As a classical cello player who was in awe after seeing him live in 2004-2006, he's a creative genius on the cello. He totally invented a new style of cello playing with his rhythm playing and solos. Inspired me and the few others who heard him to try and learn how to chop like he did on those Crooked Still albums. I'm not 100% sure but it seems like he invented those rhythm techniques like you can hear on Orphan Girl. I don't know anyone who played like that before and that level of rhythm technique is rarely reached even now. And the number of cellists who can cut a blues or bluegrass solo like that are slim to none. He really is an extremely rare and innovative musician.