Powerhouse mandolinists/vocalists Sierra Hull and Mimi Naja (Fruition) joined forces in Atlanta on Thursday at Terminal West, collaborating on some of Hull’s original tunes and an emotional cover of “Black Muddy River” by the Grateful Dead.
Hull was in Georgia performing with her band as part of her spring solo tour. The final headlining date of the tour ended the run on a high note as the bluegrass firebrand welcomed fellow mandolinist and vocal virtuoso Mimi Naja from the beloved, harmony-driven folk group Fruition. Combining two of the top names in modern Americana music, the pair’s impromptu collaboration was even greater than the sum of its parts, with their two angelic voices blending in heavenly harmony, beautifully complemented by their tasteful comping on the mandolin.
Naja posted a couple highlights from the sit-in, including clips of Hull’s song “Weighted Minds” and the Dead’s “Black Muddy River”, along with a photo of the two musicians smiling together backstage. “Hit a mandolin milestone last night,” she wrote in a the post caption. “It was a true honor to join @sierradawnhull and her tiptop band for a few tunes @terminalwest last night 💐”
Hull replied in a comment, “So fun to hang/play with you, @miminaja!!”
Checkout clips of Mimi Naja sitting in with Sierra Hull at Atlanta’s Terminal West below. Hull has upcoming tour dates with Bela Fleck, The Bluegrass Generals, and Justin Moses, as well as a number of upcoming festival appearances including Summer Camp Music Festival, Blue Ox Music Festival, High Sierra Music Festival, where she will serve as artist-at-large, and more. For more information and ticketing details, visit her website.
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