very true, 'best' is a tricky subject.
that said, its like saying that the 100 meter gold medal was up for debate in Beijing. Not really the case. Thile by a long shot.
anyhow...
is 'matt comptom' actually mike compton? if so, he's fantastic. his playing on shawn camp's "Live at the Station In' is wonderful.
I could listen to Adam Steffey's tone all day.
wow this is fun.
Hey I did it from memory, I screwed up Compton's name. Sorry Mike
As Matt said there is many intangibles in music. I have my issues with Thile's song selection and way he approaches music. I feel like I am watching a man at work, which I am. But do you feel that watching Sam Bush? Technical skill is just a one factor in bluegrass music, it's not classical. There are many who do it very well, the key for my favorites is who serves the music the best. Good musicians are slaves of the music. You don't force it, you let it in.
Today I am diggin' Shawn Lane's work on the last Blue Highway album. Great songs, great feel for the music, great pickin'. Could listen to it all day. No he's not Thile. But Thile isn't Shawn Lane. This album wouldn't be the same without him. Or listen to Mike Henderson on the Steeldrivers CD. Some nice work there too!
Listening to:
Blue Highway - Through the Window of a Train
Author