Review
Sierra Ferrell has truly knocked it out of the park with her fourth studio album, "Trail of Flowers," which hit the airwaves on March 22, 2024. Served up by Rounder Records, this album blurs the lines between bluegrass, country, and folk quite marvelously. Critics have tipped their hats to Ferrell, with AllMusic sliding a solid 4 out of 5 stars her way. With Eddie Spear and Gary Paczosa at the production helm, the album balances traditional music vibes with a dash of modern zest.
Diving into the 12 tracks, you'll find gems like "American Dreaming," "Dollar Bill Bar," "Fox Hunt," and "Lighthouse." Each tune carries a touch of nostalgia but also seems ready to step into tomorrow. Ferrell’s voice—it's something special, folks—haunting in all the right ways, while her lyrics open a window to both personal and broader experiences. This mix of old and new creates a timeless appeal.
The sound of "Trail of Flowers" deserves a mention too. Spear and Paczosa have crafted a fuller, lush production without stripping away the bare-bones charm of old-time music. Acoustic guitar, fiddle, and mandolin are front and center, adding beautiful layers to the tracks. Throw in guest stars like Nikki Lane, Lukas Nelson, Chris Scruggs, and Kristen Rogers, and you've got an album that’s rich and exciting. This one's a keeper for anybody with love for roots music and a yearning for something that's both grounded and fresh. - Rex