoso Greg Leisz, Tom Petty’s keyboardist Benmont Tench and Don Heffington.
The album is a collection of covers and open’s with Sara Watkins singing a mesmerizing version of Robert Earl Keen’s “Feelin’ Good Againâ€. Fiona Apple joins for vocals on “Where I Ought to Beâ€. This is a straight up Country tune and shows a side of Apple few people have never seen. She comes across as a classic Country singer. In fact, her country crooning is Loretta Lynn worthy. However, it is Sara’s voice that takes over and provides a certain beauty to every song she sings. (Of course that could also be said of every song she has ever sung.) Sean Watkins also contributes vocals on a few songs. One of the best is “Not in Nottinghamâ€, which was written by Roger Miller for the animated Disney classic, Robin Hood. They also give a country rendering of Fleetwood Mac’s “Steal Your Heart Awayâ€. As would be expected they also head into Bluegrass territory on the traditional folk song “Hop Highâ€. It is this song that these great artists cut their talent loose and blow the doors off. The musicianship on this song, and indeed the whole album, is best described by listening. Words are useless. Others joining in on lead vocals are Heffington (“King of the Twelve Ounce Bottleâ€) and Tench (“Prescription for the Bluesâ€). Sadly all good things must come to an end, and this one ends on high note. In fact, the cover of The Grateful Dead’s “Brokedown Palace†may be this project’s best song.
The Watkins Family’s self-titled album will be released on July 24th, and it will be an instant classic.
About the author: Chip and his family live in Birmingham, AL. Roll Tide!