Daybreak

Sierra Hull is a child prodigy from Byrdstown, Tennessee, who attracted immediate attention from Alison Krauss and the Berklee College of Music. Now in young adulthood, Hull is still way ahead of her peers, with flawless mandolin playing and vocals that sound as natural as the hills and bluegrass of the South. She wrote more than half the tracks here, with “What Do You Say?” being inspired by one of her favorite bands, JD Crowe & The New South. No matter the author, Hull takes charge and makes the song hers. “Best Buy” has vocal phrasing so pure and simple that it can get lost in all the fancy instrumental work. “I’ll Always Be Waiting for You” is graceful country that shares a twinge of sadness in its undertow. “Daybreak” is the inspirational ballad. “Chasin’ Skies” is the brutally fast instrumental jam that puts Hull and her backing musicians in the Bluegrass Hall of Fame. There are no weak spots, amazing for someone just 19. Where she takes her talent will prove most intriguing.