Customer Reviews

26 Miles

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Sean Watkins is already known for his musical abilities, being one third of the Grammy-winning group Nickel Creek. However, with this release Sean shows off his other talent, as a songwriter of incredible skill. There wasn't one track on this disc that I didn't enjoy, some were simple in their composition, others were much more complex, but they all had one thing in common: they were solid and provided a great listening experience.

Sean began with the piano when he was only six, and took years of classical instruction. He found the guitar a little later, and at the tender age of 16, he made it to the final round of the National Flatpicking Guitar Championships in 1993. Bluegrass was one of his first loves, and still means a great deal to him. However, Sean wanted to explore other avenues and genres, and has set out to do just that. Releasing his first solo album in 2001, an instrumental work, Sean has progressed to adding some fine vocals to his composing.

His interests take him through numerous genres, and that is reflected in the compositions on this release. 26 Miles is a testament to talent and what can happen when an artist doesn't get stuck into a genre, but explores what each has to offer. Each track is a work of art, and combined, you get a CD that you can listen to for years to come and not tire of. Although, I do hope that there will be a great deal more to come from this incredibly gifted musician.

On Ice begins the experience that is Sean Watkins. This song was one of the Game songs, that is, it was written in one day. This is an exercise Sean and his band developed to pass the time. They had to write one song a day, then play them for one another. The title was thought up the night before and they all had to write something suitable for it. While Sean didn't expect anything worthwhile to come of it, this is a track that contains the valuable "hook." The beat is fairly simplistic, but the lyrics hold worlds, and Sean's voice is the perfect vehicle to convey them.

Out of the thirteen songs on this release there are three instrumentals. N.M.I. (New Medium Instrumental) is one of them. It is a fast paced jazz kissed track that makes you stop and pay attention to it. This isn't a song to fade into the background in an elevator or office, like so many instrumentals are, this one delivers itself with a potency that is rare and wonderful to behold. Sean put a soprano sax and a fiddle together, and they fit like long lost lovers.

The title track, 26 Miles has a hint of hip-hop within its rhythm. It's a catchy piece, and started while Sean was walking on the beach. He'd apparently heard that if you stand next to a large body of water, you can see only 26 miles before the horizon bends. I love the oceanside, so this became a quick favourite.

All thirteen tracks are brilliantly put together, and you won't be disappointed in this CD. Even the accompanying booklet is filled with some great touches, pictures and brief explanations for each track, as well as the lyrics, and a look at some of the musicians and at Sean himself. 26 Miles is a must have for any music lover.

Review Originally Posted at http://www.linearreflections.com

Sean Watkins is a musical genius. There, I've said it. His first solo album, "Let It Fall" was utter brilliance ... showcasing ambitious instrumentals and gave us a taste of what was to come. "26 Miles" takes it to another level completely. Sean has crafted an album that transcends every genre, putting him in a place of his own. Not that this isn't all in a day's work for Sean, who breaks new musical ground all the time with Nickel Creek. But it's easy to see that every track on "26 Miles" is close to Sean's heart, and that draws the listener in even more.

There are so many highlights on this album, with something for just about any music lover. Jazz, folk, rock & pop influences combine expertly in Sean's capable hands. Every track speaks out, beckoning you to take it all in. Songs like "Chicago", "Letters Never Sent" and "Through The Spring" beg to be listened to again and again ... each time delivering a different nuance you might have missed on the previous listen. There's edgier songs too, "Brick Window" and "On Ice" grab your attention from the first note and leave you breathless throughout. And then there's the instrumentals that Sean is famous for. Each of the three instrumentals on the album have a very different vibe, but they all shimmer.

It's amazing what this man has managed to accomplish so far in his life. He's a world class musician at 26. What's even more exciting is that he's going to keep learning and growing for many years to come. As incredible as he is now, I can't wait to hear where that journey will take him.

I have to be honest, I was a little let down by Let it Fall. I still think that overall it's a fine album, but it seriously bogs down in the middle with songs that end up as little more than filler. My problem with it wasn't that the songs weren't good (most of them were great), but rather that I knew he could do better. Well, now he has. Using the pop-rock influences that Nickel Creek messed with on their last album and carrying them even further, Sean has crafted an album that is both enjoyable, accessible, engaging, and above all, serves his audience a true taste of his song-writing ability. Nickel Creek fans may be a bit taken aback by what they hear on this album though. I know the first time I put it in, my first reaction was "Whoa... drums." Sean uses a more traditional rock/jazz rhythm section on this album to great effect. The band never feels like they are there only to back up Sean. Instead, they are all given a chance to shine, providing fills, solos, and a feel that you can't get from studio musicians. In addition to the extremely able band backing him, he brings in his sister Sara who provides some typically beautiful backing vocals, as well as some genuinely inspired fiddle playing that alternates between lovely, lilting passages, and some of the most aggressive playing we've heard from her yet. Sean's songwriting skills also continue to grow by leaps and bounds. He is still coming into his own as a lyricist, and the lyrics are a little shaky in a couple of places. Overall, however, he does a wonderful job of giving us a little bit of a glimpse into his view on the world as his star continues to rise. Most notably, he has developed a perfect sense of melody, and this album has a host of great vocal hooks. The focal point of this album for me, however is the music that Sean wrote. One listen to this album allayed all of the fears that I had after Let it Fall, as there is not a single piece of filler on this album. The vocal songs alternate between jazzy pop, country/folk pop, and more subdued, introspective ballads (Letters Never Sent is particularly noteworthy). The first two instrumentals (N.M.I. and Chutes & Ladders) would honestly not sound out of place on Bela Fleck's Tales From the Acoustic Planet, and the third (Creeping Beauty) sounds remarkably like a middle-era Leo Kottke ballad. His guitar work is at once both low-key and brilliant. He turns in great riff, chord progressions, and some of his best guitar solos since Nickel Creek's self titled album. There are a couple of surprises, such as Glen Phillip's vocals (which are wonderful), a few appearances by electric guitar, and the use of drum loops on two tracks (believe it or not, they work incredibly well). All in all, this album shows Sean finding his voice, and becoming comfortable with it. He has become the songwriter that I always thought he could be, and done it without compromising any of his vision, ambitious as it is. Don't go into this album expecting to hear a Nickel Creek album. On that note, don't even go into it expecting a Sean Watkins album. Expect the last thing you'd expect. What Sean has put out is very possibly the alt-pop album of the year. This man, both within and without Nickel Creek, is going to change the way people look at music.

As an emerging fan of the band Nickel Creek, you can imagine my excitement of finally getting to hear Sean Watkins' first vocal solo cd project. Although many of the songs are only around 2 minutes in length (sans the excellent instrumentals I wish could go on forever), the ability Watkins has of capturing those certain, often indescribable feelings we feel is truly one of his strongest qualities - nevermind his amazing voice and incredible songwriting skills.

Although I could write entire dissertations on the potentially perfect tunes crafted by Watkins, space limits such an opportunity. Thus, I'll instead highlight a few tracks:
"On Ice," the album's opener, sets a wonderful tone for the direction of the rest of album. Sean's voice, in harmony with the gentle sound of a guitar, seems quite simple, yet as the song progresses, there is a certain drive that "slides" you right into his mind, his words, and his music. "Chicago" is, for lack of a better word, a "bouncy" track that seems to place the listener on a breezy street in the Windy City, at first bitterly alone, yet becoming somewhat complacent in such a position.
"Hiding," yet another seemingly simplistic tune, reminds me of a time when great singer-songwriters dominated the music scene, perhaps a sign of what is in store for Watkins. The following song, "Through the Spring," again lends itself to be one of those songs that everyone can attribute to his/her own life (as are most songs on the album), and further illustrates Watkins' mastery of symbolism and his own, selfless, ability to capture very personal experiences in his songs. "26 Miles," the title track of the album, has a unique sound that combines computerized drum loops, piano, and of course, the great Watkins' guitar sound. Watkins' ability to be so simply honest and poetic in his lyrics again pleases both the ear and the heart of any listener. Perhaps my favorite track (if it is even possible to rank such great songs) would be "Carousel," whose classical-themed instrumentation and message combine to create a truly wonderful, memorable final track, and whose beauty simply cannot be captured in words.

In his 26 years, Sean Watkins has certainly proved he knows what it takes to create a good song. "26 Miles" offers no disappointment; each song is carefully crafted, each word in perfect place, and each feeling convincingly expressed. I confess that I am a sucker for great music, but Watkins' work is beyond great, it is truly phenomenal. His seemingly simple approach and his honest expression of himself in his work lead to the masterpiece that is "26 Miles." Enjoy the ride.

To find words appropriate to describe this album is nearly an impossible task. Until something even more fabulous comes along, this CD has worked its way into the top spot in my music collection.

Let me warn you - it did take it several days to get there, because this CD is COMPLETELY different from what we've heard from both Nickel Creek and Sean in the past. If I were to compare Sean's releases to those of the band, this is his own personal This Side - far more experimental and far less bluegrassy than Let It Fall.

That being said, it's a style that he delivers with aplomb. I love Sean's voice, though I don't think that this album is the best display of it. His guitar skills are always impressive (especially live). But what carries this record to its five star rating is the songwriting.

Sean is at once heartfelt and down to earth. I find myself listening to this CD daily because it simply relates to me. The lyrics are often simplistic, but honest. The music supports them beautifully. It's difficult to select a favorite off of this disc, but each track has something that makes it special in my eyes. Sara Watkins' (also of Nickel Creek) BGV's in "Locking Doors" are chilling. "Take It Away" reminds me of Romans 7:18-20 and the struggle I face all too often. "Chutes & Ladders" is a STUNNING instrumental track. (I love the use of the saxophone on this album!) "Brick Window" also merits a mention as one of the top tracks. Sean writes from an interesting perspective - that of a frustrated song - and leaves us with a jewel.

I simply can't reccomend this CD highly enough. If you're looking for something in the same vein as Nickel Creek and Let It Fall, this is the wrong album. But if you're appreciative of an experimental direction and spectacular songwriting, I don't know why you've waited this long to buy 26 Miles.

Sean Watkins first album is bluegrass-oriented, a type of music that i am a dear fan of. when i read about 26 miles on his website it said that Sean headed in a new direction with this side project. I was a little apprehensive, but excited because I love hearing artists grow through their work.
most of the songs are permeated with the ethereal harmonizing vocals from Glen Phillips, former lead singer of Toad the Wet Sprocket. Check out toad, they really rock with great lyrics.
I've digressed, Sean's voice is clear and crisp, so Glen's voice, which is slightly edgy and throaty, contrasts wonderfully.
Some of the gems on this album include Locking doors, which features Sean's sister Sara singing back up vocals for the chorus. her fiddle can be found throughout the album. Locking Doors is a song featuring incredibly personal lyrics about holding back, yet they apply to everyone's life in some way.
On Ice, is catchy, and fun to sing, while Chicago's rolling rhythm guitar will stick in your head. the few instrumental songs are wonderful as usual, Sean incorporated many horns in this album giving it a slightly jazzy, slightly Ska feeling.
Sean's use of sporadic electric guitar creates depth unrivaled by his previous works, and perhaps even the work of Nickel Creek. I would suggest this album for anyone who loves beautiful, meaningful songs, and absolutely superb musical skill.

But despite it not being what I was figuring on it being. The songs are well constructed acoustic pop with strong jazz influences on several tunes. Interesting use of drums and loops etc.His acoustic GTR plaing is technically excellent and has lovely melodies. He also does something in a a tune or two,noteably Creeping Beauty, he shows a strong Phil Keaggy influence, which till then, I thought, had an acoustic sound/composition style that was close to inimitable.He has a couple tunes on Let it Fall that IMO also have this Keaggy feel. In reality I not even sure he has ever heard of Keaggy but He might have at some point. His voice is not as assured as his two nickel Creek compatriots but he makes up for it in a sort of delicate vulnerabilty. An excellent release - Must Buy IMO.

My first reaction to the cuts on this album was to hit the next track button as fast as I could. Every song sounded alike and Sean's delicate tenor just hit a raw nerve with me. It was all just too cute and too perfect and too light.

Later, I listened again and decided I liked the music well enough, but was just not blown away by it. Good but not great. I expected more because I thought Sean's guitar work on Nickel Creek was some of the best I'd heard. His song writing is very skilled but maybe a tad too literary. More thought-full than full of feeling.

"Chutes and Ladders" is the highest energy, jazziest, driving cut. It is almost, by itself, worth the price of the CD.

As a fan of Nickel Creek, I have always (shamefully) thought of Sean as "second fiddle" to the rest of the group. I am pleased to announce my conversion after hearing this album (and seeing them in concert). Surprisingly I found that most of this album, while not the same genre as most of nickel creek's work, is just as beautiful and complex as the trio's material. My girlfriend forced me to listen to this album with her at the first chance we had. She remarked that she absolutely loved it and had never heard anything quite like it. I disagreed and told her that Toad the Wet Sprocket sounded similar. We were both surprised to find that Glenn Phillips (of Toad) had worked on this album. I'll tell you what, buy the cd to hear great vocals, great guitar playing, and great composition. Oh yeah, and look for Mutual Admiration Society from Nickel Creek and Glen Phillips in July '04. I'm expecting to hear something similar to this album.

Hey...
I've loved and adored Sean as the guitarist in Nickel Creek. When he sang solo on This Side album we were all excited and amazed that he possesed not only a talent for the guitar but for vocals as well. This boy will not stop until he reaches the stars. He is amazing and we will continue to support him. Brilliant is truly the word.