Trischka entertains with banjo skills

Marissa Rauch, staff writer

Tony Trischka, one of the world’s most renowned and innovative banjo players, recently performed at South Plains College’s Commercial Music Building for eager fans.

Throughout his 30-year career, Trischka has defied boundaries and explored wide variety of genres that had rarely before been considered for the banjo.

Trischka first broke the banjo barrier with the release of his debut album, “Bluegrass Light”, in 1973. On this album, Trischka performs both traditional tunes and original tracks accompanied not only with bluegrass, but with jazz, rock, and classical as well.

Another of Trischka’s albums, “Knee Deep in Bluegrass”, Rebel Records, was named International Bluegrass Music Association Instrumental Album of the Year.

His innovative ideas for composition and arrangement, as well as his remarkable ability to write captivating melodies and his signature style of picking, have secured his artistic status in the music world.

Thousands of pickers over the years have since been influenced by his musical explorations such as Bela Fleck, David Grisman, the Violent Femmes, members of REM, William S. Burroughs, and Leftover Salmon. Trischka has also performed with Ricky Skaggs, Earl Scruggs, the South Korea National Radio Orchestra and numerous others. He has also toured throughout much of the world and performed at the Kennedy Center.

Fans were able to witness this talented and creative man on March 8, at SPC, to see firsthand this musical genius.

Though he was the only one on stage, Trischka still captivated the diverse crowd with his incredible picking skills on the banjo.

Trischka can slide up and down on the neck of the banjo with his left hand and be picking with his right hand in a solid blur of motion. He speaks with his fingers through the banjo and can make playing the banjo look as easy as talking. While in the midst of a fast-paced song, Trischka can tune a string without missing a single beat.

Trischka has a sense of humor that is not only evident when he tells a joke that gets the entire audience to laugh, but also when he plays certain songs. One can hear the laughter and fun in the melodies of songs he has written for special people or events. Yet, at other times, his music portrays a sad and lonely sound.

He can make his banjo sound reminiscent of distant lands, and one can picture the green fields and mountains of Ireland as he plays an Irish jig.

Though there are no lyrics, the music and emotions pouring from the banjo tell a most vivid and memorable story that stays with the listener even after Trischka has stopped playing.

He and his remarkably unique picking will certainly be remembered here for months to come.