Billy Strings (born William Apostol, October 3, 1992) is an American guitarist and bluegrass musician. I've posted a couple things in The Bluegrass Thread, but I think Billy is worthy of his own thread! At only 26 years old, hopefully we'll be talking about him for a long time Any fans? Please share news, live archival recordings, videos, etc... Kick it off with a scorching performance of the title track from last year's Turmoil and Tinfoil album:
I picked this up probably from your recommendation in the bluegrass thread. While a very solid bluegrass album from the first video I saw I was hoping for something with a modern edge. This is quite traditional to my ears.
Saw him in May here in Raleigh. I really enjoyed the show. My main critique was that when they tried to do a Dead-esque 'out there' jam they lost the thread. They're fine up to the 7-8 minute mark, but by 12, 15, 18 minutes I was getting a bit bored with the jam and was ready for the next thing. But everything else was top notch and he has a crack band. I'd see him again.
He grew up near me and is performing a two night stand at a 1,500 seater here. I'm told it's nearly sold out. A little dab of bluegrass goes a long way for me but I saw him a month ago and he puts on a rockin' show. My favorite song is "Dust In A Baggie."
I'm from the east side of the state, but haven't lived there since '04. Dust in a Baggie is a great tune. Probably my favorite too!
I’ve been following the restoration of his grandfathers “prison “ guitar on Instagram. It has been interesting.
Agreed. I don't know if I've heard any recordings of it though. Seems like he should post something putting it through its paces.
Very cool... “This was a huge moment for me. Finally getting to play the #prisonguitar for my blind aunt Roxanna. Her dad built this guitar at least 55 years ago and she’s finally just now getting to hear it speak. Grandpa’s been gone since 2001 but he still has a voice here on earth and that my friends is priceless.”
Total approval here. Saw him in Houston last month and stood down the front in awe for a couple hours. What was especially cool was that he never left the stage during set break, instead playing some requests, the Houston-crowd pleaser Pancho & Lefty, a banjo duet with the banjo player (fun to watch BS's clawhammer style mesh with the more trad Scruggs style) and other bits and pieces. Also, Bird Song? Yes please. Pearl Jam's In Hiding, one of my fave tunes ever? Bring it on. Some Beatles? Ok then. Psychedelic bluegrass? Yep. Traditional bluegrass things like Little Maggie, of course. Looks like the setlists are nicely mixed up, jam-band style, as he tours, so if I had the time and the freedom, would consider following the band around a bit. Also like how he puts the shows up on nugs.
This kid is a friggin' genius and one of the world's most talented and exciting musicians. Looking forward to following him for the rest of my life.
