Sister Sadie Forges a New Path with “All Will Be Well”: A Genre-Bending Journey of Heart and Harmony
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Sister Sadie, the acclaimed all-female bluegrass powerhouse, is set to release their highly anticipated second album for Mountain Home Music Company, All Will Be Well, on June 27th. Following up on their GRAMMY-nominated No Fear, this new collection promises to be a deeply personal and musically expansive offering that transcends traditional genre boundaries. While rooted in the bluegrass instrumentation that has brought them widespread recognition, All Will Be Well ventures confidently into the nostalgic embrace of 90s country, creating a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly innovative.
“We didn’t go in to record a bluegrass meets 90’s country record,” admits Deanie Richardson, the award-winning fiddler and a founding member of the twice GRAMMY-nominated sextet. “However, as the record progressed, it quickly turned into my most favorite record I’ve ever done. Each song is personal to us all.” This sentiment is echoed by co-founding colleague and equally lauded instrumentalist Gena Britt, whose masterful banjo work provides both driving rhythm and delicate filigree throughout the album. “This album was so much fun to record,” Britt shares, “These incredibly talented women are amazing, and I’m honored to be on this ride with them.”
Sister Sadie has long been a fixture in the bluegrass world, consistently racking up International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards, including current trophies for Richardson (Fiddle Player of the Year) and guitarist/singer Jaelee Roberts (Female Vocalist of the Year). However, 2025 has seen them make significant inroads beyond their established fan base. The joyously loose-limbed, waltz-time ode to independence, “Do What You Want,” has captured the attention of country radio, demonstrating the band’s broad appeal. This crossover success is further amplified by their latest single, “Let the Circle Be Broken,” a searingly intimate exploration of generational trauma, which is resonating with a wider audience beyond traditional bluegrass circles.
Richardson elaborates on the album’s emotional and thematic breadth: “This record takes you on a musical/emotional journey. From packing up the ‘Winnebago’ to the cheating song in ‘First Time Liar’ to a hardcore 90’s feel with ‘Prodigal Daughter’ and ‘Make Me Stay or Make Me Go,’ then falling in love with ‘If I Don’t Have You’ to the heartbreak of ‘This Is Me,’ all the feels of ‘Orphan Train’ and the healing from generational trauma in ‘Let The Circle Be Broken.’” This diverse narrative landscape is matched by a rich musical tapestry, woven with the contributions of an impressive roster of guest artists. Brand new Grand Ole Opry member Steve Earle lends his empathetic harmony vocals to “I Wish It Would Rain,” while legends like pedal steel player Russ Pahl and keyboardist Catherine Marx, alongside world-class colleagues such as guitarist Seth Taylor (Dailey & Vincent, Post Malone), multi-instrumentalist Mary Meyer, and drummer Dave Racine, contribute to the album’s compelling arrangements. The result is a collection of songs as strong and meticulously crafted as anything emerging from Music Row, elevated by the band’s unbounded virtuosity.
Dani Flowers, guitarist and vocalist, who co-wrote more than half of the album’s songs, expresses the profound connection the band has with the material. “All Will Be Well is by far the most fun and most fulfilling recording experience I’ve had in my 15+ years in the music business,” she enthuses. “Each song was carefully selected. Some we poured pieces of our souls into, others we’ve loved for years and years — and we each deeply relate to every song.” This intimate connection is palpable in the lovingly crafted settings and the thoughtful match of each song to a specific singer. With Roberts and Flowers joined by Britt and bassist Maddie Dalton in taking lead vocal turns, the album truly showcases the kaleidoscopic nature of Sister Sadie. Instrumentation, vocals, tempos, and moods shift seamlessly from song to song, yet a unifying throughline of an odyssey from heartbreak to redemption stitches the collection into a cohesive and impactful whole.
Flowers further explains the album’s sonic influences: “The sounds on this record are heavily influenced by the recent resurgence of the 90’s country sound we all love so much, along with the bluegrass instrumentation that has brought us where we are today. From the studio to the stage, the songs from this record have brought us back to life and connected us to each other in brand new ways.” Richardson concludes, “This record is a perfect answer to our last project, No Fear: fear is gone, and now All Will Be Well. I am so incredibly proud of all of us and what we created.”
Sister Sadie’s journey began serendipitously during a casual jam session at Nashville’s legendary Station Inn, evolving quickly from a one-off collaboration into a full-time force. Today, the band is celebrated for their electrifying performances, stellar musicianship, and the seamless blend of tradition and innovation they bring to bluegrass music. Composed of six supremely talented musicians, each with a rich history of individual achievements, Sister Sadie is more than just a band; they are a movement, carrying the torch for bluegrass music into the future while honoring its rich traditions. All Will Be Well is not just an album; it’s an experience, a testament to the power of connection, resilience, and the enduring magic that happens when extraordinary talents come together to create something truly special.