Family Hour Records [Release date 24.07.15]
With Nickel Creek seemingly back on ice, Sara and Sean Watkins have gone back to one of their favourite live formats for their latest release.
The Watkins Family Hour brings to record their long standing unscripted monthly bash at L.A.’s Largo nightclub – a venue which, with a never ending roster of guests, has been both a testing ground for new material and a vehicle for like-minded musicians to cover favourite numbers. Recent guests have included the likes of Jackson Browne and Booker T.
The album, recorded live in the studio over three days, captures the essence of the shows featuring Fiona Apple – who often joins them live – and regulars drummer Don Heffington, pedal steel and dobro player Greg Leisz, bassist Sebastian Steinberg, and keyboardist Benmont Tench.
An all-covers album, it’s naturally steeped in bluegrass/country but also includes strong country blues elements. Amongst the more traditional songs are versions of Lindsey Buckingham’s ‘Steal Your Heart Away’, Dylan’s ‘Going Going Gone’, and Grateful Dead’s ‘Brokedown Palace’, all of which are given rootsy workouts.
Lead vocal duties are taken by Sara on four numbers, Sean on a couple and the band members, including Apple, one each. In truth, it’s a mixed bag. It opens on a high note with ‘Feelin’ Good Again’ on which Sara sounds like a countrified Suzanne Vega, and Sean’s plaintive take on ‘Going Going Gone’ is another highlight.
But don’t mistake this for Watkins’ album it’s more of a collective brigaded under their name, and while impeccably performed will appeal most to those with more than a cross over appreciation of the genre. ***
Review by Pete Whalley
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 6 October 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 8 October 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024
IZZY REIGN Spooky Scary Skeletons (FiXT)
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)
Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
