Alex Woodard and Sara Watkins continue the recent trend of rock/pop leaning artists dueting with country artists. For those who don’t know, Watkins was a member of the stellar Southern California-bred progressive bluegrass/acoustic trio, Nickel Creek. And Woodard, a Southern California surfer boy, is an independent roots rocker who released his self-titled album in August 2008.
This cut, which is found on Woodard’s album, showcases beautiful vocals by both artists – Woodard’s smooth voice is imbued with depth and confidence, and Watkins lovely voice is tinged with the right amount of wistful emotion. Unfortunately, neither the song – a ballad contemplating the end of a relationship – nor the production, do the artists justice. It is a surprise because Woodard is an excellent songwriter and Watkins an accomplished fiddler/violinist. However, in this instance, the lyrics are rather forgettable, and instead of coloring the song with genuine emotion, the violin-backed production comes off as slightly schmaltzy and pedestrian.
As both are talented, with different material, I look forward to hearing more from them – separately or together – in the future.
Listen: “Reno”
Grade: B-
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok55EQn7aEc
Alex Woodard with Sara Watkins, “Reno”
Wasn’t thins a single when it was given away for free last year?
Love the song, love Sara and I can’t wait for her April 7th debut solo album! She was always my favorite Nickel Creek member anyway.
I like it. It’s tough picturing Sara on a grittier song like this, but i bet this would grow on me.
soooo….I might not be any kind of music expert, specially country/rock,I just love all kinds of music, and I heard reno for the first time this last weekend on cmt or gac tv, and I was instantly hooked, I loved their voices and the song, the melody has this hauntingly sad sound. but is really beautifull!!!…..I will def. look into their music….didn’t know either artist before.