Watch How To Grow A Band

How To Grow A Band is a documentary that follows the formation and growth of the band The Goat Rodeo Sessions, featuring world-renowned bluegrass musicians Jerry Douglas, Chris Thile, Stuart Duncan, and Edgar Meyer. The film chronicles the unique collaboration between these virtuosic musicians, as they blend their diverse backgrounds and musical styles to create a new sound that pushes the boundaries of bluegrass and classical music.

The film opens with Jerry Douglas, a master of the resonator guitar, reflecting on his long career in the music industry and his desire to start a new project that would challenge him creatively. He recruits Chris Eldridge, a skilled guitarist and member of the Punch Brothers, to join him in forming a new band. Together, they assemble an outstanding group of musicians, including fiddler Stuart Duncan and bassist Edgar Meyer, to create The Goat Rodeo Sessions.

As the band begins to work together, the film delves into the creative process of how these musicians collaborate and arrange their songs. They discuss the challenges of blending bluegrass, classical, and jazz influences, and how they work together to find new ways to push their music forward. Through interviews and rehearsal footage, the audience watches as each musician contributes their unique voice to the band's sound. Their individuality is evident in every note, but it is the group's chemistry that makes their music truly special.

The film also explores the complexities of recording and performing together. The bandmembers discuss the challenges of recording live in the studio, where small mistakes can derail an entire take. They also talk about how they adapt their playing to the needs of a live audience, and how their music can be transformed by the acoustics of different venues. Throughout the film, the audience hears snippets of their music, highlighting the unique combination of technical virtuosity and emotional depth that defines The Goat Rodeo Sessions.

The film is not just about their music but also about the bonds that form between the bandmembers. Through candid interviews, they discuss the joy and challenges of working together, and how their friendships have grown as they’ve played music together. They also open up about their fears and insecurities, revealing the personal struggles that have shaped their lives and their music. By the end of the film, the audience is fully invested in these musicians, both as talented artists and as human beings.

One of the standout moments in the film is the band's performance at the Bonnaroo Music Festival, which highlights the joy and energy of their live performances. The audience sees the excitement and nerves leading up to the show and then the exhilaration of taking the stage in front of thousands of fans. The band is clearly having fun playing together, and the audience is swept up in their energy.

Overall, How To Grow A Band is an outstanding documentary that showcases the artistry and creativity of The Goat Rodeo Sessions. It is a celebration of the magic that can happen when talented musicians come together to make music that transcends genre and defies expectations. The film is beautifully shot and edited, capturing both the technical precision of their performances and the emotional resonance of their music. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves music and appreciates the power of collaboration.

How To Grow A Band is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 57.