Tony Trischka: Banjo Legend, Bela to Billy Strings

Tony Trischka: Banjo Legend, Bela to Billy Strings

Author: Bluegrass stars October 30, 2024 Duration: 1:02:42
Send us Fan Mail Tony Trischka, banjo legend, innovator, composer and teacher, playing lately with young stars Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle, as well as his old pals Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, Michael Cleveland and Jerry Douglas. He won 2024 IBMA Song of the Year for "Brown's Ferry Blues" w/ Billy Strings. He talked about his wide-ranging music al influences, from Pete Seeger and jazz to Earl Scruggs and Charles Ives, and about getting turned down for Bill Monroe's band. Recently he has bee...

Tucked away in Hamden, Connecticut, the Got 'Grass? podcast is where the heart of bluegrass beats. Host Chris Wuerth, from the GuitartownCT concert series, pulls up a chair with legends and rising stars of the genre for conversations that go far beyond the stage. While the music is the foundation, these discussions weave through personal history, the cultural commentary embedded in the songs, and the often hilarious, always candid stories from life on the road. You'll hear about the influences that shaped a sound, the historical moments that defined a career, and the quiet reflections that happen when the instruments are finally back in their cases. This isn't just a series of interviews; it's an intimate gathering where the voices behind the strings share their journeys with eloquence and a deep sense of connection. Each episode of this podcast feels like a backstage pass to the real stories, offering listeners a genuine understanding of the people who create the music. The tone is warm, engaging, and often surprisingly funny, mirroring the community it represents. For anyone curious about the souls behind the solos, Got 'Grass? provides a rich, listening experience that celebrates bluegrass in all its authentic, human complexity.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 83

Got 'Grass?
Podcast Episodes
Gene Lowinger: Tales From the Road with Monroe, '64 - '65 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:35
Send us Fan Mail This is a fascinating look into the realities of travelling and performing with Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys, back in the mid-60's. Gene Lowinger, who played fiddle with Monroe, is well known for h…
Josh Williams: Honoring Tony Rice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:54
Send us Fan Mail Josh Williams is one of the premier bluegrass musicians of our time. 3-time IBMA Guitar Player of the Year, a virtuoso on banjo, fiddle and mandolin, he also has one of the best voices in bluegrass/count…
David Peterson: High Lonesome Voice of Tradition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:49
Send us Fan Mail David Peterson is called the caretaker of traditionl buegrass and country music for a reason. He's an independent recording artist who cherishes the early music traditions. His powerful voice has a mount…
Russell Moore: A Voice Clear From The Heart [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:42
Send us Fan Mail Russell Moore, 6-time IBMA Bluegrass Singer of the Year, is now the guitarist and singer with Alison Krauss and Union Station, featuring Jerry Douglas. He's has an expressive, emotional and eloquent take…
Kristin Scott Benson: Grascals' Banjo Driving Force [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:16
Send us Fan Mail When Kristin joined The Grascals in 2008, she was the first woman to hold the banjo spot in a number one, festival headlining, male bluegrass band. She has since won IBMA Banjo Player of the Year seven t…
Mark Hembree: Bluegrass Bassman: On The Road With Monroe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:59
Send us Fan Mail Mark Hembree played bass for Bill Monroe, from 1979-1984. Mark joined the band as a long-haired 22 year old, and got a haircut very quickly! His recent book, "On The Bus with Bill Monroe" is a fascinatin…
Jake Eddy: Guitar Lover Through and Through [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:56
Send us Fan Mail Jake Eddy, at age 26, is among a new generation of bluegrass musicians who are making a name for themselves on social media. His videos on Instagram and other platforms garner thousands of views, thanks…
Greg Blake: Sings His Songs From The Heart [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:21
Send us Fan Mail Talk about a singer's singer! Greg Blake is a bluegrass singer that prepares and performs with his heart in every line of a song. In this interview, he expresses his strong opinions about singing, countr…
Jake Workman: Guitar Whiz with Flash and Taste [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:25
Send us Fan Mail Guitarist Jake Workman exploded onto the bluegrass scene in 2015, when he joined Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. He not only filled the huge shoes of Cody Kilby and Bryan Sutton, but created his own t…
Trish Imbrogno: Bass With Style, From Bach to Bluegrass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:43
Send us Fan Mail Trish Imbrogno, who plays uder the name Trish Plays Bass, is a double bassist and singer based in Pittsburgh. Classically trained, after nearly 25 years of orchestral playing she hung up her concert clot…