Sierra Ferrell - 2023 NMF Sycamore Sessions

Sierra Ferrell played a surprise set for the 2023 Sycamore Sessions. The performance marked her second appearance at the Nelsonville Music Festival, which she first played in 2019. Ferrell's set was a mix of songs pulled from "Long Time Coming," as well as a number of yet-to-be-released tracks alongside a sprinkling of covers and traditionals.
Read more at: woub.org/2023/09/01/sierra-fe...
SET LIST
1. "Give it Time" ("Long Time Coming") - 0:50
2. "Lonesome Feeling" (traditional) - 4:39
3. "Lighthouse" (unreleased) - 7:47
4. "Redwood Hill" (Gordon Lightfoot cover) - 12:35
5. "Dollar Bill Bar" (unreleased) - 16:15
6. "Whispering Waltz" (Long Time Coming) - 20:32
7. "Hey Me, Hey Mama" (Ray LaMontagne cover) - 26:04
8. "Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down" (traditional, medley with "Summertime Sadness" by Lana Del Rey) - 32:20
9. "Seven Spanish Angels" (cover of a song made famous by Willie Nelson and Ray Charles) - 37:55
The Sycamore Sessions are presented by the Nelsonville Music Festival in collaboration with WOUB Public Media and the Ohio University Scripps College of Communication’s School of Media Arts and Studies. The performances were recorded and produced by Media Arts and Studies students under the supervision of Host and Director Josh Antonuccio and Associate Producers - Director of Photography Andie Walla (Media Arts and Studies Associate Professor of Instruction), Audio Supervisor Adam Rich (WOUB), and WOUB’s Arts and Culture Editor Emily Votaw. All performances took place during the 2023 Nelsonville Music Festival, which is a production of Stuart’s Opera House.

[@smallhouseinthemeadow6131]

I am insane over her voice.She sounds like she was born in the 1920's.

[@mb5612]

Was thinking the same thing!

[@chrishuntington5313]

Same here

[@slak96u]

Tanya Tucker....

[@mb5612]

@@slak96u no comparison there.

[@mflee6590]

At times I hear a little Joplin during seven Spanish angels, but she has a great own tone and delivery that is amazing!

[@cajamison1]

If you haven’t yet purchased Sierra’s new album, “Trail of Flowers” please do not hesitate, get it! She and her band have created a brilliant record.

[@wildbhoomi7639]

For someone living in India, listening to more mainstream country artists, this has been a real treat! A real hidden gem! Was hooked from the get-go!

[@coreyhathaway2202]

small town festivals are the best places to hear real country music. So glad you noticed.

[@abcdefghjjklmnop]

Yeah. Injin music suks. All the drums and shouting and dancing for rain. Me thinks it is sukful.

[@jeremyamis7454]

At least you don't pay taxes on groceries... America needs to United.

[@Roadman1388]

True. The Deslondes are my favourite but I feel like I'm missing out on such indie artists' live performances

[@vladstroescu]

Will Ferrell must be so proud

[@AyalaMatherd]

Not his kin, but as another Ferrell, sure 😅

[@TylerNotTiler]

There ain’t enough positive adjectives to describe Sierra! 💜

[@shulginone1967]

So many 1 dollar bills.

[@lukealberti5094]

'Boi-oi-oi-oi-oing' is the first word that came to my mind.

[@cats5351]

Face tattoo? Yucky ... Barf. No thank you.

[@goaheadproduction2726]

Vraiment

[@angelominutillo9571]

You can say that again ! 😊​@@lukealberti5094

[@squink182]

This is why KZbin exists! So glad I’ve discovered Sierra!

[@TheMonolake]

Me to

[@edmunns8825]

(Shes fucking awesome)

[@ladesigner8764]

me too! Seeing her live soon. So happy.

[@1MtnSparrow]

❤ OMG She is so Awesome 😊 she is like a great from way back when🎶

[@jg4015]

I'm a 70 year old head banger, and I appreciate her freshness, saw her in Newport with the Nightsweats.

[@mxmongeau]

The audio engineering on this recording is just spectacular. The band is in fine form and Sierra has never sounded better.

[@brianpearsonmusic]

Agreed

[@fitforlife95]

Yes

[@hillbillychambermusic]

Scooter is one of the best engineers doing sound these days--he does festivals in Colorado I've been to. So glad he's doing sound for Sierra. Sounds wonderful.

[@joestilson1614]

That's so ironic. This was the top comment when I scrolled down to leave a comment myself. Something to the effect of "the audio on this set is a flip-flappin' masterclass performance and Scooter isn't being paid enough"

[@warringtonwilliams464]

I have to disagree, While it is clean, the mix is overwhelmed by the fiddle. Sierras' guitar and voice are too low and the bass barely there.

[@cesargarcia3446]

I am Mexican hillbilly...and even if Idont' fit in this Country. ..l love your 🎶 music.and culture.. !! Yiiiiiiiiiiiiii.... !!!! Haaaaaaaaaa...! Caaaaabrooooneeesss!!!!!

[@christianrobertsmusic]

Brother, this country is for all walks. You fit in just fine✌

[@sondraarrache1908]

You fit right in!

[@w.o.b.6114]

Tu eres mi jenete. From the guero in Texas.

[@PoetClbrown]

😂😂😂 brother, I'm from Jamaica. I grew up with ith my grandmother in the country side. We listened to the likes of Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, John Prime, Patsy Cline growing up. There is a black hillbilly somewhere inside me. I feel like I fit in just fine. I'm in South Florida right now on my balcony with the sweetest breeze, the quietest sky and sierra thrilling me in places I didn't know I had 😅😅😅

[@urban_handle]

You fit just right here

[@lameduck6786]

First of all: Sierra's singing is unique. But so is her band!!! The madolin, the background vocals, the rhythm work in general, wonderful! Love it so much, indescribable! ❤❤❤

[@gregbrown8832]

Not sure what can be written here that hasn't already been, but to echo so many others... this is pure magic! Better than any other live performance I have seen, maybe ever. This is one for the ages. A timeless treasure! I hope with all my heart that this will ALWAYS be available for listening and viewing. Sweet sound, heavenly vocals (Sierra first and foremost, everyone else too!); the band is firing on all cylinders; absolutely natural, pure sound. Every musician is completely in the zone and the magic is what is happening in the space between them. After numerous plays, this performance still gets me every time.

[@Ppuffdiddleydangdoof]

This is one for the ages, brother. I think that every time I watch one of her videos. We're both right! She's supernaturally good.

[@relie6476]

Sierra Ferrell is one of the Great singer/songwriters of our generation and I hope she gets that full credit one day.

[@davids8931]

This quartet shes found herself apart of has that special thing going - god speed Sierra and co

[@AyalaMatherd]

Trust me when I say she had this magic when she was busking in the street with other musicians, sometimes just a washboard or guitar player. It’s her. The band is excellent, no doubt, but the magic was there when it was just her busking on the street in New Orleans with one other person.

[@albertdalton9644]

She can walk it, talk it and play it. One hell of a talent and damn good band too.

[@junitahahn]

On the band I can attest to the fiddle and guitar player in the category of genius. Creative making up music to any song. Add a mandolin or a mule resonator guitar in his hands and stand back!!!

[@RickyRicardo-jd8ed]

Ain't 2 hard on the eyes,Also.

[@RickyRicardo-jd8ed]

Asta la pasta

[@Thumperoo]

Hear, Hear !

[@Brian.151ite]

Any star who ends the show with smell ya later is a legend

[@jespersvault]

Words can't describe how good this is...

[@konabold]

Sierra you take it to the way beyond level with the Lighthouse song. No song "soothes my soul" like this one. Thank you for sharing your heart and soul with us. Oustanding recording also. Kudos to you and your great band.

[@AllForOneTreasureHunt]

This is one of the best live performances I have ever seen.

[@imaxdigital7052]

All of her live performances are some of the best live performances I've ever seen. She's a literal songbird.

[@squink182]

💯

[@duckdog10]

This is effing incredible. First truly unique and amazing voice since Allison Krauss was discovered at age 14.

[@artlewis4216]

Best voice since Gillian Welch

[@deborahbrasfield5149]

This is real music with real singers. Love, Love, Love!

[@carlboucher2643]

The world is a better place with you in it 💔

[@1markknox]

"be very aware of your mental health...a healthier you makes for a healthier surrounding for you" wise words!

[@john1844]

If any of you out there listoning have little ones, let them enjoy this while we still have this kind of music to enjoy. Pure Amricana at it's best. GOD bless America!👍😀

[@philfranklin8378]

America still exists in our hearts and minds...the devil and his tools the globalist commies are making their hail Mary all out attack on our world and this great nation in particular because we are the shining beacon of freedom. We have done our youth a great disservice by letting the schools and the government raise them and form their morals we need to take that back and train these young ones up and what it means to be an American so that this great nation and our culture don't vanish from the face of God's creation.

[@directapprec]

Americana is a reaction to unregulated militia values and sympathies. It's the independent quest for salvation from pains of life. A search. Discouraged, belittled by the powers that be. Americana is not allowed to exist in an ultra-conservative culture. Sierra knows survival. Knows the OxyContin addiction roadmap first hand. Beginning to end. A traditional American wealthy family (Sackler's) laughed all the way to the bank during this epidemic. Long live the artist!

[@jonstrickland4848]

Generations to come will now have this.

[@peteWxM1970]

This girl 👧 is an olde soul “ she has talent “

[@mycorona869]

I think she deserves more recognition than she gets...

[@TheMonolake]

No Shit !!!

[@paulj0557tonehead]

People suck at judging good music. I'd rather have a cult following of genuine fans than millions of Taylor swiffers. I think it helps when people share unknowns in comments. Here are some older and some newer: Skip Battin " Skip" album., Amyl and the Sniffers KXEP (the 2yrs ago one), Reba Rambo Songs My Mama Taught Me album....those are three greatnesss's

[@johnmurray2214]

@@paulj0557tonehead She’s with John Prine and Leon Redbones people that have quality tastes for great music

[@ladesigner8764]

She’s selling out venues in LA, Chicago and Minneapolis…she was just on Kimmel…she is rising.

[@AyalaMatherd]

She’s getting there. She’s been busking and working at it for a while, but she seems to have gotten her break around 2019 and been touring and recording ever since. She’s doing just fine and I’d wager things are going to keep getting better for her. She even performed with John C Reilly.

[@jamesmerritt7273]

She is one of the best singers and song writers in America today.

[@TradeBrigade]

Man that tele sounds good on Dollar Bill Bar!

[@BLXRX5]

Once again, another stunning, singular live performance. We're all privileged to witness the rise of a wholly new and uncompromising legend. As connected to the earth as she is to the cosmos. Empress Dolly, are you listening? Please, a duet with this radiant, rising queen would be instantly written into the all-time highlights of country music history.

[@dalewilbanks]

Janis + Dolly = Sierra

[@closebits]

I was thinking the same thing, with Dolly, gotta happen!

[@Robotj992]

The coal miner's granddaughter

[@Thumperoo]

hot tip: ever seen Dolly singing 'Creepin' In' in duet with Norah Jones ? If not, you def should. Also, John Prine did a whole album of duets with female country singers. Listen to all that, then let's go back and have perspective, shall we ? Sierra is really great, but imho so are a LOT of other country ladies, is all I'm sayin'.

[@dalewilbanks]

@@Robotj992 😆

[@Thumperoo]

anyone else here giving due respect to her KILLER band ? Thanks. 🎶

[@JennyDavala]

I was scared when this was taken off youtube for about 2 weeks, don't know why it was but glad to see it's back.

[@patrickwilliams7853]

Me, too, Jenny! Likewise. I'm so glad to see it's back!

[@noonefan]

Glad I didn't have to live through that nightmare...lol

[@awake370]

A star is shinning on country music, we love You Sierra & Band!😊😉😊

[@MarionViveros]

I know it's slightly dissin' the recording engineers but this sounds better than anything from the studio... it's mesmerizingly good. Also glad the camera was fixed a few minutes in to get the whole band in frame. You're all stars!

[@sorenturesson9419]

Of course I agree fully

[@mmarinod]

definitely she sound 10x times better than on the albums, definitely over produced, she's the real deal

[@jordanhartmann1745]

I still havent figured out why *really* good artists sound better than their recordings. Like how does Tiny Desk with one mic sound better than their studio album? It just baffles me. Do the engineers just fuck with it too much or were the artists less confident with the material when they were recording or what

[@mmarinod]

@@jordanhartmann1745 If I had to guess, the engineers mess with it too much and also the artists get told by people around how to do it, by people who don't know what they're talking about. I mean, who can feel the song better than the person who wrote it like??

[@makeupbyalaina]

@@jordanhartmann1745I feel like we are drawn to authenticity. You should see her live, it’s a whole other experience 🤗

[@rayholmes4402]

This gig has been filmed and recorded perfectly 👌 . Thanks to all those involved that made this happen! Cheers 🍻

[@johnmurray2214]

Glad some one else noticed

[@anonymous_friend]

Well the sound mixer got their left and right mixed up, the fiddle should be on screen left and mandolin screen right. Camera shots are framed too tight. Pretty good job though. 😂

[@gregdiffenthal2384]

@@anonymous_friend Wrong. The sound mix is perfect. The balance is correct for left and right. The mandolin is on the right of the front on shot so the balance should be favour the right speaker. And as for the shot's being "too tight" ? There's nothing tighter than an MCU. That's a Medium Close Up for someone who hasn't been a cameraman for 40 years like me.

[@anonymous_friend]

@@gregdiffenthal2384 Wrong greg. All of my years as a professional and schooling says so.

[@gregdiffenthal2384]

@@anonymous_friend yeah right.

[@ArchB57]

The best "Country" artist, and band, to hit "Country music" for years. This woman will definitely inspire other potential "Country" artists (female).

[@revamp777]

This is the best live performance of any artist ever seen, Born 61 London been to all the concerts from Beatles to Wynton Marsalis, Jazz , Rock, Dylan,Bowie,Led Zeppelin, America, Steely Dan, Hundreds more, This is an American treasure.

[@holmanmoody4276]

You were born in 61 and went to Beatles concerts .... how old were you ?

[@robertlipperd7352]

twas but a wee lad he was@@holmanmoody4276

[@banjopete]

Calm down.

[@alan4sure]

He was in a stroller for the Beatles concert. Their final one. 😂​@@holmanmoody4276

[@bradleydewey9083]

Graham Parsons' songwriting level and Emmylou Harris' voice level wrapped up into one extraordinary talent. A treasure.

[@Cotictimmy]

...And she has a 'hot band'. 😉

[@terrybartel137]

I'm dreaming of an encore of "That's All It Took"

[@fredmasse6451]

⁠@@Cotictimmy Imagine with Foghorn Stringband on back ground …

[@kevinrenegar8757]

Very well said!

[@GillistheIllist]

Her voice brings me to tears every time I hear it. Not sure why, not sure how, but I do love it.

[@robinbarry3540]

me crying on the trolley

[@DCintheOC]

What a talent! What a breath of fresh air! A voice from heaven. Best singer/songwriter to come around in a long time.

[@johnr8820]

Been in love with that voice ever since I first heard it…I could listen to her sing every day for the rest of my life…and it’s seemingly so effortless for her…just fantastic!

[@killult5602]

the girls already becoming a legend , go on sierra 🤙

[@pokenastic6081]

Live performances don't get much better than this.

[@MikalSkeates]

I'm converted now. take me home mountain mama

[@ronhowell4886]

Sierra and band sounds so so good on this set!

[@iPaulRowland]

She is possibly the most talented singer in music today. You can FEEL her music!

[@kiwischlong]

yikes

[@justinlacombe5370]

I agree.100% , she is rare and that voice is beyond amazing, an old soul for sure ❤

[@banba317]

What an enormous talent! A great band backing up an exquisite voice; the control this girl has is rare! She goes from sweet songbird to rough neck and back in half a measure. And a fantastic writer too! Wow; just wow! The sky is the limit for Sierra!

[@bealestreator8940]

Yes. A syllable sung by Sierra Ferrell is a very fortunate syllable 🙂

[@Newenglandah1376]

Such a great voice.. story telling, old timey, twangy, just the right amount of grit... WOW

[@jessicalohmeyer9508]

I am basically obsessed with this woman. So inspiring! The band really rocks, too! Love it

[@shelbythompsoon]

She does this thing that makes me feel so much ❤ and her band is slayyyying”

[@urban_handle]

To see her shine like this is beautiful. Well deserved success. The band is nothing short of perfection.

[@Jst4funn]

Grreat band. Sierras a beautiful singer , tiny powerhouse. Great delivery.. Cant wait to see this band..

[@shalvachkhaidze7137]

This gorgeous lady has been through a lot of pain in her life. It is the scars of her soul that make her song so beautiful. This is how she soothes them - by singing. ❤

[@Shanay_1228]

I feel so privileged to have stumbled upon this performance! Sierra and her band sound so good together and her music just takes me to another place and time. She is breathtakingly beautiful and so talented! Seeing her live is on my bucket list! ❤❤

[@joeschmoe4894]

This lady is a natural. It appears she has traveled a long road from her roots. She looks really good and healthy compared to her earlier days where she looked like another struggling musician with personal issues even as her great talent shined. She has replaced her backup musicians often over time, her older backups certainly not lacking talent but this crew appears to be truly professional "hired guns".

[@DarkTideOffroad]

Dude on guitar is locked in and brought some killer tones to the stage.

[@ThePlantedEarth]

That ain’t no dude on the guitar bruh!

[@DarkTideOffroad]

@@ThePlantedEarth the fiddle player also plays guitar during this performance

[@awboat]

@@ThePlantedEarth you need to watch the whole thing

[@gillygil8747]

A singer/songwriter, vocalist extraordinaire, American treasure, valid point of view, talent, hard work, indominable spirit, fun loving and precious immortal soul? A short list of Sierra Ferrell's attributes.

[@charlesbriggs8315]

When I first came across Sierra's music I was intrigued. Now she and her band bring me back to a better time with better music.

[@lesslater512]

She’s getting better all the time. She taps into a certain culture, not necessarily timeless, but including the passage of time, reflected through her soul. I like what I feel.

[@QbixGer]

Easy on the haze, pops.

[@lesslater512]

@@QbixGer, what are talking about? Haze? Is this some sort of a drug reference? What you say is pure gibberish.

[@LynnDixon]

Love their rendition of "Seven Spanish Angels"

[@Ludwig_Cox]

That's a 1 in a billion voice

[@willyeverdie2731]

I just stumbled across this and I wasn't ready to have my ears so satisfied, my eyes pleased , and my mind blown all at the same time. I'm so in favor of her wearing a straw hat and singing whatever she likes. Whew is it hot in here or what? lol

[@ccmuffins123]

This version of Dollar Bill Bar around the 18th minute is truly special

[@ozarklisa1199]

She is an angel 😇 what a voice, what a presence.

[@bluegrasstrain667]

Listen to all the Sierra Ferrell videos I can - and they are all good - but this Nelsonville Music Festival Sierra Ferrell 2023 Sycamore Sessions is pure d magic❤🎉

[@gatorshd]

That voice….

[@paullanier8280]

Seven Spanish Angels. Best ive heard in Forty years and covered by many top performer !!! But this is the best ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Sierra sings it like no other. Beautiful work. All of you players , too !!!

[@jengel2000]

Some of the greatest Tele slinging ever, too!

[@earthmuffinjet]

What a sweet performance. I can't get enough! Thank you WOUB and Nelsonville Music Festival.

[@janlaser9995]

The way they performed light house at this show was just perfect. The mandoline solo, the acapella parts and sierra singing the the bridge the way she does is amazing.

[@bryanharrell4059]

Right, it's really astonishing at the speed and different ways the songs evolve. It's constant experimentation and change up in certain little areas. It's keep the already classic songs even more entertaining. This Lighthouse was a great example. Just perfect, indeed.

[@pearlnash1266]

WOW! Just discovered this amazing talent today! 🙌🙌🙌Love the sound so much!!! My new favorite singer!!! Love the band as well!

[@tedmoery6091]

Whoever recorded this clearly cares. Comes to my couch dead on tone wise. I can play/hack along right in tune. Fairly uncommon. As for Sierra, I'm in love. Dang!

[@luthiermatt]

It really is a nice recording. I'm listening on Sony Pro's and it's clear and balanced. Maybe a soundboard feed?

[@PipoCapi]

This is simply amazing. So pure, clear, acoustic, perfect performance, credible feelings in each part... simply beautiful.

[@RodFraserMusician]

As always, she and the band move me to laugh, cry, sing and dance, write and play!! Great sound coming from the engineer as well! Thank you Sierra and the boys and the Sycamore Sessions!

[@gob1309]

Aye the mix sounds incredible.

[@Benjamin-jo4rf]

22:50 if this doesn't make you cry you aint never felt true heartache

[@999britain]

Two nights on the trot I've watched this, beautiful..❤

[@jamessullivan9363]

I can’t wait to see her at Sea Hear Now Festival. She’s mesmerizing

[@acjclaker]

Probably the best “sound” on KZbin. This is just how I like it !👍😎✌️

[@lfcmatt]

Sierra voice is amazing. The band is so good. what a bunch of talented guys !

[@chipleach]

I’m sure it’s difficult leaving her old band members but I have to admit the new band has really leveled up the sound! Been a fan for a few years now.

[@SweetLizaJane]

She's such an absolute treasure! 🥰

[@joeldowdy404]

She is fantastic!! Keep singing and writing songs pretty young lady. She has way more talent than any of the big Nashville people they promote. The men playing for her are fantastic as well.

[@notanymore9471]

What a gorgeous woman and and great band. So good!

[@lilSnubby]

Sierra is an incredible artist and this band is on point!

[@garyhammack9189]

She is so damn good.

[@caddy422]

These are such great musicians, but hats off to Scooter, the sound is top notch!

[@yourlastfoe]

I'm not a "huge" country/bluegrass fan but I absolutely love Sierra Ferrell's work. She's so unbelievably talented.

[@denniswyse3590]

This girl can sing any song and makes it her song ! What a group of musicians, AWSOME.....

[@richardeckert1050]

A True Unicorn of a Musician & Stage Entertainer. Clearly Born for what she is doing.

[@raedwulfone]

Fantastic line up of musicians, Well Done!

[@giacintodanesi9509]

You're so talented Sierra! I love your music your culture so much. Grande cuore! ❤ Un bacio e un abbraccio. From italy. 🙋‍♂️

[@cherylmcgowan6119]

I'm so glad I've found you, Sierra Ferrell. I love your style and voice. Keep on playin writin and singin!!!❤

[@davidmorris4826]

What a voice and what a band !!!

[@countrytom100]

Best I Have Head In A Long Time, Love Her.

[@revamp777]

She takes my blues away and leaves with hope , tomorrow.

[@michelesmith899]

Great sound and great band Sierra. I would so love to see you live in Canada, love your Dollar Bill bar song. You just get better and better, love your music SO much! ❤

[@jasondogg4201]

She’s definitely an outlaw, love this set

[@plebianpicasso7027]

Amazing sound.

[@Itsblake10]

Been listening to her couple years now and got to see her in person last week for the first time and her live performance is a must see when she comes to town

[@peteWxM1970]

Her harmonies ❤her vocal ❤her charm😅❤Exceptional ❤Excellent ❤

[@danieljones5863]

Top notch, love this. I’m from eastern KY and I can say nothing is better.

[@danieljones5863]

Except for Mopars

[@mrsweettater]

She's got a style that's pretty unique and damn, what a band!!!

[@bryanharrell4059]

I'm going to join in on the chorus here and say the recording is stellar. Crystal clear, separate sound and wonderful camera angles capturing Sierra & Co. in all their stunning glory. Cheers to the crew and particularly the sound engineers. I'd vote for a couple of these tunes to be on a compilation double live release. Well, one can hope. I'm so happy I stumbled onto her. Her voice, music, and the company of musicians she keeps have been a fountain of songs that keep on giving. Onward Intrepid Traveler!

[@Zig_Was_Here]

What a great set! What a great voice! What a great band! What a unique and wonderfully beautiful voice!