Billy Strings’ early exposure to music came from watching his family jam in their trailer, where he first developed his passion for the guitar. At just five years old, his stepdad, who Strings regards as his real father, bought him an antique guitar after Strings expressed an intense desire for it. His stepdad provided the initial instruction but always let Billy take the lead, creating an environment where Strings could observe and absorb the art of solo construction. This early mentorship laid the groundwork for the jaw-dropping leads that would later define his career.
His first live album, Billy Strings Live Vol. 1, captures the essence of his electrifying performances, recorded at diverse venues including Austin, Paris, New Orleans, and Atlanta, with two standout tracks from the Ryman in Nashville. The album, featuring eight tracks that extend well over an hour, showcases Strings’ virtuosic skills and his ability to transcend traditional bluegrass boundaries while paying homage to its roots.
The album opens with “Dust in a Baggie,” a powerful song about addiction and relapse that features Strings’ signature blend of high and lonesome harmonies reminiscent of vintage Flatt and Scruggs. His band—Billy Failing on banjo, Royal Masat on bass, Jarrod Walker on mandolin, and Alex Hargreaves on fiddle—provides a rich, supportive framework, contributing their own musical ideas while blending seamlessly into the overall performance.
Despite some traditionalists’ concerns, much like the resistance faced by newgrass pioneers Sam Bush and Bela Fleck, Strings remains committed to respecting bluegrass traditions while exploring its boundaries. Tracks like “Heartbeat of America” showcase his willingness to experiment, merging a jazzy jam with a bluegrass foundation. Meanwhile, his rendition of “Reuben’s Train,” a classic bluegrass tune from the 1800s, features inventive fiddling that strays from the traditional path but stays true to the spirit of the genre. – Jason Felton