September 15, 2015 by BOB BOILEN The Watkins Family Hour began a dozen or so years ago as a way for a group of friends to get together and play old and new tunes. For Sean and Sara Watkins, it served as a monthly bit of magic: a musical variety show filled with extraordinary talent in the world of folk, bluegrass and beyond at L.A.'s famous Largo.
Now, the Watkins siblings — known for their work in Nickel Creek, among many other projects — have taken their fiddle, guitar and charm on a country-flavored yellow brick road, gathering friends and surprises along the way. For this tour and their Tiny Desk Concert, their biggest surprise is the addition of Fiona Apple as a guest vocalist who actually yowls along to songs like the traditional tune "In The Pines."
Watkins Family Hour is available now. iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/watkins-family-hour/id1001481842 Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Watkins-Family-Hour/dp/B00YS79GAQ
Set List "Steal Your Heart Away" 00:00 "In The Pines" 04:05 "Hop High" 09:35
Credits Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Walker, Ariel Zambelich; Assistant Producer: Rachel Horn; photo by Ariel Zambelich/NPR
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