Billy Strings and Don Julin - 'Little Maggie' ::: Second Story Garage

Billy Strings and Don Julin perform "Little Maggie" during their Second Story Garage session the Boulder Daily Camera studio.
www.secondstorygarage.com
We at Second Story Garage hadn't heard of Billy Strings and Don Julin a month before they arrived at the studio. A local source gave us a tip that this bluegrass duo from Traverse City, Mich., would be in town and that we should check them out, if we know what's good for us. We're glad we took the advice.
Strings is 21 years old, but he comes fully formed. He can flat-pick guitar with the best anywhere, and he sings as if he has lived every word. Julin wrote the book on mandolin playing - literally. He's the author of the best-selling "Mandolin For Dummies." Together, Strings and Julin put together a sound that's textbook awesome.
One of the songs the duo played for us, "Little Maggie," is a bluegrass standard. Listen to how the two musicians mine the old material for pockets of emotion (especially through the closing chorus). They also played two of their own - "Dust in a Baggie," about a friend who went to jail for meth, and "Fiddle Tune X," an instrumental exhibition of their chops. And their interview with Quentin, was entertaining, as well.
We have a hunch Billy Strings and Don Julin soon will become familiar to many more music fans outside their home state of Michigan. Check out these videos and you'll understand why.
What they brought us: A signed lighter, and a caricature Billy Strings drew of himself while in the Garage.
Billy Strings and Don Julin perform "Little Maggie" at the SecondStoryGarage.com studio in Boulder, Colo.: secondstorygara...
Billy Strings and Don Julin perform "Dust in a Baggie" at the SecondStoryGarage.com studio in Boulder, Colo.: secondstorygara...
Billy Strings and Don Julin perform "Fiddle Tune X" at the SecondStoryGarage.com studio in Boulder, Colo.: secondstorygara...
Billy Strings and Don Julin sit down for an interview with SecondStoryGarage.com host Quentin Young in the studio in Boulder, Colo.: secondstorygara...
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[@juanblackwell8801]

When you watch something that is this caliber of musician and there's people that give it a thumbs down you know those people are either extremely jealous or know nothing about music.. LOL

[@Upstreamprovider]

43 absolute f***wits, so far!

[@vonkunstfreiheitgedeckt]

or they're just trumpists. shit's just shit.

[@alohanow-lowkey]

There is no thumbs down for virtuosos unless you're not hip to the style of music! SHAME! "The mind is like a parachute. It only works when it's open"-Frank Zappa

[@vernonharris1495]

Well. There go. None better than these two.

[@pineynation]

get you someone that looks at you the way billy looks at don

[@adnacraigo6590]

Dang! That was good.

[@Jennozen1]

Wow.

[@davidbondurant8859]

Thats BAD ASS!

[@heathcanady4495]

Little Maggie is blushing as Bad as she was listening to this bad Ass rendition… Effing perfect and bad ass in every way🥲👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼

[@nathanyork59]

Legend has it they had to call the fire department before recording started just to have them on stand by in case these two burned down the place.

[@alohanow-lowkey]

😂

[@frankierays]

These guys don’t just play… they are this music. Thank you.

[@ethangracing]

Can’t get over how good they are. Highest form of music

[@glennmeyer4539]

As good as it gets

[@IExertio]

Don Julin 🔥

[@georgecrowe1887]

this is just the absolute best on so many levels, Dons mandolin playing is beyond perfect, this is one of the few times I have watched a mandolin playing so into to the tune there were points it was so alive it was almost flying out of Dons hands.......pure magic

[@louisematheson5655]

No comment

[@wrubhunts]

This song is absolutely nuts. Gives me the chills! Every once in awhile you see Bill or Don looking up at each other with that smirk.....

[@quantuseagle1920]

It's a dueling thing. These guys were called from the universe and have no limits on stringed instruments. Very little rehearsal. They just go with it.

[@DemonratPoison]

We should all be grateful that Billy focused his energy on music instead something like... serial killing for instance.

[@maidenrulz73]

Lmfao .... He’d be a fucking monster that’s for sure

[@zirconarmadillo]

Yeah, nope. I don't see Billy Strings doing very well as a serial killer. Watch some of his interviews, lol...

[@ericmatteson8888]

like a strong shot out of Granny's "medicine" bottle!

[@shyfatigue]

Well damn... I guess I can go ahead and burn my guitar should I need to stay warm. 🤣

[@Invisiblefence1]

Holy smoke those boys can pick

[@IExertio]

Insane

[@HankleburyTV]

A stunning musical performance nearly ruined by hyperactive video editing. Seriously, folks--it's OKAY to linger on a camera angle for more than 0.67 seconds!

[@Secondstorygaragestudio]

Hank Tilbury Sorry to disappoint Hank. These guys are truly amazing.

[@HankleburyTV]

***** I'm sorry for the overly-harsh criticism. I realize fast-cut editing is okay with most people. And I forgot to mention that the audio production is excellent.

[@woodythekid73]

Hank Tilbury I agree! This stroboscopic effect hurt the whole project! It's a shame!

[@vinyltone4970]

Not overly harsh at all. After the first minute I scrolled away from the screen so I could just listen to the music without the visual sensory overload getting in the way of my enjoyment.

[@HikingTheSonora]

It's bad hahahahah

[@gayabele4]

Saw these two, and their base player, at Cafe Lena a few years ago. Never heard better, Don's playing is outstanding.

[@alohanow-lowkey]

Imagine Don was a jazz guitar player. So glad he's playin mandolin....and love that his buddy faked a gibson f-style mandolin! 👍😂🤙❤️

[@adammiddaugh8973]

Absolute fire 🔥

[@KennethWilliamElkington]

Yeah.... played this like 100 times... but gotta keep comin' back and ride this train. Just love the build in Julin's mando solo... among the best i've heard, with Billy layin' down string-steel rails.

[@baseballmichaeljordanmcdonalds]

That mandolin solo is absolutely insane. I've never heard anything like it.

[@KennethWilliamElkington]

@@baseballmichaeljordanmcdonalds Yep Sam, among the best... ev-ah! When I first heard it, I thought Billy's solo was the pinnacle... until the hand-off to Don, and yeah, it just flew up to the stratosphere.

[@baseballmichaeljordanmcdonalds]

@@KennethWilliamElkington it's so smooth too. You can tell they really connect as musicians. It's cool to see two dudes that far apart in age connect on this level. No offense Don.

[@KennethWilliamElkington]

@@baseballmichaeljordanmcdonalds Indeed Sam, quite a "special" connection... in the ethereal realm of music.

[@walterhermann]

Yeah and gotta love he's playin a mandolin his buddy built, notta gibson!....

[@tonyamero8574]

I listen to this just about everyday. What can one say? They’re both so good , it almost is impossible what they do

[@goldensleeves]

Sounds GREAT! Wish the cameras wouldn't try to make it "fancy" with the constant switching. Unlike most music these days, this is exciting already. No need to switch the cameras constantly to keep the audience interested. Beautiful playing. Thanks for sharing!

[@StoryCrafters]

I bet those boys missed the live audience vibe - here's a playlist with some full live concerts to show you what I mean - kzbin.info/aero/PLnKQNLNf4RmoNxit8i8sEKsOqkNUoXTLQ

[@tonykidd6131]

My favourite Billy & Don performance. Raw unadulterated Bluegrass at its best.

[@sharonanderson8375]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@danielmurphy841]

They shine the most when they play together

[@kcalhoun32]

This is the best bluegrass I've heard in years. Raw and authentic, but played and sung with virtuosity and unreal intensity. I am blown away....!

[@jackieweems3063]

Never seen anything like him. Love him.

[@TheJSW047991]

I've never wanted to party so hard to folk music in my life

[@KennethWilliamElkington]

Just the best Little Maggie... um, ever. Billy the Incredible and Dapper Don, just killed! Buckle up kids, and ride this Sonic Tsunami!

[@minwifeof4boys]

still wish you all were still together...I miss the old Billy

[@stevelamb8455]

Don is so damn good, and billy is unreal!

[@JESSEverything]

This song gives me goosebumps.

[@MichaelElmore03]

Doesn't get old. These two are the REAL deal.

[@jakesevits9090]

I love how at 0:29 Don looks over to make sure Billy isn't about to pass out

[@Rebel-Rouser]

This is the best clip of them together... so killer.

[@recordingblue]

I love the way he attacks the mic for the last few seconds

[@ClyDIley]

HOT DAMN!!!

[@cadeknowles3028]

This is one of the best versions of this song 🔥🔥🔥

[@ericmatteson8888]

I am going to see Billy at the Telluride Bluegrass festival this summer . . .I double dare him to hold that note at 10,000 feet and not pass out. . .Good luck Billy!. . LOL

[@KennethWilliamElkington]

NEVER get tired o' listening... ya can't touch it - pure magic.. Julin's break is killer.. (LIKE the vid ed - matches the high energy (;->) )

[@Sound_Groove_of_America]

Don Julio!

[@bluto212]

A Beast

[@stanwilliamson2812]

Need a warning that the video editing might induce an epileptic seizure, however the musicianship is unmatched. Excellent performance.

[@buildinit6523]

you can TELL BY THE EARS THIS DUDE WAS A STONER TURNED COUNTRY MUSICIAN

[@allensandven0]

Buil Dinit , who are we to judge this young man can pick like no one I’ve heard in a long time if ever ! Besides that’s profiling based on his bluegrass religion ! It will save your soul ! 😎

[@rebeccaherron3789]

Buil u r not nice

[@markedwards1557]

IDK I just like the music 🎶🎶

[@donaldcarlson-dr8tw]

FREAKIN AWESOME !

[@AnonYmous-ii4tc]

Saw these guys in Bellaire, MI. Wow. The later the night gets, that better the show gets. Simply amazing...

[@Secondstorygaragestudio]

Thanks for the share. Yeah these guys are great. Would love to get them back in the studio.

[@mpgraf]

***** i've seen him play pretty hung over too! doesn't phase him!

[@williamapostol9946]

***** Let's do it again before RockyGrass!

[@fiveeyes2802]

These boys are getting it!

[@randyhaight7202]

This video editing has a psychotic quality to it. Also, what the fuck is up with Billy's ear? But that ending is the most intense one I've ever seen.

[@GreenCanvasInteriorscape]

That ear... Wtf?

[@austinerrl5287]

Gauges

[@brianthompson5521]

Billy and Don both tore it up!!!

[@ladyofthewoods2448]

Billy was in metal band maybe was at this time ... bluegrass is high energy like metal ... he’s quite a talent ... 2014. Now 2019 he’s well on his way he wore out that guitar there’s video shows him getting new one he’s worked hard . I’m big fan Play on Billy

[@RichardBPOliver]

Brilliant! I could listen to these guys all night!

[@sniffableandirresistble]

how excellent is this!!! another strike from the youtube goldmine

[@samuelelder9434]

Uuuhhhh Shhiiiit

[@heathcanady4495]

Love me some Don… so in to every note💯👊🏼

[@dv8740]

Lord bless these angels. My head hurts trying to comprehend how insanely amazing this is. Got emotional listening.

[@caseyorf5375]

Fantastic! How could anyone give this a thumbs down! Keep up the good work!

[@lroper7793]

At the end of the video I fell of my couch! Man that was how you SMOKE EM STRAANGS!!!!! Great job.

[@allensandven0]

L Roper yea I pissed my self

[@icewaterslim7260]

How do I stop binge playing this?

[@cubswin60611]

Saw Billy Strings 3/20/16, opening for David Grisman. Heck of a double bill! Billy was great! Highly recommend....

[@MDSmith1979]

Sweet Jesus…….

[@alohanow-lowkey]

One of thee very best Bluegrass tunes ever recorded and especially by these 2 who were obviously meant to play together! Mucho Mahalo Brothers! Never looked up Don's jazz guitar playing but prefer mandolin anyway! BTW, love that your Buddy faked a gibson f-style!😂👍🎶❤️🤙

[@d25615]

All of that was very impressive

[@erichmossner5885]

straight fire right there

[@kubel83]

Really well played gentlemens

[@estellepatella2520]

I love Billy's voice. And he's a darn fine guitar player. Love that mandolin playing, Don.

[@tforsell]

Phenomenal performance... again!

[@paulfenton7776]

Awesome

[@Matt_MetalStuff]

God fucking damnit. I started learning bluegrass listening to Billy but I doubt I will ever reach his ability! I'm trying his version of Brown's Ferry Blues which I'm going to upload soon but damn.... He is a fucking genius I can't contain my excitement after watching this performance

[@grannyrock10]

great to see awesome new pickers, there is still hope for mankind

[@martindenhaan9662]

fantastic !

[@lisafofisa2028]

Just damn. wow, loving this so much ..... fire

[@soundmethod]

Holy Shit !

[@brucel1185]

Damn. Ralph on speed. Great stuff!

[@russclark6780]

That boy can render...

[@parsnip2699]

Damn.

[@TheDutch231]

Powerful Billy Strings

[@multitoolish]

HOT DAMN SON, I BELIEVE YOU DID SELL YOUR SOUL TO THE DEVIL!!!!!

[@SixxxStringSultan]

Damnit boy, if they don't quit pickin' at it like that, it ain't ever gonna heal!!!

[@trobmj1]

That you Townes?

[@danielbisson8032]

LOVE THIS GUY GREAT TALENT

[@TimGreigPhotography]

Fabulous playing. Annoying editing video wise...

[@attnMoFo]

They could have just fixed the camera in one spot in front of them and that would have been amazing. I don't need help visually to enjoy these two.

[@MichaelLewis-ps8ei]

Agreed, everybody’s got to do the two second cuts now makes you freaking dizzy

[@Mickamo]

Lol yea wtf are all these cuts hahaha

[@jfkesq]

great playing and singin". so darn good.......

[@KG-vi2mv]

One of the nicest versions I've heard

[@ronleccese8678]

Holy moly!! Awesome.

[@chig9357]

wonderful,wow!

[@flatpicker75]

Has anyone commented on the hyperactive editing yet? Love the music, but get seasick watching the vid.

[@barmandala]

flatpicker75 messed up

[@ysteinMikalsen]

Wonder if green shirt guy did the editing?

[@kathygagnon1366]

They were amazing this week at Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids MI. Love the adding of the bass to the group. Talent .

[@Appalachained]

Wow!

[@djangobevis914]

Goddamn

[@cherimolina2121]

I think billy's momma gave birth to a guitar. Billy eventually crawled out of that! He's a part of it!

[@ATStrategies]

Never get tired of you guys. Damn.

[@jacquieauch1851]

Just sooooo gooooood!!!!!

[@ladyofthewoods2448]

Bravo 👏

[@chuckkhubbard610]

Maybe go a little easy on the rapid-fire camera cuts. Is it really necessary to change cameras every second with just 2 guys playing?

[@PX_Kev]

Brilliant lads!

[@hamstersniffer]

Wow, in a time when that great nasal Appalachian sound is disappearing, this young man comes along sounding a wee bit like a Kentuckian. I'd like to know where he's from. And they sure do smoke it on the strings!

[@Secondstorygaragestudio]

Great comment. I agree, he's got a very authentic sound. He's from Michigan- watch the interview! Billy Strings and Don Julin Second Story Garage Interview

[@jeremiahguy32]

He's from Michigan which oddly enough is very similar in culture to the hollers in Appalachia

[@praisegod.jesusislord.256]

Man you guy rock!

[@deweybowser796]

Wow .. Right on Billy .. Thought i could play guitar after 43 of playing my Martin.. I better go practice some more keep up with you Guys,, Lol .. Keep good music coming Guys,, Thumbs up

[@joesmithrocksdetroit]

Go boys go!