Paul Kowert (Hawktail/Punch Brothers) interview

Paul Kowert (Hawktail/Punch Brothers) interview

Author: Matt Hutchinson September 7, 2022 Duration: 1:05:07

My guest this week is Paul Kowert, bassist with Punch Brothers and Hawktail.

Paul joins me to chat about Hawktail's wonderful new record 'Place of Growth', how the band came together, why they decided to record an album designed to be listened to in one sitting and some of the music and musicians that had a profound effect on him, including Edgar Meyer, Bela Fleck, Väsen and his Punch Brothers bandmate Chris Thile.

You can find out more about Hawktail and the new record at the Padiddle Records website and also get updates via Hawktail's Instagram and Paul's own Instagram

There's also a really cool series of Padiddle Spotlight videos, where all four members of Hawktail discuss a track off the new record each. They're well worth a watch.

I love this record and I loved having the chance to chat to Paul about it. Hope you enjoy our conversation too!

Happy picking.
Matt


Support the show

===

Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)


Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins

- Sign up to get updates on new episodes

- Free fiddle tune chord sheets

- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews

- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates:

- Review us on Apple Podcasts


Hosted by Matt Hutchinson, Bluegrass Jam Along is an IBMA Award-winning conversation that feels like pulling up a chair in the middle of a lively, expert picking session. It’s built for anyone with an ear for the intricate stories and sounds of bluegrass and old-time music, going far beyond just the recordings. Each episode brings thoughtful interviews with the people who shape the scene, from legendary performers like Alison Krauss and David Grisman to the skilled instrument makers and writers whose work forms the foundation. You’ll hear from voices such as Sierra Hull, Tim O’Brien, Jerry Douglas, and Sarah Jarosz, discussing craft, history, and the personal journeys behind the music. Alongside these deep conversations, the podcast weaves in updates on new releases and notable news, keeping you connected to the evolving string band world. The result is a rich, weekly listen that offers both education and genuine camaraderie, mirroring the collaborative heart of a jam itself. Tune in to this podcast for an authentic and engaging exploration of the music, hosted by someone deeply embedded in its community.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 516

Bluegrass Jam Along
Podcast Episodes
Bluegrass Briefing - March 31st 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:56
Welcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and Announcements (Church Stree…
Sierra Hull - A Tiptoe High Wire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:45
My guest this week is Sierra Hull.Sierra has been a guest on the podcast twice before and both times we chatted about an ongoing project she's been working on since her last record 25 Trips. That project eventually becam…
David Grisman - Celebrating 35 Years of Acoustic Disc [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:43
My guest this week is a legend of American string band music.When David Grisman raised his middle finger to MCA Records, after being dropped for failing to meet arbitrary sales targets, he couldn't have known it would sp…
Bluegrass Briefing - March 10th 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:38
Welcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.Pod NewsBluegrass Jam Along guests o…
Bluegrass Briefing - March 3rd 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:58
Welcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.Pod NewsDoc Watson 100th birthday ep…
Bluegrass Briefing - February 24th 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:00
Welcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.Pod NewsBluegrass Jam Along guests o…
Jake Workman on 9 years with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:14
My guest this week is guitarist Jake Workman. Jake joins me to talk about his recently ended 9 year run with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, including a great story about how he got the gig, what he learned from playi…
Bluegrass Briefing - February 17th 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:20
Welcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and Announcements (Church Stree…