Sierra Ferrell, Long Time Coming Review

Sierra Ferrell is a West Virginia bred, Nashville-based singer/songwriter that is announcing her highly anticipated debut on Rounder Records titled Long Time Coming. The album is Co-produced by 10-time Grammy Award-winner Gary Paczosa (Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton, Sarah Jarosz) and Australian musician Stu Hibberd. Long Time Coming was recorded at Nashville’s Southern Ground and Minutia studios and explores new sonic territory like tango rhythms, bluegrass picking, jazz phrasing, and classic country, all of which merge to create something unique. The project features a dozen songs written or co-written by Ferrell and entirely disregards labeling. “I want my music to be like my mind is-all over the place,” says Ferrell. “I listen to everything from bluegrass to techno to goth metal, and it all inspires me in different ways that I try to incorporate into my songs and make people really feel something.”

Bottom Line:  Long Time Coming features a cast of guest musicians, including Billy Strings, Sarah Jarosz, Dennis Crouch, Jerry Douglas, Tim O’Brien, Chris Scruggs, and Rory Hoffman. Each artist adds a unique texture to the song’s gracefully crafted and undeniably heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies. Through her association with Stu Hibberd, Ferrell grabbed the attention of Paczosa and the team at Rounder and signed with the label in late 2019. From the first track, “The Sea,” Ferrell clarifies that she is an artist with a remarkable ability to touch the listener’s soul with her warm, emotive voice. The song is a tell of scorned love over a hypnotic and haunting steady pulse of acoustic bass, guitar, and various solo instruments. A lifelong singer, Ferrell got her start performing in a local bar when she was only seven years old, and that natural vocal style is evident in every song on the album. Bringing a more traditional country sound is “Bells of Every Chapel (feat Billy Strings).” Ferrell’s singing has fast vibrato, which brings back an element of nostalgia, as Strings’ bluegrass guitar lines frame the spaces between sections. When Ferrell decided to move to Nashville, she was immediately welcomed into its vibrant music community, and the top-shelf performers on this album show their genuine love for her. “Why’d Ya Do It” has elements of gypsy swing mixed with the many aspects of country. Ferrell’s singing is captivating and her vocal magic will warm your heart and captivate your imagination. Overall, Long Time Coming is a fantastic debut on Rounder Records. The playing is impeccable, the songs are well-crafted, and Ferrell’s singing is outstanding. That’s the short of it!

Connect with Sierra Ferrell: Website |