The phenomena that is Billy Strings rode into Birmingham for the last date of his latest European venture. There is a lot more to come from this prodigious talent, so expect him to grace some pretty big events this side of the pond as he courts parts few of his contemporaries can reach. All the ingredients are in place for a seismic show. Authenticity drips out of this premium picker, whether flaying the frets or exposing a deep rural drawl. Lining up your band with top exponents of mandolin, stand up bass, banjo and fiddle is a bluegrass dream. Allowing each one to systematically own their space is a credit to adept band leadership. If you love the sound of these four instruments plus virtuoso lead guitar, then absorbing a Billy Strings show is a heaven sent opportunity to bring your musical desires to life. Therein lies the big but.
It doesn't take long in a Billy Strings show for the newly fangled terms 'psyche grass' and 'blue jazz' to take hold. You sense something different evolving sparking a wider reaction from alternative planes. The music enters a slightly psychedelic state with prolonged instrumentals condemning the 'less is more' mantra to the bin. You look round and witness engrossed converts, or disciples, mesmerised in an intoxicated way. Then it clicks, you are immersed in a roots rave.
Billy Strings' shows easily sail past the two hours. We were approaching the 70-minute mark when proceedings were halted. I'm not quite sure who needed the break most - the audience or overworked band. Although the online posted setlist cited the opposite, it felt like no more than half a dozen tunes filling a time that was a touch overwhelming from an initially preferred close proximity. Vocal interludes seemed rare in the first half, but when appearing they induced widespread whoops and the odd relief.
To gain perspective the second set was observed from further back and proceeded in slightly more song-based territory before the trance-like channels were dived into again. At this point the mind races through all the glorious moments of mandolin, banjo and fiddle defining a love for country, bluegrass and Americana music with a traditional sheen. The key is delivery. All the talent in the world can tot up, but there needs a prescribed mechanism for connection. To a large degree the connection is working as evidenced by the huge following. Evolution throws up many questions, and this evening more than most.
Apart from feeling detached on many fronts, some sense was made by concluding that the music was more from the head and the hand than the heart and the soul. The dynamics of the presentation were quite clinical where the more enjoyable shows have a warmer presence.
Perhaps the parameters of Billy Strings interaction need re-drawing. You can only imagine how invigorating a headline set at a festival would be when placed amongst a host of vaguely similar contemporary styles. On another hand, the festivals he plays might be in a different realm. Maybe the sole extensive investment in a single show proved a step too far, although an important step to make in a lengthy passion exploring American roots music in its many forms.
The soaring pace of Billy Strings growth is set to continue. A rich seam is tapped into ensuring the ride taking old time music into the future is aligned to modern trends.
Let's finish by hailing the talent and the prominence of instruments kind to the soul. An evening with an unexpected twist in reflection and an insightful learning curve.
Onto the next show.
