NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Sarah Jarosz

Music found its way early to 18-year-old Sarah Jarosz, beginning with solfège and ear training in kindergarten and culminating with her participation for seven consecutive years in the Organization of American Kodaly Educators National Honor Choir.

But her true muse came in the form of a mandolin, given by her parents one Christmas when she was almost 10 and living in Wimberley, Texas. Her proximity to Austin may have been the final ingredient in leading her toward American roots music.

Jarosz´s road wound through the bluegrass festival circuit to Sugar Hill Records, which released her debut album. Produced by Jarosz and Gary Paczosa, filled with 11 of her solo-penned songs and two covers,Song Up In Her Head reflects varied influences, from Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell to Mike Marshall, Chris Thile and other acoustic innovators.

But her handiwork transcends their contributions, in her emphasis on tasteful, melodic picking and vocals that are understated yet emotionally compelling. As a singer, arranger and storyteller, Jarosz shows distinction in her cover of the Decemberists´ "Shankill Butchers." Add to that her multi-instrumental technique, narrative lyric skills and compositional artistry, and it´s clear that her journey is just beginning.

2009 CMA Close Up® News Service / Country Music Association®, Inc.