PUTNEY — Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present International Bluegrass Music Association Banjo Player of the Year Tony Trischka and his band Territory, plus contemporary folk and bluegrass quartet The Stockwell Brothers Band at Next Stage on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 7:30 p.m.
In a consistently adventurous musical career that spans nearly half a century, Trischka has established himself as one of America's foremost visionaries of the five-string banjo and perhaps the most influential banjo player in the roots music world.
Widely regarded as the most innovative banjoist of his generation, Trischka's dexterity and restless creative spirit have inspired generations of fans and acoustic musicians - including Bela Fleck, one of his early students.
Trischka's influence in igniting the world of progressive acoustic music permanently altered the face of American roots music. He has been a key figure in opening the banjo and acoustic music in general to wider influences, having shared the stage and studio with the likes of Steve Martin, David Grisman, John Denver, The Boston Pops, Jorma Kaukonen, Sam Bush, Chris Thile, Peter Rowan, Earl Scruggs, and countless others.
His instrumental expertise and boundless imagination are as sharp as ever on his latest album, Great Big World. One of the most ambitious and accomplished of the artist's career, the album is a deeply compelling showcase for his expansive instrumental talents, far-ranging musical interests, and distinctive songwriting skills.
Bruce, Barry, Alan, and Kelly Stockwell's music spans traditional and progressive styles, but their trademark acoustic sound features new singer/songwriter material recast with banjo, original arrangements, alternative rhythms, and three-part harmonies.
They cover straight-ahead bluegrass songs, finger-picked acoustic guitar ballads, full tilt breakdowns, and traditional mandolin tunes mixed in with more unusual fare - Americana melodies riding world beat grooves and Celtic, jazzy, even neo-classical instrumentals.