Customer Reviews

Let It Fall

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Fans of Nickel Creek already know that Sean Watkins is a monster acoustic guitar player and songwriter. Chris Thile has the mandolin monopoly in Nickel Creek, so it may be less well known that Sean also does wonders with the mando, as well. "Let It Fall" is a wonderful display of Sean's diverse talents, and it's a work of tremendous beauty.

All the songs are written by Sean except one -- a lush version of "Over the Waterfall," played much more slowly than usual, an approach which allows the listener to savor it fully. As for the songs written by Sean -- lots of acoustic treasures there! The title song, "Let It Fall," has lead vocal by Glen Phillips (formerly of Toad the Wet Sprocket). It alone is worth the price of this CD. As for the other musicians on the CD, they're the best: Jerry Douglas on resonator guitar, Stuart Duncan, Sara Watkins & Luke Bulla on fiddle; Chris Thile on mando; Todd Phillips on bass... All in all, it's a great solo album from one of acoustic music's most interesting innovators.

Obviously if you like Nickel Creek, you'll absolutely love this. Sean Watkins is really an amazing artist. His talents weren't revealed as much as I would have liked on the Nickel Creek CD, but here he's had the chance to really shine.

I would recommend this to anyone of any age. My personal favorites are Let It Fall, Cloudbreak, and January 2, but every one of his songs holds so much beauty and magic.

With a mesmerizing blend of different instruments, there are highs and lows, exciting climaxes and soothing lulls. These songs tell stories, even without words.

Stepping outside of Nickel Creek between their debut and This Side seems to have done a great deal of good for both Chris Thile and Sean Watkins. But, while Chris Thile made a tour-de-force album that I personally consider to be one of the best "New Acoustic" albums ever made, Watkins gives us a more focused, restrained look at his growth. Unfortunately, it is so restrained in places that it veers dangerously close to New Age territory. The playing on this album is impecible all the way across the board, but the song-writing leaves a little to be desired in places, as a few of the pieces end up being little more than atmosphere and are ultimately forgettable. The real value of this album comes across when it is viewed as a bridge between the work that Sean did on Nickel Creek's debut, and the supurb songwriting that he did on This Side. When you look at the album from that perspective, you can see him developing his songcraft, moving beyond the blandness of The Hand Song toward far superior material like This Side or Speak. And none of what I've said should be misconstrued as me saying that there's no memorable music on this album. As a matter of fact, the good far outweighs the forgettable on this album. Neo's Song shows Sean really flexing his muscles and turning in some first-rate flat picking, while Let It Fall brings together great music and great lyrics (not to mention great vocals c/o Glen Phillips) for the first time we've really heard from Sean. Interestingly enough, the short bonus track turns out to be one of the most interesting tunes on the album, as it shows off Sean's versatility and virtuosity in a very different setting than you would expect. Overall, this is a good album that shows a tremendous amount of growth from the artist. While it's not as good as it probably could have been, it's worth a listen, if for no other reason than to hear the promise that this young man displays. This album may have been a slight (very slight) disappointment, but if he follows the path he has laid out on this album, which he already appears to be, his future albums (I'm eagerly awaiting 26 Miles) will be forces to be reckoned with.

First of all, if you like Nickel Creek, of course you will love this album. That's a no-brainer. But this CD is not just a quick fix while we wait for Nickel Creek to bring out a new CD.

Sean's songwriting, fluid, melodious flatpicking and penchant for lovely instrumental arrangements take center stage on this CD. His guitar work on this album is warm, full, and textured. The melodies are rich, lovely, timeless and soothing, but also focused and interesting.

This is the type of CD that reveals more every time you listen. It has become a favorite in my collection--I highly recommend it.

Sean Watkin's solo turn is a nice effort and shows that he is a talented artist. While this cd is not as enticing as the "Nickel Creek" cd, it is worth the money for anyone who is a fan of the group. Fans should realize this is instrumental music with only one song with lyrics. If you like the group, you'll like Sean Watkins' cd too. A very nice cd.

I love the Nickle Creek Band and was looking for more of their music when I found this CD. Sean's soulful talent shines through in this album. The only thing that could make it better would be for more of the songs to have words (only one does). But if you love the guitar (or blugrass in general) then this album will be a pleasure to own. It hasn't left my CD player for weeks.

I have been a fan of Nickel Creek for a year or 2 and I can honestly say that Sean Watkins is one of the finest bluegras guitarists I have ever seen or heard. On his solo release, he rally lets loose his skills and all listeners are able to hear just how talented he truly is. The guest performers on the album will not dissapoint. Jerry Douglas, Glen Phillips, and his friends from Nickel Creek give the cd an amazing sound and it should be heard by all.

I don't know if Sean Watkins was a fan of the movie The Matrix or not, or whether the first track "Neo's Song" has anything to do with the main character from that movie, but this CD does make me feel like people who've been existing on musical synthetics could suddenly wake up and experience some real music! Watkins' nimble guitar and some great fiddle open the track. "Let It Fall" with the only vocal on the CD has some beautiful finger-style guitar. There is a resolve to the music in "January Second," a firmness, as if the day after New Year's with all its resolutions, we start living life again. "Ferdinan the Bull" is a bright mandolin tune with some hot fiddle. "Cloudbreak" slows down for a melancholy guitar. Stillness and wonder create a meditative mood in "The Birth." "Orange Autumn Days" has a slow guitar and gorgeous violin. "Nostalgic" is a swift guitar melody. "Over the Waterfall" has a very full sound. The hidden track reminded me of "C Jam Blues." Watkins & friends give us solid instrumental musicianship that bears repeated listenings. Enjoy!

Sean's talent is undeniable. Here is a well crafted album, a very nice listen at the end of the day. It's mellow for the most part, but filled with intricate instrumentation. My only complaint is that there is just one vocal track... and it isn't Sean singing! Thankfully, Sean's next release will include more of his fabulous vocals. This album is definitely a must listen, he really is a rare talent.

Sean of Nickel Creek has put together a beautiful collection of songs that showcase his talent for playing the guitar and songwriting. The title track is the only one with words - a beautiful, haunting melody the will touch you. The rest of the songs are instrumental.