Mandolinist Chris Thile Picks D’addario
D’Addario, the world’s premier music accessory manufacturer, is proud to officially welcome GRAMMY® Award winning musician, Chris Thile, to its distinguished roster of artists.
“It’s an honor to have the legendary Chris Thile on board with us,” declares Marco Soccoli, Director of Artist Relations at D’Addario. “To be the string of choice for such an innovative and inspiring player is what we aim for, and we are proud to be along for his musical journey.”
Since he first appeared on the scene, Chris Thile has redefined what a truly gifted musician can do with a mandolin. From traditional Monroe-flavored Bluegrass, to sophisticated Newgrass to delicate performances of J.S. Bach pieces, Thile’s mastery of his instrument sets a high bar for all who follow. For over 15 years, Thile played with his wildly popular band, Nickel Creek, with whom he released three albums, sold two million records, and was awarded a GRAMMY® in 2002. Recently, Nonesuch Records released the GRAMMY–nominated Sleep with One Eye Open, an inspired collaboration/conversation between Thile and guitarist Michael Daves, in which the upstart duo acknowledges the history and tradition of bluegrass while exuberantly defying convention.
Thile also recently collaborated with Yo-Yo Ma for The Goat Rodeo Sessions and won a 2013 GRAMMY Award for his work with the legendary cellist in the categories of Best Folk Album and Best Engineered Album-Non Classical. As a soloist, he has released four albums, with a new album to hit streets on August 6, 2013 entitled Bach Sonatas and Partitas, Vol. 1.
In addition, Thile has performed and recorded extensively as a duo with double bass virtuoso, Edgar Meyer, and with fellow D’Addario artist Mike Marshall. He has also collaborated with a diverse mix of musical innovators including Bela Fleck, Dolly Parton, the Dixie Chicks, Brad Mehldau, Hilary Hahn, and Gabe Kahane. In February 2012, Punch Brothers released their new album, Who’s Feeling Young Now? on Nonesuch Records. Thile’s Carnegie Hall performances include a performance with Punch Brothers in 2009 and the New York premiere of his four-movement suite “The Blind Leaving the Blind” in 2007.
Thile plays D’Addario EXP75 and EXP74 mandolin strings and says, “D’Addario mandolin strings have long been the standard bearer of tone and playability.”
D’Addario has been dedicated to taking music performance to the next level for over five decades. The company looks forward to partnering with Chris Thile as he inspires others to higher levels of creativity.
For more information on Thile, please visit www.punchbrothers.com; for more information on D’Addario, please visit www.daddario.com.
