I don’t want to brag, but I just can’t help myself! Billy is my nephew and not only is he a great guitar player and musician in total but he’s also a great songwriter! His songs are his story and he performs them like a dream. He is also up for a Grammy for album of the year!
That's awesome for you. His rise to stardom is meteroic. I hope he stays grounded and doesn't fall victim to the excesses of success. I love his music very, VERY much, and I actively DISLIKE bluegrass in general. But I also want him to keep writing great songs that are topical and worthy of shouting into the world.
I too just heard about him (thanks Pandora). He really is amazing. Looked up his tour, disappointed he wasn't coming to Utah. Then I read he's playing a special event at Snowbird ski resort here in Utah in a few weeks. Free event, and I work there. Universe coming together. Maybe I'll get a chance to meet him.
@@ptuffgong8504 he is a good person .ask him about all his tattoos. His dad can really play also.I've played with His daddy many years back .Terry Barber heck of a picker also. The boy can tear up a mandolin as well. He has been playing since about three years old.. It paid off for him. His dad sold his martin and somehow fate stepped in and Billy seen it on eBay when he was about fifteen or sixteen and begged the guy to sell it to him on payments. The guy hesitated but billy gave him a good story and the rest is history. He is going places has already played the opry that was my dream but never made it had to work 9to 5 to support my family. Have a good one .Robert H.
@@robertharden4092 Thanks Robert. I'll ask him about the tattoos if I get a chance to meet him, which could be likely because I may help set up the stage.
@@jennyunger1067 I did meet Billy Strings. Setting up the stage when he came out to set up his own sound equipment. We chatted while working for about 15 minutes. As you'd expect, just a regular guy. Then he blew us away live. 1 week later our ski resort shut down because of Covid, so he just made it. See him live when you can. Peace.
I just discovered Billy Strings when I watched a vid of him playing Freeborn man with Bryan Sutton maybe a week ago. Bryan is like the Tony Rice of today. Seriously high end player and I thought this kid outplayed him. Starting watching a bunch of vids of him. IMO, he could do for bluegrass what SRV did for the blues back in the 80s. He’s that good and the energy and charisma he brings gives him a star quality.
I've seen Billy Strings live a couple of times, and his playing and enthusiasm put a real sharp shine on the bluegrass. His enthusiasm brings out the best in all players sharing the stage. You can't go wrong "up front" at a Billy Strings show!
I saw that too. I would just say that Bryan was also being a gentlemen in that video and young, crazy talented Billy was indulging himself. I've seen him do that with Molly Tuttle and others also. Never the less, it absolutely displayed the rarest of talent Billy has.
Yo, Fil: As an old bluegrass guy, I kept thinking how tough it would be to alter the synch between the right and left hands. Their right hands are pretty much straight bluegrass (doing rolls), while their left hands are PUTTING FINGERS WHERE THEY SHOULDN'T GO! God those chords! So weird and wonderful. So creative. Again, Fil!
This guy (Billy Strings) is a musician in the order of Jimi Hendrix. If yall have a chance to see him live, do it. This is music history being made right before your eyes... seriously.
I like how when the banjo is playing Billy is hammering that guitar, but when accompanying the mandolin he tones it down so we can hear the mando. always conscious of what the bandmates are doing
First time I ever heard about him was the video "Dust in A Baggie", he was so young I couldn't believe how talented he was. Already! He was a kid at the time. He looked like a kid of 14 or so. He's come so far since then. Incredible talent.
When billy goes to his happy guitar place he has the facial expressions of a young Angus going on. Billy's playing and singing blows my mind... he is the real deal indeed
So glad you found Billy Strings. This is a fellow to watch cause he's going places.This cat could do for bluegrass what Stevie Ray Vaughn did for the blues.
@@wingsofpegasus I think every one of his players is stellar. Billy phalen is probably the only one whose name I really know but such a strong support group for such a good player and they are all just amazing. I could watch them over and over.
Billy is terrific. He was the featured artist at Grey Fox 2019, so he played many times during the 3 day festival with many bands. He is fabulous and can play anything with anyone. Loved seeing him perform with Molly Tuttle.
I've watched few with Billy and Molly and it always seems to me that Molly is under-featured. I think she is probably ( No "probably about it! ) just as good as Billy, when you get right down to it. She's just less flamboyant.
I agree with everything you say here. Billy Strings is, perhaps, the most original artist for decades. Every now and then a true musical genius comes along to set the creative bar even higher. Billy is, in my opinion, a true musical genius .... and one of my favourites.
Imagine being able to write lyrics and music, then be masterful enough to play that music, and have the voice to sing those lyrics, and have the personality to draw talented musicians to you to form your band, and have the stage presence to bring all that together and wow every audience. A perfect storm of talent! I'm a real fan, and I just _yesterday_ heard this guy for the first time.
The mandolin and banjo players are admirably attuned to his style and just as good, IMO. Trad. players could not have accompanied so well. I like this a lot. I am continually amazed that new young performers are showing that this old art form is not a dead old folk music art, but a living and developing one. Dare I say were it not for the "Folk Music" revival of the early sixties, this music would have faded away to natural death.
Fil’s analysis becomes my continuing education in music appreciation. Every video contains Incredible explanations detailing significant sights and sounds on stage. I am impressed!
I loved his story about getting his dads guitar back after 6-7 years later.Billy is a fantastic flat picker and makes it look effortless. Thanks brother for adding Billy Strings....cheers!!!
Yeah, his family was so poor his dad had to sell his Martin that had a lot of sentimental value to the whole family, and seven years later Billy found it for sale on ebay and pleaded with the owner not to sell it to anyone but him. It took him 3 months to get the money. His dad cried when he gave it to him. Beautiful story!
Well, hopefully you’re still around and you’re a 1/4 of the way there now, and he just keeps getting better. Apparently he’s still taking guitar lessons from people. That’s a mark of a truly good and humble musician that will always improve.
I discovered Billy only two weeks ago. He is tearing up America! Taking Bluegrass into so many different musical directions. Even the old timers are buzzing about Billy. I sent a email to a friend. Please ck. Out Billy. A email came back within minutes. I have been trying to book Billy for a concert! Believe that!!!! He was just voted top guitar player in 2019 and best new artist!
To get the full Billy Strings experience, find one of his full length concerts and watch the entire thing. The way he weaves traditional bluegrass playing with spacey jams and crazy effects is amazing! I saw him 5 times last year and he blew my mind every damn time!
8 months later - he grows more AWSOME by the month! Just watched his recent set with Bela Fleck - supernatural!!! He’s a long haired hippy now, toting a crazy good Thompson dread. He plays with action so high, most of us would run! I’m old. I’ve seen em all - Clarence, Doc, Tony - you name it - this young man is as good, or better. He’s got a long way to go - he’ll be one of the all time greats! And he’s BORN to sing bluegrass! Even more than Skaggs ! Takes me back to the mid 70’s when us hippies of the time, embraced bluegrass as opposed to disco. John Hartford, Seldom Scene, Marc O’Connor - oh, jeeze, I’m tearing up!
Wow! This is great! I have played Bluegrass music since the 70s, and actually played (for a pitiful) living for 15 years with the banjo. All the old standards of course. But what a blast this is. I'm so glad to see people twist the music, that is what keeps it alive. The Grateful Dead was good for doing this too. By the way, even though I didn't make any money playing, it was by far the best time of my life.
I'm not sure what I enjoyed the most - Billy Strings or Fil's analysis! Fil really helps me appreciate the performances with more depth than I ever would without it. Thanx Fil!
The music world has needed Billy Strings for quite some time. He is absolutely masterful and intentional with everything he does- from the music compositions, lyrics, and of course, his sheer virtuosity on the guitar. He embodies so much of what has been lost from the music from the 60's and 70's, and has found a way to make Bluegrass palatable for just about anyone. As I've listened to his music, I can hear so many influences of past musicians and bands. When they get to the break down on this song, I hear "The Doors." And if you listen to his track "Home," you can hear Carlos Santana in his electric guitar playing. Billy Strings incorporates so many interesting elements into his music that there is never time for boredom while listening. I can't wait to see how he continues to grow and evolve as a musician.
I'm just a fan of good music of different genres. I especially love rock, blues, and some bluegrass. I have to admit there is some of all those genres I don't care for. So I guess I'm more attracted to certain artists than genre. I just recently found Billy Strings, and I love Billy's sound. I've also seen him play banjo and mandolin.
It's great to hear you talking about Billy. Found Bill Strings, his music and band just a few weeks back and can't get enough. His new album is out early September. Two songs from the album have been released, Taking Water and Out of the MIre. His mix of music is sensational. He's being discovered by a lot of people right now. Great joy! They tour all over America a lot. I'm in the UK so maybe he'll make it here if enough people hear his great music.
Coming from a bluegrass background I love how Billy plays his version of the brand. His ability to take it beyond traditional places is a unique and special skill. Billy is a generational talent.
We call that Newgrass! Check out The Mighty Pines, The Waydown Wanderers, The Imfamous Stringdusters...all amazing & excellent musicians reviving this sound! I, too, was raised on this stuff (my dad was the banjoist in a bluegrass band, The Downstate Ramblers). It warms my heart to hear it getting new life!
This is American music as deep as it gets. I remember when I was a kid visiting my aunt and uncle, and every Friday night they would bust out their matching Stratocasters and a case of cheap beer, and blast out Ralph Stanley, Hank Williams, ‘Jambalaya’ (which my mom’s dog would howl along with when she played it on the harmonica.) If you’re religious, you felt like God was in the room with you, drinking a beer and laughing at Uncle Richie’s southern accent. I’m a Randy Rhoads/Tony Iommi kid, but, they put this music in my blood and it makes me happy every time I hear it. Good job, man. This is a great discussion. I got into Billy Strings when I found his amazing cover of “I’ve Just Seen the Rock of Ages” by Ralph Stanley, with the cute country girl singing backup.
First time I saw William was in 2013, and then again in 2014, at Earthwork Harvest Gathering. Sunday wake up, or should I say bedtime, in the morning, when he came on with Don, we all knew.... Here is the moment. Billy is now a Michigan, mostly Northern, Icon.... Wheatland, Hoxey, Harvest, and many more. The festivals in Northern Michigan, and some parts of the south & west coast, are beyond brilliant. The music diversity, the culture, the atmosphere of goodwill and peace are class. This is what spawned Billy Strings and others. Come, come join us in blessings and gratitude. It really is a "Good Sign"
Fil, this one great player and singer, Billy is carrying on a southern bluegrass tradition. @roxannamann, you should be so proud of him. My bluegrass friends love him . Dust in a Baggie is one of my favorites.
You just gotta love the enthusiasm he displays, and it's obvious the band is having a lot of fun with this. I also love the discordance he throws in... that will probably hear the ears of traditional bluegrass fans, but it's tasty to me. Nice catch, Fil!
Nice! ,I suggested Billy to you a while back (don`t know if that was an influence ) but happy to see you share it. I saw him live recently and he tore it up. When the band took a setbreak , he stayed on stage and took old school bluegrass requests from the crowd and killed those ,on guitar and vocally,also
All my life, I've never been into bluegrass music. It never fails though, that every time I see a bluegrass band, wether live or on video, I can't stop watching! These players are amazing!👍😎🎸🎶
Wow...the oddball tonalities and the insane sync of the band are so cool. Reminds me of the old dead stuff where they just went into that whirling give and take. I need to see This guy live
Hmmm. Jazz is a broad term. Bela Fleck and Tony Rice are great players, and innovators, and masters of their instruments. They take my breath away. Neither of them make names like Brubeck or Monk cross my mind.
@@futuredirected -- Oh, Samantha, you haven't dug deeply enough into the music of Bela Fleck (my namesake!) He's a very good bebop player - on the 5-string! True, though: he isn't _known_ as a jazz player, but he can sit in on almost any jazz standard and sound "genuine." /// Tony Rice has recorded some jazz tunes, but he isn't (he admits) a player of modern jazz.
Béla Scialoja Thank You, Béla. I do love all the wondrous music Béla makes on a banjo. Improvising around a Coltrane tune on a banjo isn’t the same as fusing bluegrass and Blue Rondo right down the middle. That’s what I hear in the track that Fil presented tonight. I hope I’m not offending anyone. That’s not my intent. I’m not saying he’s better or they’re not, just that no one else is doing quite this.
Fil, you never cease to amaze me with your insights. Billy strings is incredible, but I didn’t know precisely why. Your input radically expands the whole conversation. I also love: meet me at the creek.
First time is saw Billy was at the John Hartford Memorial Festival. He was the young gun on the small stages. But they brought him up on the Mainstage Grand finale to lead the show off with about 30 some musicians. Need to say he came back two years later and was on the mainstage. Not a headline but will be next time . I shoot video and photography there and many other places. And have hung with him a bit . Humble and kind dude for sure .
Hartford festival is just up the road...I need to go, my buddy Tiny/Mace said it was his favorite festival and that was high praise knowing his festival pedigree vending at the Grateful Dead shows, then Salmon, Phish, Schwagstock, Roo and a zillion others. Holland Indiana, less than 2 hours away.
Every tune on this album is fantastic. I was never really a Bluegrass fan until I heard Billy play. Have listened to this album over and over and it never gets old.
I discovered him and Molly at the same time. 😱 Talk about talent. Both are great. There are some GREAT musicians out there you just have to search which is a damn shame!
This guy holds serve well live. His live shows are really powerful. The voice/accent changes constantly and is quite good. He can play many styles and his band are all virtuosos. Thanks for reviewing. You are spot on in your review. 👍🏻
Fil, you're awesome and such a pleasure to listen to. You bring the music alive with all your background and explanation and I'm only a 3 chord guitar player. I love when you pull one of your axes out as you are quite the guitarists as well.
Isn’t it gr8 what we have traded and learned from one another! I play mandolin, guitar, banjo, ukulele, all keyboards and even a harpsichord....I learned this all from my grandma Anderson from Edinburgh Scotland!
30 years from now, we will look back on this performance as the seminal work in what I hope is a long and successful career. What incredible musicianship, to pull off Pantera at the Grand Ol' Opry! If ever there was a chance for bluegrass to go mainstream, this guy is it. Talent that transcends genre.
Great take on Billy. I can’t get enough of his music. I’ve listened to every UA-cam video of his over and over again. I’m going to catch him in Los Angeles in October can’t wait.
Brilliant reaction and breakdown - thank you. This has got to be the ultimate and I haven't heard anything like this mixed genre since Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
Wow! These guys are great! As you said, the whole band is tight. So glad you posted this and love your insight. And thanks to whoever suggested it as well. Going to check them out big time!
You might check out molly Tuttle as well, another young b#da$%as guitar player she & Billy have done some stuff together. Molly is the 2018 ibma guitar player of year Billy will be pushing her. The future is in good hands. Let's hope they dont burn themselves out.
Awesome review! And thanks for turning me onto a new artist! Amazing! Love the sound! Being from Kentucky, I was raised exposed to bluegrass music growing up (O’ Brother Where Art Thou is one of my fave soundtracks) but I’m really digging the mix of different genres he has!
They were so much fun to watch and listen to . We always go away from your analysis with a happy feeling and the joy of a new discovery . When we listen to your analysis we sense that you really know what your talking about and it's not just bs so to speak like some of these other people that do analysis on other channels .
Oh I love your British accent! I just discovered Billyabout two weeks ago! You can thank the fact I found your link to being utterly ADDICTED to his music ever since! It's been a couple years, you need to revisit him again! And yes, I'm subscribing to your channel... I'm addicted to your accent too! Plus, I'm gonna post your link to his fan page, so here come a million more likes from all BILLY STRINGS fans!
The smile that the presenter has is that of which he is genuinely enjoying the song and is becoming a bigger bluegrass fan. You should check out Brown Bird's Threads of Measure
What I absolutely love about your reaction videos is that you are not just criticizing (I don’t think I’ve ever heard you even do that). Instead, you critique and educate. I’m a non-musician (I’ve tried) music lover, and I feel I walk away with a deeper awareness and appreciation of the music/musician after watching your videos. Thank you.
Seek out vid of him and his step dad jamming and singing in a living room for 20 minutes..... I haven't smiled as much in all my decades as you do in one clip: You ever cramp up?
Billy is the real deal, I've been following him from the 1st , and like all his fans wish him every success. I've loved bluegrass music my whole life; he is a great credit to the genre and spirit of the musical style. Steeped in tradition and carving a new path.
The whole entire band was amazing, very refreshing and I hope that they don't give up but instead Stay Together and continue to develop their unique sound!
@Mike Conway Thanks for the advice, I have to try and make that happen! They have a lot of great venues on the smaller scale here in North Carolina, have to see if they're coming through here this winter.
@Mike Conway After listening to Fil analyze the song A couple more times I happen to look them up on UA-cam,now LMAO because they were just at the Asheville Music Hall here in the mountains of North Carolina on I believe 12-21-18 and of no surprise the show was sold out!
Billy Strings & his Band play the best Bluegrass Rock music I've ever heard! Thanx again, Fil, for another great video as you strive to educate and entertain the masses who really appreciate great music and vocal performances! "Keep on Rockin' in The Free World..."
I don’t want to brag, but I just can’t help myself! Billy is my nephew and not only is he a great guitar player and musician in total but he’s also a great songwriter! His songs are his story and he performs them like a dream. He is also up for a Grammy for album of the year!
And he’s really an authentic, honest, down to earth in all the videos I’ve seen. It’s refreshing to see.
That's awesome for you. His rise to stardom is meteroic. I hope he stays grounded and doesn't fall victim to the excesses of success. I love his music very, VERY much, and I actively DISLIKE bluegrass in general. But I also want him to keep writing great songs that are topical and worthy of shouting into the world.
Holy shit congrats on the good genes
That’s awesome! He’s so talented and literally all I listen to at this point! Tell him Jimmy from Texas says hello!
A few years ago he dropped my jaw to the ground at the Walnut Valley Festival in Kansas. I've been a fan ever since.
You ain't heard nothing yet this kid is a virtuoso. I've been playing for forty years and I can't keep up with him. This kid is the real deal.
I too just heard about him (thanks Pandora). He really is amazing. Looked up his tour, disappointed he wasn't coming to Utah. Then I read he's playing a special event at Snowbird ski resort here in Utah in a few weeks. Free event, and I work there. Universe coming together. Maybe I'll get a chance to meet him.
@@ptuffgong8504 he is a good person .ask him about all his tattoos. His dad can really play also.I've played with His daddy many years back .Terry Barber heck of a picker also. The boy can tear up a mandolin as well. He has been playing since about three years old.. It paid off for him. His dad sold his martin and somehow fate stepped in and Billy seen it on eBay when he was about fifteen or sixteen and begged the guy to sell it to him on payments. The guy hesitated but billy gave him a good story and the rest is history. He is going places has already played the opry that was my dream but never made it had to work 9to 5 to support my family. Have a good one .Robert H.
@@robertharden4092 Thanks Robert. I'll ask him about the tattoos if I get a chance to meet him, which could be likely because I may help set up the stage.
Did you get to meet Billy? I HAVE GOT TO GO SEE THAT BOY PLAY. He blows me away on videos of him, imagine live....❤️😊
@@jennyunger1067 I did meet Billy Strings. Setting up the stage when he came out to set up his own sound equipment. We chatted while working for about 15 minutes. As you'd expect, just a regular guy. Then he blew us away live. 1 week later our ski resort shut down because of Covid, so he just made it. See him live when you can. Peace.
That whole band kicks ass.
They've been grinding and are telepathic on stage pushing one another. So many fantastic musicians sitting in with them.
I just discovered Billy Strings when I watched a vid of him playing Freeborn man with Bryan Sutton maybe a week ago. Bryan is like the Tony Rice of today. Seriously high end player and I thought this kid outplayed him. Starting watching a bunch of vids of him. IMO, he could do for bluegrass what SRV did for the blues back in the 80s. He’s that good and the energy and charisma he brings gives him a star quality.
Cool!
Same! I saw that Bryan Sutton vid and I was amazed by him!. I need to practice haha
I've seen Billy Strings live a couple of times, and his playing and enthusiasm put a real sharp shine on the bluegrass. His enthusiasm brings out the best in all players sharing the stage. You can't go wrong "up front" at a Billy Strings show!
I saw that too. I would just say that Bryan was also being a gentlemen in that video and young, crazy talented Billy was indulging himself. I've seen him do that with Molly Tuttle and others also. Never the less, it absolutely displayed the rarest of talent Billy has.
You gotta see him live the videos dont do the whole band or him any justice
Yo, Fil:
As an old bluegrass guy, I kept thinking how tough it would be to alter the synch between the right and left hands. Their right hands are pretty much straight bluegrass (doing rolls), while their left hands are PUTTING FINGERS WHERE THEY SHOULDN'T GO! God those chords! So weird and wonderful. So creative. Again, Fil!
Thanks Mark!
Dude is a guitar genius
This guy lives in a sea of so much talent and is still extremely special. He is one of the most talented musicians today.
This guy (Billy Strings) is a musician in the order of Jimi Hendrix. If yall have a chance to see him live, do it. This is music history being made right before your eyes... seriously.
Not an understatement. 5 years ago I told my mom this will be the first modern bluegrass star to headline stadiums...and he did this summer.
I like how when the banjo is playing Billy is hammering that guitar, but when accompanying the mandolin he tones it down so we can hear the mando. always conscious of what the bandmates are doing
So glad to see you cover Billy .. I thought I was the only person on the planet following him. He’s amazing. Great video 💯🎸
Smiling from ear to ear, and waiting 3 minutes into the song before jumping in. That's when you know Fil is digging what he's hearing! Nice.
My favorite song of Billy Strings is "Dust In A Baggie".
Mine also.
WAIT. This is Dust in a baggie guy??? FUCK YES.
First time I ever heard about him was the video "Dust in A Baggie", he was so young I couldn't believe how talented he was. Already! He was a kid at the time. He looked like a kid of 14 or so. He's come so far since then. Incredible talent.
When billy goes to his happy guitar place he has the facial expressions of a young Angus going on. Billy's playing and singing blows my mind... he is the real deal indeed
Angus was the first thing I thought of to!
I thought of Martin sheen or Emilio Estevez lol dude is Killin it .
So glad you found Billy Strings. This is a fellow to watch cause he's going places.This cat could do for bluegrass what Stevie Ray Vaughn did for the blues.
👍
Great analogy...well stated. Billy is reshaping Bluegrass...with edge.
That’s a great line....you nailed it! (And I accidentally hit the thumbs down button....please ignore😂)
The whole band is awesome.
👍😁
They have to be! It wouldn't work otherwise.
Billy Failings on the banjo keeps up with him note for note.
Allen The Magic Goose it’s incredible to watch.
@@wingsofpegasus I think every one of his players is stellar. Billy phalen is probably the only one whose name I really know but such a strong support group for such a good player and they are all just amazing. I could watch them over and over.
Billy Strings music is about the best new thing I've come across for many years. Absolutely sensational.
He's a damn master of simple observation in life
@@porkchop803scwilliams9 You got that right
Regards from the Cotswolds uk
💯 agree!!!
So glad you got around to Billy Strings. He has brought something to Bluegrass that I have never seen. Thanks.
No problem!
Billy is terrific. He was the featured artist at Grey Fox 2019, so he played many times during the 3 day festival with many bands. He is fabulous and can play anything with anyone. Loved seeing him perform with Molly Tuttle.
Love me some Billy Strings! Give Molly Tuttle some love too. She is another rising star in bluegrass.
Thanks!
That show last week just WOW. Thank God for web casts and the Goats.
Post a link!!
I love it when we share other artist. You tube is so useful for music. Thanks man! Molly turtle is grand.
I've watched few with Billy and Molly and it always seems to me that Molly is under-featured. I think she is probably ( No "probably about it! ) just as good as Billy, when you get right down to it. She's just less flamboyant.
Bill Monroe always said that you should learn the style and then create your own. Billy has taken it to heart.
👍
I'm 45 and this kid has given me faith in the future of music. I love what he does for grateful dead songs. Amazing 👏
I agree with everything you say here. Billy Strings is, perhaps, the most original artist for decades. Every now and then a true musical genius comes along to set the creative bar even higher. Billy is, in my opinion, a true musical genius .... and one of my favourites.
Imagine being able to write lyrics and music, then be masterful enough to play that music, and have the voice to sing those lyrics, and have the personality to draw talented musicians to you to form your band, and have the stage presence to bring all that together and wow every audience. A perfect storm of talent! I'm a real fan, and I just _yesterday_ heard this guy for the first time.
The mandolin and banjo players are admirably attuned to his style and just as good, IMO.
Trad. players could not have accompanied so well.
I like this a lot. I am continually amazed that new young performers are showing that this old art form is not a dead old folk music art, but a living and developing one. Dare I say were it not for the "Folk Music" revival of the early sixties, this music would have faded away to natural death.
👍
@@wingsofpegasus Thanks for the thumb. I like that you don't grind axes, forgive the pun :-)
Fil’s analysis becomes my continuing education in music appreciation. Every video contains Incredible explanations detailing significant sights and sounds on stage. I am impressed!
He and Molly Tuttle used to be roommates. Can you imagine what it was like at their place when they were home from the road?
Yep. and they're planning a project together
If I lived with Molly Tuttle I wouldn't be doing too much pickin, if you catch my drift. lol
No I cannot she is one of the best flat pickers out there for real!! I would’ve loved to have been a neighbor within earshot...🤣🤣
@@dwoodard5717 Same, but Billy
I loved his story about getting his dads guitar back after 6-7 years later.Billy is a fantastic flat picker and makes it look effortless. Thanks brother for adding Billy Strings....cheers!!!
Yeah, his family was so poor his dad had to sell his Martin that had a lot of sentimental value to the whole family, and seven years later Billy found it for sale on ebay and pleaded with the owner not to sell it to anyone but him. It took him 3 months to get the money. His dad cried when he gave it to him. Beautiful story!
@@shadowsflame_4007
I've seen videos of them playing together. They have a great father, son, fellow musician bond.
@@shadowsflame_4007 it almost sounds similar to someone having to sell their Mercedes because they were so poor but I get your drift
UA-cam recommended me Billy a few weeks ago and i got hooked.. I am not a huge Bluegrass fan but this guy is just unreal..
The banjo, bass and the mandolin etc., do a heck of a job helping to "glue it all together, too." All these guys are fire.
I don't think that there is a fretted instrument or genre that Fil doesn't like! Lol. It is just as fun to watch him as the artists he is featuring.
Agreed. 👍🏼
Andrew Puckett, seeing familiar screen names night after night your not alone here.
👍
Andrew Puckett Agreed! And he deserves WAY more subscribers! He def knows his stuff and has a great way of explaining things.
no kidding!
I hope I’m around in 20 years if for no other reason than to see how good Billy is at 45.
👍
Well, hopefully you’re still around and you’re a 1/4 of the way there now, and he just keeps getting better. Apparently he’s still taking guitar lessons from people. That’s a mark of a truly good and humble musician that will always improve.
This level of musicianship doesn’t get better after 30
I discovered Billy only two weeks ago. He is tearing up America! Taking Bluegrass into so many different musical directions. Even the old timers are buzzing about Billy. I sent a email to a friend. Please ck. Out Billy. A email came back within minutes. I have been trying to book Billy for a concert! Believe that!!!! He was just voted top guitar player in 2019 and best new artist!
He's also adding a lot of jazz elements. Not just straight jazz, but outside the lines jazz. He deserves the accolades he's receiving.
To get the full Billy Strings experience, find one of his full length concerts and watch the entire thing. The way he weaves traditional bluegrass playing with spacey jams and crazy effects is amazing! I saw him 5 times last year and he blew my mind every damn time!
Cool!
Redrocks concert is amazing!
Billy and his band are something special.
8 months later - he grows more AWSOME by the month! Just watched his recent set with Bela Fleck - supernatural!!!
He’s a long haired hippy now, toting a crazy good Thompson dread.
He plays with action so high, most of us would run!
I’m old. I’ve seen em all - Clarence, Doc, Tony - you name it - this young man is as good, or better. He’s got a long way to go - he’ll be one of the all time greats!
And he’s BORN to sing bluegrass! Even more than Skaggs !
Takes me back to the mid 70’s when us hippies of the time, embraced bluegrass as opposed to disco. John Hartford, Seldom Scene, Marc O’Connor - oh, jeeze, I’m tearing up!
Yeah. IMO, Bluegrass was getting a bit stale and not that original. With Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle hitting their stride Bluegrass Lives! 😎✌
I watched that same video.
You are absolutely right he will be one of the greats and that is foresure
Wow! This is great!
I have played Bluegrass music since the 70s, and actually played (for a pitiful) living for 15 years with the banjo. All the old standards of course. But what a blast this is. I'm so glad to see people twist the music, that is what keeps it alive. The Grateful Dead was good for doing this too.
By the way, even though I didn't make any money playing, it was by far the best time of my life.
What I enjoy most about your videos is how much YOU enjoy the performers. Your smile says it all!
I'm not sure what I enjoyed the most - Billy Strings or Fil's analysis! Fil really helps me appreciate the performances with more depth than I ever would without it. Thanx Fil!
No problem!
Agree. Fil’s comments articulate what I’m hearing/sensing but can’t verbalize.
The music world has needed Billy Strings for quite some time. He is absolutely masterful and intentional with everything he does- from the music compositions, lyrics, and of course, his sheer virtuosity on the guitar. He embodies so much of what has been lost from the music from the 60's and 70's, and has found a way to make Bluegrass palatable for just about anyone. As I've listened to his music, I can hear so many influences of past musicians and bands. When they get to the break down on this song, I hear "The Doors." And if you listen to his track "Home," you can hear Carlos Santana in his electric guitar playing.
Billy Strings incorporates so many interesting elements into his music that there is never time for boredom while listening. I can't wait to see how he continues to grow and evolve as a musician.
Billy strings has gotten me to like and enjoy bluegrass
Hell yeah he's amazing! Check out Benjamin Todd (Lost Dog Street Band, Spit Shine, Barefoot Surrender) Tyler Childers, and Colter Wall. 👍👍
I'm just a fan of good music of different genres. I especially love rock, blues, and some bluegrass. I have to admit there is some of all those genres I don't care for. So I guess I'm more attracted to certain artists than genre. I just recently found Billy Strings, and I love Billy's sound. I've also seen him play banjo and mandolin.
It's great to hear you talking about Billy. Found Bill Strings, his music and band just a few weeks back and can't get enough. His new album is out early September. Two songs from the album have been released, Taking Water and Out of the MIre. His mix of music is sensational. He's being discovered by a lot of people right now. Great joy! They tour all over America a lot. I'm in the UK so maybe he'll make it here if enough people hear his great music.
Coming from a bluegrass background I love how Billy plays his version of the brand. His ability to take it beyond traditional places is a unique and special skill.
Billy is a generational talent.
We call that Newgrass! Check out The Mighty Pines, The Waydown Wanderers, The Imfamous Stringdusters...all amazing & excellent musicians reviving this sound! I, too, was raised on this stuff (my dad was the banjoist in a bluegrass band, The Downstate Ramblers). It warms my heart to hear it getting new life!
I loved this! Saw Billy Strings at Red Rock Canyon in Colorado 4 years ago, it was an awesome experience! ❤ 🎸
This is American music as deep as it gets. I remember when I was a kid visiting my aunt and uncle, and every Friday night they would bust out their matching Stratocasters and a case of cheap beer, and blast out Ralph Stanley, Hank Williams, ‘Jambalaya’ (which my mom’s dog would howl along with when she played it on the harmonica.) If you’re religious, you felt like God was in the room with you, drinking a beer and laughing at Uncle Richie’s southern accent. I’m a Randy Rhoads/Tony Iommi kid, but, they put this music in my blood and it makes me happy every time I hear it.
Good job, man. This is a great discussion. I got into Billy Strings when I found his amazing cover of “I’ve Just Seen the Rock of Ages” by Ralph Stanley, with the cute country girl singing backup.
bust'n out some Ralph Stanley on a stratocaster ; now that would be something to see.
Go see Billy Strings live... AMAZING!
Elizabeth Adams one of the best shows I’ve ever been to
I'm on welfare. I'd blow my food budget for a Billy Strings concert.
Just did a few days ago! Even better in person! It was like seeing a bluegrass SRV or Hendrix or Zepplin or something.
Elizabeth Adams best live performance I’ve ever seen
Bluegrass SHREDDING!! Nice choice Fil.
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Billy cut his teeth on metal.
Have tickets to see Billy Strings tonight (10/30/2022) in Asheville NC. I am excited.
My boy Billy representing Traverse City right! Glad you found him! He's nuts.
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First time I saw William was in 2013, and then again in 2014, at Earthwork Harvest Gathering. Sunday wake up, or should I say bedtime, in the morning, when he came on with Don, we all knew.... Here is the moment. Billy is now a Michigan, mostly Northern, Icon.... Wheatland, Hoxey, Harvest, and many more. The festivals in Northern Michigan, and some parts of the south & west coast, are beyond brilliant. The music diversity, the culture, the atmosphere of goodwill and peace are class. This is what spawned Billy Strings and others. Come, come join us in blessings and gratitude. It really is a "Good Sign"
Fil, this one great player and singer, Billy is carrying on a southern bluegrass tradition. @roxannamann, you should be so proud of him. My bluegrass friends love him . Dust in a Baggie is one of my favorites.
You just gotta love the enthusiasm he displays, and it's obvious the band is having a lot of fun with this. I also love the discordance he throws in... that will probably hear the ears of traditional bluegrass fans, but it's tasty to me. Nice catch, Fil!
Oops! I meant "hurt" the ears of traditional bluegrass fans...
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Wow, talk about jamming. These guys are all pro musicians and they're opening a new door on bluegrass and acoustics!
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Nice! ,I suggested Billy to you a while back (don`t know if that was an influence ) but happy to see you share it. I saw him live recently and he tore it up. When the band took a setbreak , he stayed on stage and took old school bluegrass requests from the crowd and killed those ,on guitar and vocally,also
Cool!
All my life, I've never been into bluegrass music. It never fails though, that every time I see a bluegrass band, wether live or on video, I can't stop watching! These players are amazing!👍😎🎸🎶
Billy Strings! The SRV of bluegrass!!! Period! Just amazing!
What a great and unique sound one of the best artists you've had featured so far. Really loved it
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Dude is super talented.. he takes bluegrass to a whole new place
Wow.................that was an incredibly technical and accurate assessment in which I agreed with fully.
Wow...the oddball tonalities and the insane sync of the band are so cool. Reminds me of the old dead stuff where they just went into that whirling give and take. I need to see This guy live
It’s about time someone put jazz and bluegrass together. Syncopation, augmented chords, odd time signatures. Whoooo-eeeee! Thank You, Fil! Brilliant!
Check out Tony Rice
Does Bela Flek work?
Hmmm. Jazz is a broad term. Bela Fleck and Tony Rice are great players, and innovators, and masters of their instruments. They take my breath away. Neither of them make names like Brubeck or Monk cross my mind.
@@futuredirected -- Oh, Samantha, you haven't dug deeply enough into the music of Bela Fleck (my namesake!) He's a very good bebop player - on the 5-string! True, though: he isn't _known_ as a jazz player, but he can sit in on almost any jazz standard and sound "genuine." /// Tony Rice has recorded some jazz tunes, but he isn't (he admits) a player of modern jazz.
Béla Scialoja Thank You, Béla. I do love all the wondrous music Béla makes on a banjo. Improvising around a Coltrane tune on a banjo isn’t the same as fusing bluegrass and Blue Rondo right down the middle. That’s what I hear in the track that Fil presented tonight. I hope I’m not offending anyone. That’s not my intent. I’m not saying he’s better or they’re not, just that no one else is doing quite this.
Billy Strings is really something special & he's going to be huge someday soon!
Billy is the freshest, most transcendent voice in the Bluegrass genre, and maybe any music genre currently popular.
I saw Billy in concert last March. Billy is in his element when he is on stage!
Cool!
Fil, you never cease to amaze me with your insights. Billy strings is incredible, but I didn’t know precisely why. Your input radically expands the whole conversation. I also love: meet me at the creek.
First time is saw Billy was at the John Hartford Memorial Festival. He was the young gun on the small stages.
But they brought him up on the Mainstage Grand finale to lead the show off with about 30 some musicians.
Need to say he came back two years later and was on the mainstage. Not a headline but will be next time .
I shoot video and photography there and many other places. And have hung with him a bit . Humble and kind dude for sure .
Hartford festival is just up the road...I need to go, my buddy Tiny/Mace said it was his favorite festival and that was high praise knowing his festival pedigree vending at the Grateful Dead shows, then Salmon, Phish, Schwagstock, Roo and a zillion others. Holland Indiana, less than 2 hours away.
I'm not embarrassed to admit how much time I've spent watching your channel. Your enthusiasm for music is infectious.
Thanks!
Wow! There’s no words!! I love Bluegrass, blues, jazz, country, folk, etc. Anything with awesome guitar. This guy is amazing.
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Every tune on this album is fantastic. I was never really a Bluegrass fan until I heard Billy play. Have listened to this album over and over and it never gets old.
I've been a fan of bluegrass my entire life. At 48, I've now heard a new bluegrass sound that is truly groundbreaking!
Another "New Grass Revival" baby. LOVE it! Sam Bush & Bela Fleck must be so proud!
This might give you some idea about that. Who's that in the doorway?
ua-cam.com/video/0l2ebo7DV5s/v-deo.html
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He's played w/ Sam a handful of times.
They love him, and play with him often.
@@CappyKitty Sweeeet! Thanx for sharing!!
Billy is a gift of a generation. He’s a very special talent.
I discovered him and Molly at the same time. 😱 Talk about talent. Both are great. There are some GREAT musicians out there you just have to search which is a damn shame!
This guy holds serve well live. His live shows are really powerful. The voice/accent changes constantly and is quite good. He can play many styles and his band are all virtuosos. Thanks for reviewing. You are spot on in your review. 👍🏻
Fil, you're awesome and such a pleasure to listen to. You bring the music alive with all your background and explanation and I'm only a 3 chord guitar player. I love when you pull one of your axes out as you are quite the guitarists as well.
Isn’t it gr8 what we have traded and learned from one another! I play mandolin, guitar, banjo, ukulele, all keyboards and even a harpsichord....I learned this all from my grandma Anderson from Edinburgh Scotland!
I just heard of him a couple weeks ago and I'm already a fan. He definitely puts his all into his playing.
Great review Phil once again your analysis is spot on.
yep, been listening to Billy for several years now, outstanding
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30 years from now, we will look back on this performance as the seminal work in what I hope is a long and successful career. What incredible musicianship, to pull off Pantera at the Grand Ol' Opry! If ever there was a chance for bluegrass to go mainstream, this guy is it. Talent that transcends genre.
Great take on Billy. I can’t get enough of his music. I’ve listened to every UA-cam video of his over and over again. I’m going to catch him in Los Angeles in October can’t wait.
Brilliant reaction and breakdown - thank you. This has got to be the ultimate and I haven't heard anything like this mixed genre since Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
Wow! These guys are great! As you said, the whole band is tight. So glad you posted this and love your insight. And thanks to whoever suggested it as well. Going to check them out big time!
You might check out molly Tuttle as well, another young b#da$%as guitar player she & Billy have done some stuff together. Molly is the 2018 ibma guitar player of year Billy will be pushing her. The future is in good hands. Let's hope they dont burn themselves out.
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I suggested it. So cool that he actually did it. Glad you like it. Billy's a true badass
Awesome review! And thanks for turning me onto a new artist! Amazing! Love the sound! Being from Kentucky, I was raised exposed to bluegrass music growing up (O’ Brother Where Art Thou is one of my fave soundtracks) but I’m really digging the mix of different genres he has!
They were so much fun to watch and listen to . We always go away from your analysis with a happy feeling and the joy of a new discovery . When we listen to your analysis we sense that you really know what your talking about and it's not just bs so to speak like some of these other people that do analysis on other channels .
Thanks Sandra!
Oh I love your British accent! I just discovered Billyabout two weeks ago! You can thank the fact I found your link to being utterly ADDICTED to his music ever since!
It's been a couple years, you need to revisit him again! And yes, I'm subscribing to your channel... I'm addicted to your accent too!
Plus, I'm gonna post your link to his fan page, so here come a million more likes from all BILLY STRINGS fans!
Thanks!
They deserve all that is good coming to them. Billy’s story is amazing, what an inspiration.
The smile that the presenter has is that of which he is genuinely enjoying the song and is becoming a bigger bluegrass fan.
You should check out Brown Bird's Threads of Measure
What I absolutely love about your reaction videos is that you are not just criticizing (I don’t think I’ve ever heard you even do that). Instead, you critique and educate. I’m a non-musician (I’ve tried) music lover, and I feel I walk away with a deeper awareness and appreciation of the music/musician after watching your videos. Thank you.
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Seek out vid of him and his step dad jamming and singing in a living room for 20 minutes.....
I haven't smiled as much in all my decades as you do in one clip: You ever cramp up?
Billy is the real deal, I've been following him from the 1st , and like all his fans wish him every success. I've loved bluegrass music my whole life; he is a great credit to the genre and spirit of the musical style. Steeped in tradition and carving a new path.
Cool!
@@wingsofpegasus And Thank You for choosing to highlight and review his music !! Happy New Year to all across the pond !!
I smile from beginning to end every time I watch this.
The whole entire band was amazing, very refreshing and I hope that they don't give up but instead Stay Together and continue to develop their unique sound!
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Go see them while you can in a smaller venue.
@Mike Conway Thanks for the advice, I have to try and make that happen! They have a lot of great venues on the smaller scale here in North Carolina, have to see if they're coming through here this winter.
@Mike Conway After listening to Fil analyze the song A couple more times I happen to look them up on UA-cam,now LMAO because they were just at the Asheville Music Hall here in the mountains of North Carolina on I believe 12-21-18 and of no surprise the show was sold out!
I was just going to say you just missed them in Asheville. They tour relentlessly though (200+ shows this yr.) so they'll be back soon.
Incredible talent in that band. As for Billy… no superlatives good enough to describe his talents.
Bro Fil... I believe Billy Strings is the "savior" of guitar pickin' bluegrass , amazing young man total beast on ANYTHING WITH STRINGS
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I discovered Billy a couple days ago because he was playing with Tommy Emanuel. Now I am a big fan.
Just a fantastic Artist , I'd love to have seen Roy Clark Jam with this Kid. (RIP Roy)
I love watching the talent of bluegrass players, but not crazy about the music, but these guys sound awesome! I could listen to them all day!👍😎🎸🎶
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This has that energy of some old YMSB when Jeff Austin was still with them.
The good ole days!
This is just superb. No other words. Such talented musicians! A rarity today.
This is a great review of Billy and his band. 2019 IBMA Artist and Guitarist of the year! Co gratulations Billy!
Billy Strings & his Band play the best Bluegrass Rock music I've ever heard! Thanx again, Fil, for another great video as you strive to educate and entertain the masses who really appreciate great music and vocal performances! "Keep on Rockin' in The Free World..."