Tony Trischka is widely regarded as the consummate banjo artist and perhaps the most influential banjo player in the roots music world. For more than 50 years, his playing has inspired generations of bluegrass and acoustic musicians, showcasing the many voices he has brought to the instrument.
Tony will be honoring the music of Earl Scruggs, the pioneer of the three-finger banjo style and one of the most important musicians in bluegrass—and, in Tony’s opinion, in any genre.
Trischka recently acquired extremely rare recordings of jam sessions with Scruggs and John Hartford. He has transcribed and recorded Scruggs’s note-for-note solos from many of these sessions, including songs Earl never recorded.
An album featuring this music is currently in production with a new label founded by some of the creators of Rounder Records. The album will also feature several bluegrass luminaries.
Alongside his ace band—Michael Daves on vocals and guitar, fiddler Alex Hargreaves, and bassist Jared Engel—Tony will trace Scruggs's story from his childhood to his final years. This show, which debuted at Joe’s Pub in New York City, has already garnered significant interest, including an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry—a rarity for a banjo player these days.
“Earl is my North Star, a lifelong pathway. And I’m not alone,” says Trischka, a banjo innovator and educator who has influenced everyone from Béla Fleck to Steve Martin. “Through his music, this shy kid from Flint Hill, North Carolina, went on to enrich the lives of countless thousands. When I first heard 16 notes of Scruggs-style banjo at the age of 13, I put down my folk guitar and mercilessly pestered my parents to buy me a banjo. Once in my hands, that 5-string became my obsession—and it has been for 60 years.”
He adds, “The depth of his genius becomes ever more apparent when I transcribe his solos, which I’ve been doing my entire musical life, now with renewed vigor. Discovering new twists and turns in his playing is pure joy—and, in fact, it’s the inspiration for this tribute show and album.”
The Stockwell Brothers open.
The Bandwagon Summer Series is a family-friendly outdoor cultural performance series running from May through September. Performances including a diverse group of musical styles will take place at ballfields, farms, and parks throughout Putney, Brattleboro, and Bellows Falls. Kids under 12 always get in for free, and a dedicated play area will be available at all shows. Refreshments are sold onsite, including the return of the hugely popular Barr Hill cocktails, and food from Smokin' Bowls. Bring a picnic and a blanket or fold-up chair to enjoy our concerts.
