Review: Chris Thile sings about faith, doubt and community

On his new solo album, Chris Thile contemplates being alone

Chris Thile, "Laysongs” (Nonesuch) On his new solo album, Chris Thile contemplates being alone. The theme is God, as Thile — armed only with his mighty mandolin and his experience as a lapsed fundamentalist — takes on the topics of faith, doubt, community and isolation. Thile has long pushed musical boundaries as a member of Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers, and in projects with such fellow virtuosos as Yo-Yo Ma and jazz pianist Brad Mehldau. But “Laysongs” falls into a different category.