A Timeless Tick: Bryan Sutton and Sierra Hull Elevate a Classic on “Grandfather’s Clock”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In the third installment of his groundbreaking duet series, From Roots to Branches, master guitarist Bryan Sutton continues to bridge the gap between bluegrass generations. Released via Mountain Home Music Company, the latest entry finds Sutton teaming up with a “surprising guitar colleague” to breathe new life into the 19th-century staple, “Grandfather’s Clock.”
While the world knows Sierra Hull as the reigning IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year and a four-time GRAMMY nominee this season, Sutton uses this collaboration to spotlight her formidable, yet often underrated, prowess on the six-string guitar. The result is a “sweetly contemplative exchange” that honors the past while showcasing the “finely crafted virtuosity” of two modern titans.
The Review: A Legacy in Every Note
“Grandfather’s Clock” isn’t just a cover; it’s a piece of history. Originally written in 1876, the song was a Victorian-era pop phenomenon that actually coined the term for longcase clocks. In this rendition, Sutton and Hull strip away the frantic tempos often associated with banjo-heavy bluegrass versions, opting instead for a “stately” and “legato” approach that emphasizes the song’s “sweet melancholy.”
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The Instruments: There is a profound sense of “emotional authenticity” on this track, amplified by the fact that Sutton is performing on his own grandfather’s old Martin 0-17 guitar. This personal connection shines through in the “pure tone and restraint” of his playing.
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The Synergy: The track begins with a gentle, flowing statement of the melody before picking up a subtle, rhythmic drive. Hull’s guitar work is a revelation—she matches Sutton’s “rhythmic brilliance” with a “musical playfulness” that makes the complex exchange feel effortless.
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The Sound: Mixed in Dolby Atmos spatial audio, the recording offers an immersive experience. Listeners can hear the nuance of every pick strike and the resonant wood of the acoustic instruments, making it feel as though you are sitting in the room between these two masters.
About the Artist: Bryan Sutton
There may not be another acoustic player alive with the “unprecedented” resume of Bryan Sutton. A ten-time IBMA Guitar Player of the Year—the most in the award’s history—the western North Carolina native has been the “secret weapon” behind the hits of Taylor Swift, Luke Combs, Garth Brooks, and Carrie Underwood.
After skyrocketing to fame in the 90s as a key member of Ricky Skaggs’ band, Sutton transitioned into a legendary session career and a beloved educator. In 2025, he has stayed at the forefront of the genre, recently collaborating with bluegrass ambassador Billy Strings on the acclaimed Live at the American Legion.
From Roots to Branches serves as the spiritual successor to his 2006 project Not Too Far From the Tree. While the earlier project focused on his mentors, this new series finds Sutton looking toward “younger players who still influence me,” cementing his role as a vital link in the bluegrass chain.
The Final Verdict
“Grandfather’s Clock” is a masterclass in “nuanced inflection” and “soul-soothing” acoustic music. By choosing a melody that “means a lot” to them both, Sutton and Hull have created a recording that feels like a warm conversation between friends. It is a striking reminder that sometimes the most powerful musical statements are the ones that take the time to breathe.