Just some bluegrass pickin’ backstage at The Ryman.
If you’re a bluegrass fan, Sierra Hull is a name you need to know. At just 28 years old, Hull has chased the dream of making it big in bluegrass since she was little. Landing her first record label with Round Records at thirteen after making her Grand Ole Opry debut at ten years old, Hull was born to be on stage.
Combine her talent with that of the iconic Billy Strings, and you’re cooking with fire.
In late June, she took the stage with other Bluegrass greats at the historic Ryman Auditorium for Bluegrass Nights.
While that night was filled with many memorable performances, some magic occurred backstage before the show between Sierra Hull and Billy Strings.
The two artists were backstage rehearsing their duet of an old classic, “What Does the Deep Sea Say,” and the unplugged and unedited performance is incredible.
The song has been recorded by the Monroe Brothers, Woodie Guthrie, Doc Watson and Bill Monroe, and many more.
“Old Instruments + Old Songs with Billy Strings”
It has always amazed me how bluegrass musicians can step in to play with each other so easily. Watching these two practice makes it seem like they have been on tour together for months.
Their harmonies match effortlessly, and they play off of each other’s picking style to make a perfectly blended sound.
At the end of their jam session, the two look at each other excited to take the stage with the fun throwback song.
The backstage version is damn good, but it sounded just as good on stage later that night.