Chris Thile (Punch Brothers, Nickel Creek) joins us this week’s Fretboard Journal Podcast for an introspective talk about the making of Laysongs, his new solo album. It’s a project that has the groundbreaking composer/mandolinist meditating on themes of organized religion, god and church (he even recorded the project in a former Hudson, NY church). During out chat, we talk about the compositions found on the album, his vocal technique, Live From Here, and why even Lloyd Loar-signed Gibson F-5 mandolins aren’t perfect as-is. It’s a fun and insightful conversation with one of our favorite musicians.

Originally recorded May 13, 2021 for the FJ‘s 48th issue.

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Don’t forget, we now host an entire family of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

Extra thanks to Calton Cases and Martin Guitars for sponsoring all that we do.