Yes, he has. And he showed off how in a guest-packed Baltimore show
Billy Strings came on stage at exactly 8 pm inside Baltimore’s CFG Bank Arena for the second of two marathon concerts.
The incredible musicians started with the infectious “Leaning On a Traveling Song.” A pure bluegrass number, it had the young-ish leaning crowd jumping in the GA Pit. Featured singer Lindsay Lou harmonized live, just as she had on the recording. Next came the first instrumental of the night, “Escanaba.”
By the third song, the screens opened up and drummer Butch Trucks emerged behind a full drum kit for a rocking “Gild the Lily,” off of Strings’ latest album, Highway Prayers. Trucks stayed for a thundering “Seven Weeks in County.”
Other guests at this special show included Sierra Hull, Duane Trucks, the most famous dobro player on the planet, Jerry Douglas, and Tim Blake Nelson from O Brother, Where Art Though who sang lead on “Act Naturally” and a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Ain’t No More Cane.” That Strings can pull this kind of musical star power at just 32 years old is a testament to the authenticity of his artistry, and his love for the genre.
And his fans love the music too. Billy Strings has done for bluegrass what Randy Travis did for country music nearly 40 years ago: turned the genre on its head, while staying true to tradition, and broadening its audience at the same time.
Over the last decade, bluegrass has gone from being perceived as the music of the poor and downtrodden to a genre beloved by the working class. As “bro country” took over the airwaves, bluegrass and Americana stepped in to fill the void. Enter Strings, Tyler Childers, and Zach Bryan. All pack them in by the tens of thousands without major radio hits.
Strings performed the solo “Catch & Release” before Douglas joined him with the band in tow for “Be Your Man.” The first act, a playthrough of the new record from beginning to end, concluded with a beautiful a cappella “Richard Petty.”
Of particular note from the Highway Prayers deep cuts was “Morbud4me,” an ode to Mary Jane. Strings started the number by live-looping himself blowing into a bong. Even after more than 400 concerts, there’s still a first time for everything for this reporter!
The second act began with the appropriate “Baltimore Johnny,” which again featured Sierra Hull on mandolin. Jerry Douglas popped up for “Midnight on the Stormy Deep.”
Singer Rachel Davis took the lead on “Can’t Let Go.” The group shredded on Led Zeppelin’s “Nobody’s Fault But Mine,” with guest vocalist Vince Herman. I could go on and on, describing how each number became more awesome than the last. Other covers included Jimi Hendrix’s “Hey Joe,” Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid,” and Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down A Dream,” among others.
For Strings, it’s all about the sanctity of the song. Wearing overalls and a cap that cast a contemplative shadow over his brow, the star, his band, and his rapt fans, disappear masterfully into Billy Strings’ music.
That mastery on stage must be experienced without expectation, but with the anticipation that somehow a few strings on some carved wood will create a night of magic.
