How to Grow a Band

This is the story of Punch Brothers' tour of their first album "Punch", a ground-breaking work that includes a 40+ minute "string quintet" in 4 movements called "The Blind Leaving the Blind". In my opinion, this is one of the greatest compositions in the history of American music and the opportunity to see it unveiled to the public is a treasure. The film centers on Chris Thile, a mandolin child prodigy now come into his own as a composer and band leader, as he struggles with how the piece will be received. It also focuses on the challenges of forming and nurturing a band comprised of fellow prodigies turned virtuosos in their own rights. Each member of the band is arguably the greatest player of their instrument in their generation. But Punch Brothers is no all-star jam session, nor is it "Chris Thile and Friends"- it is a band with a voice and life of its own. If you are a music lover, this film is not to be missed, as it offers something that history rarely affords--the opportunity to follow along like a fly on the wall as truly epoch-making art is unveiled to the public. I first saw Punch Brothers in Chicago in 2007. As they began playing "The Blind Leaving the Blind", my jaw dropped at the sheer brilliance of the piece and the audacity of what ostensibly appears to be a bluegrass band performing music that may very well be studied in conservatories 200 years from now. More than half a decade later, I am still amazed by the piece and the album, and I'm grateful for the insights that this film affords to fans of this truly great band.

pretty good

Brilliant. Period.,