Chris thile and edgar meyer

[Bob A]

My wife bought a pair of tickets to a concert at Geo. Mason U. last nite, having no idea who or what these two guys were, only knowing of my interest in mandolin.

It was an entertaining evening, with jazz, classical, and vaguely crossover bits performed by the pair. (Classical consisted of a couple Bach pieces, one of which was ported over from the well-tempered Klavier to bass and mandolin).

While Chris T. did his part, it seemed to the both of us that the bassist stole the show. I've never seen such versatility, such a range of technique and sound, coming from that instrument. Of course, I don't get around much, so I'm no judge. But Mr Meyer is a very impressive musician, blessed with compelling virtuosity on his instrument. The poor mandolin seemed somewhat two-dimensional in comparison. Nevertheless, the pair functioned well together. But wow, that bass. Victor, you never hinted your primary instrument had such potential.

If they come to your town, you ought to consider attending a performance.

[SternART]

You're talking about a fella that is the best bass player of his generation, he plays any genre...but his talents go further than that....he has even written a Violin Concerto for Hilary Hahn, as well as a Bass Concerto and several chamber works.....Edgar brought together diverse musicians from different genres for projects, that became big crossover Classical sellers allowing guys from New Acoustic music to play with classical giants.... like YoYo Ma and Mark O'Conner for Appalacian Waltz or Sam Bush, Mike Marshall and the classical violinist Joshua Bell on Short Trip Home. He also plays New Acoustic music with Strength in Numbers: Bush, Fleck, O'Conner, Douglas & Meyer, or made an incredible CD with Russ Barenberg and Jerry Douglas titled Hop, Skip & Wobble. Edgar also has been awarded a genius grant, or a MacArthur Fellowship. The MacArthur Fellows Program awards unrestricted fellowships to talented individuals who have shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction. There are three criteria for selection of Fellows: exceptional creativity, promise for important future advances based on a track record of significant accomplishment, and potential for the fellowship to facilitate subsequent creative work. And besides that he is a really nice guy & plays the bejeezus out of the bass. And that Thile kid is pretty darn good too. Edgar has previously done duet shows with Mike Marshall, as well as Bela Fleck and I've seen him with Thile as a duet over a year ago, so these are ongoing relationships. These guys are the creme de la creme! Among the very best on their instruments in the world. Great fun to see in person!

[dj coffey]

I saw Bela Fleck and Edward Meyer in Minneapolis a few years ago. Same deal - was drawn by Bela Fleck, although I had heard some of Meyer's work on other compilations. I'm envious, I'm sure the combination of Thile and Meyer would have blown me away as well!

[jaco]

Saw Edgar with M. Marshall at Telluride this year for the first time. What SternArt said.

[AlanN]

He drapes himself over that bass like (I don't know what). He certainly is 'one' with his instrument.

[Fred G]

Saw him in 96 with Russ Barenburg and Jerr Douglas and he was awesome.

[first string]

Didn't see this discussion, and so started one in the Bluegrass/Newgrass section. I was at the show, and was completely awed. I’ve been following both of their careers for years now, but seeing them together was something of a revelation. I have to say I differ from Bob. I would say that Chris Thile more then held up his end, and I’ve never heard the mandolin sound better. To me he and Meyer seemed perfectly matched. Along with Bela Fleck and Jerry Douglas, I would say that they are part of a handful of musicians who have taken their respective instruments farther then most anyone could have dreamed possible. It sort of proves that for all the talk of this instrument being more versatile than that instrument, if you have the inclination, talent and persistence, you can play anything on anything.

…though the didgeridoo would likely prove to be more of a challenge than some other choices.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Brad Weiss]

The show I saw with Mike Marshall an Edgar Meyer in 2003 in Richmond at an International Bassists Association conference remains THE standard for New Acoustic shows I've ever seen. #Edgar is just dazzling, and a great accompaniest as well, so he and Mike together just blew everyone away. #

And I'm going to be out of town for Thile and Meyer when there here in town next week #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[vkioulaphides]

I may have shared this personal anecdote with y'all but, hey... I apologize if I'm repeating myself. Here goes:

Edgar and I shared a stand in the Nashville Symphony during the 1987-1988 season; after that we dispersed, and ultimately both of us wound up in New York: he as a regular member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, I with my usual smorgasbord of playing, teaching, composing, etc., etc.

Lamentably, I have not seen him in person nor chatted with him for a long while now. We were on very friendly terms when we worked in the same orchestra, and he, the perfect insider, ever the Oak Ridge native, was extremely kind and generous to me, the perfect OUTsider, Athenian-turned-Yankee. I harbor fond recollections of both our musical collaboration and his personal charm.

In musical terms, he was then, as he is now, one-of-a-kind. There is no one like him, nor WILL there ever be another one. Those who are fortunate to hear him live are in for a treat.

And, yes, Bob, "bass is beautiful". #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif Virtuosic, charming, dazzling, spectacular, too. Of course, as per the above, not EVERYone is Edgar Meyer.

[Duc Vu]

I have an extra ticket for their concert Jan 25 at Duke. I'll send it to the first person who will PM me his/her address.

[Jeff Hoelter]

I was at the George Mason show, as well as the show in Harrisburg a year or two back. It was a great performance by them both - and what incredible tone they both had. I agree with the original poster - Edgar Meyer stole the show for me! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Wonder if they'll come out with a duo CD sooner or later...

Jeff

[jefflester]

I remember hearing that they were recording the shows 2 years ago for possible release, but I guess nothing ever came of it. :-(

[Tim]

It's hard for me to judge this one. #I was at the GMU show and enjoyed it. #I was not familar with Edgar Meyer's work so he exceeded my expectations. #

Chris Thile had relatively few blazing-speed-flashy-solos. #But those few that he did have got much more crowd response, at least among the people sitting near me, than anything Meyer did.

[Hondo]

Edgar Meyer is the reason I play (or attempt to play) mando! A while back, 1999 or so, I’d expressed to my wife an interest to hear “different music.” So she took it upon herself to find something, and did she ever – the Short Trip Home cd. Which led to Strength in Numbers, to Bela Fleck, to David Grisman, to Thile, O’Conner, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Alison Krauss, and others. I was astounded by Edgar’s bass playing – such passion, such humor! It moved me. And The Lovely Wife, knowing how I felt, said “We can get you a bass.” But I opted for the smaller instrument (can you imagine the backpacker version of a bass?), and enjoy muddling my way through its delights. Ah, Edgar!

[Eugene]

My teenage daughter is a big Thile fan. We're going to see the big show Sunday evening. "Dreams of Flight", baby!

[eclogite]

Dude I just saw this tonight and it was unreal. I've never, ever heard anyone play the bass like that. Oh, and Thile is just on some kind of other cosmic plane. The 2 of them together there on stage, I really, really felt like I was in the presence of greatness. Those are 2 guys who are really moving music FOREWARD.

[lightnbrassy]

I never thought Ma's cello could be outdone until I heard that beautiful bass. I first heard Zigeunerweisen through Meyer and later heard it on the violin (its original format); and when I heard it on the violin, I knew I heard it before but just couldn't put my finger on it at once. The most amazing thing to me, reading Meyer's biography, was that he actually won fiddling competitions using his double-bass. It may not be politically or effeminately correct, yet sometimes bigger IS better.

[JimD]

Today's free "daily download" at Acoustic Disc (http://www.acousticdisc.com/) is Meyer and Grisman.

Just thought you might want to know.

[Soupy1957]

Well, I'm glad eclogite gave some Kudos to Thile...he may be young yet, but he's sure a great mando player!

-Soupy1957

[Eugene]

It was a remarkable concert on Sunday. I'm glad I went and so is my daughter.

[AlanN]

Duke performance last night, sold out.

They did 2 sets, 2+ hours. Very sympathetic playing by them, with touching banter in between. Original pieces, a couple of Bach numbers, much improvisation.

And there is no denying Chris' skill. One thing I noticed, is the economy of right hand motion, which has progressed over time - loosely closed fist, all alternating up down, even on the crossing he did. His rh is always moving, bopping back and forth, even if he is off any string. He also did a short passage of artificial harmonics, very skillful indeed. And Edgar played arco more than 50% of the time, very well.

Did I come away with any tunes I could hum in the shower? No. Did I enjoy it? At times. At times, my mind wandered. I was hoping for some common numbers, maybe jazz heads, with takeoff, but no dice. Anyway, these two guys are masters with their hands in many pots, which I greatly admire.

[Duc Vu]

I was at Duke too. Sold out, even with the concert playing at the same time as the Duke basketball team.

There is no denying that they are both virtuosi on their instruments. Perhaps it was due to me sitting way in the back, but the bass was dominating the mando sound. The original pieces were also readily recognizable as Meyer's music, with Thile being the minor partner. I've seen Meyer with Bela Fleck, and there was more of a balance between the players. Not surprising, given the difference in age and experience, and not a dig at Thile.

[DonQuixote]

Wonder if they'll come out with a duo CD sooner or later...

Good news, they are indeed making one! I think it's supposed to be out in about a year and a half+. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Caught a couple of their shows, spectacular. I enjoy seeing Chris play with Edgar more than anyone else... and Edgar is my favorite musician... What a fabulous tour. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Bob A]

Just got a pair of Edgar Meyer Cds the other day, and found that on his solo CD, on which he plays a passel of instruments, including mandolin, that his recording engineer was Dave Sinko of Nashville. Of particular interest to me because my F5 mandolin was made by Sinko under the old Unicorn label.

Had I any inkling of all this, it'd have been a pleasure to loan the intsrument to EM for recording fun. Doubtless Sinko would have been interested in seeing how his instrument has matured over the years, so unlike its owner.

And I got the mandolin from an old roommate who had had it consigned to him by the original owner; said roommate was well acquainted with Sinko, having worked with him in Tenn.

Such a small world.

[Alex Fields]

I have tickets for the Knoxville show next Tuesday, the last show on their tour. I've seen Chris maybe nine times, but the only time I've seen Edgar was when he made a brief guest appearance at a Nickel Creek show. Edgar and Chris are two of my favorite living musicians (along with Philip Glass and the band Radiohead) so needless to say I'm excited. And, to repeat what someone already said, they announced that they are indeed releasing an album together...not sure if it will be recordings from this tour or a studio album.

[JEStanek]

Listen to Not All Who Wander are Lost by Thile. He has Edgar Meyer, Bela', Stuart Duncan, Jerry Douglass all make appearances on it. It's a very good CD and may tide you over till that duet comes out.

Jamie

[Eugene]

...or try Bela Fleck's Perpetual Motion.

[Alex Fields]

I second Eugene's recommendation. The Debussy on that album is unreal--as is the rest, but that piece is a favorite of mine.

[Col. Suggs]

Saw Meyer and Thile last week in Savannah. #I'm in awe of their spectacular musicianship.

[first string]

Here's another vote for both "Not All Who Wander Are Lost," and "Perpertual Motion." Two of my all time favorite albums.

[John Goodin]

My wife, daughter and I drove 3 hours each way to see Chris and Edgar at the Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City, January 2005 and it was worth every mile. For me the Bach pieces were the highlights but the whole show was a joyous affair, both uplifting and inspiring. They'll certainly have an album's worth of superior performances from the two tours. I hope it's soon.

John G.

[lowtone2]

Hello everyone, I`m new here but a long time lurker.

Double bass is also my primary instrument, so I have been following Edgar Meyer for a long time. Anyway, I`d like to mention that he and Bela Fleck recorded excerpts from their live show and released same as a CD. This Cd also contains a 45 minute long DVD which is mostly about the development of a piece that Edgar wrote for the two of them, and that they eventually play as part of their concert. They really put a mind-boggling quantity of sweat into the piece, and seeing them do it was a revelation for me. Big inspiration, not that it actually helped me progress.

The DVD is titled "Obstinato".

[first string]

Hello everyone, I`m new here but a long time lurker.

Double bass is also my primary instrument, so I have been following Edgar Meyer for a long time. Anyway, I`d like to mention that he and Bela Fleck recorded excerpts from their live show and released same as a CD. This Cd also contains a 45 minute long DVD which is mostly about the development of a piece that Edgar wrote for the two of them, and that they eventually play as part of their concert. They really put a mind-boggling quantity of sweat into the piece, and seeing them do it was a revelation for me. Big inspiration, not that it actually helped me progress.

The DVD is titled "Obstinato".
Yep. The album is called "Music for Two," and is another great recording.