I’ll be the first to admit that country/western/bluegras does not usually get me going. Although I can appreciate the skill it takes to play the banjo and how a completely different style of music might catch my ear.. I never gave it much thought or listen.
But do me a favor. Listen/Check out the video below:
These are the Punch Brothers, led by the lead singer and mandolin-extraordinaire Chis Thile. I had ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA bluegrass could sound like this, let alone get me so excited about this genre in general. I can’t even call this bluegrass…more like pop with bluegrass instrumentation and melodies.
You might recognize Chris’ name as one of the former members of Nickel Creek back in the day when he formed that group at the ripe age of twelve! Twelve! His musical talent was clearly meant to be heard and after a number of great CDs he went on to form Punch Brothers which you’ve heard above – an absolutely stunning band. He was recently named a MacArthur fellow in 2012 and has recently been on tour with Yo Yo Ma! I hope I have the opportunity to see him someday… we certainly are not going to be seeing ANY LESS of Chris in the years to come and if musical development over 20 years is any indication of what is to come.. Can’t freakin wait.
In closing, another video… ‘This Girl’ taken from Bonnaroo a few years back.
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