Chris Thile, the Punch Brothers, Sarah Jarosz, and Rich Dworsky perform "My Window Faces the South" during the Feburary 7, 2015 broadcast prairiehome.org...
Just fantastic, leaves one grinning like a bleeding fool. And think about this, folks: Sarah is less than a quarter of a century old at a tender 23, and Chris, with such a tremendous résumé already built up, is only 33 years old. So the fact that we have many decades more to enjoy people like these is for me a source of profound happiness. One can only imagine the sublime level at which Chris Thile will be playing another quarter-century on from now.
+Edward Ashton You know, although it may sound odd, I'm a bit frightened to imagine what Chris Thile might be doing twenty-five years from now. He's one of the very, very few improvisers who can absolutely do it *for real*. His EAR is driving his fingers, so we're moved so much by his playing because we get to witness the product of his musical imagination -- the music he imagines happens almost simultaneously on the mandolin. He isn't playing knee-jerk licks or pre-composed solos; instead, he's composing, on the spot, and this is something most "improvisers" only wish they could do. So in 25 more years - wow. I shudder.
Loren Whitaker I think that's very well-said, and you know, I think you're the first other person I've ever heard use the phrase "composing [music] on the spot", a phrase I use often to describe his improvisation style. I really couldn't agree more with everything you said there. I think I might differ on the fear bit, though; I really relish the idea-I'm exhilarated by it, in fact-of his being able to play so well that it's frightening (which I assume is what you mean, in some sense). I love tension and am absolutely intoxicated by it, and I love the sorts of musical experiences that are so powerful they make me cry; Thile provides all of these things _now_ at his young age, so I truly cannot even _imagine_ what he is going to have to show us over the next half-century.
+Edward Ashton Ah, you're right: I suppose "frightened" was the wrong word. It's more like an exhiliarated eagerness to see what he's capable of in 25 years. I assume that you've heard/watched his solo performance of Josh Ritter's "Another New World." The mandolin solo therein is, to me, one of the most inspired "on-the-spot" compostions extant. If you haven't heard it, treat yourself. : ) Nice to make your acquaintance.
Loren Whitaker I have, and yes, I agree. It is exquisite, per usual with the great Mr. Thile. And it's been nice speaking with you as well; perhaps I'll run into you at one of Chris Thile's bands' shows sometime.
+Edward Ashton Well they sound great here because they have good material! It's nice to hear the Punch Brothers play something that doesn't suck like Thile's tuneless, pointless originals they waste everybody's time on. We have plenty of good musicians and performers in many areas of music, but where are the good songwriters? It's the most common reaction to so many young performers today: "You have talent for sure son, but your original songs STINK!"
First time I heard this song was off a Commander Cody Album, hearing it again from Their, Punch Bros and Sara Jarosz makes me so nastalgic and happy. Thanks PHC gang!!!
When Sarah kicks in with the harmonies, the song just takes off!
LOVE THAT OLD SONG WELL DONE :)
My window faces the North ...but this clip always gets me off to a smiling morning. These guys are special.
Just how good are these guys? Stunning.
Just fantastic, leaves one grinning like a bleeding fool. And think about this, folks: Sarah is less than a quarter of a century old at a tender 23, and Chris, with such a tremendous résumé already built up, is only 33 years old. So the fact that we have many decades more to enjoy people like these is for me a source of profound happiness. One can only imagine the sublime level at which Chris Thile will be playing another quarter-century on from now.
+Edward Ashton You know, although it may sound odd, I'm a bit frightened to imagine what Chris Thile might be doing twenty-five years from now. He's one of the very, very few improvisers who can absolutely do it *for real*. His EAR is driving his fingers, so we're moved so much by his playing because we get to witness the product of his musical imagination -- the music he imagines happens almost simultaneously on the mandolin. He isn't playing knee-jerk licks or pre-composed solos; instead, he's composing, on the spot, and this is something most "improvisers" only wish they could do. So in 25 more years - wow. I shudder.
Loren Whitaker I think that's very well-said, and you know, I think you're the first other person I've ever heard use the phrase "composing [music] on the spot", a phrase I use often to describe his improvisation style. I really couldn't agree more with everything you said there. I think I might differ on the fear bit, though; I really relish the idea-I'm exhilarated by it, in fact-of his being able to play so well that it's frightening (which I assume is what you mean, in some sense). I love tension and am absolutely intoxicated by it, and I love the sorts of musical experiences that are so powerful they make me cry; Thile provides all of these things _now_ at his young age, so I truly cannot even _imagine_ what he is going to have to show us over the next half-century.
+Edward Ashton Ah, you're right: I suppose "frightened" was the wrong word. It's more like an exhiliarated eagerness to see what he's capable of in 25 years. I assume that you've heard/watched his solo performance of Josh Ritter's "Another New World." The mandolin solo therein is, to me, one of the most inspired "on-the-spot" compostions extant. If you haven't heard it, treat yourself. : ) Nice to make your acquaintance.
Loren Whitaker I have, and yes, I agree. It is exquisite, per usual with the great Mr. Thile. And it's been nice speaking with you as well; perhaps I'll run into you at one of Chris Thile's bands' shows sometime.
+Edward Ashton Well they sound great here because they have good material! It's nice to hear the Punch Brothers play something that doesn't suck like Thile's tuneless, pointless originals they waste everybody's time on. We have plenty of good musicians and performers in many areas of music, but where are the good songwriters? It's the most common reaction to so many young performers today: "You have talent for sure son, but your original songs STINK!"
First time I heard this song was off a Commander Cody Album, hearing it again from Their, Punch Bros and Sara Jarosz makes me so nastalgic and happy. Thanks PHC gang!!!
Can't stop watching this one. I love the combination of Chris and Sarah, perfect harmony those two.
Can't wait to hear Chris Thile's encore on Saturday night! Last week's show was fantastic!
These guys make me happy to be alive!
Great show and as a 40-year listener from Wisconsin, so glad to see it online, finally!
Wonderful! Really enjoyed listening to last night.
Sarah Jarosz, my, my!
My bedroom windows face the west, but after hearing this I am going to have at least one put in my south wall. : )
OLD, OLD, OLD SONG VERY WELL DONE
Cindy Walker brought me here!
Brilliant !!
Sarah.....
sarahs got a fatty bro
That's OK.
Boom
You guys should check Hot Club of Cowtown's version. Pretty good, very swingy.
+Anderson T +100500
IT IS A WESTERN SWING SONG AFTER ALL :)
"those fields of cah-inn'" That doesn't work for me.
What's that noise at the very end, is that a string breaking? lol
Cah-in? That’s not how you say it Chris.