One of my fondest memories is from a Punch Brothers concert. We were in this old theater in Texas. One of those small concert hall kind of places. Their set was just them, their instruments and ONE mic at the front center of the stage. They would trade positions, lean in and out, and move to bring out different sections, instruments, voices, during the songs. After their set we were all screaming for an encore, like ya do, and when they came back out, took the mic off stage, unplugged all their instruments. And walked to the edge of the stage. The entire audience, hundreds of people, went silent, I mean, SILENT. A silent I did not know was possible at a concert. We all waited for a moment, and then they started playing this song, completely acoustic, no mics or amplification of any kind. It was surreal. Even during the pauses and quiet moments no one clapped, or made a cheer of any kind, the entire crowed was transfixed in this moment. By the end you saw people wiping away tears and hugging each other amongst the cheers and applause. It was beautiful.
I've seen them do that unplugged unmiked thing at a theater of 925 people. It was ridiculous. You could hear people stifling coughs. It was the pin dropping silence you hear people talk about but never hear. Chris first did Bach, and then they did a song, I don't recall what it was. But it was magic. They are magic. I've seen them 7 times, and Nickel Creek 3 times as well.
Dude won the national mandolin competition in Winfield, KS at 12 years old. That's pretty impressive considering it's usually reserved for people like Mark O'Connor.
Yes, his technical ability is 2nd to none, he's far and away the best mando player on the planet. And his music theory is so complex. I remember watching some class he taught to a crowd, and he said something that I think essentially sums his style up... Something about how when you are on a 4th or something (i forget what chord progression he was walking through), there are so many different note choices to follow. Everybody expects it to resolve to a 5th, but that actually makes that the *least insteresting choice*. That, to me, completely sums up his style. Always unexpected note choices for the sake of being interesting. And it works, it captivates his audiences.
Noam Pikelny is probably the sickest banjo player alive not named Bela Fleck. I love the "walls of sound" he creates with the banjo, makes it sound like a whole new instrument
Very cool effect, yes! A bit of a magic trick. He's rolling on the same note on 1st and 2nd string. Try it out and get that Pikelny vibe - or come join with the rest of us Pickels-heads at the artist works course. It's AMAZING.
Welcome to the Thileverse. You now must consume all the following musical experiences with utmost urgency: - Punch Brothers - Goat Rodeo - How To Grow A Band - Nickel Creek - I'm With Her - Watkins Family Hour - Live From Here - All the people's solo records and duo records Hope you enjoyed your life because good luck getting it back!
I’ve seen him with Stuart Duncan in Nashville and with Punch Brothers in Fayetteville. Noam is beyond belief as a musician and could easily be a stand up comedian. He’s got some great posts on his CZcams channel.
This was my most favourite reaction of yours. I've told you before, as have many others, that you are so good at this. So engaging. And so respectful. Chris is a genius. I have followed him and his many incarnations for a long time. Thanks for highlighting this wonderful Punch Brothers performance. Much love and respect to you, Michael.
I had the opportunity to go to Chris’s acoustic camp this summer in Glen Cove NY.. all of members his band (new violinist…she was amazing) and his many others like Nickel Creek where there… sitting, learning, dining and just hanging in company of these lovely talented musicians is something I will never forget. At first I wanted to sell my instruments and then I realized I will never be on the level of these folks… but in that short 4 days they raised my appreciation for what music can be, and in turn made me better in my small musical world. Thanks for the insights! Good Stuff!
They closed their Athens, GA show with “Familiarity” unplugged with the band right up on the stage apron. I was a blubbering mess by the end of it. Amazing.
Punch Brothers covered Tony Rice’s album ‘Church Street Blues’ in it’s entirety to close the 2019 Rockygrass festival, It brought a tear to me and my friends eyes, we felt so lucky to be there. It was pure magic.
They actually recorded it! Album is called "Hell on Church Street", just came out maybe a month ago...I've had their version of "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" stuck in my head for weeks. Seeing them next weekend, but I'm worried it'll only make things worse
Welcome to the Punch Brothers :) There's a whole world of material to dive into, between all of their different albums, solo albums, and other projects... I've been listening since I was 8 years old to Chris's projects, I just turned 29 today, and I still am regularly discovering material I've never heard before of them. It's a wonderful obsession! Listen to All Part of the Plan next, (the official live session they did), and then catch their latest Front Row Boston performance: some of the greatest stuff on CZcams in my opinion.
My wife and i were in a Punch Brothers concert and they played this without amplification on the stage apron. We were in the second row, mid, and if was... amazing (such an understatement description). During that same show, a young couple in the front row got engaged during My Oh My.
The thing that kills me about Chris is that he knows how good he is... obviously... but even in he exaggerating performance he's still somehow modest. He owns it, but doesn't shove it in your face. He's just amazing.
I've been a fan of them since day one. I think they're the finest group of musicians that have come together in probably centuries, and this is the best thing they've written, in my opinion.
“I’ll try not to play along too much” stares at the screen stunned for the first 3 mins 😂 One of my favourite bands and I love the channel! Thanks for the great vids
I love walking outdoors and I swear this composition is the closest thing to the sound of nature. the butterfly wings gravitating, busy ants in the kingdom of sand, squirrels wrestling, birds dipping in flight and even the conversation between fungi and tree...all during the slightest wind changes. ABSOLUTELY magical. Thank You for share.
"So technically stringent yet it's flowing effortlessly. It is such a rare thing to see this technical breath with this much life" Well said. that is reason why I like Punch brothers and many Korean love them!
I love this performance. You can hear at the start how up the crowd is, pumped & excited for the show. Then by the time they do the live fade out mid song they’ve hooked everyone in the building. Then as the song moves to the ending you could hear a pin drop the crowd is almost collectively holding their breath until it ends and the tension & spell breaks and releases!
Yessss exactly!! I've had the privilege of being in several of these crowds, and it's always the same: respectful, passionate, and intelligent listeners. Love a PB crowd!
So excited for you to experience them in their entirety! I’ve had the pleasure a dozen times and ran into Chris at a bar once and he is so passionate about all music all the time, and all things that move him! Noam, Gabe, Critter, and Paul are- like you said- freaks of nature. Absolute Tops!
"It is such a rare thing to see something THIS technical breath with THIS much life" This is the most accurate way to describe the Punch Brothers, they are truly a magical band. One of the greatest bands I've ever seen and probably ever will see. Such an elite level of technique, musicality, and songwriting all at once.
Thile did a master class where he actually played the whole thing by himSELF! Keep an eye out for other master classes with him, usually through mandolin dot com, he goes into great detail about his process. I imagine you'll appreciate it more than most.
I've felt for a while now that this is the most beautiful piece of music I've ever heard. It's so awesome to see someone experience it for the first time.
You mentioned early on that they "weren't keeping time" through some of the stops, but one of the amazing parts of this piece is that they are keeping time through all of it, and the 16th note pulse that Chris starts in the very beginning doesn't let up until the third movement. It's one of the things that gives you such a release of tension when the last movement begins. If you like Noam Pikelny (the banjo player), you should definitely check out "My Tears Don't Show". He did a video of it where he absolutely owns a Tele. It is utterly amazing, especially considering his primary instrument is banjo. czcams.com/video/yP_gJw-8qq0/video.html
You are absolutely correct - they are all still keeping time during that transition, which is how Thile and Eldridge know exactly when to come in on the first downbeat for the initial quarter notes of their muted rhythmic strum - while the others have been playing dotted-eights which makes it tricky to hear where the downbeat (and particularly where the one of the 4/4 measure) is. You can tell by watching those two as they play it live they are being careful to count it out, watch each other and stay together. The fact that the echo-like notes reverberate and dissipate out just before they start again is not a reaction to the sound of the room, but carefully counted out and a sort of planned out serendipity. There's a great transcription of this piece here that shows how it all works together so well: czcams.com/video/J0dq4nQ5dmw/video.html
Yeah! And they're playing the notes softer to mimic a long echo rather than hitting once and there being a natural echo which somehow avoids echoing everything else.
Punch Brothers live is almost like an out of body experience. This is truly music at its finest, arrangement, harmony and invention and stunning virtuosity. These guys work god damn hard at this and they're amoung the greatest there's ever been.
I went to see them, finally, and when they played Familiarity, it was so overwhelming, all I could do was cry. They are amazing, and that song is such a journey.
I would have never experienced this sonic beauty, if you had not put up a reaction. I’m blown away at how beautiful everything was woven so carefully together❣️ Stunning💫✨
Welcome to the Punch Brothers :) There's a whole world of material to dive into, between all of their different albums, solo albums, and other projects... I've been listening since I was 8 years old to Chris's projects, I just turned 29 today, and I still am regularly discovering material I've never heard before of them. It's a wonderful obsession! Listen to All Part of the Plan next, (the official live session they did), and then catch their latest Front Row Boston performance: some of the greatest stuff on CZcams in my opinion.
I've had the pleasure of seeing them play this live a couple of times now. It has been a cathartic experience both times, but the first time was almost like a religious experience. I have never heard a room as quiet as that theater became during that performance. Gabe wasn't playing the drums for that performance - the hits came from Chris Thile stomping his foot on the stage. Punch Brothers have a lot of different hats - I look forward to (hopefully) seeing more reactions to this band! Thanks so much for this one, Michael!
I've watched many reactors and want to say man, you got it like i got it...the dumbfounded look of joy at Chris' intro and the hesitiation to stop it as it progresses through punch after punch. I tell people that if they arent crying at the end they didnt get it.... don't wipe away those tears bruda,,,the song is all about authentic experiences.
I attended a solo Chris Thile show in San Francisco a few years ago. He played a mix of bluegrass and Bach, and I was fortunate to be in the front few rows. It was the most amazing musical experience I’ve ever had. It’s like he’s having an out of body experience whenever he’s playing, and conversing with an unseen companion purely through music. Absolutely jaw-dropping and wonderful.
We're lucky to be alive when these guys are doing this. I got to see them in Dallas a few years back, and it was spellbinding and magical! One of the best concerts I've ever been to and I'm a better musician for it.
Welcome to the Punch Brothers :) There's a whole world of material to dive into, between all of their different albums, solo albums, and other projects... I've been listening since I was 8 years old to Chris's projects, I just turned 29 today, and I still am regularly discovering material I've never heard before of them. It's a wonderful obsession! Listen to All Part of the Plan next, (the official live session they did), and then catch their latest Front Row Boston performance: some of the greatest stuff on CZcams in my opinion.
This song is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen performed live. I saw them at the 9:30 club in DC right around the time of this Boston show (I think just after Phosphorescent Blues was released). They played Familiarity and the room was just in stunned silence. People were literally crying (it's possible I was one of those people). I've never seen anything like it before or since.
You just made my day three years later :). Have loved this song forever, never thought to look for a reaction to it. I absolutely love how enthralled and excited you were for this. Me too!!! And I never really had anyone to share this with, so thank you.
So happy when someone is introduced to the Punch Brothers and reacts with this enthusiasm. I've given up trying to get more people to listen! Everything they do is amazing. Thank you for gushing. It made my day. 😊
Welcome to the Punch Brothers :) There's a whole world of material to dive into, between all of their different albums, solo albums, and other projects... I've been listening since I was 8 years old to Chris's projects, I just turned 29 today, and I still am regularly discovering material I've never heard before of them. It's a wonderful obsession!
Thank you so much for reacting to the Punch Brothers. I was lucky enough to see them play this live and it was like nothing I’ve experienced. I think this is one of the most gorgeous songs written in my generation. I LOVE your videos. Looking forward to seeing more from you.
What sets punch brothers apart from a lot of their contemporaries is that they are able to weave these parts together in a way that you almost forget where the song begins until the end. It’s a result of Chris’ influence from classical music, his incorporation of melodies from artists like Radiohead and it’s all tied together with the virtuosity of a mature bluegrass band. I honestly believe that they will be viewed in the future as one of the most influential bands of this decade and at the very least they are a unique groups which very few artists can emulate
I was out for a run and realized the parallel I wanted to draw: Zappa. Both are bands of musicians who are each individually operating a plane above the "really good pro players." And in both cases, the band is led by a genius operating a plane above them, pulling the absolute best from every player. And that's why we sit with our mouths hanging open watching both bands. In a purer world, Zappa woulda gotten a MacArthur Genius award too.
Nice, you think that's good check their cover of Josh Ritter's "Another New World" Thile and Noam are legends on their instruments at such young ages. You can find Chris Thile playing publicly as a kid and he's better than most mortal men on mando.
Welcome to the Punch Brothers :) There's a whole world of material to dive into, between all of their different albums, solo albums, and other projects... I've been listening since I was 8 years old to Chris's projects, I just turned 29 today, and I still am regularly discovering material I've never heard before of them. It's a wonderful obsession! Listen to All Part of the Plan next, (the official live session they did), and then catch their latest Front Row Boston performance: some of the greatest stuff on CZcams in my opinion.
The talent in this band is truly astonishing, and I love how speechless you are in this video. You can see the realization in your face at the beginning of their performance, like "hold on, this is something special."
On his masterclass back in November, Chris played this tune and then talked through his compositional thought process and all the arpeggios. Just wild to go inside the mind of a genius.
This is a perfect reaction to this video. You get the musicianship, the magic, the emotion, the beauty. The only thing you missed was the fade out after the third movement. Like, a studio quality fadeout in a live setting.
They can, and have done the full fade out live. How much space they can hold for it depends on the house. If Chris and Critter can tell the crowd gets it, between the 2 of them they work how long to let it hang before Critter steps back in. Sometimes it's fairly short, like here, other times it seems to stretch almost endlessly.
I love the way you describe them as both "technically stringent" and "free" and "loose" and "flowing" and "breathing." That's exactly it! I could never put my finger on it, but that's the beautiful tension The Punch Brothers are able to manifest in their creative genius. :)
Very nice and worth the wait. This was the song I wanted you to do and I’m excited for you to delve into it deeper. You’ll really enjoy the lyrics as well. Like you said, musicianship at the highest level!
I have never clicked on a video so fast! Punch Brothers are my favorite band, you're my favorite musical commentator, I'm so so excited to see the two meet!
Plain and simple, I'd like you to know that your videos and just all around appreciation for damn good songs regardless of genre make my day. THOROUGHLY appreciated. 🤘
Yeah, I remember seeing Thile live with Nickel Creek in the mid-2000s and deciding to just give up! (Nickel Creek are still my favourite band - you should do a reaction to them!)
This performance was my first exposure to Punch Brothers. I knew within seconds it was going to be unlike anything I've ever heard and on a skill level I didnt know existed. I could tell by your expression right away just how impressive they are. Thank you for putting my awe into words. Subscribing. Please do more of them.
I love your comments for us to take special notice of. This group has become so special to me as a singer songwriter and your analysis has helped me see and hear the truly extraordinary musical moment’s on an precise yet loose technical level. Thanks
Was able to see the Punch Brothers open for Paul Simon in Kansas City several years back. What a great night of music! I appreciate your appreciation for music and how you convey extraordinary moments like this.
They are so full of brilliant surprises! Love watching them, hearing them. But have never seen them live. Got to! It’s so other-worldly it literally takes my breath away.
I was at this show, I’ve seen them before this in smaller places (and also Thile and Daves). They are such an otherworldly ensemble. You can’t help but be moved emotionally and physically to see them live. So inspirational and wonderful to witness their camaraderie.
One of the biggest losses from Covid is the Live From Here series. I wanted desperately to get to one of the live shows before they had to stop in 2020. Chris Thile and Punch Brothers and everyone he brought to the shows to perform always created magic. I'm glad to have gotten to hear the recordings of the performances as short lived as the series was and I sincerely hope it is able to come back one day.
Punch brothers, ween, king gizzard! You're hitting all the right spots for me. This is a really great channel you've got here. What you said about their love for their craft oozing out, I think the same can be said about your youtube videos! All the love, all the power
Yes! I’m so happy you reacted to this song in particular (my favorite track of theirs). It really captures their musical complexity, beyond what I expected what a group with bluegrass instruments would do (if that makes sense). Very creative group of musicians.
truly a pleasure to watch you experiencing the magic of this song for the first time, and you pointed out some things i hadn’t noticed in my first thirty or forty listens - thanks!
JUst like u...I get tears of joy when I experience the Punch Bros.... it is the knowingness that you are in the company of true artistic genius. The creativity and innovative-ness is sometimes just too much to bear... I sit and say to myself that this can't be...no one can do this lol. His work with them and so much other he has done may not ever be approached again. I want to say brother that I watch your channel not to learn how to play ( I do what I do within my own thing and learn as I go ) but it's your humanity and love and passion is why I am here. What you bring to me as you watch and try your best to understand and then to share is what makes this one of the best of it's kind on the internet. Thank you!!
Welcome to the Punch Brothers :) There's a whole world of material to dive into, between all of their different albums, solo albums, and other projects... I've been listening since I was 8 years old to Chris's projects, I just turned 29 today, and I still am regularly discovering material I've never heard before of them. It's a wonderful obsession! Listen to All Part of the Plan next, (the official live session they did), and then catch their latest Front Row Boston performance: some of the greatest stuff on CZcams in my opinion.
One of my fondest memories is from a Punch Brothers concert. We were in this old theater in Texas. One of those small concert hall kind of places. Their set was just them, their instruments and ONE mic at the front center of the stage. They would trade positions, lean in and out, and move to bring out different sections, instruments, voices, during the songs. After their set we were all screaming for an encore, like ya do, and when they came back out, took the mic off stage, unplugged all their instruments. And walked to the edge of the stage.
The entire audience, hundreds of people, went silent, I mean, SILENT. A silent I did not know was possible at a concert. We all waited for a moment, and then they started playing this song, completely acoustic, no mics or amplification of any kind. It was surreal. Even during the pauses and quiet moments no one clapped, or made a cheer of any kind, the entire crowed was transfixed in this moment. By the end you saw people wiping away tears and hugging each other amongst the cheers and applause. It was beautiful.
Stuff like this makes life worth living.
I've seen them do that unplugged unmiked thing at a theater of 925 people. It was ridiculous. You could hear people stifling coughs. It was the pin dropping silence you hear people talk about but never hear. Chris first did Bach, and then they did a song, I don't recall what it was. But it was magic. They are magic. I've seen them 7 times, and Nickel Creek 3 times as well.
There's a reason Chris Thile was awarded a MacArthur Genius grant.
Dude! I've always said Chris Thile is number 1 living mandolin player in the world, and probably the greatest to ever live. No doubt he's a genius!
@@WILDBILLSOUTDOORS His genius goes way beyond mandolin. Greatest musical genius alive, period!
@@tonekilltech Hey Can you react to the song "Bhanai" By Tribal Rain.
@@tonekilltech can't disagree with that!!
Dude won the national mandolin competition in Winfield, KS at 12 years old. That's pretty impressive considering it's usually reserved for people like Mark O'Connor.
Chris Thile is a living legend
Yes, his technical ability is 2nd to none, he's far and away the best mando player on the planet. And his music theory is so complex.
I remember watching some class he taught to a crowd, and he said something that I think essentially sums his style up... Something about how when you are on a 4th or something (i forget what chord progression he was walking through), there are so many different note choices to follow. Everybody expects it to resolve to a 5th, but that actually makes that the *least insteresting choice*. That, to me, completely sums up his style. Always unexpected note choices for the sake of being interesting. And it works, it captivates his audiences.
And he's not even 40! (Well, he turns 40 next month.)
Noam Pikelny is probably the sickest banjo player alive not named Bela Fleck. I love the "walls of sound" he creates with the banjo, makes it sound like a whole new instrument
Very cool effect, yes! A bit of a magic trick. He's rolling on the same note on 1st and 2nd string. Try it out and get that Pikelny vibe - or come join with the rest of us Pickels-heads at the artist works course. It's AMAZING.
I love your comment! Bela indeed is king.
they're all fantastic musicians. Chris Thile is probably the best mandolin player alive today.
Welcome to the Thileverse. You now must consume all the following musical experiences with utmost urgency:
- Punch Brothers
- Goat Rodeo
- How To Grow A Band
- Nickel Creek
- I'm With Her
- Watkins Family Hour
- Live From Here
- All the people's solo records and duo records
Hope you enjoyed your life because good luck getting it back!
This is what you get when 5 of the singularly best at what they do play and write together for 15 + years. Masterful musicianship.
I'm pretty sure you could have them all swap instruments and still have one of the best pure bluegrass ensembles ever.
In case anyone didn’t know, the banjo player’s name is Noam Pikelny, and his song Waveland is unbelievable
Man I fuck with Noam so much, He's amazing.
Pickles! He may just be my favorite Punch Brother... at least until I switch my focus to any of the other four.
I’ve seen him with Stuart Duncan in Nashville and with Punch Brothers in Fayetteville. Noam is beyond belief as a musician and could easily be a stand up comedian. He’s got some great posts on his CZcams channel.
@@ronnierutledge4256 yep, love his sense of humor!
Have you seen Noam play guitar??? No surprise that he is amazing!
This was my most favourite reaction of yours. I've told you before, as have many others, that you are so good at this. So engaging. And so respectful.
Chris is a genius. I have followed him and his many incarnations for a long time. Thanks for highlighting this wonderful Punch Brothers performance.
Much love and respect to you, Michael.
I had the opportunity to go to Chris’s acoustic camp this summer in Glen Cove NY.. all of members his band (new violinist…she was amazing) and his many others like Nickel Creek where there… sitting, learning, dining and just hanging in company of these lovely talented musicians is something I will never forget. At first I wanted to sell my instruments and then I realized I will never be on the level of these folks… but in that short 4 days they raised my appreciation for what music can be, and in turn made me better in my small musical world. Thanks for the insights! Good Stuff!
Many of their pieces are played like symphonic movements. The silence is as powerful as the sound.
And then, they go into a traditional bluegrass romp and it is just as much fun.
This song is in Sonata form, so this comparison is pretty strong :)
They closed their Athens, GA show with “Familiarity” unplugged with the band right up on the stage apron. I was a blubbering mess by the end of it. Amazing.
Punch Brothers covered Tony Rice’s album ‘Church Street Blues’ in it’s entirety to close the 2019 Rockygrass festival, It brought a tear to me and my friends eyes, we felt so lucky to be there. It was pure magic.
They actually recorded it! Album is called "Hell on Church Street", just came out maybe a month ago...I've had their version of "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" stuck in my head for weeks. Seeing them next weekend, but I'm worried it'll only make things worse
That may be the most beautiful musical performance I’ve ever seen or heard.
Welcome to the Punch Brothers :) There's a whole world of material to dive into, between all of their different albums, solo albums, and other projects... I've been listening since I was 8 years old to Chris's projects, I just turned 29 today, and I still am regularly discovering material I've never heard before of them. It's a wonderful obsession! Listen to All Part of the Plan next, (the official live session they did), and then catch their latest Front Row Boston performance: some of the greatest stuff on CZcams in my opinion.
@@NathanDowdyMedia happy birthday my dude!
@@chrisisthedude1 Thanks man!! It's been a good one, getting to watch this video and experience the joy of music with everyone!
Chris Thile playing Dean Town with Vulfpeck is a great one
The funky chicken neck is strong on that one
@@dclarkmusic and vulpeck lookin like sailors in turtlenecks.
My wife and i were in a Punch Brothers concert and they played this without amplification on the stage apron. We were in the second row, mid, and if was... amazing (such an understatement description). During that same show, a young couple in the front row got engaged during My Oh My.
My absolute all time favorite band. You could do a 10 hour masterclass on just this song and you'd only be scratching the surface.
The thing that kills me about Chris is that he knows how good he is... obviously... but even in he exaggerating performance he's still somehow modest. He owns it, but doesn't shove it in your face. He's just amazing.
I've been a fan of them since day one. I think they're the finest group of musicians that have come together in probably centuries, and this is the best thing they've written, in my opinion.
“I’ll try not to play along too much” stares at the screen stunned for the first 3 mins 😂
One of my favourite bands and I love the channel! Thanks for the great vids
You should react to Three Dots and a Dash by them, that song is just amazing.
I love walking outdoors and I swear this composition is the closest thing to the sound of nature. the butterfly wings gravitating, busy ants in the kingdom of sand, squirrels wrestling, birds dipping in flight and even the conversation between fungi and tree...all during the slightest wind changes. ABSOLUTELY magical. Thank You for share.
"So technically stringent yet it's flowing effortlessly. It is such a rare thing to see this technical breath with this much life" Well said. that is reason why I like Punch brothers and many Korean love them!
I love this performance. You can hear at the start how up the crowd is, pumped & excited for the show. Then by the time they do the live fade out mid song they’ve hooked everyone in the building. Then as the song moves to the ending you could hear a pin drop the crowd is almost collectively holding their breath until it ends and the tension & spell breaks and releases!
Yessss exactly!! I've had the privilege of being in several of these crowds, and it's always the same: respectful, passionate, and intelligent listeners. Love a PB crowd!
So excited for you to experience them in their entirety! I’ve had the pleasure a dozen times and ran into Chris at a bar once and he is so passionate about all music all the time, and all things that move him! Noam, Gabe, Critter, and Paul are- like you said- freaks of nature. Absolute Tops!
That's such a cool experience!! What did you say to him?
"It is such a rare thing to see something THIS technical breath with THIS much life"
This is the most accurate way to describe the Punch Brothers, they are truly a magical band. One of the greatest bands I've ever seen and probably ever will see. Such an elite level of technique, musicality, and songwriting all at once.
Yeah, it changed my life too. Welcome to the club, friend. You'll love them for the rest of your days!
Thile did a master class where he actually played the whole thing by himSELF! Keep an eye out for other master classes with him, usually through mandolin dot com, he goes into great detail about his process. I imagine you'll appreciate it more than most.
You have to listen to this whole album. The way the last song resolves this one is gonna make you cry.
It’s one of the best albums of all time, I say. These musicians are absolutely incredible and such fun to watch and hear!
I've felt for a while now that this is the most beautiful piece of music I've ever heard. It's so awesome to see someone experience it for the first time.
I wish I could hear it again for the first time... It still brings me to tears but I would love to relive that element of surprise
You mentioned early on that they "weren't keeping time" through some of the stops, but one of the amazing parts of this piece is that they are keeping time through all of it, and the 16th note pulse that Chris starts in the very beginning doesn't let up until the third movement. It's one of the things that gives you such a release of tension when the last movement begins.
If you like Noam Pikelny (the banjo player), you should definitely check out "My Tears Don't Show". He did a video of it where he absolutely owns a Tele. It is utterly amazing, especially considering his primary instrument is banjo.
czcams.com/video/yP_gJw-8qq0/video.html
You are absolutely correct - they are all still keeping time during that transition, which is how Thile and Eldridge know exactly when to come in on the first downbeat for the initial quarter notes of their muted rhythmic strum - while the others have been playing dotted-eights which makes it tricky to hear where the downbeat (and particularly where the one of the 4/4 measure) is. You can tell by watching those two as they play it live they are being careful to count it out, watch each other and stay together. The fact that the echo-like notes reverberate and dissipate out just before they start again is not a reaction to the sound of the room, but carefully counted out and a sort of planned out serendipity. There's a great transcription of this piece here that shows how it all works together so well: czcams.com/video/J0dq4nQ5dmw/video.html
The fills are perfection
Yeah! And they're playing the notes softer to mimic a long echo rather than hitting once and there being a natural echo which somehow avoids echoing everything else.
Punch Brothers live is almost like an out of body experience.
This is truly music at its finest, arrangement, harmony and invention and stunning virtuosity. These guys work god damn hard at this and they're amoung the greatest there's ever been.
I went to see them, finally, and when they played Familiarity, it was so overwhelming, all I could do was cry. They are amazing, and that song is such a journey.
Nickel Creek was a damn good band too.
I would have never experienced this sonic beauty, if you had not put up a reaction. I’m blown away at how beautiful everything was woven so carefully together❣️ Stunning💫✨
Welcome to the Punch Brothers :) There's a whole world of material to dive into, between all of their different albums, solo albums, and other projects... I've been listening since I was 8 years old to Chris's projects, I just turned 29 today, and I still am regularly discovering material I've never heard before of them. It's a wonderful obsession! Listen to All Part of the Plan next, (the official live session they did), and then catch their latest Front Row Boston performance: some of the greatest stuff on CZcams in my opinion.
I've had the pleasure of seeing them play this live a couple of times now. It has been a cathartic experience both times, but the first time was almost like a religious experience. I have never heard a room as quiet as that theater became during that performance. Gabe wasn't playing the drums for that performance - the hits came from Chris Thile stomping his foot on the stage. Punch Brothers have a lot of different hats - I look forward to (hopefully) seeing more reactions to this band! Thanks so much for this one, Michael!
I had a very similar experience! Leaning forward in my seat the entire time, I don't think I took a breath during the entire performance
I've watched many reactors and want to say man, you got it like i got it...the dumbfounded look of joy at Chris' intro and the hesitiation to stop it as it progresses through punch after punch. I tell people that if they arent crying at the end they didnt get it.... don't wipe away those tears bruda,,,the song is all about authentic experiences.
I attended a solo Chris Thile show in San Francisco a few years ago. He played a mix of bluegrass and Bach, and I was fortunate to be in the front few rows. It was the most amazing musical experience I’ve ever had. It’s like he’s having an out of body experience whenever he’s playing, and conversing with an unseen companion purely through music. Absolutely jaw-dropping and wonderful.
I've been asking for a critique of Chris Thile forrrrrever. Thank yiou!
If you’ve never seen Chris Thile and Mike Marshall play Gator Strut, you’re missing out. Pure insanity
I love watching you react to bands like this and when you did phish. These guys are next level musicians and all together are just flawless. ❤❤
you could make a whole movie based on the emotional rollercoaster this song brings you on
There are few things I can say with more confidence than Chris Thile being the best god damn mandolin player in the world.
No doubt!
THIS.
Yeah. And, it's not even close.
Musician period...
We're lucky to be alive when these guys are doing this. I got to see them in Dallas a few years back, and it was spellbinding and magical! One of the best concerts I've ever been to and I'm a better musician for it.
Well, I've never seen/heard anything like this in my life. It was just fucking awesome!!!
Welcome to the Punch Brothers :) There's a whole world of material to dive into, between all of their different albums, solo albums, and other projects... I've been listening since I was 8 years old to Chris's projects, I just turned 29 today, and I still am regularly discovering material I've never heard before of them. It's a wonderful obsession! Listen to All Part of the Plan next, (the official live session they did), and then catch their latest Front Row Boston performance: some of the greatest stuff on CZcams in my opinion.
This song is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen performed live. I saw them at the 9:30 club in DC right around the time of this Boston show (I think just after Phosphorescent Blues was released). They played Familiarity and the room was just in stunned silence. People were literally crying (it's possible I was one of those people). I've never seen anything like it before or since.
Was at the 9:30 show as well. It was like the 2nd 3rd show of the tour and simply utterly magical.
They are amazing and even moreso live.
What a nice surprise! Chris Thile is my favorite musician/songwriter. Punch Brothers is incredible! Seen them live 3 or 4 times.
You just made my day three years later :). Have loved this song forever, never thought to look for a reaction to it. I absolutely love how enthralled and excited you were for this. Me too!!! And I never really had anyone to share this with, so thank you.
So happy when someone is introduced to the Punch Brothers and reacts with this enthusiasm. I've given up trying to get more people to listen! Everything they do is amazing. Thank you for gushing. It made my day. 😊
This is the most emotionally powerful song I’ve ever heard.
Yes!
just wait until you dive into the lyrics
Welcome to the Punch Brothers :) There's a whole world of material to dive into, between all of their different albums, solo albums, and other projects... I've been listening since I was 8 years old to Chris's projects, I just turned 29 today, and I still am regularly discovering material I've never heard before of them. It's a wonderful obsession!
@@rambleon33 looking forward to it!
@@NathanDowdyMedia this is the first I’ve ever heard of them. I wish somebody would have introduced me when I was 8! Got a lot of catching up to do!!
Thank you so much for reacting to the Punch Brothers. I was lucky enough to see them play this live and it was like nothing I’ve experienced. I think this is one of the most gorgeous songs written in my generation.
I LOVE your videos. Looking forward to seeing more from you.
I didn't know words could lead me to a deeper appreciation.
FINALLY!!!!!! :) :) :) :) Woo-hoo! I'm sure this will be my first watch of many. Thanks Michael!
What sets punch brothers apart from a lot of their contemporaries is that they are able to weave these parts together in a way that you almost forget where the song begins until the end. It’s a result of Chris’ influence from classical music, his incorporation of melodies from artists like Radiohead and it’s all tied together with the virtuosity of a mature bluegrass band. I honestly believe that they will be viewed in the future as one of the most influential bands of this decade and at the very least they are a unique groups which very few artists can emulate
Moving, isn’t it? Chris Thiele is truly a genius artist.
I was out for a run and realized the parallel I wanted to draw: Zappa. Both are bands of musicians who are each individually operating a plane above the "really good pro players." And in both cases, the band is led by a genius operating a plane above them, pulling the absolute best from every player. And that's why we sit with our mouths hanging open watching both bands. In a purer world, Zappa woulda gotten a MacArthur Genius award too.
Nice, you think that's good check their cover of Josh Ritter's "Another New World"
Thile and Noam are legends on their instruments at such young ages. You can find Chris Thile playing publicly as a kid and he's better than most mortal men on mando.
Another New World never fails to leave me in pieces at the end, just like the beautiful Annabelle Lee
A reaction to Josh at all would be great!
I've been lucky enough to seem Chris and PB. Changed my life.
I've seen videos where Michael is less perplexed on complex guitar patterns... This is a joy to watch!
This is so soothing. And you see their love for music all over this. This Nana is a fan! ❤️
Welcome to the Punch Brothers :) There's a whole world of material to dive into, between all of their different albums, solo albums, and other projects... I've been listening since I was 8 years old to Chris's projects, I just turned 29 today, and I still am regularly discovering material I've never heard before of them. It's a wonderful obsession! Listen to All Part of the Plan next, (the official live session they did), and then catch their latest Front Row Boston performance: some of the greatest stuff on CZcams in my opinion.
The talent in this band is truly astonishing, and I love how speechless you are in this video. You can see the realization in your face at the beginning of their performance, like "hold on, this is something special."
I’m a drummer but I love this channel. It’s great for finding out some new stuff and getting a different musician’s perspective.
The most incredible experience live. I've seen some absolutely crazy shows, but nothing compares to the intimacy of a Punch Brothers show.
Completely agreed: I play professionally, but the main reason I'm so ready for live music to return is so I can see these giants live once again.
On his masterclass back in November, Chris played this tune and then talked through his compositional thought process and all the arpeggios. Just wild to go inside the mind of a genius.
This is a perfect reaction to this video. You get the musicianship, the magic, the emotion, the beauty. The only thing you missed was the fade out after the third movement. Like, a studio quality fadeout in a live setting.
They can, and have done the full fade out live. How much space they can hold for it depends on the house. If Chris and Critter can tell the crowd gets it, between the 2 of them they work how long to let it hang before Critter steps back in. Sometimes it's fairly short, like here, other times it seems to stretch almost endlessly.
This just filled me with joy. I can’t wait to see live music again. 💓
I love the way you describe them as both "technically stringent" and "free" and "loose" and "flowing" and "breathing." That's exactly it! I could never put my finger on it, but that's the beautiful tension The Punch Brothers are able to manifest in their creative genius. :)
Love the Punch Brothers! Love the acoustic reactions! Looking forward to this one. :)
Very nice and worth the wait. This was the song I wanted you to do and I’m excited for you to delve into it deeper. You’ll really enjoy the lyrics as well. Like you said, musicianship at the highest level!
I have never clicked on a video so fast! Punch Brothers are my favorite band, you're my favorite musical commentator, I'm so so excited to see the two meet!
14 minutes in and I can already say this is one of your best reviews. This song is extraordinary.
Plain and simple, I'd like you to know that your videos and just all around appreciation for damn good songs regardless of genre make my day. THOROUGHLY appreciated. 🤘
Yeah, I remember seeing Thile live with Nickel Creek in the mid-2000s and deciding to just give up! (Nickel Creek are still my favourite band - you should do a reaction to them!)
I doubt I would have ever come across this music without your channel! Simply amazing. Thanks!
Yes! I actually shed a tear, and had goosebumps within the first 30 seconds. Incredible!
This performance was my first exposure to Punch Brothers. I knew within seconds it was going to be unlike anything I've ever heard and on a skill level I didnt know existed. I could tell by your expression right away just how impressive they are. Thank you for putting my awe into words. Subscribing. Please do more of them.
YES!! Love Punch Brothers! Saw them at the Ryman on the Familiarity tour and it was one of the best shows I've witnessed. They really are next level.
I love your comments for us to take special notice of. This group has become so special to me as a singer songwriter and your analysis has helped me see and hear the truly extraordinary musical moment’s on an precise yet loose technical level. Thanks
Ooooh boy I’ve been waiting for this one. Gonna have to come back and watch it when I get home ASAP!
Phantasy! I had to sneak and watch it at work! Haha!
Was able to see the Punch Brothers open for Paul Simon in Kansas City several years back. What a great night of music! I appreciate your appreciation for music and how you convey extraordinary moments like this.
They are so full of brilliant surprises! Love watching them, hearing them. But have never seen them live. Got to!
It’s so other-worldly it literally takes my breath away.
I like when you said look how much he loves it. Yeah you can see it.
I was at this show, I’ve seen them before this in smaller places (and also Thile and Daves). They are such an otherworldly ensemble. You can’t help but be moved emotionally and physically to see them live. So inspirational and wonderful to witness their camaraderie.
One of the biggest losses from Covid is the Live From Here series. I wanted desperately to get to one of the live shows before they had to stop in 2020. Chris Thile and Punch Brothers and everyone he brought to the shows to perform always created magic. I'm glad to have gotten to hear the recordings of the performances as short lived as the series was and I sincerely hope it is able to come back one day.
This video made me cry, incredibly moving! Thanks so much.
Punch brothers, ween, king gizzard! You're hitting all the right spots for me. This is a really great channel you've got here. What you said about their love for their craft oozing out, I think the same can be said about your youtube videos! All the love, all the power
Yes! I’m so happy you reacted to this song in particular (my favorite track of theirs). It really captures their musical complexity, beyond what I expected what a group with bluegrass instruments would do (if that makes sense). Very creative group of musicians.
Got to see them live the first time this year at Chautauqua…..Fabulous!!!!
I've been requesting this for so long, I'm just seeing this, instant thumbs up
My friends, if you're not familiar with Punch Brothers, you really have some listening to do 👌 absolutely top-tier musicians. Ridiculously good
World class act. They sound perfect live. If you ever get a chance to see them, they will not disappoint.
Thank you for getting to the Punch brothers!!!
So glad this got reccomend. One of the best songs ever.
truly a pleasure to watch you experiencing the magic of this song for the first time, and you pointed out some things i hadn’t noticed in my first thirty or forty listens - thanks!
JUst like u...I get tears of joy when I experience the Punch Bros.... it is the knowingness that you are in the company of true artistic genius. The creativity and innovative-ness is sometimes just too much to bear... I sit and say to myself that this can't be...no one can do this lol. His work with them and so much other he has done may not ever be approached again.
I want to say brother that I watch your channel not to learn how to play ( I do what I do within my own thing and learn as I go ) but it's your humanity and love and passion is why I am here. What you bring to me as you watch and try your best to understand and then to share is what makes this one of the best of it's kind on the internet. Thank you!!
Michael, this is so cool. Punch Brothers are simply an amazing band, and it's so fun to see you gobsmacked :)
Classical masterpiece level for sure.
Solid review and analysis. Punch Bros are other Worldly. Thanks for giving them the love and respect they deserve.
You’ve got to check out them covering The Cars “Just What I Needed”! It’s killer and the banjo trills in it are incredible.
This video was awesome. Thx, Mike.
This might be my all time favorite song. Just beautiful. Thank you.
Welcome to the Punch Brothers :) There's a whole world of material to dive into, between all of their different albums, solo albums, and other projects... I've been listening since I was 8 years old to Chris's projects, I just turned 29 today, and I still am regularly discovering material I've never heard before of them. It's a wonderful obsession! Listen to All Part of the Plan next, (the official live session they did), and then catch their latest Front Row Boston performance: some of the greatest stuff on CZcams in my opinion.
So glad you’ve looked at a Punch brothers song.