Undeniable Talent

Large crowds are seldom quiet for in-store performances, but it is not typical for a musician to go solo for a record release, as Sarah Jarosz did yesterday. The crowd was not just being polite, they wanted to hear every note that she played and sang. There has been plenty of local buzz about this 18-year-old from Wimberley, who has already played the Old Settlers Music Festival, and The Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

Without a full band, there were only hints of Bluegrass, as she played four different instruments, including the banjo, and a big 8-string mandolin, that she referred to as an "octo-mando." Self-possessed and confident, she made it look easy, as though writing, recording, and performing all this music was as natural as breathing.

The Statesman called her perhaps the next Alison Krauss, but she reminded me more of Gillian Welch, without the overdone "Appalachian Orphan Girl" sound of Welch's early material. Per a request from Waterloo's owner, she closed with a cover of Gnarles Barkley's, "Crazy," which she nailed on the mandolin, and sang with the gusto of a recent high school graduate. Already talented beyond her years, the unlimited potential rolled off the stage with each note. She may never be a huge star, but she can always pursue the safe backup plan of a career as great musician.

Peace,

JS4