My grandparents were huge fans of doc watson, and the first time i heard dust in the baggie ,I thought it was roll in my sweet baby's arms , because it sounded so similar. I'm not a musician just live listening go musjc
I know Billy! I would love to see you two do a video! I just saw him last weekend at Hoxeyville Music Festival! I’ve been introducing him for years! I remember him playing in between sets when he didn’t have his own set when he was about 19, I think. Now he headlines! I’m super proud of him! ❤️
its so pure and raw. like a concert setting is supposed to be well performed and acoustically as good as possible. that couch version is a testament to how far billy will go. he doesnt need a single thing. he barely even remembered the name of the song when he performed that. it was just "oh yeah, i can play that one i just wrote."
Metal Guy Here. Can confirm that transition from metal to Bluegrass is a real thing. I love both. For me, it's the aggressive, technical ability and the fun factor in watching with amazement the mad skills of these musicians. Billy has a metal heart, BTW.
My uncle used to say that Metal is to Bluegrass as Punk is to Country. I asked what he meant, and he just said that Metal players and Bluegrass players tend towards technical complexity and raw emotion. Punk and Country are people who tell great stories but can't play a damn lick. He was biased. ;)
@@MountainsBreath yeah, but how many of those elite country guys are also Bluegrass players? Mind you, I'm not talking about people like Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Glen Campbell or others, nor even phenomenal finger-style pickers like Willie Nelson. I was talking about the people whose name no one knows outside their local area. People playing local bars and weddings, doing cover songs. You go see a no-name country band, and meh. They'll be okay. You go see some no-name Bluegrass players and odds are you'll be deeply impressed.
I think Billy's original basement video of this song was the most impressive. B/c he's doing all parts himself, including vocals, lead and rhythm (of all string instruments)
What most impresses me about his solo being a guitar player myself, is EVERY note in that solo rings clear. Not once did he miss a note or muffle one going that fast with a flat pick, on an ACOUSTIC. Super hard solo, out of this world to do it that cleanly.
That's the kind of thing that rocks me about illy Strings, and Tommy Emmanuel as well.. it's the level of skill, precision, and comfort-zone from these monsters at these outrageous tempos that humbles us mortals.
30 seconds into the couch vid I was like “This guy is the real thing.” Even though I’d never heard of him before. Thing is he’s a great songwriter too. Damn. Turns out I love bluegrass. I just didn’t know it yet.
David Laferney check out this ,Billy Strings and a kid named Taz. Start at around 40 minutes.. It's absolutely amazing. Not to say the first 40 isn't, but just trust me.. It's epic..
Yes, his lyrics are impressive. His playing is what draws you in but the lyrics are what make you stick around. My son and new daughter-in-law just walked down the aisle to “Love like me.” Tears flowed.
As a drummer....you blew my mind when talking about listening to each instrument as a piece of a kit. I never thought about that, but you're absolutely right.
that's interesting... since I started listening to music I always hear or try to differentiate what instruments r being used in a song ... I noticed I subconsciously filter out all sounds until I only hear a specific instrument ... doesn't work with all songs tho ... I'm pretty sure this must be some kind of autism... no wonder my son is autistic....
As a person who was born and raised on bluegrass, turned metal head, then come back to being a banjo player in a bluegrass band, it makes me so happy to see other people begin to realize how impressive bluegrass is. It's not just "hillbilly mountain music" it is its own breed and not many people can pull it off
I have tried for years to simply play the guitar and fail, horrendously fail. Seeing your knowledge filleted through Billy's performance is truly a hallmark of a great teacher. Then to see you struck by his talent to move through the notes with your intimate knowledge of how difficult it is gave me a new appreciation and a higher understanding of how great he really is. We are both listening to the same song, just not in the same way, and yet we both are amazed. Thank you for giving me new eyes and ears to hear his music, appreciate your video immensely.
I've been a guitar player for 40+ years, and been around a lot of great guitarists, especially in the bluegrass scene. That being said, Ive never seen ANYBODY that could flat pick like Billy.
He's insane for sure, but I really think the argument could be made that Bryan Sutton is the best out there currently. He's got a few years on Molly and Billy though. He's my favorite for sure.
I actually met Billy a while ago when he came to Phoenix and played at the MIMs museum music festival. He was such a laid back and cool person. Even recognized me by my name from me commenting on his FB posts. I was blown away. Hands down one of the best guitarists I’ve seen.
Siegfried Kaufmann very cool story. I discover d this kid about two weeks ago. As soon as I burn all my guitars I’m going to find a place to see him live ASAP. I haven’t seen a guitar player that good in a very long time.
@@russellsalsman8425 LOLOL Do yourself that favor.. Last time I saw him was late night at winterwondergrass. I was front and center on the floor. Pretty small stage in a small building. Mind blowing.
It always blows my mind when people can just pick it up so easily. I have to work so hard at guitar. I mean, I know this takes tons of hard work but my hands and fingers just do not move like that 😂
One thing I love about Billy is the passion that shows when he is playing. He almost seems surprised at himself sometimes. Absolutely love everything he does. And kudos to you sir. You aren’t a slouch at flat picking that’s for damn sure. Keep the videos coming my friend.
I think sometimes Billy is just like I’m not sure what’s going on but my hands are going crazy right now. He’s just there for the ride while his fingers go mad
Bluegrass, in every one of its instruments, is one of the most difficult forms of music to play and requires a level of talent and physical exertion not needed in almost any other genre of music, and yet is one of the most under appreciated of all Genres.
All the people saying Billy Strings is one of the greatest ever probably don't realize that a lot of Bluegrass players consider him to be an excellent guitarist but far from one of the greats ever...yet. But if you're not used to some high speed, high precision flat-picking, this looks like wizardry. And even if you're a flat-picking master, this still sounds damn clean.
He’s a “hometown “ kid. Used to see him busk on a downtown bridge with his friends. His Dad taught him how to play. He went off into metal, then came back to the stuff his dad taught him. He just did a tour with just him and his Dad. Very Cool stuff! :). Thanks for the breakdown, because he is definitely hard to follow. Lol. :)
i cant tell you, in a current world of stiflement and restriction and barriers, how innocent and breath of fresh air your memory that he was busking on a bridge sounds. The kids in the top 1%, and i could listen to him all day.
@@meisterlymanu5214 the kid is the top of the one percent. I cannot think of a single person who could touch this kid. This kid is a phenom of phenoms.
His solo version sitting on the couch is impressive.... he barely misses a single note in that version, with solos at every break... he’s next level with that guitar bluegrassy sound...
Never really fully appreciated bluegrass music, but that’s just some plain and simple badass playing right there. No doubt, that flat picking is truly mind melting. Very impressive and much appreciated. Thanks, Michael!
I have been playing guitar since I was 6 years old. I am now about to turn 45 in a month. Not sure how many years of guitar playing that adds up to, because I am a professional musician and therefore allergic to math. When I first heard Billy Strings I was almost angry at how ridiculously good that kid is. What was more frustrating was the fact that I couldn't quite put my finger on exactly what it was that was so amazing to me about his playing. This video really helped to clear that up for me. The guy is the Michael Jordan of flat-picking, which is a style that I am brand new to. I got some habits to break.
Hearing your analysis really helps me understand why I just can't get enough Billy & the boys. I'm a musician and love to hear your take on this crazy good stuff.
ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--8J4rrN3tgs.html The jam in the van version is pretty dam solid. Honestly the whole JIV performance is great.
I got to meet billy years ago. Went to a bluegrass thing on a whim. Friend got a ticket for me. I grew up playing metal in Michigan. Never cared for country or anything else other than metal. Billy and his mando player don julian shredded my face off on a small stage. Just the two of them and I was musical changed from that point on. He jammed out in the lobby of the hotel with a bunch of random people after his show. Dude is on another level and his music contributions will continue to be great. Thanks for the vid and some awesome insight into the intricacies of a bluegrass band.
Bluegrass Festivals and conventions are the best....after the show everyone's just hanging out jamming together playing old standards. It's an amazing tradition.
it's great watching you break down something that you don't know "note for note" yet. Most teachers tell you some stuff. Good teachers teach you how to learn and aren't afraid to admit they don't know everything.
Billy is a good friend of mine... Kind of a little brother adopted into my family. I just loved seeing a good guitar player struggle with his guitar playing! 😆 I knew the first time I seen him play he was speical. He was unreal as a kid. He really took off at 16, 17, 18. He's played this song in my living room a million times! 😆 Also yes he was a metal head and was in a metal band when he was a kid. Doc Watson was his favorite blue grass player and who he looked up to. Him and his dad... His dad gave him the love for blue grass.
Its amazing to play with a musical prodigy ! Billy played guitar in the womb because you know damn well his daddy was playin 20 long years before some dust in the baggie 💖✌
Absolute most impressive lead on acoustic ive ever heard. I always tell people, I dont play the guitar, i play songs on the guitar. These types of dudes play the guitar.
"This dude sounds like a young Doc Watson". What a compliment. But the kid backs it. It's nice to see some youth (w/ a slight edgy look no less) in keeping the bluegrass traditions alive.
Completely agree! Doc had a huge influence on him (obviously). Billy's dad is an amazing guitar player in his own right as well. He does a great collab with the Del McCoury Band that is awesome.
I have an almost exact testimony as you. I first started playing guitar when I was 13 playing metal and even ended up in a MetallicA cover band playing the drums. I heard bluegrass all my life growing up because my family was from Kentucky and WV but never cared for it until I heard what is now my mentor, play the banjo and I was hooked and had to learn how to play. I went home and sold my B.C. Rich Warlock and Crate amp to buy a banjo! It's been almost 20 years and I never went back to metal. Good vid!
Reminds me of a guy in the 70s named Sam Bush. Look what a legend he became. This guy will be around for decades, unless an asteroid hits him. Hes great and inspiring to watch. I get choked up watching this shit. Good on you.
@@guitardudebanjoman lol playing like he did in that old video he couldn't play worth a damn? Lol dude I started playing 3 weeks ago, come watch me play the intro to nothing else matters on my acoustic...I'll show you someone who can't play worth a damn lol
One of my strongest memories of seeing "Old and In The Way" was the way they danced around each other to create the mix. I think they had two mikes, one overhead for Vasser, one mike on a mike stand. When I recently told someone about that he called it the "Grand Olde Opry dance".
That video where he talks about how he came up with his name, then plays Late July is great. That was the first song I head from him after looking him up because he was the opener at a Devil Makes Three concert I was going to at Red Rocks.
@@sam_s_ That video is honestly the definitive edition for me. His studio release feels too slow and sleepy, while that live performance of Late July feels perfect.
I wanted to see him at red rocks so bad. I was Lyft driving people in and out of the venue though. His studio release sucked compared to the video that he tells the story of his name. And I haven’t really heard much else from him I actually like.
@@sam_s_ Thats how i found out about him as well. He opened up solo at 930 club for dm3 and no one was really expecting anything from him. The second that creaky soulful voice came on the PA the whole room collectively got whiplash and was glued to the stage.1 year later his name was everywhere, I think thats the fastest ive seen an artist blow up in that scene.
@@matthewgrubb318it left the big stages for more than a Decade that’s for sure. Old Crowe was about the only band that got decent non bluegrass centered festival exposure. My dad grew me up on Alisson Krauss and Union Station and Old Crowe but even when I was real young we almost never had opportunities to see them. They were either states away or Old Crowe was playing in a 21+ establishment.
I appreciate your humility above all...I know very little about guitar, other than Billy Strings is impressive as hell. But you are an amazing teacher!
Billy Strings - Train, Train (live at the Muddy Creek Music Hall) is one of the most insane performances I've ever seen. Even if you don't react to it, do yourself a favor and give it a listen.
Watching your videos six months into trying to learn how to play has me feeling like a toddler at the grownups table. I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I know I love it!
"Forgot how he got down there". Had me rolling man! Watching you get as close as you do to he sound has me amazed. Granted I'm just a drummer who likes to dabble in the ol 6 string......... y'all are nuts!!!
My screamo-metalhead godson turned me on to this guy about a month ago. Apparently Billy's been tearing it up for several years but somehow I missed it. Now I'm all about Billy Strings. Thanks Michael for showcasing this awesomely talented guy.
I love your enthusiasm. Your excitement is contagious and relatable as I get “giddy” when I hear impressive music. I’m a new subscriber to your channel and I look forward to following you!
Dude you look like a kid in a candy store watching billy play this song awesome to watch even if you don’t like bluegrass you have to respect his playing
Michael, it's so much fun to watch you watching this video and know you're enjoying it as much as the rest of us. Thanks for your commentary and astute observations. Subscribed!
Your first statement is me all the way. Metal head from the start of my passion for music, then I found old crow medicine show and the devil makes three. I am still however a metal head at heart.
I feel this so hard. I was neck deep in Tool and NIN and such when someone first hit me with Phish, then Del McCoury and Steve Earl with The Mountain. Life changing in very positive ways. Keep up the awesome work man, love your content.
It's so great to see a seasoned pro react to brilliant playing with the same sense of enthusiasm and astonishment as anyone else. This is definitely what resonates for me about your vids. Awesome!
For the simple mountain folk never afforded college or private lessons baffled by this dude speakin in tongues I will attempt to translate...It's a boom-chuck, lightnin step, barn burner with some chicken pickin, and pappy's lick at every turn around same as the last song and the next one. If this translation un-twisted your britches be neighborly and read it for those who can't.
Love Billy Strings stuff. Thanks Michael for taking us along for the breakdown. Dude your facials and reactions are just a good as Billy's while your in mid breakdown and wanting to jam at same time. LMAO throughly enjoyed entire video.😜
I've never really played bluegrass but decided to learn this song and solo, and it is about the most difficult tune I've ever tackled. I still can only play his solo cleanly at about 90% speed lol. It blows my mind that Billy can just rip a blazing fast solo like this totally improvising. When I'm improvising I typically hear what I want to play in my head before I play it, but this is so dang fast I have no clue how billy is able to hear this in his head and play it on the spot. Flatpicking is no joke at all, and absolutely every single genre of guitarist out there can learn a TON just by learning stuff like this. If you can pick every single note of a solo like this, you will DEFINITELY become a better player in any style out there. Billy's the real deal.
Not only is Billy strings playing that guitar like no one else he also is singing at the same time. I couldn't even attempt what this man does it's amazing the guy is just amazing
Michael, I have watched so many videos over the years of different people playing music, covering songs, reacting to songs, tutorials etc. But I have never seen ANYONE truly enjoy and soak up every note of everything you hear. You make watching so fun!! Sometimes you look like a kid at Christmas. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do. KEEP IT UP!!!!
No he isn't. The banjo players name is Billy Failing and he is from Portland/Oregon. He got an own album and is a friend of Billy for 10 years. He is one of the best banjo players I have ever seen in my life. The most amazing thing for me is that they are always improvising their solos... just crazy stuff.
Same thing, metal head from Tulsa then moved to Tahlequah Oklahoma. Befriended Bobby and Thomas Trapp and took several trips to the flat picking contests in Winfield Kansas. Changed my life.
So when Billy busts into the solo I just can not believe the feeling of awe it brings to my stomach! He is so AMAZING and he is such a showman too! My fave is him and his boys covering Believe from Cher, it's so good!
I’ve recently found Billy Strings and it’s made me a fan of this kind of Bluegrass. This music gives me joy and it’s great to find other folks who enjoy it like I do!
