Watkins Family Hour returns to action

Under the Pepper Tree

Understand that this is a children's album. Yet, if you're looking for the sounds of Sara Watkins with her groups Nickel Creek and I'm With Her bandmates, they are here on "Under the Pepper Tree," just not in the way you typically hear them. The album also features guest appearances from Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, David Garza and Watkins' now three-year-old daughter who inevitably factored into the album's inspiration. These 15 songs, only two of which are ...

Brother Sister

Sean Watkins is the brother, while Sara Watkins is the sister in this Watkins Family sibling act. Both are also members of Nickel Creek, with Sean playing guitar and Sara playing fiddle. Both are strong musicians, and their collaboration will likely please fans of Nickel Creek's youthful, enthusiastic take on bluegrass. Mike Viola (Jenny Lewis, Mandy Moore) produced and mostly keeps the duo's acoustic instincts intact. In fact, this album shines brightest whenever there are no vocals ...

Young in All the Wrong Ways

Sara Watkins' voice is powerful. "Young In All The Wrong Ways" showcases her instrument admirably. Watkins burst upon the music scene in 1989, as part of Nickel Creek, teaming with her brother Sean and mandolinist Chris Thile. Nickel Creek had a solid run of recording and live music performances for a couple of decades before the members spread out into other collaborations (Nickel Creek has played a few festival dates most years, alongside their other projects). ...