Sarah Jarosz: A multi-talented young artist
02/06/2015
Back in December I introduced my post on Americana with a mention of this young woman. A couple of weeks later I bought the only CD by her I could find, and have since made an effort to watch what I could find of her on YouTube.
I remain impressed enough to want to write in praise of her talent and artistry. First I have to make the point that what she does is not what is known as Bluegrass. Although she plays instruments of that genre, and uses elements of it, the Bluegrass community would be quick to correct you if you called it that. Shoot, the gal's from Texas, not Kentucky! This girl can play the mandolin, guitar, clawhammer banjo, and octave mandolin. She sings and accompanies herself on all of these instruments, and writes her own material. Although signed to a major label at only 18, she sensibly went and "enrolled in the New England Conservatory of Music in 2009, and graduated with honors in 2013 with a degree in Contemporary Improvisation." I cannot omit mention of two talented young men, violinist Alex Hargreaves and cellist Nathaniel Smith, who have appeared live with her for years, adding sensitive and accomplished backing. As a trio, they produce fine and musicianly live work, praised not just by me. |
The Wikipedia entry on Sarah Jarosz lists her achievements: (so far :-)
Her first CD, Song Up in Her Head, was released in 2009[1] and the tune "Mansinneedof" was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Country Instrumental Performance. Her second album, Follow Me Down, released in 2011, received a "Song of the Year" nomination from the Americana Music Associations 2012 Honors and Awards.
Her third album, Build Me Up from Bones, was released on September 24, 2013 through Sugar Hill Records. Build Me Up from Bones was nominated for Best Folk Album at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, and its title track was nominated for Best American Roots Song.
Praise at ALLMUSIC.com
Update 05/03/2017
Sarah Jarosz Awarded Two Grammies
Her first CD, Song Up in Her Head, was released in 2009[1] and the tune "Mansinneedof" was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Country Instrumental Performance. Her second album, Follow Me Down, released in 2011, received a "Song of the Year" nomination from the Americana Music Associations 2012 Honors and Awards.
Her third album, Build Me Up from Bones, was released on September 24, 2013 through Sugar Hill Records. Build Me Up from Bones was nominated for Best Folk Album at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, and its title track was nominated for Best American Roots Song.
Praise at ALLMUSIC.com
Update 05/03/2017
Sarah Jarosz Awarded Two Grammies
Below I include a playlist I have created at YouTube. It is a mix of amateur and professionally filmed live sequences, and some of the Record Company "Official" Videos.
It is in chronological order, with the hand-held camera clips of the earlier times giving way to this year's more polished presentations, all showing her development since 2008.
If the prospect of watching through all 16 clips is a bit daunting,* clicking on the top right corner will produce a scrollable list which you can cherry-pick at will.
If you have time for nothing else, The NPR Music Tiny Desk concert at 12 minutes long for three songs is a nice intimate performance showing her style and talents.
Postscript 14/12/2020
*I find that the original playlist of 16 items has now grown to 97, as Sarah's career has continued to develop. I make no apologies; the playlist was created for my own use, and will continue to grow. Readers should cherry-pick as their fancy takes, I guess.
It is in chronological order, with the hand-held camera clips of the earlier times giving way to this year's more polished presentations, all showing her development since 2008.
If the prospect of watching through all 16 clips is a bit daunting,* clicking on the top right corner will produce a scrollable list which you can cherry-pick at will.
If you have time for nothing else, The NPR Music Tiny Desk concert at 12 minutes long for three songs is a nice intimate performance showing her style and talents.
Postscript 14/12/2020
*I find that the original playlist of 16 items has now grown to 97, as Sarah's career has continued to develop. I make no apologies; the playlist was created for my own use, and will continue to grow. Readers should cherry-pick as their fancy takes, I guess.