Billy Strings and Chris Thile Blow Minds on “CBS Saturday Morning”
- Two players, three songs and one duo that should play together more often
Their second time playing together also represented Billy Strings and Chris Thile’s national-television debut as a duo.
And while some music lovers might’ve expected more from their Feb. 3 appearance on “CBS Saturday Morning” that’d been insane. For Strings and Thile, arguably the greatest guitarist and mandolinist their generation has produced, blew not only Sound Bites’ mind - but their own minds as well.
Thile couldn’t help but chuckle when Strings hit on a particularly splendid riff during their up-tempo rendition of “I’ve Been All around this World.” And the laughter continued as the song progressed, causing Strings to call for an extra bar.
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The intricate interplay continued on the instrumental “I am a New Pilgrim,” during which they wrapped their instruments into a double helix of their respective musical DNA. This number was subdued in its delivery but Strings and Thile’s facial expressions betrayed the intensity that went in to making this music.
There was one mic - and no amplifier - for the pair to play and sing into as they performed and they offered “Wild Bill Jones” as a vocal duet - their very different voices blending into one glorious sound of joy. Each watched the other for silent cues and responded appropriately as the music cascaded from their brains to their hands to viewers’ ears.
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They ended it with a high-five. If only Strings and Thile had been given more time - that’s the one thing sane folks could’ve wish for because the duo deserved the entire broadcast. For even with the sky-high expectations that accompany such a pairing, Strings and Thile exceeded them.
Chris Thile returned to CBS Saturday Morning to perform with guitarist Billy Strings in a Saturday Sessions set of three songs: "Wild Bill Jones," "I Am a Pilgrim," and "I've Been All Around This World." You can watch all three performances here.
Punch Brother Gabe Witcher to Leave Band after 18 Years
- Brittany Hass to be New Punch Sister
Fiddler Gabe Witcher is leaving the Punch Brothers 18 years after co-founding the band.
Witcher, who recently did the arrangements for Rhiannon Giddens’ symphonic concerts, “has decided it’s time for the next step in his musical journey,” the band said in a statement.
His last gig is June 18 at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado.
The spilt is amicable and the group will continue with “new sibling” Brittany Haas.
“We feel so lucky to have been able to build this band with (Witcher), and will continue to look to him for inspiration as we move forward,” the Punch Brothers said.
Hass, who also plays with Crooked Still and Hawktail (with Punch Brother Paul Kowert) and just released a duo album, Haas, with her sister Natalie, is being warmly welcomed.
“You’re freaking amazing and we’re so, so excited to start mixing up the next batch of Punch with you,” the band said.
Chris Thile and Norah Jones performing the Hazel Dickens song “Won’t You Come and Sing For Me”.
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Won’t You Come and Sing For Me
Songwriter: Hazel Dickens
I feel the shadows now upon me
And the angels beckon to me
Before I go dear sisters and brothers
Won't you come and sing for me
Sing those hymns we sang together
In that plain little church with the benches all worn
How dear to my heart how precious the moments
We stood shaking hands and singing a song
My burden is heavy my way has grown weary
I have traveled a road that is long
And it would warm this old heart my dear brother
If you come and sing me one song
In my home beyond the dark river
Your sweet faces no more I will see
Until we meet where there's no more sad parting
Won't you come and sing for me