Grassy Knoll Edition: Matt Flinner Trio & Sierra Hull

Matt Flinner Trio: Traveling Roots

Seems like a good time to get our grass on here at the RecommNeds and thankfully there are two killer releases to send your way this week. First up is the Matt Flinner Trio who carry on the stretching-the-bounds-of-bluegrass tradition of legends like David Grisman and Sam Bush. Flinner’s new album, Traveling Roots is filled with tremendous instrumental tunes showing off the trio’s mandolin-guitar-bass chops and flavoring them with jazz, folk and classical themes. Somehow these guys were not on my radar, but this record has changed that in a hurry, it’s that good. Can’t beat that gorgeous cover art either.

Spotify

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Sierra Hull: Weighted Mind

For more mandolin-centric excellence, take a listen to the new one from Sierra Hull. While long a wunderkind favorite, she shows some serious long-term potential on Weighted Mind. There are plenty of moments showing off her skills and her voice and her band, but the album also takes plenty of interesting turns, the kind of creativity and genre-busting that’s almost Punch-Brothers-esque… which is to say that if you’re a fan of the Punch Bros, you’ll probably dig this one. Halfway between bluegrass instrumental prowess and beautiful pop chanteuse, Hull has come into her own on Weighted Mind.

Spotify