Chris thile-how to grow a band, band [Archive]

JEStanek

Feb-15-2007, 6:57pm

Slacker,
Don't forget Nickel Creek was together for a loooong time and HTGaB is pretty new and the projects they're doing are different. FWIW, I'm going on Saturday to see Thile and Company in Philly at XPN's World Cafe Live stage. I'll give a report. Note, I'm not a hardcore bluegrass fan.

Tiltman, have you seen the woodsongs show or listened to the CD? There are covers of pop/rock tunes on there. For other reviews look in the BG section below.

Jamie

ee2b

Feb-15-2007, 7:16pm

I'm going to see the show Saturday in Philly (World Cafe,
I can't wait to see Brian Sutton play with Chris Thile, he's a great guitarist. I saw Brian play last year at MerleFest.

Bob

Tom Sanderson

Feb-15-2007, 7:19pm

I saw them in October at the Ark in Ann Arbor, Mi.. Brian Sutton was the guitar player.

MikeVB

Feb-15-2007, 10:23pm

I saw them at the IBMA showcase in September, and they were pretty damn impressive. And, I'm not really a fan of Nickel Creek at all. I've seen NC live twice and really appreciate their talent and commitment, but I've never really enjoyed listening to their albums at all.

I felt like the big "story" that he was doing much more traditional BG stuff was overblown. I'd been excited about it and was frankly disappointed when seeing them as a result. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed seeing them live very much - lots of energy and some good tunes - but it was not traditional BG-type material that I heard. I'm not a hardcore purist (I like a very wide range of material), but I felt the hype did not deliver what I'd looked for in that show.

Now, as far as Shawn Watkins vs that new guitarist, if it's Chris Eldridge it's no contest. Go and see him. Eldridge did not show a fraction on stage of what I watched him doing in a hallway jam with some young guys and Gene Libea (formerly of NBB). That cat can play rings around most of our guitar heros. Watkins is very good, but not in the same class in my opinion as Eldridge. He is scary good, very, jaw-droppingly scary good.

Of course, I don't own any of his albums either, and likely won't. But, the only person I've watched up close that I was more impressed by was David Grier (and I've seen most of the legends live). Grier is a freak - sometimes his hands don't even seem to geehaw with the sounds coming out of the instrument until you realize you can't even listen as fast as he can come up with new variations on playing the same basic fiddle tune melody for the umpteenth time.

Hal Loflin

Feb-15-2007, 10:23pm

I saw them at the Bell Court THeater in Nashville back in the Fall...They were unbelievable. In my opinion they were an all star band. Brian Sutton played guitar and Gabriel Witcher were awesome. They played an array of tunes that did include bluegrass but also some of Thile's tunes.

Well worth the price of the ticket and the experience.

Atlanta Mando Mike

Feb-16-2007, 8:34am

Not a Nickel Creek fan but I'm a BIG fan of this band. Seen them live twice, and have the album. I think its one of the best things out right now. Great songs, players, arrangements. Wayside back in time is awesome, as is the title cut of the album, as is almost every song. I like this new direction and new band more than anything else Chris has done hands down. I love Chris Eldredge on guitar too. I just saw him last night with the Stringdusters. To me he is trying to find a new voice on bluegrass guitar. He can play like Rice all day but doesn't. He is stretching right now, lots of closed position stuff. Give it time, he's awesome.

AlanN

Feb-16-2007, 8:40am

btw, it's Bryan Sutton.

fwoompf

Feb-16-2007, 9:10am

Waaaaay better than Nickel Creek ever was. I saw them at The Ark as well...that show was smoking! They listen to each other like no other band I've ever heard, and it's obvious they're having a TON of fun.

edit: And sean watkins is really boring.

tiltman

Feb-16-2007, 11:21am

Thanks for all of the replies.
I've not seen the Woodsong stuff - I'll check that out.
Thanks again,
Kirk

SternART

Feb-16-2007, 12:23pm

Yep, Chris Eldridge is on the CD, Bryan Sutton on this current tour. Looking forward to seeing them at Wintergrass next week.
The Stringdusters & Eldridge are gonna be there too, GREAT lineup this year! Midnight Mandolin Madness with Thile, Marshall &
Hamilton de Holanda! Get to see Thile a coupla times....

first string

Feb-16-2007, 1:59pm

It’s only natural to have preferences. But I couldn’t really say that this new band with the big mouthful of a name is better than Nickel Creek. Or vice versa. There are things I appreciate about both. They have very different sounds. For some numbers I like the fuller instrumentation of the new group, for others I would prefer something a little sparser. One thing NC had going for it was the fact that Sara Watkins did a lot of the heavy lifting when it came to vocals. That’s not meant as a slight again Thile or any of the members of his new band--their harmonies just seem a little less complex to my ear… which might be the very thing that endears them to some listeners. I definitely do enjoy the seemingly greater focus that they put on instrumentals. To say it was six to one, half a dozen the other, wouldn’t be accurate in that it implies sameness, but I would say that the differences are hard (at least for me) to put on a scale.

fwoompf

Feb-16-2007, 5:52pm

About their big mouthful of a name, I'm pretty sure their official name will be "The Tensions Mountain Boys" come June or July.

Caleb

Feb-16-2007, 6:06pm

Ok, I guess I'll be a little clearer on my comments regarding Thile's guitar player. The guy on the Woodsongs show was not Bryan Sutton, who is a phenominal guitarist, but it's some younger guy with longish hair split down the middle. I did not mean to imply that he is not good, because he is, but I just prefer the way Sean Watkins' style compliments Thile's mandolin playing.

Someone here said that Watkins is boring. I'm sorry, but that is just plain ignorant. His musical abilities are light-years beyond what most musicians could ever hope to achieve in 10 lifetimes. While he may not be all that flashy, he plays with the utmost taste and class, which is what sets a true musician apart from some trained monkey who's been taught to play fast.

But I suppose the thing I like least about Thile's new band is the name....and the name of his album for that matter. What was he thinking?

Chris Biorkman

Feb-16-2007, 6:29pm

I love both bands, but they are very different. I have to admit that I can't stand the name of his new band. It sounds af it was given 30 seconds of thought.

fwoompf

Feb-16-2007, 6:49pm

Someone here said that Watkins is boring. #I'm sorry, but that is just plain ignorant. #His musical abilities are light-years beyond what most musicians could ever hope to achieve in 10 lifetimes. #While he may not be all that flashy, he plays with the utmost taste and class, which is what sets a true musician apart from some trained monkey who's been taught to play fast. #
Sorry my opinions differ from yours

mandosis

Feb-16-2007, 8:57pm

I saw Chris Thile, Bryan Sutton, and Co. last week in Buffalo NY. I am not a fan of bluegrass, but this concert was great++. I highly recommend seeing them if they play in your area.

They played a variety of music,it was all good in it's own way and all five members are incredible musicians.

Watching Mr. Thile and Mr. Sutton play together is always a treat, and the view and sound from the 3rd row center seats was amazing. Whatever they end up calling themselves, this group of musicians plays together very, very nicely.

melodicdreams

Feb-19-2007, 9:43am

Mandosis - I was there in Buffalo too and I was in the 3rd row center section as well, (two seats on the right). Perhaps I saw you there. You're right, it was quite a fantastic show.

Darren Kern

Feb-19-2007, 10:05am

I saw them in Northern VA late last year, and Chris had the young guy on guitar. He was good, but he's no Bryan Sutton (is anybody??) It seems that Chris is trying to go for more of a band sound than highlighting the mando as a solo instrument. Not much flashy or fancy playing, but good, tasteful music overall. Very good harmony singing for such young guys especially.

bradeinhorn

Feb-19-2007, 10:29am

i agree is eldridge is no sutton, however, having seen both with thile's currently lineup, i think eldridge fits into the group better. and i think they are one of/if not the best new band/things happening in bluegrass. great energy, tastefulness, strong emphasis on group dynamic - my prediction is that 2007 is going to be huge for them.

thile is opening himself up to a lot of bluegrassers that may have been turned off by NC in the past (or if not turned off - appreciative but not really interested). he has got the traditional chops better than most and thankfully, people are starting to realize this more.

the earlier shows the group was doing here in nyc and prior to their tour were filled with a lot more traditional bluegrass than the tour sets seemed to have. i think that caused some confusion. clearly they were promoting an album on this tour - a great one, i think. my problem with the tour setlists were more in the dependence on some of chris's earlier heady solo album material which i didn't think worked as well with the new group. i would like to see some more return to what these early shows were doing, but I also want to hear new material from these guys.

and for those that don't care for the name-it will be changing shortly to the tensions mountain boys - which is great.

JEStanek

Feb-19-2007, 10:33am

Just saw Chris Thile and the How To Grow a Band featuring Bryan Sutton in Philly on Saturday night. THe show got started late but was worth every second. I thought they were pretty tight and Bryan and Chris rocked the house. But really, the whole group did great. Great show. Worth the money... If you liked the CD you'll love the live act.

Jamie

WireBoy

Feb-19-2007, 12:37pm

CT and HtGaB will be at Largo in LA on the 27th. I'll be there!

ee2b

Feb-19-2007, 6:39pm

I saw the Philly show on Saturday, They started out some what quite, I heard people talking over the volume of the band, but they picked up the pace and volume thru the show. I really liked the cover of The Band's 'Ophelia' sung by the fiddle player, great stacked harmonies like The Band used to sing it.

Nothing to do with Chris Thile but, I wasn't happy with the general admission of the World Cafe with standing room only. I wont go to the WPXN World Cafe again when the show is general admission, because of this.

jefflester

Feb-20-2007, 7:44pm

CT and HtGaB will be at Largo in LA on the 27th. #I'll be there!
I'm going to the Monday show.

JEStanek

Feb-20-2007, 8:01pm

For those in the Philly area, just announced Chris Thile and HtGaB featuring Bryan Sutton will play the Sellersville Theatre on Tuesday June 5th. (http://www.st94.com/music/2007_06.html#thile)
Unlike XPN World Cafe Live, this is not General Admission with lots of standing! Good seats great sound. I'll hope to see you there.... NFI other than I like to support small venues near where I live... bla bla bla

Jamie

mandogrrl

Feb-20-2007, 10:55pm

Chris Thile and his band were totally awesome at Joe Val on Friday night. Each musician was a virtuoso on his instrument and they were extremely tight as a group. I don't think you can get a better guitarist than Bryan Sutton and Gabriel Witcher was a revelation. Some of the traditional bluegrass fans actually left at the beginning of their set, but the rest of us enjoyed quite a treat. I think it was one of the best sets I have ever seen. If you get a chance to see them, don't pass it up.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

MandoCincy

Feb-21-2007, 5:54pm

I caught them last night in Hamilton, Ohio of all places. # Turned out to be Chris's birthday, #and the band worked happy birthday licks into a number of songs. #

Great musicians for sure! #Personally, #I preferred the more bluegrass / newgrass selections to the more contemporary - but a great show. #Place was sold old - maybe 400 folks.

later - http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

F5G WIZ

Feb-21-2007, 6:04pm

Man, I had to work but that would have been worth callin' in sick for! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

Aehle

Feb-22-2007, 11:42am

Saw them last night in St. Louis at The Sheldon.

Fantastic!!!

erick

Feb-23-2007, 12:28am

I caught them last week in a pool hall at Boston University with maybe 100 students there- it was one of the best concerts I'd ever seen. The players are all amazing, and it was really a band show- Thile didn't take longer solos than anyone else, and the cats really played off each other. Great harmonies, fine singing by Thile and the fiddler Gabe Witcher. If there's a better guitar player than Brian Sutton I haven't heard him- taste, speed, balls, and subtlety in one happy mix. I sat on the floor about 8 feet from Thile in 7th heaven...

pabear

Feb-24-2007, 10:25am

Have 2 xtra tix for their carnegie hall nyc show on march 17th if anyone is interested under face

Brad

Skin it Back

Feb-25-2007, 1:08pm

I also just saw the st. Louis show at the Sheldon. What an extraordinarily talented group of musicians! Interestingly, when a section of a song became complicated you got the sense that everyone was counting-off the measures except Thile who just seemed to feel the passage and knew precisely where to be rhythmically. The guy is from another planet!

jefflester

Feb-27-2007, 4:47pm

CT and HtGaB will be at Largo in LA on the 27th. #I'll be there!
I'm going to the Monday show.
Here's what they played:

How to Grow a Band
2/26/07
Largo
Los Angeles, CA

Chris Thile - mandolin, vocals
Gabe Witcher - fiddle, vocals
Noam Pikelny - banjo - vocals
Greg Garrison - bass, vocals
Bryan Sutton - guitar, vocals

O Santo De Polvora
Wayside (Back In Time)
Stay Away
Song for a Young Queen
Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground
I'm Nowhere And You're Everything
Watch ‘at Breakdown
Heart in a Cage
Blind Leading the Blind (1st movement)
Ophelia
You’re an Angel, and I’m Gonna Cry
Chebeague Hornpipe (new Bryan Sutton song)
How To Grow a Woman From the Ground
The Beekeeper
Brakeman’s Blues
E: If the Sea Was Whiskey
Morning Bell -> The Eleventh Reel

man doh

Feb-27-2007, 8:45pm

I like Chris and the Stringdusters but is anyone else not fond of this in-ear mic, let the sound guy control the volume, blow your ear drums out bluegrass.

I quess Ricky is wearing off on everyone.

I saw them at the Baggot Inn in NYC

And my favorite part about all of it is they pretend to step up to the center mic to take a lead and they all have internal mics. <http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif>

mandopete

Feb-28-2007, 8:45am

Saw them at Wintergrass - what an amazing show. #I think we're seeing the birth of some sort of new musical genre.

Kid Charlemagne

Feb-28-2007, 8:56am

I saw the HtGaB in Roanoke, VA with the earlier, long-haired guitarist, two days before Woodsongs (which I was supposed to go to, but wasn't able to make).

They were good, but didn't blow me away. For music that makes me want to pick up the mandolin and play, Nickel Creek has them beat.

Chris was true to form on the mandolin when I saw them, but the other fellows in the band just weren't up to his standard. I recall thinking that they were pretty vanila all in all, not really a lot of character. They could have been anyone with a good handle on their instruments.

Part of that, I think, reflected Chris's intentions to stay closer to the old time/bluegrass styles, in which the group and the vocals are more the focus.

I'd love to see Thile and Sutton again, after having watched/listened to their appearance on Woodsongs many, many times. That improvisational jam at the end, while freeform and a bit inconsistent, has some fantastic parts, both guitar and mandolin.

WireBoy

Feb-28-2007, 1:01pm

Jefflester - tuesday was a great show! #Largo is just a wonderful place to see a show. #the sound is just about perfect. #(of course i was only 12' away from the band) they left out ophelia in our set. Noam Pikelny (Pickles to us) is just smooth as silk on the banjo. #he kept right up with chris and made it look effortless. #and he had his birthday last night. #they brought out a birthday cake in mid set and the room sang Happy b-day to him. #The cake was decorated in pickles!!