The latest episode of “The Roundup”, a newly established weekly livestream series from Rounder Records hosted by alt-country singer-songwriter Otis Gibbs, featured bluegrass marvel Billy Strings performing an intimate solo acoustic set from his dining room on April 19th.
Armed with a new Preston Thompson OM (Orchestra Model) guitar, the talented musician opened the five-song twenty-minute set with a trio of originals – “Taking Water”, “Thirst Mutilator”, and the fan-favorite “Dust in a Baggie” – all of which flawlessly segued into each other without a break in the action. A quick hello from Billy preceded a set-closing pair of traditional covers, including “There’s More Pretty Girls Than One” as well as Strings switching to the 5-string banjo for a moving take on the bluegrass classic “Reuben’s Train” which, appropriately enough, was recorded by Doc Watson on his album Tradition, released in 1977 by Rounder Records. “The Roundup” returns for it’s third episode next week featuring Sierra Ferell.
Setlist: Taking Water->Thirst Mutilator->Dust in a Baggie, There’s More Pretty Girls Than One, Reuben’s Train* (Billy on 5-string banjo)
Watch archival footage of Billy String’s “The Roundup” set here:
